>>What can massage therapy do for me?

Massage therapy involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body for a therapeutic effect. The Registered Massage Therapists at Sutherland-Chan Centre employ a range of hands-on techniques which help prevent and reduce stress and tension, as well as the discomfort of injuries or chronic conditions. Over all, massage leads to improved health and well-being. ^Top

>>What can I expect during my treatment?

Please arrive about 10-15 minutes prior to your first treatment. This time will be used to fill in a health history form.

At the start time of your appointment the therapist will greet you in the waiting room & take you to a treatment room. There, you will have a brief conversation about the information you provided, and what brings you in for massage. The therapist may conduct a brief postural scan and/or some muscle testing. This will help to determine the source of problems, so they can be addressed properly during treatment. The therapist will outline a treatment plan and ask for your approval. You will then be left in privacy to disrobe and get on the treatment table. The therapist will return in a few minutes to begin treatment. You may be asked to change positions at some point (lie on your stomach, lie on your back) so the therapist may access the part to be worked on.

Know that you will always be fully covered, except for the part being worked on. Your comfort is most important. ^Top

>>Will it hurt?

Of course the goal of our therapists is to make you feel great, and it is not our intention to cause you any pain. Some mild discomfort is possible immediately after or up to two days following 'deep' work Your therapist will discuss this possibility with you, before doing 'deep' work, and may suggest stretches or a hot bath. We sell hot & cold packs and epsom salts in our clinic. You may choose to use these at home between treatments. ^Top

>>Do I need to take a shower after a massage?

Not necessary. The oil and/or lotion we use will not leave you greasy. ^Top

>>Do I have any responsibilities when I get a massage therapy treatment?

Yes. You are responsible for providing your therapist with accurate health information. Although your consent to treatment is always required, your therapist will ask you to provide ongoing feed-back concerning the amount of pressure, techniques being used etc., to maximize the benefits of your treatment. These are important elements of an effective massage treatment. It is your responsibility to communicate during the treatment about what feels good and what you feel uncertain or uncomfortable with. This will ensure that your treatment goals are fulfilled.

Our goal is to provide a comfortable and peaceful environment during your massage so please relate any thoughts to your therapist on how to achieve this. ^Top

>>What if I have allergies to oils or scents?

Don't worry. We use a non-allergenic, unscented oil, specifically formulated for clinical use. Having said this, please do list these allergies on your intake form and/or discuss them with your therapist. ^Top

>>Does health insurance cover massage therapy?

Only some extended health care plans in Hong Kong provide for coverage of massage therapy treatments, usually only if you are referred by a doctor. Consult your own health insurance company or policy regarding the coverage details. As with many health care practitioners; you will be billed for your treatment at the time of your visit and issued a receipt so you can recover the costs from your insurer. Our therapists are happy to write an insurance report to assist you in this process. ^Top

>>How much clothing do I need to remove for a massage?

A common question. Disrobe to your own comfort level and be aware you will be draped with a sheet at all times This is your session, we want you to feel safe and relaxed. Our therapists welcome your feedback during and after treatment. ^Top

>>What type of massage therapy can I receive?

All our therapists are trained in Swedish massage techniques. We also offer pregnancy massage, infant massage and athletic massage to improve performance. Contact us to find out about the other specialised massage treatments we provide. ^Top

>>What is a Registered Massage Therapist?

Registered Massage Therapists (RMT's) are regulated by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, Canada, to ensure high quality, competent and ethical healthcare. RMT is a protected title and can only be used by individuals who have fulfilled the College's 2200 hrs registration requirement and associated examinations. ^Top

>>What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a holistic form of manual medicine, which focuses on total body healthcare. Our Osteopaths do not simply concentrate on treating the problem area, but use techniques to balance all the systems of the body to positively influence health and well-being. By treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework, which includes the joints, muscles and ligaments, they also aim to positively affect the body's nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems to provide overall good health and well-being.^Top

>>How long does each Osteopathy session last?

The initial consultation session takes approximately 45 minutes but please allow an hour. Follow-ups are typically 30 minutes but please allow 45 minutes.^Top

>>How long will it take to resolve my problem?

It all depends on the complaint. Problems which have been around for months to years take longer to treat, as do problems which have resulted from significant trauma i.e. whiplash. Your Osteopath should indicate at the first consultation how many sessions they anticipate you needing.^Top

>>When should I see a massage therapist and when should I see an Osteopath?

Therapeutic massage is helpful for all conditions relating to muscular tightness, tension and imbalance. Osteopaths work with the muscles in conjunction with the joints and surrounding tissues but do not spend a large amount of time purely treating the muscles.^Top

>>Is treatment covered by my insurance?

Yes - depending on your insurance policy! Most European and ex-pat policies include osteopathy, local packages less often. Once a regulatory body amongst the local osteopaths is established, we expect to be able to approach local insurance companies to request they include our profession in their health cover. You may wish to lobby your insurance company to request Osteopathic cover, but as it is a Western form of treatment they may not be prepared to accept it.^Top

>>What do I need to wear?

The majority of treatments require your spine to be visible, so wearing appropriate underwear is recommended. We also have hospital gowns should you prefer.^Top

>>How long des each Osteopathy session last?

The initial consultation session takes approximately 45 minutes but please allow an hour. Follow-ups are typically 30 minutes but please allow 45 minutes.^Top

>>Will it hurt?

Osteopathy employs a large range of techniques, none of which should cause pain. Muscle massage techniques are typically uncomfortable but only for a short time during treatment. If you feel you are in an undue amount of discomfort you should inform your Osteopath immediately so they can modify their technique to your comfort levels. Cranial techniques are less direct and never cause discomfort. ^Top

>>Do I have to be manipulated to get pain relief?

No, the same results can be achieved using alternative techniques. While the Osteopath will tell you whether manipulation of a joint is indicated and recommended, it is your choice whether you would like the techniques to be used or not. To avoid any confusion, it is advisable to warn your Osteopath before treatment if you don't like manipulation. Remember manipulation should not hurt.^Top

>>I have read that Osteopathy can help asthma – how?

Our Osteopaths can assist asthma sufferers by gently working with the body’s structure to improve and enhance the breathing mechanism by relaxing the respiratory muscles, freeing restrictions of the chest, ribs and spine and improving lymphatic drainage from the lungs and airways and enhancing the blood supply to the chest region. Osteopathy does not replace conventional medicine for asthma but works well in conjunction with other health care professionals, with the long term aim of improving the person’s quality of life and helping to reduce the negative effects of asthma. ^Top