Massage Therapy Questions

Is Massage Therapy a regulated health profession in Alberta?

The MTAA, CRMTA and NHPC have been developing details about regulation in Alberta.  Throughout this process, the Alberta Government has been continually updated to ensure that new procedural requirements were being adhered to. Regulation will clarify requirements for standards of competence, approved education programs, public risk, protected titles, and other important issues.

Will my insurance cover massage therapy at your clinic?

Many insurance plans include therapeutic massage as one of their benefits. Typically the person performing the massage must be a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) to be covered by insurance plans. At Perfection Therapy Inc, all practitioners are RMTs.

Some insurance companies may require a doctors note to reimburse treatment. If you are unsure, it is best to check directly with your insurance provider.

Do I have to remove all my clothing for Massage Therapy?

Depending on the area of the body being worked on you may or may not need to undress. For a full body massage, you will typically undress to your comfort level. Your RMT will give you privacy to undress and during the treatment, you will be covered with a sheet and blanket except for the area being worked on.

What does massage therapy feel like?

Typically massage starts with light pressure broad strokes (effleurage) and then may proceed into deeper tissue massage with more pressure (petrissage). Therapeutic massage deals with injury and acute or chronic pain, and the treatment can be painful, but gives way to a significantly more comfortable state of wellbeing afterwards. Lotion is used to reduce friction and irritation of the skin. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you are experiencing discomfort and the RMT will adjust accordingly.

How will I feel after the massage treatment?

Most people find that they are quite relaxed after the treatment. It is not uncommon to feel slightly light-headed or dizzy after a massage due to increased blood circulation. We recommend drinking plenty of water after a massage to flush away toxins that were stored in the muscles and broken up during the treatment.

How do I know I am using the services of a Registered Massage Therapist?

The NHPC, RMTA, and MTAA allow you to search for Registered Massage Therapists in your area. An RMT will normally belong to one or more of these associations.

NHPC Practitioner Search
CRMTA Practitioner Search
MTAA Practitioner Search

What happens on the first visit?

To ensure we provide you with safe and high quality massage therapy, you will need to fill out a health history form. Afterwards, your therapist will discuss your treatment with you, including any conditions that need to be addressed, and what areas or issues you would like worked on. You will be given privacy to undress to your comfort level, then the massage will begin. During the treatment please feel free to have a discussion or ask questions, or simply to just relax. You may fall asleep during treatment, which is perfectly fine.

What are the benefits of massage therapy?

Massage Therapy can assist in reducing or eliminating pain and vastly improve joint mobility, circulation, and lymphatic drainage. RMTs work with a wide variety of patients of all ages in the treatment of illness, injury rehabilitation and disability.

Below is a list of conditions for which massage therapy can prove beneficial:

• Anxiety, stress and depression
• Back, leg and neck pain, whiplash
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Dislocations, fractures, strains, sprains and edema
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscle tension and spasms
• Post-surgical rehabilitation
• Sports injuries
• Tendonitis
• Asthma and emphysema
• Cancer symptoms
• Chronic Fatigue syndrome
• Fibromyalgia, arthritis and bursitis
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Kyphosis and scoliosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Palliative care
• Stroke

Can you direct bill?

Yes! Perfection Therapy Inc does have direct billing arrangements with insurance providers.

Will the massage oils cause me to break-out?

We use a hypoallergenic, non-scented lotion that does not add a host of new acne-causing bacteria, so break outs are uncommon. If you have any concerns please inform your RMT before treatment.

What is massage therapy?

Massage therapy is the physical manipulation of soft body tissues (connective tissues, muscles, tendons and ligaments) to enhance a clients overall health and well-being. There are multiple types of massage therapy, types which are called modalities (deep tissue, relaxation, injury therapy, cupping).

How often should I get a massage?

Depending on your preventative and maintenance needs, one massage a month is the recommended frequency. If your specific condition or needs demand it, your RMT practitioner will create a customized treatment plan which may involve more or less frequent massages.

Can anyone receive a massage?

Anyone can improve further with massage therapy. There are certain instances where massage therapy is not recommended such as individuals going through chemotherapy, have blood clots or have a contagious disease.

If I am already in pain can I get a massage?

You are encouraged to communicate with your RMT about your pain/comfort level at any time during your massage. With the appropriate pressure, massage can have a direct effect on the circulatory system, which helps to reduce inflammation and helps relieve pain. By increasing circulation you bring more white blood cells to the inflamed area which assists in healing the painful area.

Is it alright to ask for more or less pressure during a treatment?

Of Course! You know your body best and if you want an adjustment in pressure all you need is to communicate with your RMT. They are happy to adjust to make your treatment as beneficial as possible.

What if I need to use the restroom during a massage?

We recommend using the restroom before the treatment but occasionally it happens that you will need to use it during the treatment. It can be uncomfortable and distracting during your treatment if you try to hold it, so we encourage you to speak up and we will let you know where the washroom is and how to proceed.

What if I flatulate during a massage?

Being in a relaxed state there is the possibility of passing gas during a massage. This is a very normal response and shows you’re relaxed. There is zero judgment from your therapist.

Should I talk during my massage?

That is at your own discretion on your comfortability. You are encouraged to speak up if you have any questions or concerns though.

What if I am ticklish?

At the beginning of the massage please let your practitioner know and they can adjust the technique and pressure to make sure you have a relaxing treatment.

Do children receive massage therapy?

They sure do! They perform extra curricular activities and go through growing pains which directly impact their well-being. We help with their discomfort so they can continue to enjoy their childhood games pain free.

Can I book a massage if I am in my first trimester of pregnancy?

Absolutely! All stages of pregnancy are safe to receive a massage by a trained professional. There is the misguided belief that it is unsafe to receive a massage in the first trimester, but that is not true. With all pregnancies there is an increased risk of miscarriage in the first trimester – massage has not been found to increase or decrease this risk. We will gladly work on woman in any stage of pregnancy.

Should I tip my massage therapist?

Tipping is neither required nor expected, but of course we appreciate the gesture.

Should I tell my massage therapist if I have a rash or wart?

Yes, please tell your massage therapist as soon as possible.

Clinic Questions

How can I pay?

We accept payment via cash, cheque, e-transfer, debit card or credit card.

What if I need to cancel or re-schedule?

We understand that things come up! Please notify us as soon as possible via phone or text message if you need to cancel or reschedule. We have a 24-hour cancellation policy, and if an appointment is missed without proper notice, the full cost of the treatment will be charged. For clients with multiple cancellations, we may require a deposit before booking future appointments.

Will my massage therapist keep my information private?

All information is kept strictly confidential and all records are kept secure. Our privacy measures follow the prescribed principles and policies of common health information privacy acts across Canada.

How do I book an appointment?

We offer multiple ways to schedule an appointment. You can text or call us at (780)340-8907, or use our online booking system at perfectiontherapyinc.noterro.com. For more information about our services, visit our website at lesliesenger.com. It’s quick and easy to find a time that works for you!

Do you offer gift cards/certificates?

Yes, we sure do! Gift certificates can be purchased over the phone and at our location. Gift certificates must be presented at the time of redemption. Unfortunately lost or stolen cards cannot be honoured.

What is your cancellation policy?

We require a minimum of 24 hour notice for cancellation of massage or sugaring treatments. Missed appointments or late cancelations will be charged the full amount of that service.

What happens if clients act untoward during their service?

Any sexual comments or disrespectful behaviour will result in immediate termination of the session and further action if needed. Services may be denied at the discretion of the practitioner.

Sugaring Questions

Is sugaring painful?

Results do vary from client to client as skin sensitivity is different for each person. However, clients with waxing experience have often noted that sugaring is significantly better. This is because wax typically goes on hot, which increases blood flow, and therefore sensation to the effected area.

Will sugaring remove all the hair?

Yes, sugaring removes all of the hair in the treated area. Any small hairs that aren’t covered by the sugar are removed by the practitioner.

How long does your hair have to be to sugar it?

We recommend that the hair be between 2 and 5 mm length for best results.

What is the difference between Brazilian and bikini treatments?

A bikini treatment will remove all of the hair that would be exposed while wearing a swimsuit, while a Brazilian treatment removes all of the hair from the genital region.

How long between sugaring treatments?

For best results, sugaring treatments should be done every 4-6 weeks.

How long does it take?

Depending on the amount of area being treated. An upper lip treatment takes between 5 to 10 minutes. Full leg treatments typically take 60 minutes.

Do I have to take off all of my clothes?

The practitioner will only need the area being treated to be exposed.

Will the sugar irritate my skin?

The sugar is hypoallergenic and generally does not irritate the skin while it is being applied. After sugaring some clients find that the skin can be a bit red and sensitive, however this normally dissipates within several hours.

Can I have sugaring done during menstruation?

Yes. Skin may be more sensitive during this time so the decision to proceed is based on the clients comfort.

My skin was red and irritated after my appointment, is this normal?

Yes, it is normal for skin to be red and sensitive after treatment. This should subside within several hours.

How old do I have to be to get a Brazilian?

We will perform a Brazilian for anyone 18 years of age or older, or at least 16 with parental consent.

Can men be sugared?

Yes. Sugaring is effective enough to remove coarse male hair. We do not provide beard sugaring as the facial hair root is not conducive to effective hair removal by this method. We also do not provide sugaring on the scrotum as the skin is so sensitive that the treatment has the potential to cause serious injury.

Will the hair grow back darker and coarser?

Sugaring removes hair from the root, which actually discourages future hair growth. The more sugaring treatments you have, the thinner the hair will continue to grow back.

Can I still get sugaring done if I am pregnant?

Yes, however you may find that your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy, so the treatment will only proceed based on your comfort level.

Is it safe to have sex after sugaring?

Yes, but the skin may still be sensitive immediately after treatment. Care should be taken to ensure good hygiene is followed, as your treated skin will be more susceptible to bacteria which can potentially cause an infection.

Can young children be sugared?

Sugaring all other body areas is possible from the age of 12 (parents must be present for those under the age of 14).

Can I get sugared if I am sun burnt?

No, unfortunately the area that is being sugared can not be sunburnt because it could cause further irritation of your skin.

Can I using a tanning bed after hair removal?

Please do not sunbathe or use a tanning bed for 48 hours prior to or after any sugaring treatment.

Can I sugar while using Accutane, Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac or Differin?

We do not recommend receiving a sugaring treatment when using these products. After one month of discontinuing these products you will be able to receive sugaring. It is encouraged to do a test patch to ensure your safety.

I am prone to ingrown hairs, what can I do to help with this?

Exfoliation is key to preventing ingrown hairs. To prevent ingrown hairs we recommend exfoliating daily and not wearing tight clothing after a sugaring service. We also have a topical cream to help with ingrown hairs called In B-gone Serum.

I got sugared a while ago and noticed pimples/rashes on my skin – does this mean that I am allergic to sugar paste?

It is common to experience a reaction if it is your first time getting sugared or it has been a while since you were last sugared. When hair is being extracted your bodies immune system might react by producing a histamine or pimple-like bumps to fight the ‘threat’ looking like an allergic reaction. Generally the reaction will subside within 72 hours. Keep in mind to avoid picking at the skin, excess heat (sweating) and comeodogenic products.

How long after giving birth should I wait before getting sugared (bikini, Brazilian) again?

We recommend waiting 1-3 months after vaginal birth or 3-6 months after Caesarian to receive sugaring in this specific area.