Q. How do I make an appointment?

A. Call our office anytime at 604-926-0270, and if we don't pick up right away, please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Q. What are your hours?

A. Blair Mitten works Tuesday to Saturday, and into the evening on Wednesdays. Nynke Bokma Mitten works Wednesday to Saturday, and into the evening on Thursdays. Julia Winter works Monday to Friday, generally 9-5.

Q. Is massage therapy covered by insurance plans?

A. Yes. Most extended health providers cover massage therapy when recommended by your physician. Check with your employer and/or insurer for the details of your plan. Insurance Corporation of B.C., (ICBC), Worker’s compensation Board, (WCB), and Veterans Affairs, (DVA), have contracts with the BC College of Massage Practitioners that, as a rule, will cover a portion of the cost of massage therapy for a specified amount of time. The Medical Services Plan of B.C. contracts with RMTs to provide a limited amount of therapy at a fixed rate during each calendar year benefiting people on Premium Assistance.

Q. What is a Registered Massage Therapist?

A. A RMT is a therapist who has completed and passed board examinations and maintains active registration with the College of Massage Therapists of B.C. Active registration involves paying annual dues, meeting continuing education requirements, and carrying malpractice insurance. The College only accepts applications from graduates of approved educational institutions. Training can be up to three years’ duration and involves courses in medical science, treatment protocols, and practical applications in student clinics.

Q. What happens during a treatment?

A. Typically, after a brief discussion of the treatment plan, you will be asked to undress the parts of the body to be massaged and lie on the massage table between clean sheets after the therapist leaves the room. The therapist will return shortly, ensure that you are comfortable, and begin the session. Our treatment involves stroking and pressure applied with the therapist’s hands to the muscles and soft tissues lying under the bare skin, using a pure, odorless massage oil or cream. Soft music plays in the background, silence may be requested if that is your wish. There may be conversation directed to your treatment and your responses, it may be ‘idle’, if silence is your wish, please make that request. The therapist may choose to use a heating pad, or apply ice an inflamed area. The massage will vary from light touch to deep kneading and deep pressure directly over an affected zone. The effect will be stimulating or relaxing. The intent of every stroke will be therapeutic. As the treatment ends the therapist may ‘wind down’ carefully, make any recommendations for home-care or future visits, or not, and leave the room suggesting that you rest a moment, then sit on the edge of the table to steady yourself, get up and get changed.

Q. How do I pay for my massage therapy session?

A. The rate reflects the duration of your treatment. (See ‘Rates’) Payment may be made with cash or cheque. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Debit cards. Our fee will be collected immediately after the treatment and a receipt will be issued. This receipt can be used when claiming for insurance coverage.

Q. Do you offer any other types of massage or services?

A. We practice massage therapy as defined by The College of Massage Therapist's of B.C. (www.cmtbc.bc.ca). Our treatments are strictly therapeutic, relaxation is included in that definition. All sessions are ‘non-sexual’.