FAQ

Here are some questions frequently asked by students concerning out Swedish and Thai massage and continuing education workshops:

Classes

General Questions

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in your massage therapy programs?

Our programs require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some courses may have additional prerequisites, such as completion of introductory anatomy and physiology courses.

Is your school accredited?

Yes, our school is accredited by the relevant provincial and national accrediting bodies for massage therapy education in Canada.

Course-Specific Questions

What is the difference between Swedish and Thai massage?

Swedish massage is a relaxing, Western technique focused on improving circulation and promoting relaxation through long, gliding strokes. Thai massage combines acupressure, assisted yoga postures, and deep muscle stretching, traditionally performed on a mat on the floor with the client fully clothed.

How long are your Swedish and Thai massage programs?

Our comprehensive Swedish massage program is 12 months long, while the Thai massage program is 6 months long. We also offer shorter workshops and continuing education courses.

Do you offer continuing education workshops?

Yes, we offer a variety of continuing education workshops throughout the year on topics like advanced Thai massage techniques, sports massage, and aromatherapy.

Admission and Application Questions

How do I apply for a program or workshop?

You can apply online through our website by filling out the application form and submitting the required documents. Alternatively, you can visit our admissions office in person.

What is the tuition for your programs?

Tuition varies depending on the program. Please visit our website or contact our admissions office for detailed information on fees and payment plans.

Are there any scholarships or financial aid options available?

Yes, we offer a limited number of scholarships based on academic merit and financial need. We also provide information on external financial aid options.

Certification and Career Questions

Will I be certified to practice massage therapy upon completing your program?

Yes, graduates of our accredited programs are eligible to take the certification exams required to become a registered massage therapist in Canada.

What are the career prospects after completing your massage therapy program?

Graduates can work in various settings, including wellness centers, spas, sports clinics, and private practice. The demand for skilled massage therapists is high, providing numerous job opportunities.

Workshop and Continuing Education Questions

Can I attend a workshop if I’m not a current student?

Yes, our workshops are open to all practicing massage therapists and individuals with a background in health and wellness. Some workshops may have prerequisites.

How often do you offer continuing education workshops?

We offer continuing education workshops throughout the year. The schedule is updated regularly on our website.

Are your continuing education workshops recognized for CEUs?

Yes, our workshops are recognized for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by various professional massage therapy associations.

Facilities and Resources Questions

What facilities and resources are available to students?

Our campus features state-of-the-art classrooms, fully equipped practice labs, a student library, and a student clinic where supervised practical experience is gained.

Do you provide job placement assistance?

Yes, we offer job placement services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and connections with local employers in the wellness industry.

International Student Questions

Do you accept international students?

Yes, we welcome international students. Please contact our admissions office for details on visa requirements and additional support services for international students.

Are your programs offered in multiple languages?

Currently, our programs are primarily offered in English. However, we provide language support services for non-native English speakers.

Massage

COVID-19 Response

Payment Method for Services During Pandemic

Clients may pay by eTransfer, cash, gift certificate, or credit card. If payment is made by credit card a 3% credit processing fee will be added to the full service fee. Gratuities are greatly appreciated by our therapists.

Arriving to Studio for Your Appointment

It is best if you come at the time of your appointment, best not to be early or late. If you arrive early, the door may be locked, but will be unlocked at the time of your appointment. If you arrive late, your massage time may be cut shorter as they may be clients after you.

Massage Service is By Appointment Only

During the pandemic, we are no longer accepting unscheduled walk-in clients. All appointments now must be made in advance. The more notice you give, the better. You can book online or call the Montreal Studio at 514.545.8500 or call the Vancouver Studio 778.802.9220 to make your reservation. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation

Wearing of Mask

It is our policy that both therapist and client wear a mask during the entire massage session. Either a disposable or washable mask is acceptable. The client may bring his/her own mask or purchase a disposable mask for $2. No massage service will be given to clients who do not wear a mask. The therapist will change and wear a new mask for every client.

Respiratory Etiquette Note

It is necessary to respect respiratory etiquette which consists of: covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze by using tissues or the crook of your elbow; using single-use tissues; immediately discarding used tissues in the trash can; not touching your mouth or eyes with your gloved or bare hands

Hand Hygiene Note

Frequent hand washing with lukewarm water and soap or with a hydroalcoholic solution with an alcohol concentration of at least 60% for at least 20 seconds is recommended. Doing so limits the risks of transmission.

Drinks and Water

No water or drinks will be served at the studio. A client may bring his/her own water bottle should they wish to have a drink. Apply caution when removing the mask by taking it from the elastics and avoid touching the filtration surface. When putting the mask back on, handle it only from the elastics and wash or disinfect your hands immediately following the proper hand hygiene procedure or use of alcohol based hand sanitizer.

Sanitization of Hands (and feet if required)

70% alcohol based sanitization wipes will be provided to both client and therapist to wipe their own hands (and feet if doing a Thai massage on the mat, unless socks are wore) upon arrival, in the presence of each other to promote mutual feeling of safety. Liquid hand sanitization gel is also available for use.

Use of Washroom

As a business establishment, we do regularly clean the washroom and have increased on cleaning times throughout the day as a result of the pandemic. However, during this pandemic period, we are asking all clients who use our washroom, to wipe the surfaces they have touched (i.e. toilet handle and seat, faucet handle, light switch if touch, etc) in the washroom with a Lysol disinfectant wipe after use and to throw the used wipe in the trash bin. We feel this is a good measure to implement. And wherever possible, we do discourage people from using the washroom if not necessary. We will provide alcohol based hand sanitizer for clients to disinfectant their hands, and we have alcohol based disinfectant wipe for hands and feet if required.

What to do if feeling ill or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms?

If you feel ill or experience any COVID-19 symptoms (such as but not limited to runny nose, cough, fever, sore throat or headache, difficulty breathing, loss of smell and taste, etc.), then you should rest at home, notify the studio to cancel your appointment, and seek medical advice.

What specific measures must I ensure?

Please ensure the following: You must not have any of the Covid-19 symptoms (such as fever, cough, loss of smell, etc.) , nor have you travelled or been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 within 14 days immediately preceding your appointment at The Massage Academy.

What safety protocols are in place?

We are committed to welcoming you in a safe environment. We have implemented hygiene, cleaning and disinfection measures which comply with the recommendations of the National Institute of Public Health, CNESST (Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail), and our massage associations. We have adapted the use of our spaces and scheduling of our client appointments to promote distancing. We have removed non-essential items from our premises. We have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfection of our studio. We continue to implement sterilization procedures for all equipment after every use. We have also modified our massage procedures with increased safety protocols for both clients and therapists, such as wearing of masks and use of anti-bacterial wipes. All massage therapists have been educated and are required to follow the health and safety protocols at our studio now in place due to COVID-19.

Scheduling An Appointment

What time should you arrive for your appointment?

Please arrive at the time of your scheduled appointment. If you arrive earlier than your scheduled appointment, please note the doors may be locked … but the doors will be unlocked at the time of your appointment. But please also don’t be late, as we may have another client scheduled right after you.

Booking Your Treatment

To book a treatment in Montreal call 514.545.8500. For Vancouver call 778.802.9220. Or you can email info@themassage.academy or click here to make an online booking. We request an e-mail address so that we can email you a confirmation and reminder of your appointment, as well as a mobile number in case we need to reach you by phone. A credit card will be requested to guarantee your appointment.

To Cancel / Postpone a Treatment and/or No Show

Should you wish to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment. Should insufficient notice be given, the full amount for the treatment may be charged to you. If you create an account within our system during your booking, you can log into your account afterwards at any time to make changes if required. Please also note that No Shows will be charged at full rate.

Not Sure What Massage Treatment is Best Suited for You

When booking an appointment our massage practitioners will be happy to help you to determine what kind of massage treatment is best suited to you. Please note we offer massages for health and therapeutic purposes only, and we are strictly non-sexual.

Suggested Massage Length

Though the 60 minutes massages are wonderful for providing quick relief, we suggest booking ninety minute sessions in order to allow adequate time to address muscular discomfort or chronic conditions and for longer lasting relief.

Service Locations

Our mobile massage services are offered within the metro Vancouver, however, a travel fee of $25 will apply. For areas outside of Vancouver, such as Burnaby, Richmond, and other immediate suburbs, an additional surcharge of $1.50 per km (for any travel over 20 km return), plus any bridge toll fees, will be the responsibility of the client. Parking fees for the practitioner are at the expense of the client also. Mobile service is not available for the Montreal location.

Preparation For The Appointment

What to Wear

We will provide our clients with clean, comfortable clothing or professional draping to ensure your comfort and privacy at all times during the massage session. We do recommend wearing underwear. For certain services, such as a body wrap, we will provide you with disposable undergarments.

Eating Before a Massage Session

It is best if you are neither too hungry nor too full before the massage session. If you are going to have a full meal, it should be eaten at least two hours before the massage session. If you are coming immediately from work, a small snack one hour before the massage session is fine.

Special Precautions

Before your massage session, our practitioner will require you to fill out a form to list any medical health conditions, allergies you may have or any medications you may be taking. In some cases, depending on the client’s condition, a doctor’s written referral may be required before we can perform a massage. (We are concerned about client comfort and will always ask if you have previous injuries or sensitivities that might affect you during your massage session.)

Maximize the Massage Experience

To really maximize on the massage experience, it is recommended you communicate what you would like in terms of pressure of the massage, music volume, or otherwise, informing the practitioner of your key concerns both prior to and during the treatment. This will help to ensure that all of your requests and needs have been met. For total relaxation, it is also recommended that you minimize on talking and thinking and focus on meditative breathing and letting go any stress or tension you may be holding.

Drink Water to Flush Out Toxins

Because many toxins are released, it is important to drink plenty of water after a massage session to help eliminate these toxins from your body.

Deep Tissue Work & Communication

For deep tissue work, because the masseuse is working so deeply, it is not uncommon to feel a little sore after the massage, and in some cases to experience bruising. Sometimes the practitioner won’t know if they’re working too deep unless you say something. Open communication is critical. Every day your body is different, so what feels good one day may hurt the next. And, what one person calls deep tissue another will call light. The most important thing is that you communicate and feel comfortable during your massage.

Rest After the Massage Session

It is important to take some time to relax after your treatment, as some therapies can really put you in a relaxed mode where resting may be best to get the full benefits of the massage treatment.

General Information

Certified Thai Massage Specialist Vs Registered Massage Therapist

Certified Thai Massage Specialists are trained specifically in Thai Massage and other massage modalities as presented in this website and the massage treatment provided is ideal for health promotion and stress reduction. Registered Massage Therapists are medical professionals trained to assess, diagnose, and treat soft tissue and musculoskeletal conditions.

Reimbursement from Extended Health Care Plans

Some extended health care plans may provide a bit of coverage. Each plan is different. Check with your extended health care plan provider and ask for details. A receipt will be issued upon payment and services rendered which can be used to claim back your reimbursement if so allowed by your extended health care plan provider.

Is Thai Massage Painful

Thai massage should not be painful. Thai massage is slow and gentle, incorporating meditation, gentle rocking, passive stretching, and rhythmic compression on the body’s energy lines. Because stiffness and loss of flexibility becomes more apparent with aging and leading a sedentary lifestyle, the yoga-like stretches and rhythmic compressions in Thai massage aids muscles to lengthen and become more flexible. Its effectiveness and strength lies its ability to promote flexibility, and overall health and well-being.

How often and how many Thai massage treatments is recommended

This depends on the condition of the client. For acute conditions, one to three treatments as soon as possible, is recommended. For chronic conditions, treatments once a week or every two weeks is advised. For maintenance of health and prevention of illness, regular monthly treatments is recommended. Over 50% of the massage clientele come every 2, 4, or 6 weeks for relaxation therapy and/or for maintenance purposes.

Payment | Discounts

Method of Payment Accepted and Gratuities

As of June 1, 2019, we accept Cash. Should you wish to pay by Credit, a 3% credit processing fee will be added to your bill. You can also purchase a gift certificate online should you wish to use Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. Gratuities are always appreciated, and this can be added on top of the service fees charged for the massage , gift certificate, series or package. Thank you from the The Massage Academy Team

Discounts

Discounts apply to regularly priced products/services only, and cannot be used with other promotions/specials/discounts/vouchers/coupons/certificates, or for the purchase of gift certificates, memberships, classes, and so on.