A first massage therapy visit in Richmond, BC usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. You talk through your health history and what is bothering you, your therapist looks at how you move, and then you receive hands-on treatment at a pressure you control. You stay draped throughout, and you can ask to adjust or stop at any time.
If you have never booked one before, that is most of what you need to know. The rest of this guide covers the details, so you can walk in relaxed.
What is therapeutic massage, and how is it different from a spa massage?
Therapeutic massage has a purpose beyond feeling good. It is aimed at easing muscle tension, helping an area move more freely, and settling tissue that has been irritated by posture, repetition or old injuries.
A spa massage is designed first for relaxation. The two overlap, and a good therapeutic session is often deeply relaxing too. The difference is the plan. It starts with a question: what is going on in your body, and what do you want to be able to do again?
What happens at your first appointment?
- A conversation. We ask about your health history, any medications, past injuries, and what your days look like. Tell us your goal in your own words.
- A short assessment. We watch how you move and feel where the tension sits. Often the sore spot is not the whole story.
- Treatment. Hands-on work tailored to you. That may include slow, firm pressure on tight muscle, focused work on tender points, and gentle stretching.
- Aftercare. We explain what you might feel over the next day or two, suggest a simple stretch or habit if it helps, and talk about when to come back.
Do I have to undress?
Wear what is comfortable for you. Most people undress to their comfort level, and you are covered with a sheet or towel the whole time. Only the area being treated is uncovered. Some work can be done over clothing, so just say what you prefer.
How hard should the pressure be?
Firm should never mean bracing. A useful rule is to rate pressure from 1 to 10 and stay in the range where you can still breathe slowly and your muscles can let go. If you are tensing against it, tell your therapist. Pressure that your body fights tends to teach tight muscles to stay tight. If you would like to read more about firmer work, see our guide to deep tissue massage in Richmond, BC.
How often should you get a massage?
There is no single right number. For a recent flare-up, people often start with a few visits close together, then space them out as things settle. For ongoing stress or desk-related tension, many people book roughly monthly. Your therapist should suggest a plan and review it after a few visits rather than asking you to commit to a package up front.
How do you choose a massage therapist in Richmond, BC?
- Registration: ask which regulatory college they are registered with, and check the public register.
- Time to listen: a good therapist asks questions before the first touch.
- Communication: they explain what they are doing and adjust pressure when you ask.
- Honesty: they tell you when massage is not the right next step.
- Practicalities: location, parking, hours and easy online booking all affect whether you actually keep your appointments.
When should you see a doctor first?
Get medical advice before booking if you have sudden severe pain, pain after a fall or accident, numbness or weakness that is spreading, a fever, chest pain or shortness of breath, or swelling and warmth in one calf. Massage is not a substitute for assessment in those situations.
Massage therapy at Elora Wellness in Richmond, BC
Our Richmond clinic is at Unit 208, 4751 Garden City Road. Every visit is unhurried, so there is time to listen, assess and shape your plan around what you actually need, not a generic protocol. Because massage therapy sits alongside osteopathy and naturopathic medicine under one roof, we can talk through the next step with you in the same clinic if what we find points beyond muscle tension. Not sure which to book? Read massage therapy vs osteopathy.
RMT massage in Richmond, BC: options and prices at Elora
Every session is RMT massage with manual therapy. Sessions of 45 minutes and longer include IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue manipulation), which uses smooth-edged tools to help work on stubborn, tight soft tissue. The 30-minute option is a focused session for one problem area.
| Session | Length | Price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| RMT massage and focused region manual therapy | 30 min | $95 |
| RMT massage and manual therapy with IASTM | 45 min | $113 |
| RMT massage and manual therapy with IASTM | 60 min | $140 |
| RMT massage and manual therapy with IASTM | 75 min | $170 |
| RMT massage and manual therapy with IASTM | 90 min | $210 |
| RMT massage and manual therapy with IASTM | 120 min | $280 |
Prices are as listed on our online booking page. Most people start with 45 or 60 minutes, and choose 30 minutes when one area is the whole problem.
If you would like an osteopathic view as well, the Richmond osteopathy clinic from Best Osteopathy has moved to Elora Wellness. New to osteopathy? Start with What is Osteopathy? on the Best Osteopathy site.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a massage therapy session?
Our sessions run from 30 to 120 minutes, priced from $95 to $280 CAD. We will help you pick the length that suits the area and the goal.
Is massage therapy covered by insurance?
We do not offer direct billing. Many extended health plans cover RMT massage, so ask us for a receipt after your visit and check your policy for what you can claim.
What should I do before my appointment?
Eat lightly, wear something comfortable, and arrive five to ten minutes early to complete your intake form.
Will I be sore afterward?
Some people feel tender for a day or two after firmer work, a bit like after exercise. If the soreness is sharp or getting worse, let us know.
Ready to book massage in Richmond, BC? Book online or call 778 877 6776. Elora Wellness offers massage therapy at Unit 208, 4751 Garden City Road, Richmond, BC.
