Registered Massage Therapy
by Stephanie

Upon your first booking, you will be sent a health history intake form through your provided email, which will need to be updated annually. This will ensure that I am providing the most effective and safest treatments for you, based on your personal needs. This will need to be filled out before your first massage treatment. There will also be a disclaimer and waiver ensuring you have appropriate expectations for massage therapy, and that you understand what massage therapists can do for you. If you are using direct billing there will be a permission form to sign allowing your massage therapist to direct bill on your behalf to your insurance company. If you did not get the opportunity to fill anything out electronically ahead of time, please be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early to fill out the required forms in-person.

Once your massage therapist brings you into the treatment room, you might have a quick conversation about what you need for your massage that day. You can explain what you are feeling, any injuries you have had, clarify any medications and effects you are taking, and your preferred pressure. Your massage therapist may ask additional questions to make the experience tailored to you. You are also welcome to ask any questions that you would like. Your massage therapist will then leave the room while you undress to your comfort level and lie down between the sheets on the massage table. It is usually best to remove any jewelry and glasses. If you have long hair, it may be a good idea to tie it up. If your massage therapist did not specify which way to lie, then go ahead and get comfortable any way you would like. Your massage therapist will be washing their hands and will knock before entering the room to start treatment. Blankets, face cradles, heat, and pillows can all be adjusted at this point to your comfort.

Both! Be sure to be hydrated at all times! Massage can however lead to water loss from the manipulation of soft tissues so drinking water after massage is recommended. Rehydrating your body with water will ensure your muscles and circulation functions properly and can prevent headaches and cramping.

No, you do not need to undress fully for your massage. You’re always encouraged to undress to your personal comfort level. For most table massages, clients choose to be fully or partially unclothed so that oils or lotions can be applied directly to the skin, allowing for smooth, effective massage techniques. You may choose to leave your underwear on or remove it—whatever feels right for you. Throughout the session, you will be professionally draped with a sheet and blanket at all times. Only the area being massaged will be uncovered, ensuring your privacy and comfort.

Yes. You can always communicate with your massage therapist about any any part of your body that you do not want to be touched. You do not need to provide a reason. Most times your massage therapist will explain the benefits of massaging certain areas and will confirm that they can massage sensitive areas such as: Gluteal muscles These are your buttock muscles. They are some of the biggest muscles in the human body and often massage to your glutes can help relieve low back pain and hip pain. Pectoral Muscles The pecs are the muscles directly below the collarbone. They can be very sensitive to pressure and they are in close proximity to breast tissue. Armpit There are some muscles very close to the armpit, such as the pectoral muscles. There are also some techniques that support your lymphatic system that require access to the armpit. Head, neck, and face If you have a sensitivity to having your neck touched in any area, you can let your massage therapist know. If you would prefer the touch to your neck be gentle at first, because you would still like to try, let your massage therapist know this and you will be able to stop them at any point should you feel uncomfortable. If you do not want your head and face massaged because you do not want to get them oily, you can inform your massage therapist, and they can remove the oil from their hands before touching these areas. Abdomen, groin, and hip flexors There are many benefits to abdominal massage, including relief for constipation, relaxation, and promoting lymph health. Massage on the stomach is often done skin-to-skin to be most effective. A towel or cover will be provided to cover breast tissue. The groin is the area on the front and slightly inside of your legs at the very top, near the hips. The muscles here are often very tight and often sensitive and is in close proximity to the genital area. There are many benefits to massage for these muscles however at no time will there be any contact with the genital area. There are some hip flexor muscles located on the inside of the pelvis and lower part of the abdomen. These do not need to be accessed skin-to-skin. Often it is beneficial to massage these muscles to relieve low back pain however they can be quite sensitive and uncomfortable. Feet If you are ticklish in the feet (or any area) please let your massage therapist know. Sometimes more pressure or broader pressure can be applied. Your massage therapist will never massage: Breast tissue (unless specified with written consent) Genital area Orifices (with the exception of intra-oral TMJ massage) Wounds, bruises, varicose veins, or rashes. Let your massage therapist know at any time if you are uncomfortable with any techniques or areas of the body being massaged.

Massage therapy offers a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Some of the most common benefits include: Relieves muscle tension and soreness Helps reduce tightness, discomfort, and pain caused by stress, overuse, or injury. Improves circulation Encourages healthy blood flow, which supports healing and enhances overall wellness. Reduces stress and anxiety Promotes relaxation by calming the nervous system, helping you feel more balanced and at ease. Enhances sleep quality Many clients experience deeper, more restful sleep after regular massage sessions. Boosts flexibility and mobility Helps maintain or improve range of motion by loosening tight muscles and fascia. Supports injury recovery Can aid in the rehabilitation process by reducing inflammation, breaking up scar tissue, and restoring function. Strengthens immune function Regular massage may support the immune system by reducing stress and promoting lymphatic circulation. Provides emotional grounding Touch therapy can improve mood, increase feelings of well-being, and help manage symptoms of depression.

Getting regular massages is a great from of self-care. It's possible that you feel great because you have been receiving regular massages, and keeping up with your massage schedule is the best way to maintain that great feeling for your physical and mental health.

The ideal frequency depends on your individual needs, lifestyle, and goals. Here are some general guidelines: For general wellness and stress relief: Once a month is a common schedule to maintain overall well-being and manage stress. For chronic pain or tension: Weekly or biweekly sessions may be recommended to address ongoing issues and support recovery. For injury recovery or specific therapeutic goals: Your therapist may suggest more frequent sessions initially, tapering off as your condition improves. For athletes or highly active individuals: Regular sessions (every 1–2 weeks) can help with muscle recovery, performance, and injury prevention. Ultimately, we’ll work together to create a plan that fits your body’s needs and your budget. If you are under the care of another health professional, such as a physiotherapist, acupuncturist, or chiropractor, please let your massage therapist know so they can have an understanding of other treatments being provided as to not overwork your body. Your massage therapist may also need to consult with your other health care providers to ensure you are getting the best care possible.

The length of your massage depends on your goals, needs, and schedule. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right session: 30 or 45 minutes: Ideal for focused work on a specific area (like neck, shoulders, or lower back), or for a quick stress-relief session when you're short on time. 60 minutes: A well-rounded session that allows time to address a few areas of tension while still promoting full-body relaxation. 75 minutes: Great for deeper work or combining therapeutic focus with full-body relaxation. Offers more time to address multiple areas without feeling rushed. 90 minutes: Best for comprehensive, full-body massage with time for detailed attention to problem areas. A great option for deep tissue or therapeutic work. In-clinic Chair Massage (30 or 45 minutes): Perfect for a fully clothed, seated massage focused on the upper body—ideal for or quick tension relief. If you're unsure, we can discuss your goals before your session and find the best fit for you.

Yes! I can direct bill to most major insurers including but not limited to: Alberta Blue Cross AESBP Sun Life Telus Health Providers It is a good idea to be prepared to pay for your treatment out of pocket. There are situations where your insurance may not cover the entire amount of the massage, the benefit amount has been exhausted, or the direct online billing portals are experiencing outages. Receipts can always be provided to you for your massage treatment for you to submit and be reimbursed at any time. For more information on your massage therapy coverage, contact your insurance provider.

I accept Debit, Visa, Mastercard, Interac e-transfer, and cash (though no change is kept on-hand).

Unfortunately, I do not offer discounts for clients without insurance coverage. Providing different rates based on insurance status can be considered insurance fraud by many providers, especially if it involves charging insurance companies a higher rate than what is offered to others. To keep things fair, transparent, and compliant with insurance regulations, all clients are charged the same rate regardless of whether they are using insurance or paying out of pocket.

No. Massage therapy insurance coverage can only be used by the insured individual. The name on the treatment and receipt must match the name of the person covered by the plan. Insurance companies consider it fraudulent to submit claims for someone who is not listed on your policy, even with good intentions. For this reason, I cannot change the name on any receipt or insurance submission to allow someone else to use your benefits. If your friend or family member is interested in a session, I’d be happy to offer treatment at my regular rate or discuss package pricing.

Cancelling and late cancellations or no-shows Most massage therapists require as much notice as possible to cancel or reschedule their massage. In most cases this is 24 hours. If you cancel your appointment after this time or do not show up without notifying your massage therapist, you may be charged a fee up to the full amount of the massage. Being late for a massage If you are late for your massage, it will be up to the massage therapist to determine if they can give you your full appointment time, or if they will end the treatment at the original appointment time slot. Often times there are appointments following yours, or your massage therapist is done work for the day and needs to leave. If you are concerned about this, you can discuss this with your massage therapist, but please expect to pay for the full appointment time. At Registered Massage Therapy by Stephanie, I have a 24 hour cancellation policy that can be reviewed on my website homepage and booking site. Depending on the amount of notice provided or reason for cancelling, I may waive the fee. Please keep in mind that registered massage therapists do not earn a fixed salary or wage. Their income relies solely on clients showing up and paying for their massages. If you cancel last minute or do not show up for your massage, there is an appointment time that your massage therapist will not get paid for but could have gone to another client if you had given enough notice. Please be respectful of your massage therapist's time and understand that you are affecting someone's personal income when you do not give every effort to provide notice before you cancel or reschedule your appointment.

While many massage clinics provide the option to tip—often with a standard of 10% or more—I operate a no-tipping clinic at Registered Massage Therapy by Stephanie. You will not be prompted to add a tip when paying for your treatment, and gratuities are never expected. As a Registered Massage Therapist, I aim to promote massage as both a medical and wellness service, similar to physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or a doctor’s visit. My pricing is thoughtfully set to reflect my experience, cover clinic overhead, and provide a sustainable living wage—all without relying on tips. If you enjoyed your session and feel moved to show appreciation, the best way to support my practice is by: Leaving a positive Google review Rebooking your next appointment Referring a friend or family member Your trust and continued support mean more than any tip ever could.

Massage treatments should never be painful. Occasionally there can be some mild discomfort with deeper pressures, deep tissue massage, or massage in more sensitive areas. Be mindful of how you are feeling during the massage treatments and please inform your massage therapist at any point if you are feeling pain or excessive discomfort.

It is not always necessary to shower immediately before your massage. It is preferred to arrive to your massage clean. It would be preferred to have any visible dirt washed off and be free of any body odours from sweat or smoking washed away. There is sometimes a possibility of oils or lotions getting into your hair. If you prefer not to have your hair touched or get greasy, please let your massage therapist know. It is never necessary to shave any part of your body for any gender.

It is recommended that you use the bathroom before your massage. If you need to use the bathroom for any reason during your massage, just let your massage therapist know and they will leave the room so you can dress and go to the bathroom.

Yes, you can always ask your massage therapist to adjust the pressure as needed. You may want to discuss what type of pressure you believe you would like before the treatment starts. Usually your massage therapist will check in with you occasionally about comfort levels, but we also want to let you relax as well. Pressure is subject to personal preference though, so your "medium" level pressure may be different from others. You also may prefer different pressure in different parts of the body. Simply asking "could we increase the pressure please?" or "Can we use less pressure please?" is perfectly acceptable.

Absolutely. You are always welcome to speak during your massage—whether it’s to share how you’re feeling, request adjustments, or simply have a conversation. At Registered Massage Therapy by Stephanie, you set the tone. If you'd like to chat, feel free! If you'd prefer a quiet, relaxing session, that's perfectly okay too. A simple statement like, “I’m going to stay pretty quiet during my massage,” helps set that expectation. If you're in a clinic with shared space, it's best to keep conversation respectful and your voice low to maintain a calming environment for others. However, in my home-based clinic, you're welcome to speak at any volume you're comfortable with—there are no other treatment rooms. Please always feel free to speak up if: You’re too hot or too cold You’d like more or less pressure You’re experiencing any pain or discomfort You need a tissue, water, or a break You need to end the massage for any reason Your comfort is my priority. Communication is always encouraged—before, during, or after your session.

All of these things that happen naturally to the body are common concerns, and it's important to understand that massage therapy is a non-judgmental. The body can sometimes respond involuntarily to relaxation and touch, even in non-sexual contexts. If you do experience an involuntary physical response, it will be handled discreetly. It’s important to know that any inappropriate behavior or intentional misconduct will not be tolerated and will result in the immediate end of the session. My goal is to provide a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all clients.

That's ok! Communicate any concerns that you have with your massage therapist before your massage treatment. You have the legal and ethical right to informed consent which means that you should know all of the benefits, risks of massage. If you are getting a massage treatment you need to end the treatment for any reason, communicate this with your massage therapist right away. Depending on your massage therapist, You may still be charged the partial or full amount for your massage. At Registered Massage Therapy by Stephanie I will not charge for massage that was terminated because of: Pain & discomfort (please let me know if we can adjust anything before terminating the massage) Sickness Mental health concerns (possible triggers or anxiety) Family or personal emergencies If you tried massage therapy and it wasn't for you, that's ok too. You may want to consider communicating with your massage therapist if you believed the techniques or pressure wasn't right for you. Your massage therapist may also refer you to another practitioner who may be better suited for you.