Registered Massage Therapy on St. Clair West, Toronto
Core Wellness Centre offers registered massage therapy at our multidisciplinary clinic on St. Clair West in Toronto.
Massage therapy appointments begin with a discussion of your health history, current concerns, preferences and goals. Your Registered Massage Therapist will complete an assessment within the massage therapy scope of practice before recommending a treatment plan.
The proposed techniques, areas treated and level of pressure will depend on your assessment, needs, comfort and consent.
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What Is Registered Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy involves the assessment and hands-on treatment of the body’s soft tissues and joints within the Registered Massage Therapist’s professional scope.
A Registered Massage Therapist may use manual techniques, movement and patient education based on the individual assessment.
People may seek massage therapy for concerns such as:
- Muscle tension or discomfort.
- Neck, shoulder or back concerns.
- Restricted or uncomfortable movement.
- Symptoms related to physical activity or repetitive tasks.
- General muscle soreness.
- Recovery following an appropriate musculoskeletal injury.
- Relaxation as part of an agreed treatment goal.
These concerns can have different causes. An assessment helps the RMT determine whether massage therapy may be appropriate or whether referral to another healthcare professional should be considered.
Registered Massage Therapists in Ontario
“Registered Massage Therapist,” “Massage Therapist,” “RMT” and “MT” are protected titles in Ontario.
Registered Massage Therapists are regulated healthcare professionals registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. They must follow the College’s professional standards, maintain patient records and obtain informed consent before assessment and treatment.
Ask the clinic for the name of the RMT available for your appointment. You can verify an Ontario RMT’s registration through the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario’s public register.
Your Initial Clinic Visit
Dr. Kris Dorken, DC, provides the initial clinic assessment for new patients seeking services at Core Wellness Centre.
He will review your health history, current concerns, needs and goals and discuss suitable next steps. These may include an appointment with a Registered Massage Therapist, another clinic service or referral to another healthcare professional.
If you proceed with massage therapy, the RMT will complete their own profession-specific assessment, explain their recommendations and obtain your informed consent. Dr. Kris does not determine the RMT’s massage therapy treatment plan.
Learn What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your Massage Therapy Assessment
Before treatment, your RMT will ask about:
- Your current symptoms or concerns.
- Your relevant health history.
- Medications and medical conditions.
- Previous injuries or treatment.
- Activities affected by your symptoms.
- Your treatment preferences and goals.
- Areas you do or do not want assessed or treated.
The physical assessment will depend on your concerns. It may include observing movement, assessing relevant joints or soft tissues and asking how particular movements or positions feel.
Not every appointment requires the same assessment or techniques.
Tell the RMT about changes in your health, medication, symptoms or preferences at every visit.
Your Treatment Plan
Based on the assessment, the RMT will explain the proposed treatment plan.
The discussion will include:
- The nature of the proposed treatment.
- Expected benefits.
- Relevant risks and possible side effects.
- Alternative options.
- The likely consequences of not receiving treatment.
- Your right to ask questions.
- Your right to stop or modify the assessment or treatment.
You can decline any technique or area of treatment. You can also withdraw your consent at any time.
The treatment plan may be adjusted according to your response, preferences and changing needs.
Massage Therapy Techniques
Your RMT may recommend one or more techniques based on their assessment and professional judgement.
General Massage Techniques
General massage techniques may use different movements and levels of pressure to address the treatment goals discussed with the patient.
The RMT will check your comfort and response throughout the appointment.
Deeper-Pressure Techniques
Some patients describe massage using firmer or more sustained pressure as deep-tissue massage.
Deeper pressure is not automatically appropriate or more beneficial. The RMT will consider the area being treated, your health information, assessment findings, preferences and response.
Tell the RMT if the pressure feels uncomfortable or if you want it changed.
Trigger-Point Techniques
Trigger-point techniques may involve applying pressure to an area of muscle tension or tenderness.
The RMT will explain why the technique is being considered and monitor your comfort and response. Treatment should not be described as removing toxins, breaking up all scar tissue or eliminating the source of pain.
Movement and Home-Care Guidance
When appropriate, the RMT may discuss movement, positioning or self-care suggestions related to the massage therapy treatment plan.
Follow only the recommendations provided for your individual needs. Contact the RMT or another appropriate healthcare professional if an activity causes new or worsening symptoms.
Treatment of Sensitive Areas
Some assessments or treatments may involve areas that require specific consent, including the upper inner thighs, chest wall muscles, breasts or buttocks.
The RMT must explain why assessment or treatment of a sensitive area is being proposed and obtain the consent required by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
You may decline assessment or treatment of any area. You may also ask the RMT to stop or change the treatment at any time.
Appropriate draping must be maintained throughout the appointment. Only the area being treated should be uncovered.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Before treatment begins, the RMT will explain:
- The areas they propose to assess or treat.
- The techniques they may use.
- How you will be positioned.
- What clothing or draping arrangements may be required.
- Relevant benefits, risks and alternatives.
- How to communicate discomfort or request a change.
During treatment, tell your RMT if you would like:
- More or less pressure.
- A different position.
- Additional support or draping.
- An area avoided.
- A technique changed.
- The treatment paused or stopped.
Your comfort and consent remain relevant throughout the appointment.
Massage Therapy for Activity-Related Concerns
Massage therapy may be considered for appropriate muscle and movement concerns related to exercise, recreational activity or sport.
The RMT will assess your current presentation before recommending treatment. Massage therapy does not guarantee faster recovery, prevent future injuries or replace medical assessment for a suspected fracture, concussion or other serious injury.
Learn About Sports Injury Assessment and Care
Massage Therapy Following a Car Accident
Massage therapy may form part of a care plan for eligible patients with appropriate soft-tissue or movement concerns following a motor vehicle accident.
An individual assessment is required. Treatment, documentation and billing may also be subject to insurer requirements and approval.
The clinic cannot guarantee that massage therapy will be approved or covered under a motor vehicle accident claim.
Learn About Car Accident Care and Rehabilitation
Massage Therapy During Pregnancy
Massage therapy may be considered during pregnancy when it is appropriate to the patient’s health information, stage of pregnancy, symptoms and goals.
Tell the clinic and the RMT that you are pregnant. The RMT will consider positioning, pressure, techniques and relevant precautions.
Massage therapy does not replace prenatal medical care and should not be presented as preventing pregnancy complications, changing fetal position or guaranteeing a labour or delivery outcome.
Contact your physician, midwife or obstetrician about new, severe, persistent or concerning pregnancy symptoms.
Learn About Chiropractic Assessment During Pregnancy
When Massage Therapy May Not Be the Appropriate First Step
Massage therapy does not replace emergency care or medical diagnosis.
Seek prompt medical assessment for:
- A suspected fracture or dislocation.
- A recent head injury or possible concussion.
- New weakness, numbness or loss of coordination.
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain.
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing.
- Signs of infection, including fever with redness, warmth or swelling.
- Sudden swelling, redness or pain in one leg.
- Unexplained symptoms or symptoms that concern you.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for a suspected medical emergency. Core Wellness Centre is not an emergency facility.
Your RMT may postpone treatment or refer you to another healthcare professional when massage therapy is not appropriate.
Other Services at Core Wellness Centre
You do not automatically need care from more than one practitioner.
Each practitioner completes the assessment and consent process required for their profession. With your consent, practitioners may share relevant information when coordinated care is appropriate.
Chiropractic Care
Dr. Kris Dorken, DC, provides chiropractic assessment and care for appropriate spine, joint and musculoskeletal concerns.
Learn About Chiropractic Care in Toronto
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy focuses on movement, physical function and difficulties with everyday activities. A physiotherapist will complete a separate assessment before recommending care.
Learn About Physiotherapy on St. Clair West
Osteopathy Manual Therapy
An osteopathy manual practitioner completes their own assessment and recommends care within their training and scope.
Explore All Services at Core Wellness Centre
Appointment Lengths
Massage therapy appointments may be available in different lengths. Contact the clinic or check the booking system for current options.
The appointment duration may include assessment, consent discussions, changing time, hands-on treatment, home-care discussion and recordkeeping as applicable.
Ask the clinic what is included when selecting an appointment length.
Preparing for Your Massage Therapy Appointment
Before your appointment:
- Complete any required intake forms.
- Bring a list of medications and relevant health information.
- Tell the clinic about recent injuries, surgery or medical restrictions.
- Tell the RMT if you are pregnant.
- Consider which areas you want addressed or avoided.
- Bring your insurance information if you plan to request direct billing.
- Ask questions about fees, appointment length or clothing.
Wear clothing that supports the assessment and treatment planned for your appointment.
Fees, Insurance and Direct Billing
Your extended health plan may cover services provided by an eligible Registered Massage Therapist.
Coverage, annual limits, referral requirements and eligible expenses depend on your insurer and individual plan. Some plans require a medical referral or prescription for reimbursement even though one may not be required to access massage therapy.
Direct billing may be available for selected insurers and plans. It does not guarantee coverage or payment.
Confirm your benefits with your insurer before your appointment. Patients remain responsible for fees not paid by their insurer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an RMT and a massage practitioner?
An RMT is registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario and is authorized to use the protected titles Registered Massage Therapist, Massage Therapist, RMT or MT.
Check the College’s public register to confirm whether a practitioner is registered in Ontario.
Do I need a referral for massage therapy?
A medical referral is generally not required to book an appointment with an RMT.
Your extended health plan may require a referral or prescription before reimbursing the expense. Check your plan before booking.
What happens during the first RMT appointment?
The RMT will review your health information, discuss your concerns and goals and complete an assessment appropriate to your presentation.
They will then explain the proposed treatment, expected benefits, risks, alternatives and consent options before proceeding.
Do I have to remove my clothing?
The clothing or draping arrangement depends on the assessment, treatment area, technique and your preferences.
The RMT will explain the options before treatment. You may choose the level of undress with which you are comfortable, decline treatment of an area or ask for the treatment to stop.
Is deep-tissue massage better than lighter pressure?
Not necessarily. More pressure does not automatically produce a better result.
The appropriate technique and pressure depend on your assessment, health information, goals, comfort and response. Tell the RMT if you want the pressure changed.
Does massage therapy remove toxins?
Massage therapy should not be described as removing toxins from the body.
Your RMT can explain the treatment’s intended purpose and expected effects based on your individual assessment.
Can massage therapy cure chronic pain?
No particular outcome or long-term pain relief can be guaranteed.
Massage therapy may be considered as one part of care for some patients. The appropriate plan depends on the assessment, the cause of the symptoms and the patient’s response.
Can I receive massage therapy while pregnant?
Massage therapy may be appropriate for some pregnant patients after the RMT reviews relevant health information and precautions.
Tell the clinic and the RMT that you are pregnant. Seek advice from your prenatal healthcare provider about new or concerning pregnancy symptoms.
Can massage therapy be combined with chiropractic care or physiotherapy?
Yes, when each service is appropriate to your needs.
Each practitioner completes their own assessment and obtains consent. You do not automatically need multiple services.
How often should I receive massage therapy?
There is no schedule that suits everyone.
The RMT will discuss recommendations based on your assessment, goals, response and preferences. You are not required to commit to a package or fixed treatment schedule.
Will my insurance cover massage therapy?
Coverage depends on your insurer and individual plan.
Confirm whether your plan covers the RMT, whether a referral is required and how much reimbursement remains available. Direct billing does not guarantee payment.
Visit Core Wellness Centre on St. Clair West
Core Wellness Centre is located at:
726 St Clair Ave W
York, ON M6C 1B3
The clinic serves Toronto’s St. Clair West neighbourhood. Free public parking is available behind the clinic.
Contact the clinic to ask about RMT availability, appointment lengths and current fees.
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