Are you looking for a massage and physiotherapy service in Mississauga, Ontario?
If you open up the phone book, or use Google as most of us do now, you’ll see that there are a vast number of clinics that offer these services.
So, how do you choose?
Instead of booking with the first one your eyes or fingers rest upon, you need to look into the integrity of the services and ensure that the clinic offers what you need.
With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to know you are making the right choice. To help you out, here are some factors you should consider when choosing the best massage and physiotherapy services in Mississauga:
Physiotherapy Versus Massage Therapy
There are some notable differences between physiotherapy and massage therapy but each can provide you with innumerable benefits to your health!
The first distinction relates to the purpose of each service. Massage therapy is typically used for immediate treatment of pain and muscle issues while physiotherapy is more focused on rehabilitation of muscular and joint injuries.
Also, the level of education required for therapists differ. In Ontario, physiotherapists must have a Master’s degree and use the title Physiotherapist or Physical Therapist. They must also be registered with the College of Physiotherapists in Ontario or another regulatory college.
Massage therapists, on the other hand, must complete a recognized Massage Therapy diploma program in order to use the designation of Registered Massage Therapist or Massage Therapist – this also requires a Certificate of Registration from the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
The best massage and physiotherapy services in Mississauga will help you determine which therapy is best for you by assessing your condition and unique needs.
Otherwise, here are some important factors you should consider when choosing massage and physiotherapy services:
7 Things to Consider When Choosing Massage and Physiotherapy Services
1. Convenient Hours
You’ll know a physiotherapy and massage clinic puts their patients first when they offer early morning and evening hours to individuals who work during the day.
Not only is booking an appointment early or late convenient for a patient but it helps those individuals avoid taking time off work.
If you work Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, you’ll want to seek out a service that can accommodate your schedule.
Apart from when you are able to make your appointment, it’s important to consider how long your appointment is.
Many clinics, for instance, book patients in for 15-minute increments. This doesn’t provide a whole lot of time to conduct a proper assessment and treatment.
Look for a service that offers longer time slots such as 30 minutes to ensure you are receiving quality care.
2. Billing
When it comes to paying for your services, you want to make sure that the massage and physiotherapy clinic direct bills or at least can bill with your health insurance provider.
If they do, you then want to find out if they practice ethical billing. This means that your massage therapist or physiotherapist will develop and treatment plan and schedule based on your unique needs – not the coverage you have available.
This way, you can avoid having to attend unnecessary appointments simply because the clinic wants to book you in for the maximum visits your coverage will allow.
3. The Layout and State of the Clinic
While physiotherapists and massage therapists are required under a code of conduct to keep your personal information private, you want to also ensure that your treatment is done in private as well.
Many clinics will offer a private treatment room where you can openly discuss your concerns with the physiotherapist or massage therapist.
When it comes to physiotherapy, you may also want to learn and practice your recovery exercises in a private area.
While some clinics have an open-concept layout for their services, many offer private rooms.
You also want to pay attention to the state and cleanliness of the clinic. A clean and bright area with newer equipment is an excellent sign that the therapists take their work seriously and care about their patients.
You can always ask to have a tour of the clinic before committing to an appointment or consultation.
4. Credentials
It’s possible for practitioners to market themselves as offering physio and massage services but this is not the same as being a registered therapist.
When it comes to the nature of these services, both physiotherapy and massage require extensive knowledge and understanding of the body.
Having certifications and being a registered therapist means that the person giving the treatment can do so in a way that will not only prevent injury but speed up your recovery as well.
Before booking with a clinic, ask if their massage therapists and physiotherapists are licensed and registered. You can even ask to see certification.
5. In-Home Versus In-Clinic
While in-clinic massage and physiotherapy services have proven to be successful, it may that you require in-home services to suit your unique circumstances.
In-home physiotherapy and massage services can be beneficial since they allow you to heal in the comfort of your home and are safer for high-risk individuals who have an illness or disability.
It can also save you time and money by reducing your need to travel.
Not all clinics offer in-home services but, if you feel you require them, it’s best to find out if they do.
6. The Therapist
Physiotherapy and massage therapy are very personal experiences so you want to make sure you and your therapist are a good fit.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to get along on a personal level but you want to make sure you can communicate effectively with your therapist and that they understand and address your concerns.
Their attitude can be an important factor as well. You may be looking for someone who is encouraging and supportive or you may need a therapist who takes a tougher approach.
The best massage and physiotherapy clinics will take the time to talk with you and get a feel for the type of therapist best suited to your needs.
7. Reviews
With many businesses increasing their online presence, it’s easy to access feedback from patients regarding their experiences and the quality of therapy.
However, you should take reviews with a grain of salt – disgruntled patients may leave harsh reviews based on their own personal attitudes and not the therapy itself.
But if you find predominantly positive or negative reviews, it’s safe to assume the results represent an overall opinion of a particular massage and physiotherapy service.
If you don’t where to start when it comes to looking for a service, you can always ask friends and family for recommendations as well!
Looking for the Best Massage and Physiotherapy Services in Mississauga?
Whether you are recovering from an injury, or simply seeking relief from pain, https://www.greymethod.ca/ can help! Their team of registered physiotherapists and massage therapists is available to assess your situation and find a solution that works for you.
They will gladly consult you, address your unique needs, and develop a plan to help you reach your health and wellness goals!