Your first appointment includes an assessment, manual treatment, and a prescription of therapeutic home-care activities or exercises that are appropriate for you.
You will be sent a digital intake form by email after booking—please fill this out before your appointment. You may wish to arrive 5-10 minutes early to your first appointment so you are not rushed.
During your appointment we’ll review the form together, discuss your goals for treatment, and cover any concerns or questions you may have.
Yes! While our location is on the third floor, there is elevator access and a wheelchair accessible, all-gender bathroom available right outside our office. We have an electric lift table that can be raised and lowered as needed to make it easier for people to get off and on. This table can also tilt up at one end, allowing a patient to be supported in a seated position for comfort if desired.
If you don't see an answer to an accommodation you need, please reach out and we will be happy to how we can accommodate your needs.
Absolutely! Mighty Oak welcomes people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We respect pronouns, provide a safe, non-judgmental environment, and are happy to accommodate any access or privacy needs (just let us know when booking or contact us in advance).
Book a minimum of 45 minutes for your first appointment. This ensures we have adequate time for your intake, assessment, initial treatment, and the prescription of any therapeutic activities or exercises for you to do at home.
No. Registered Massage Therapists in BC are primary healthcare providers, so a referral is not necessary to book an appointment. However, certain extended health care plans do require a doctor’s referral, so please confirm with your health care provider to ensure you’re reimbursed for the treatments.
No. You are never required to undress any more than you are comfortable with. Treatment can be performed on a fully-clothed person.
However, direct skin contact is most effective for therapeutic massage, and your RMT will typically apply oil or lotion to the area being treated. Only the part of the your body receiving treatment will be uncovered at any one time. Other areas will be securely and comfortably covered with linens and a blanket.
Therapeutic massage may be uncomfortable at times, though clients often refer to this as “good pain”. The level of discomfort depends upon the state of your tissue and your goals for treatment. This means that therapeutic massage may lead to some discomfort, but never more than you are okay with.
During your treatment your RMT will check in often and make sure to work within your boundaries. Deep breathing and open communication will help keep things at an acceptable level.
No. Trauma‑informed massage supports safety and regulation and can supplement trauma therapy, but it does not resolve traumatic experiences or their psychological effects.
Trauma‑informed massage does create a safer, more supportive environment
and uses approaches that reduce the risk of re‑traumatisation. Consent is at the heart of trauma-informed massage, along with giving you
control over touch and boundaries.
If your goal is to process or resolve traumatic memories and their
psychological impact, that work is best done with a qualified mental
health professional. If you’re unsure what combination of supports is
right for you, we can discuss options and coordinate care with your
other providers.
It depends. Soreness is determined by many factors, including: tissue health; dehydration; sensitivity of the area; prior injuries; and any systemic conditions or issues. You may feel mild soreness after a massage for a day or two, similar to having completed a tough gym workout.
Generally speaking, it’s best to rest and drink an extra glass or two of water. At your appointment your therapist will advise you as to the most appropriate post-massage care for your specific needs.
Therapeutic massage effectively treats many different conditions and ailments, both acute and chronic. You can learn more about who can benefit from a Mighty Oak massage on the Who We Help page, or browse a list of conditions below.
Bursitis
Symptoms stemming from cancer and cancer treatment
The RMTs at Mighty Oak are experienced in a variety of specific techniques, including Systemic Deep Tissue Therapy® and myofascial release. However, during your appointment your therapist will blend different techniques together in a way that is best suited to your goals and situation.
What’s the difference between a RMT and a masseuse or bodyworker?
Registered Massage Therapists are regulated, highly-trained, primary healthcare providers. RMTs in British Columbia undergo extensive training and rigorous evaluation by the College of Massage Therapists of BC in order to be given the title.
RMTs must graduate from an accredited program and pass a provincially-regulated board examinations. Once registered, RMTs must adhere to regulations set out by the CMTBC, including fulfilling requirements for continuing education.
Conversely, masseuses and “bodyworkers” are not regulated healthcare professionals, and can be anyone from a student with basic training to an individual with a general interest in massage.
A cancellation fee may be charged for cancelling or rescheduling your massage appointment, but only if little or no notice is provided.
A fee will not be charged if:
You provide at least 24 hours advance notice; OR
You need to reschedule or cancel your appointment due to health and safety reasons
50% of the booked service is charged if:
You provide less than 24 hours notice
100% of the booked service is charged if:
You miss an appointment entirely, without any notice (aka the ‘no-show policy’)
Cancellation fees cannot be billed directly to your insurance provider. We require a valid credit card from all clients, which is stored in our secure booking system. Your credit card will automatically be charged any required cancellation fees.
Depending on your individual situation, we may waive or reverse cancellation fees. However, scheduling conflicts are not considered to be a valid reason to waive fees.
Can you tell me details about my extended benefits coverage?
No. You have to contact your provider directly to find out the details of your coverage.
When we submit your treatment for coverage through your provider they will tell us only if you have coverage – yes or no. If yes, then they will let us know how much they will cover for the treatment submitted. They will not tell us your total amount of coverage, or how much your deductible is, or any other details about your plan.
No. You are welcome to get in touch with Mighty Oak however you are most comfortable to book appointments. Please see our contact page for full details.
