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Braidwood Massage Therapy Courtenay
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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are licensed professionals trained in treating injuries, chronic pain, and other medical conditions. They follow strict guidelines set by the College of Massage Therapists of BC and must complete extensive education, exams, and ongoing training. Their services are often covered by extended health insurance.

Non-registered massage therapists may offer relaxation massages but are not licensed or regulated. Their treatments are typically not covered by insurance and may lack the clinical focus RMTs provide.

If you need treatment for an injury or condition – or want insurance coverage – it’s best to book with an RMT.

It depends on your goals, activity level, and how your body responds, but common “maintenance” schedules look like:

  • Every 4–6 weeks: general wellness / keeping tension from building up
  • Every 2–4 weeks: ongoing tightness (desk work, stress, recurring neck/shoulder tension)
  • Weekly or biweekly for a short period: during a flare-up, injury recovery, or a focused treatment plan

A good approach is to start with what your body needs now, then space out as symptoms improve. We’ll recommend a plan that fits your goals and budget (no “massage subscription” required 😄).

Yes, mild soreness for 24 – 48 hours can be normal, especially after a more therapeutic or “deep tissue” session, a first appointment, or if we worked on areas that have been tight for a long time. It can feel similar to post-workout tenderness.

What helps: drink water, keep moving gently (walks/light stretching), and use heat or a warm shower if it feels good.

When to check in: if soreness is sharp, worsening, includes numbness/tingling, or lasts more than a few days, let us know so we can adjust your next treatment.

Yes, many people find massage helps them feel calmer and sleep better. Massage therapy can support the nervous system by shifting the body out of “go-go-go” mode and into a more relaxed state, which may reduce muscle guarding and stress-related tension.

A few tips to get the most sleep benefit:

  • Book at a time when you can go home and wind down after
  • Avoid heavy workouts right after, if you can
  • Give yourself a quiet evening routine (hydration, warm shower, screen dimming)

If stress and sleep are big goals for you, we can tailor the session with a slower pace, more breathing cues, and a focus on areas that hold stress (neck, shoulders, jaw, diaphragm, hips).

Often, yes. Neck and shoulder discomfort is commonly linked to muscle tension, postural strain, repetitive work, stress, and trigger points in areas like the upper traps, levator scapulae, pecs, and the muscles around the shoulder blades. Massage therapy can help by reducing tension, improving circulation, and supporting better movement and posture habits.

That said, not all neck/shoulder pain is muscular. If your symptoms include radiating pain down the arm, numbness/tingling, significant weakness, dizziness, or headaches that feel unusual, we’ll suggest you check in with a physician or appropriate provider to rule out other causes