Does OHIP cover Massage Therapy treatments?
No, massage is not covered by OHIP, although many extended health care insurance companies cover it.  Check with your employer or insurance company to see if you have coverage.  Top

How do I find out if I have coverage?
You can find out a few different ways.  If you have an employee handbook, it may indicate whether or not you have coverage.  You can also ask your employer.  Another way is to phone the insurance company directly.  Be sure to have your Group and ID numbers handy.  Ask them:

  • How much coverage do you have, if any?

  • Is there any deductible? Is it per calendar year (ie:  January-December)?

  • Do they cover a certain amount per visit or up to a maximum per year?

  • Is a medical doctor’s note required?  (and how often)

  • Do they allow the clinic to bill directly?

You could also call our clinic.  We may have treated someone who works at your company, and know how much coverage they have. 

Examples of companies we know have coverage: 

  • Ford, GM and DaimlerChrysler employees have $45 per treatment up to $200 per year (most retirees plans pay 90% up to $400).

  • All Windsor and Essex County Teachers have $300 - $420 per year depending on Board

  • Full-time Casino employees have $35 per treatment up to $400 per year

  • Transit Windsor employees have 20 visits per year

  • Xerox employees have $800 per year

  • Salvation Army employees have $500 per year

  • Canada Post employees have $240 per year

  • Costco employees have $500 per year 

  • Windsor Firefighters have $400 per year

  • Full Time Zehrs employees have 20 visits per year

  • St. Clair College employees have $300 per year

  • Integram employees have $600 per year

  • Windsor Police Service employees have $50 per treatment up to $500 per year

  • Retired Teachers have 80% per visit, up to $700, combined with physiotherapy and chiropractic (depending on plan chosen)

This list is only a guide and may be subject to change.  You should confirm with your insurance company if the coverage applies to you individually.  Check to see if your spouse or children also have coverage under your plan.  Top

If my spouse has coverage, could I be covered under their plan?
If your spouse is covered and you are listed on their plan, then you generally have coverage.  If you also have coverage through your own employer, you must use it up first before claiming on your spouse’s plan.  If you have no coverage or have used up all of your own coverage, and your spouse does not want to use their own, you can not claim it in their place.  Also, gift certificates can not be purchased using insurance coverage Top

Do I need a referral from my doctor?
If you will be using your insurance coverage (ie:  Green Shield, Manulife etc.), then yes, you generally require a doctor’s note.  There are only a few plans which do not need one.  To be sure, ask your employer or phone your insurance company if they require one.   If you are not using insurance coverage and are paying for the massage yourself (out of pocket), you do not need a doctor’s note.  Top

I was recently in a car accident, will my car insurance pay for massage treatments?
Your car insurance will pay for accident related injuries upon approval of a treatment plan filled out by a Registered Massage Therapist.  You may have received a treatment plan form (OCF-18) with your paperwork from the insurance company.  On your initial visit you will need to bring the following information:

  • Adjusters name, address, phone, fax number

  • Policy and Claim numbers

  • The treatment plan form, if you have it (OCF-18)

  • Names of medications you are taking

  • Extended health insurance information (if you have coverage)

After your initial assessment visit (usually one to one and a half hours), the treatment plan form will be filled out by your therapist and submitted to your insurance adjuster for approval.  It will contain information regarding goals of treatment, frequency, time frame and estimated cost.  The insurance company will be invoiced directly for treatments so you do not have to pay out of pocket.  If you also have extended health insurance coverage, most car insurance companies will require you to use up the other coverage first before they will start to pay.  A treatment plan will still need to be filled out either way. 
Note:  As of October 1st, 2003, there were changes made to Insurance guidelines which affect rehabilitation services including Massage Therapy.  It is recommended to call your insurance adjuster or TMTC for more details. Top

How do I pay for massage therapy treatments?
You may pay by cash, personal cheque, Debit, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or through direct billing to your insurance company.

Does TMTC offer direct billing services?
TMTC will directly bill your insurance company for your treatments as long as you have not exceeded your maximum, and as long as they are one of the companies which allows us to do so.  (ie:  GreenShield, Great West Life).  If you have an insurance company which does not allow us to, (ie:  Sunlife), then you are required to pay for your treatment, in full, each time, then submit to your insurance company for re-imbursement.  However, we would be happy to fill out the paperwork for you and send it off so you can receive your cheque as soon as possible.  Top

How often do I need to go, and how long will I have to keep going for massage?
This is a difficult question to answer because it really depends on the individual and their particular condition.  If you were in a serious car accident, you may need to go three times per week.  If you are just going for relaxation, you may only need once per month.  After treating you, your therapist can give you a guideline as to how often they think you should come.  It ultimately depends on you.  Factors such as pain levels, time commitment, finances, insurance coverage and your healing time will affect your decision.  Some clients will determine frequency by the amount of insurance coverage they have.  For example, if you had $500 per year, you could come for roughly eight, one hour visits per year, which amounts to once every six weeks.  Or, you may choose to come for roughly thirteen half hour visits, which amounts to once every four weeks.
You can continue going for massage as long as you need to.  Some will stop once their pain or condition is resolved, some will continue to go for maintenance appointments.  It is really up to you.  Your therapist can give you a rough estimate of how long they think you’ll need to go.  Top

Should I go for an hour or half an hour?
For your first appointment, we usually recommend one hour.  This give your therapist time to go through any assessment or testing while still allotting a fair amount of time for hands on treatment.  This will also give them a chance to see what areas require more focused work.  This way, you can see what areas you prefer as well. 
If you think you would like a full body massage, it usually takes one hour.  If you would like us to concentrate on a specific area (ie: neck and shoulders or lower back), then a half hour is usually sufficient.  Again, it is ultimately up to you.  Top

What areas are worked on during a typical full body massage treatment?
A full body massage generally includes your back, the back of your legs and feet, front of your legs, arms and hands, neck, shoulders, face and scalp.  It can also include your buttock muscles and abdomen if you wish.  Your genitals and breasts will never be touched.  Women can request breast massage to treat specific pathologic conditions.  Please e-mail or call if you have questions regarding this.  Top

What do I wear?
You can wear as much or as little clothing as you wish.  Whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.  You will be covered by a sheet and blanket at all times, uncovering only the area being worked on.  Most people just wear their underpants, some prefer to wear nothing, some women leave their bra on, some people bring shorts, others are fully clothed.  It is really up to you.  We would rather have you fully clothed and comfortable than totally unclothed and nervous.  It is difficult to relax someone who is nervous about what they are (or are not) wearing during their massage.  Generally, an oil is applied to the skin to allow the therapists hands to glide smoothly over the area being treated.  This is why removal of clothing is usually suggested.  Top

What does R.M.T. stand for?
R.M.T. stands for Registered Massage Therapist.  Some therapists use the designation M.T. for Massage Therapist.  This is the same as an R.M.T. although these therapists may have become registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) after 1998.  Please see Therapists for more information on our training. Top

What is the difference between a masseuse, and an R.M.T.?
Masseuse and masseur are names that were used by some people before we became regulated by a government body.  The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) started assigning the R.M.T. designation in 1995.  Those who were members of the College at that time then became R.M.T.’s.  If someone does massage and calls themselves a masseuse, then they are not registered and may not be providing therapeutic massage treatments.  Top

What is the difference between someone who is “licensed”, “certified” or “registered”?
Someone who says they are “licensed” or “certified” are not the same as someone who is “registered”.  They generally do not possess liability insurance and may have trained for only 500 hours.  They are not covered by extended health or car accident insurance and are not regulated by the CMTO.  It is illegal for some who is not registered to use the name or designations R.M.T. or M.T.  

Recently, some people trained in "myomassology" have adapted the designation Registered Myomassology Practitioner or R.M.P. They have also referred to themselves as Registered Aroma-Massage Therapists (R.A.M.T.) in the past.  Please note that they are not registered by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) and are not the same as an R.M.T.  An R.M.T. is bound by the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Massage Therapy Act, and must possess at least two million dollars in both professional and general liability insurance.  All R.M.T.'s have a photo I.D. card with their registration number on it (ie: C 189).  Always ask to see it if you are uncertain of the person's credentials.   Please see Therapists for more information on our training.  Top

I am nervous about receiving a massage.  What can I expect?
Very often, first time clients come in and tell us that they are nervous.  It is normal to be for any new experience.  Part of any massage, even if it is therapeutic, is to help the client to relax.  Please see Receiving a Massage  for a complete description of what to expect.  Top

Do I have to see the same therapist each time I go for massage?
You can stay with the same therapist or switch therapists at any time.  It really depends on which therapist(s) you prefer, or one therapist may have a schedule which is more compatible with your own.  You will not offend a therapist if you switch to another within the clinic.  Top

 If you have any additional questions, you can e-mail us at geoffastles@tecumsehmassage.com   Please allow 48 hours for a response.