Frequently Asked Questions about
Massage Therapy in Vernon BC

Massage therapy is not meant to be painful, although some techniques can cause temporary discomfort depending on pressure, muscle tension, or existing injuries. Most people describe it as “hurts so good” rather than truly painful, and any short-term discomfort often resolves quickly. If you're sensitive to discomfort, you may find that a gentler technique like Swedish Massage may suit you better than a technique with more intensity, such as deep-tissue massage. Communication with your therapist is important for keeping it comfortable. Tell your therapist if the pressure feels too strong as they can adjust their techniques to suit your tolerance.

No, you don’t have to fully undress for a massage therapy session, although most people undress to their underwear. Therapists provide a private space in which to change and use professional draping (sheets or towels) to cover you, exposing only the area being worked on. If you’re unsure, talk to your therapist beforehand about your comfort level and preferences. Your therapist’s role is to create a safe, respectful environment so open communication is always welcomed and encouraged.

Massage therapy is covered by many health insurance and extended care plans. You can find out if you are covered by contacting your insurance provider. If so, your massage therapist can direct-bill the insurance company. If you do not have 100% coverage then you must pay the remaining balance at the time of your treatment.

There’s no single “right” frequency for massages — it depends on your goals. Acute injuries may require more treatments, whereas massage for general relaxation may require less frequency. The goal of massage is to help you feel better and heal, so consult with your therapist and they can tailor a schedule based on your condition, lifestyle and goals.

Look for a therapist with an official "Registered Massage Therapist" title. This means that a therapist is fully registered through the CCHPBC (College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC). While Arise occasionally hires students nearing graduation to provide wellness/spa massage, most of our therapists are certified RMTs.

A massage therapist is a trained health professional who uses hands-on techniques to manipulate the body’s soft tissues—muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin—to promote relaxation, relieve pain, and support overall wellness.

A massage therapist helps clients relax, relieves pain, and improves overall wellness by manipulating the body’s soft tissues through specialized techniques like deep-tissue massage or Swedish massage. Using hands, fingers, elbows, or tools, they apply pressure and movement to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints in order to reduce tension, improve circulation, and promote healing. They may also offer education or suggest exercises to further assist the healing process.

Yes, massage therapy is widely considered to be useful for both physical and mental health. It can reduce pain, ease muscle tension, lower stress, improve circulation and flexibility, and enhance overall well-being. Massage therapy is no longer seen as just a luxury spa treatment - it's now integrated into rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and wellness programs as part of holistic healthcare.

Although each patient may respond differently, research shows that massage therapy can reduce stress, ease muscle tension, improve circulation and flexibility, and help manage pain.

As with any therapy, there may be side effects such as muscle soreness the following day. However, massage therapy is generally safe for most people and any side effects are usually mild and temporary. If you have any medical conditions, or any concerns in general, consult with your healthcare provider beforehand. Also, speak with your therapist before your appointment and they will address any concerns before treatment begins.

The number of massage therapy sessions you’ll need depends on your goals, health condition, and how your body responds to treatment. There isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all answer because each person's healing journey is unique. Some patients report feeling better after one session, while others with more complicated or chronic issues may require a few more sessions. A thorough assessment will help your therapist determine how many sessions may be required.

Arise Wellness is one of the largest multidisciplinary clinics in the area. Along with our Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths and Reflexologists, we have several Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) to support you in your healing journey. Each one of our RMTs brings their own unique knowledge, expertise and skillset to you. We have descriptions of all of our therapists, and their techniques, on our website - feel free to peruse and see which one is the right fit for you! All of our RMTs strive to create a warm, welcoming and peaceful environment for you, so you can feel supported on your journey to well-being.

Massage therapists treat a wide range of conditions, from everyday stress and muscle tension to chronic pain and medical issues like arthritis and sports injuries. By working on the body's soft tissues, they can help with TMJ, neck and back pain, muscle strains, sciatica, headaches, muscle pain from pregnancy, and so much more.

Massage therapy during pregnancy can be safe and beneficial when performed correctly, especially after the first trimester. It can ease discomfort, reduce stress, and support overall well-being. Always check with your healthcare provider beforehand, especially if you have any medical conditions. We also recommend calling our office beforehand to ensure that your therapist is trained in prenatal massage and has the proper cushions available to make your session as comfortable as possible.

Massage therapy helps lower back pain by reducing muscle tension, improving circulation and promoting healing in the soft tissues of the lower back. Massage loosens knots and adhesions in the muscles which often contribute to lower back pain. Techniques like deep-tissue massage target the deeper layers of muscle and fascia, improving mobility and reducing chronic pain. Increased circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues, speeding up recovery and reducing inflammation. Furthermore, massage lowers stress hormones and relaxes the nervous system, which helps reduce pain perception.

Yes, massage therapy can be appropriate for all ages and can help children with relaxation and pain relief. We find that a 30-minute session is a good length of time for children, particularly for younger children who may get distracted and restless. Parental oversight is encouraged.

Massage techniques can range from gentle relaxation strokes to intense therapeutic pressure. Choosing the right one depends on your goals—whether it’s stress relief, pain management, or athletic recovery. Here are some examples of popular massage types:

• Deep Tissue Massage: Firm pressure targeting deeper muscle layers; helps with chronic pain and stiffness.
• Sports Massage: Focused on athletes; improves flexibility, prevents injuries, and aids recovery.
• Swedish Massage: Gentle strokes, kneading and circular motions; ideal for relaxation and stress relief.
• Trigger Point Massage: A therapeutic technique that applies focused pressure to “muscle knots” (trigger points) to relieve pain and tension.
• Lymphatic Drainage: Uses light, rhythmic strokes to move lymph fluid toward lymph nodes, encouraging circulation and waste removal.

A massage session can last anywhere from 30-90 minutes. A 60-minute session is standard, but patients short on time may opt for a 45-minute session instead. A 90-minute massage would be best for patients seeking a longer experience and deeper relaxation.

Before your session, you will be asked to fill out some paperwork about any medical conditions, allergies, areas to avoid, and your reason for seeking treatment.

Most therapists will begin the session with a short discussion about your health history, current concerns, and goals for the massage. Your therapist will then leave the room while you undress to your comfort level. Many people wear underwear, but you’ll be covered with a sheet or towel during the massage (only the area being massaged will be uncovered). Massage oils or lotions may be used to facilitate smooth movements.

The therapist will then use techniques appropriate for your goals—whether relaxation, pain relief, or recovery—and will check in with you about pressure and comfort throughout. Various techniques may be used, such as kneading or trigger-point release, focusing on the areas you mentioned or where the therapist feels tension. Please feel free to communicate if the pressure is too intense, or not intense enough, so your therapist can adjust accordingly.

After the session, your therapist will leave the room so you can change. You may receive some advice on after-care, such as exercises to do at home, or how to keep hydrated after your massage.

The therapist's aim is to create a calming, comfortable environment in which you can relax, ease muscle tension, and achieve a heightened sense of well-being.