Frequently Asked Questions

Registered Massage Therapist

Yes! Ask about availability and rates for hot stone treatments, as well as the possibility of adding hot stones as a hydrotherapy element to your treatment.

The standard massage oil we use at SOMT is an unscented, hypoallergenic blend of Apricot Oil, Sesame Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil, and Vitamin E. However, we will be adding aromatherapy treatments to our service list in the near future.

Yes. Prior to receiving your first massage therapy treatment, it is necessary and a requirement to fill out a health history form. This is needed to ensure we can treat you safely and effectively. Information about previous injuries and your medical history, as well as any medications or treatments you are currently receiving, are critical, along with details of your current symptoms or ailments. Your health history information is updated annually (once a year), so please be prepared to review and update the information we have on file.

No, you do not need a doctor’s referral to receive massage therapy. However, some benefits (extended medical insurance) plans require a referral for coverage. Please check with your benefits provider to see if you need to obtain a doctor’s referral before beginning your massage therapy, to have it covered by your extended health or other plan or insurance coverage.

Massage therapy appointments can be booked in slots of 30, 45, 60 or 90 minute visits. It is important to arrive 10 minutes before your initial appointment time to fill out a health history form. The initial visit will include a 10-15 minute assessment that may include an interview process and hands on testing to determine the necessary course of treatment. For this reason we recommend booking at least 45 minutes for your first visit.  The last 5 minutes of the treatment usually include demonstration of self care or remedial exercises.

Massage therapy treatments are best performed through skin on skin contact.  We can modify the treatment to work directly over clothing or over sheets if desired. It is up to you on which articles of clothing to remove as you will be instructed to undress to your comfort level, however most patients chose to fully disrobe. Sheets are provided and you to cover yourself prior to the massage therapist entering the room.  During a treatment, only the areas being worked on will be undraped, all other areas will be covered by sheets and blankets.

Yes. At the start of the treatment, the massage therapist will set up a pain scale with you to make sure that you are comfortable throughout the treatment. The therapist will check in during the treatment to see if they are using enough pressure or if you desire more.

At SOMT, we have access to both hot and cold applications. On hand we have ice, as well as thermaphores to provide deep, moist heat. Often if the client cannot tolerate the weight of an ice pack, there is always the option of an ice massage. Depending on the condition, the massage therapist will decide the appropriate treatment and can recommend appropriate hydrotherapy treatments for home care such as paraffin wax treatments or Epsom salt baths. It is important to understand the length and temperatures of the applications in order for them to have their desired outcome. The therapist might perform a small test patch at the beginning to make sure there will be no adverse reaction to hot or cold therapy in the treatment.

Breast massage is offered at SOMT and is carried out with utmost professionalism. If you are interested in breast massage or information regarding such, we recommend you discuss it with the therapist before the appointment to ensure you are comfortable with the process and to answer any questions or concerns.

Breast massage is indicated for general drainage problems, pre/post menstrual pain, breast swelling and/or congestion, discomforts of pregnancy and/or lactation, blocked milk ducts (contraindicated if mastitis), pre/post surgery including breast augmentation or reduction, symptomatic relief of pain, promotion of good quality scarring and relief of adhered, restrictive or painful scarring, common benign breast conditions, assistance with breast health, discomfort from cancer treatment, rehabilitation from cancer treatment. 

There is no age requirement for someone to receive a massage.  We are trained in infant massage and pediatric massage as well as informational sessions for parents. Children can benefit from massage to manage growing pains, anxiety, to help with autism and cerebral palsy symptoms and to help promote healing of injuries. Infants can benefit from massage to help with digestive issues and to increase bonding between parents and child. The guardian must be present to give consent for massage prior to their first session.  Parents are welcome and encouraged to be present with their children during massage treatment sessions.

Our massage therapists are trained in intraoral massage for the condition of TMJ disorder. Before the treatment, an assessment is performed to see if intraoral massage is indicated for that day. The massage therapist will set up a hand signal with you before so you can communicate with them during the treatment. All our therapists take precautions for your health and safety as treatments are performed with non-latex gloves.

At the initial treatment you will fill out a health history questionnaire that informs the massage therapist of any medications you are on. Based on your answers, the therapist will decide whether massage is indicated or not. Registered Massage Therapists can modify the treatment based on the medications you are on by varying techniques or through positioning. It is important at the beginning of each treatment to tell your massage therapist if there are any changes to your medications or if you are currently taking any over-the-counter medications or vitamins. In addition, if you are planning on seeing your massage therapist you may want to refrain from taking any pain medications before the treatment as it can affect your tolerance to depth and pressure for some techniques.

At the initial treatment, the massage therapist will discuss a treatment plan with you. This includes how often you should return to see us and when we will assess your progress. Duration and frequency is based on the condition, age, nutrition, activity level and optimal recovery times.  It is also based on your compliance in terms of performing the home care exercises prescribed to you.  If you are seeing us for wellness massage or maintenance treatment we generally recommend monthly sessions.

We’re invested! We’re local, just like you, raising our family in Oliver and striving to make this and the surrounding towns a fun, vibrant place to live and play. It’s a paradise of amazing wines, delicious food, watersports, golf, skiing and countless other ways to take in the beauty of the area. You can’t enjoy them if you’re in pain.

Whether you’re visiting or here to stay, we want to help make your experience in the South Okanagan the best it can be.

PLUS:

• We will reduce or eliminate your pain. • We will help increase joint mobility. • We will help improve circulation. • We will help reduce muscular tension. • We make you FEEL better.