Frequently Asked Questions

Our rooms are cozy, clean, and comforting. We strive to create a relaxing atmosphere for clients by using freshly laundered sheets, soft lighting, and relaxing music.

In the case of general, or relaxation, or what is often called "Swedish" massage, there is an almost universal procedure among massage therapists in the North America. You are asked to undress to whatever point you are comfortable. Most clients choose to undress entirely or choose to leave on their underclothing, and some leave on most of their clothing. Whatever you choose, the massage therapist will act in a professional manner, and will provide you with a relaxing experience, no matter what your level of undress. Some clothing may, however, interfere with the natural flow of the massage, and preclude the use of certain techniques.

The massage therapist leaves the room and gives you sufficient time to undress. You get onto the table under a sheet to cover yourself. During the massage, only the part of your body currently being worked on is uncovered. When necessary to change your lying position during treatment, the therapist will first make sure that you remain properly covered and then tell you what to do (such as turning over). Our massage therapists are all well-trained in draping techniques.

If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of the massage, you should inform the therapist immediately.

Other forms of massage such as shiatsu do not require you to undress. Shiatsu is a Japanese form of finger pressure massage.

You will be in the treatment room for approximately an hour. How you spend the other 23 hours of the day also influences your recovery and therefore, requires some attention. You might be advised to do or not to do certain exercises, apply heat or ice packs. In some cases, altering your occupational and recreational activities might be necessary. Your therapist will make recommendations for your condition to assist your improvement.

Since we would like to find out how you respond to the massage treatment alone, we rarely ask you to start any exercise regime during the first several visits. At some point, your therapist may feel you will benefit by doing certain stretching or strengthening exercises at your home or office. In this case, he or she may recommend a specific exercise for your condition. Please note that time spend for exercise instruction is during your session. Therefore your actual time being massaged will be shortened accordingly. It is also important to note that exercise will not provide any benefit unless you are committed to do it regularly and following the instructions. In case you are not ready for this or already have someone looking after you in this area, please do not hesitate to inform the therapist.

Massage is a wonderful way to relax, relieve pain and discomfort, and help you cope with stress and fatigue during pregnancy. Massage helps relieve pain in your muscles and joints that must support extra weight and helps increase flexibility, making it easier for your body to adjust to additional weight.

Massage therapy is one of the ideal natural therapies for management of chronic conditions and prevention of illness. Regularly scheduled massage treatments are particularly essential since many medications that are considered relatively safe or acceptable to control these symptoms and discomforts (such as pain killers, anti-inflammatory, laxatives, sleeping pills) are not recommended (or desirable) to take during pregnancy.

Many insurance plans provide excellent coverage for massage therapy by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). In some cases, we can bill directly to your insurance company. Click here for more information.

Our massage therapists are health professionals (licensed under the Health Practitioners Act-the same law that governs physicians, dentists, etc.) and tipping is not expected or necessary. Your return visits are the best reward and your referral is always most appreciated.

At Pickering Wellness Centre, your massage will be given by a Registered Massage Therapist registered in Ontario. Currently, the Ontario licensing program to becoming the registered massage therapist is a 2200 hour course, followed by the provincial board exam. In addition, our therapists must complete additional training at our institute to further meet our top of the industry standards. Click here to see our staff.