Massage Therapy FAQ | Vitalus Sault Ste. Marie

Visiting for the first time?

Your appointment will begin with a confidential conversation about your health history, concerns and goals.

Learn what to expect →

Your first appointment involves a brief, confidential health intake and physical assessment. The therapist will ask about your medical history, current pain, lifestyle, and goals for the treatment. Hands-on treatment is then performed, followed by home-care stretches or exercises.
New clients are asked to complete a confidential health history and intake form through the online booking system. Completing the forms before arriving allows more of your appointment to be used for assessment and treatment.
Wear whatever is comfortable for you. You only undress to your own personal comfort level. Many clients wear undergarments, shorts, or a sports bra. RMTs are highly trained in professional "draping" techniques, meaning you will be covered with a sheet or blanket at all times, and only the area being actively treated will be exposed
Plan to arrive about 5-10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This allows you to find the clinic, settle in comfortably, and complete the necessary confidential health history intake forms.

First Visit

Icon of a person with a circular head and shoulders outline

Simple line drawing of two open hands facing upward.

An RMT is a licensed healthcare professional. Their sessions are medically focused and always begin with a health history review and physical assessment to target specific injuries or chronic pain. Spa massages are generally focused strictly on relaxation and stress relief.
Massage therapy should not be painful, though you may feel some temporary discomfort depending on the therapeutic depth determined during assessments/Treatment Planning as tight muscles are worked on. Your RMT will frequently check in with you about your preferred pressure. You are always in control and can ask them to increase, decrease, or stop the pressure at any time.
Yes. You may ask that any area be avoided without needing to provide a reason. Treatment will be adapted around your preferences.
Yes. Consent is ongoing and may be changed or withdrawn before or anytime during treatment. You may request that a technique be modified, an area be avoided or treatment be stopped.
Vitalus welcomes clients with a wide range of health backgrounds and physical concerns. Massage therapy may support muscular tension, joint stiffness, repetitive strain, headaches, postural discomfort, sports-related concerns, plantar fasciitis and other musculoskeletal presentations.
Care may also be adapted for pregnancy, neurological conditions, chronic health concerns, and clients living with or recovering from cancer. Treatment is guided by assessment, informed consent and the individual’s health history, with techniques selected according to the presenting condition, goals and comfort.

Treatment & Comfort

No, a doctor’s referral is not required to book an RMT. However, some extended health insurance plans mandate a physician’s note to process reimbursements, so it's always best to check your specific policy.
Appointments are booked through Vitalus’s secure online booking system. Select your preferred service, appointment length, date and available time, then complete the requested booking information.
The clinic phone line is available for general questions, but online booking is the quickest way to view current availability and reserve an appointment.
A 60-minute appointment is a practical starting point for many clients and is generally appropriate for one primary concern or a focused treatment.
A 90-minute appointment allows more time for assessment, multiple areas or a more comprehensive treatment.
A 120-minute appointment may be appropriate when additional time and a broader treatment approach are required.
Your treatment can be adjusted based on your presentation, goals and preferences.
Vitalus does not currently provide direct billing to insurance companies. Payment is due at the end of your appointment, and an official receipt will be issued for submission to your extended health benefits provider.
Coverage, referral requirements and reimbursement procedures vary between plans. Clients are responsible for confirming the details of their individual insurance coverage.
Massage therapy provided by a Registered Massage Therapist may be eligible for reimbursement through an extended health benefits plan.
Coverage limits, referral requirements and eligible appointment types vary between insurance plans. Clients are responsible for confirming the details of their individual coverage before booking.
An official receipt will be issued after treatment and payment.
The receipt will include the information generally required for submission to an extended health benefits provider. Receipts can only be issued for treatment that has been provided and paid for.
Payment is due at the end of the appointment. Major credit and debit cards are accepted through Jane Payments.
The specific accepted methods include:
- Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and UnionPay.
- Digital Wallets: Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Debit Cards: Any debit card carrying a major card brand logo can be used online or at the terminal.
All treatment fees displayed by Vitalus include applicable HST.