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What is your COVID-19 policy?Please click on the "Policies" tab above for our complete COVID-19 Screening, Procedures, and Consent policy. Thank you!
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Do you offer daytime and/or evening hours?Yes, we offer a variety of hours. Keeley RMT's appointments are available Mondays-Fridays from 11am-5:30pm. Julie RMT's appointments are available on Fridays from 10am-3pm. Marin RMT's appointments are available Monday-Friday from 3pm-7:30pm and Saturday-Sunday from 2:30pm-7:30pm. Don RMT's treatments are by appointment only. Lotus RMT's appointments are available Mondays & Saturdays from 10am-3pm. Nadia RMT's appointments are available Mondays & Wednesdays from 8am-4pm, Tuesdays from 8am-12pm, and Fridays by appointment only. *Please note that we book one to two weeks in advance and can't accommodate same-day requests for appointments.*
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Do you have online booking?We use other methods of booking to ensure that each client gets their full time and our full attention. By booking with us directly via phone, email, or text, your massage will never feel rushed. Our intake forms are entirely online for your convenience and will be sent to you via email when you book with us.
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What length of treatment should I book?Your initial treatment will be at least 60 minutes, in order to address your concerns and achieve the results you desire. If you're unsure what length of treatment to book, contact us and we can discuss! Based on your symptoms and goals, we can most accurately recommend the most beneficial treatment length for you.
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What can I expect during my first treatment?Your therapist will arrive to your home at your scheduled appointment time. After the table is set up, your massage therapist will discuss your intake form, perform any assessments that might be indicated to locate the source of your pain, and answer your questions. You and your therapist will formulate a treatment plan together that includes your goals and what areas of the body you'd like treated. The therapist will then leave the room to wash their hands while you undress and relax onto the table between the sheets. After the massage, you will again be given privacy to get dressed while the massage therapist washes up. Self-care may be recommended to enhance positive results. Sit back and relax while your therapist disinfects and packs up! Please allow an extra 30 minutes to ensure sufficient time for setup/cleanup. For additional information, please see the "Preparation Policy" under the Policies tab.
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What do I need to be prepared for my treatment?All you need is an open space for the massage table (approximately 10' x 15,' but we can make smaller spaces work) and two or three twin-sized pillows. We take care of the rest! If you are booking a Thai massage with Marin RMT, please prepare a clean space on the floor at least 8' x 8'. Please fill in the intake form at least 48 hours *prior* to your appointment so that we can maximize our time together. Thank you!
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Do I need to fill in all of the information on the intake form?The short answer is yes. Please fill out the online intake form at least 48 hours prior to your therapist's arrival, as some conditions are contraindicated for massage and the appointment may need to be cancelled or rescheduled for your health and safety. The intake form is required by law and ensures the safest treatment possible. Your forms are kept entirely confidential and are only used to improve the quality of your treatments. It's important to be accurate regarding what medications you are taking, as some have poor interactions with massage therapy. Past surgeries, trauma, mental illness, hormonal imbalances, and reproductive health are all integral parts of physical pain, pain perception, and healing. Helping Hands treats your diagnoses and experiences with respect and empathy. Treatment accommodations ensure that your individual needs are being met so that you experience optimal benefits. Don't be shy about asking for what you need! If you have any questions or require any assistance in filling out your intake form, please do not hesitate to ask your massage therapist.
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Is prenatal massage safe during the first trimester?Yes. In fact, studies have shown that massage in every trimester is beneficial during pregnancy for both parent and baby. If you have concerns, however, it is always recommended that you check with your doctor.
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Can massage therapy cause miscarriage?Despite the common misconception, massage therapy does NOT cause or increase the risk of miscarriage. In fact, massage therapy throughout all three trimesters as well as postpartum is beneficial for the health and wellbeing of both parent and baby! If you have concerns, however, it is always recommended that you check with your doctor.
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Do you have a pregnancy pillow so that I can safely lay face-down?We do! Keeley, Dean, and Julie RMT specifically offer the BodyCushion so that you can safely and comfortably lay face-down on the massage table. Pregnant clients swear by it to relieve low back pain! Marin RMT treats pregnant clients bolstered with pillows in side-lying. Please let us know if you are pregnant and interested in laying face-down so that we can come prepared with the pillow. A thorough intake will be conducted to ensure it is the safest option for your pregnancy.
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How soon after giving birth can I receive a massage?Luckily, you don't have to wait any amount of time after giving birth to have a massage. (Some people choose to receive massage during their labour!) Your therapist will take the necessary precautions to ensure your massage doesn't disrupt stitches or cause discomfort.
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Can I book a massage during my stay at a hospital?Helping Hands is pleased to bring you massage in-hospital. Recline on your bed, wheelchair, or chair. Family members or friends staying with you can also receive treatments! *Please ask your doctor if massage is indicated for you at this time.
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Is it possible for me to get a massage in my wheelchair?Certainly! The beauty of mobile massage is that it adapts for those who are seated in their wheelchair.
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Do you offer treatments at hotels or Airbnbs?We do not offer massage at hotels or Airbnbs.
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Do you offer staff events or chair massage?We do not offer staff events or chair massage.
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Must I completely undress?This is entirely up to you. Most people undress the specific areas we have agreed to treat, as Swedish massage techniques require oil or lotion for comfortable pressure. You will be properly draped during the entire session to maintain your sense of comfort and privacy. If you would prefer to remain clothed, however, this won't change the effectiveness of your treatment at all. There are many other techniques such as Thai floor massage (offered by Marin RMT), fascial release, pin and stretch, and compressions that will loosen you up and relieve your pain.
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Will I be covered during the massage?You will be properly draped at all times to keep you comfortable and respect your boundaries. Only the area being directly treated will be undraped. If you are uncomfortable with an area being undraped but still wish it to be worked on (such as the gluteal region), many techniques can actually be applied through the sheet.
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What if I want an area treated but I don't want it undraped?If you are uncomfortable with an area being undraped but still wish it to be worked on (a common example is the gluteal region), many techniques can actually be effectively applied through the sheet. We obtain your consent every step of the way and we treat your requests with respect.
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I'm embarrassed about or uncomfortable in my body. Is massage for me?Helping Hands Mobile Massage is judgement-free and weight-neutral because massage is for every body. We welcome diversity, celebrate body-positivity, and respect your boundaries so that you feel empowered. Did you know that massage is proven to improve self-acceptance?
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Should I shave before my treatment?Nope! All body hair is natural and normal and the massage table is a judgement-free zone. If you need another reason not to shave, newly-shaven skin is prone to abrasions and irritation, and nobody needs that!
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I prefer deep pressure. Can I expect that?Yes. Your massage therapist is experienced in applying a variety of pressures and targetting tissues you didn't even know were tender. Remember that the treatment does not have to hurt or feel unbearable in order for it to be effective.
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Will the massage hurt?Not usually. Many clients describe more painful sensations as "relieving." The techniques do not have to hurt or feel unbearable in order for them to be effective. Your therapist will work within your pain tolerance to ensure that your massage is a comfortable, relaxing experience.
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What if I don't like the technique being used or I want to stop the treatment?If you don't like or feel uncomfortable with a technique, tell your therapist. They have a wide selection of tools from which to choose and are more than happy to find one that you prefer. You have the right to rescind (take back) your consent for assessment and/or treatment at any time, for any reason, without the need to justify your reasoning. Your decision will always be met with respect. If you are willing, a conversation about how we can meet your needs better will follow. *If you need to end a treatment before your time is finished, you will only have to pay for the amount of treatment we completed.
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What should I do during the treatment?Feel free to ask questions, talk, listen to your audiobook or podcast, rest, or sleep - this is your time to enjoy yourself.
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What type of oil or lotion do you use?Keeley RMT uses scentless coconut oil, Dean RMT uses a scentless blend of apricot, grapeseed, and sesame oil in a gel, and Marin RMT uses a variety of oils/lotions based on your skin's needs. If your skin is sensitive to any of these ingredients, please let us know in advance. If you have your own oil or lotion you'd prefer us to use, just ask! Aromatherapy using essential oils is complementary with every treatment and can be customized to your needs.
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What is aromatherapy?Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to effect physiological changes throughout the body. When essential oils are absorbed or inhaled, they send specific signals to an area of your brain called the limbic system, which influences emotions and the nervous system. Aromatherapy can • Brighten your mood • Ease stress, anxiety, and depression • Encourage sleep • Relax tense muscles including menstrual cramps • Relieve headaches and respiratory congestion • Reduce nausea • Fight bacteria and cleanse the skin Ask your therapist which essentail oils are indicated for you! Aromatherapy is complementary with every treatment and can be customized to your needs.
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What music choices do you have?A speaker and music selection is brought to every session. We typically play soothing, instrumental music but if you have a preference of playlist, artist, meditation or podcast, let us know and we'll play it!
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Are you pet-friendly?Absolutely! Your pets are welcome to join us during your massage. (Cats are great massage assistants.)
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What forms of payment do you accept?We accept cash, cheque, e-transfer, debit & credit (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Interac, Google Pay & Apple Pay).
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Should I leave a tip?Nope! The best compliment is a referral or a positive review on our Facebook page or Google listing.
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Will I get a receipt after my massage?Yes, a receipt will be emailed to you after your treatment. You can submit that receipt to your insurance for reimbursement according to your plan.
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Do you offer packages, memberships, or discounts?We do not offer packages, memberships, or discounts so that every massage is the best value and hassle-free! There are no hidden fees - every massage is inclusive of tax, aromatherapy, and heat therapy.
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Do you work with MVA or WSIB patients?We are unable to accomodate patients with MVA- or WSIB-specific insurance, but we regularly treat clients involved in vehicle and work-related accidents.
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How will I feel after my massage?Most people feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Muscles typically feel looser and your range of motion may be better. You may also feel drowsy, hungry, thirsty, or sore. Eat a snack, drink a glass of water to renew hydration, and take advantage of your in-home treatment by having a hot bath or a nap. *For a deep massage, it's recommended that you don't do a heavy workout for the next day or two to allow your muscles to recover fully and avoid reinjury. **If you experience a sudden or rapid increase in pain or symptoms (including but not limited to headache, dizziness, nausea, chest pain, or difficulty breathing) after your massage, please call 911. Such reactions to massage are rare but your health and safety are a priority!
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What if I need to cancel my appointment?Please give us notice of at least 48 hours to avoid the $140 cancellation fee (one per appointment). Without notice and/or if your therapist is already on their way to your home, the full fee of your appointment(s) will be charged. For more information, please see our Rescheduling Policy and "COVID-19 Screening, Procedures, and Consent" under the Policies tab.
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What if I'm sick?If you or one of your household members doesn't pass our COVID-19 screening questionnaire and you need to cancel your appointment(s) under 48 hours, please reschedule your appointment(s) 2-3 weeks out to avoid the cancellation fee(s) as stated above. For more information, please see our Rescheduling Policy and "COVID-19 Screening, Procedures, and Consent" under the Policies tab.
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Do you offer package or group rates?Yes, we do! Just let us know which courses you're interested in and/or how many people are interested in taking the course(s) and we will send you the package and group rates.
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What if I can't attend a live course?Although it is important to do this work live to engage in community with fellow peers and so that others can learn from your questions, it's not necessary to attend a live date. Alternatively, if you are a part of a private group such as a multidisciplinary clinic or school, live dates can be scheduled at your group's convenience! If you can't attend live, you will be sent a recorded webinar and emailed your assignments. Upon completion of those assignments, you will be emailed your certificate of achievement!
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Once I've purchased a course, can I share it with others?The 2SLGBTQIA+ Education course series is under copyright and not for redistribution. If you enjoy the courses and want to share them with others, please recommend them to join!
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Can I get a refund on my course purchase?We do not offer refunds for course purchases.
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