What should you tell your RMT before a massage?
4 minute read. Written by the Back in Health team, Kelowna.
In short
Tell your RMT what brought you in, what makes it better or worse, and any recent health changes, injuries, procedures, medications or symptoms that could affect treatment. Also name your pressure preferences, areas you do not want treated and what you hope to get from the visit. You can update or withdraw consent at any time.
Start with what is happening now
Describe the main concern in your own words: where you notice it, when it started, what aggravates it and what has helped. Mention whether it is changing, whether it affects sleep or movement, and whether you have already had it assessed. You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis.
If the appointment is for general relaxation rather than a specific complaint, say that too. It helps the therapist plan the pace and decide how much assessment is useful.
Health information that can change the plan
Mention recent injuries, surgeries, pregnancy, skin changes, fever or illness, unexplained swelling, altered sensation, and changes to medication or health conditions. This does not automatically prevent treatment. It gives the RMT the information needed to adapt pressure, positioning, techniques or the area treated.
Bring relevant claim or insurance details for billing, but do not rely on the intake form alone. If something changed after you completed it, tell the therapist at the start of the appointment.
Preferences and boundaries belong in the conversation
Say how much pressure you usually prefer, whether you want conversation or quiet, and whether there are areas you want left alone. You never have to agree to an area or technique just because it was suggested.
Consent continues throughout the appointment. You can ask for less pressure, a different position, more covering, a pause or an end to treatment at any point, without having to justify the request.
When massage is not the first step
A massage appointment is not a substitute for urgent medical assessment. New chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness, a severe new headache, major trauma or rapidly worsening symptoms need appropriate medical care rather than waiting for an RMT visit.
Book registered massage therapy in Kelowna at Glenmore or Kirschner.
General information, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. If something is getting worse, or you are unsure whether it is right for you, speak to a clinician.