McGuire & Associates Massage Therapists

If you are coming to McGuire & Associates Integrated Health Clinic for treatment, and have never had Massage Therapy before, here are some things you could expect:

• You could be a little sore afterwards. It should feel as though you went to work out at the gym, and should not last more than 24 hours. After the soreness from the massage work has receded you should be able to start feeling the benefits from the massage session.
• You could feel dehydrated. Massage moves fluid around the body, enhancing normal body processes. I encourage you to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water so that your cells have enough water for metabolic and waste processes. If you drink alcohol, I suggest you avoid it for the whole day on which your massage occurs.
• You could feel extra tired or extra relaxed afterward. If you are worried about how this might affect your ability to drive, I suggest that you have another person drop you off and pick you up for your session.

If you are a new patient coming to McGuire & Associates Integrated Health Clinic for treatment, here is what you can expect to occur on your first appointment:

Health intake - Discussion of your health status, current and past with your massage therapist. The health intake can take up to 20 minutes on your first session. As part of that, you will be filling out some of the following forms/paperwork:

• Initial History form
• Health History
• Health Report - Today’s status of what you would like to work on
• Accident Information.
• Range of Motion testing
• Pain/Disability Index(es) - as applicable
• ICBC information - if ICBC is potentially responsible for payment
• Massage - The hands-on therapy part of the session.
• Schedule any further appointments.

Some questions that you may have for your massage therapist.

Am I supposed to tip my massage therapist at McGuire & Associates Integrated Health Clinic?

• No.  It is unnecessary to tip Vancouver Massage Therapists in a medical setting.

Am I supposed to take off my underwear when I get a treatment?

• Many people prefer to keep their underwear on during a massage, while others prefer to be completely nude. It's up to you.
• If you do remove your underwear, your massage therapist will ensure that you are always properly covered by a sheet.  Only the area being massaged will be uncovered.

Will the massage therapist be there when I undress?

• No.  The massage therapist will leave the room so that you can remove your clothing and lie on the massage table (usually face down) under the top sheet.
• Don't rush or worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you -- the therapist always knocks and asks if you are ready before entering the massage room.

Should I talk to the massage therapist during the massage?

• Although some people prefer to talk throughout the massage, don't feel like you have to make conversation with the massage therapist.  Feel free to close your eyes and relax, which is what most people do. Your therapist may ask you about the pressure being used or if you are experiencing pain.

Be sure to tell your therapist if:

• the room is too hot or too cold
• you experience pain
• you have any questions related to the massage
• there's anything you forgot to mention during the consultation