FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions


Question: Are you a RMT?

Answer: No, I am a licensed Thai Massage Practitioner. My license is from the Traditional Thai Massage Association of Ontario.

Question: Do you take any insurance?

Answer: No, treatments at Forrest Thai Massage are not covered by insurance.

Question: Do you offer gift certificates?

Answer: Yes, We do offer gift certificates. The best option is the eGift card that I have set up through Square.

Question: What is Thai massage used for?

Answer:

  • Restore balance between areas of excess and restraint. 
  • Stress Reduction. 
  • Increasing the Range of Motion throughout the entire body.
  • Improved Circulation. 
  • Centering the Mind and Body. 
  • Increasing overall flexibility. 
  • Speed the recovery after intense workouts or from Jet-Lag. 
  • Boost energy.

Question: Are there contraindications for Thai Massage?

Answer:

  • Infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds. 
  • Immediately after surgery. 
  • Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor. 
  • Predisposition to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. 
  • If you have heart disease, please check with your doctor before having any massage. 
  • Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage. Massage for pregnant women should be done by massage therapists who are experienced in pregnancy massage. 
  • Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.

Question: How can I decide the duration of the session to choose?

Answer:

  • Sessions of 90 Minutes and up are recommended, in order to have the time to complete a thorough treatment and to obviate rushing. 
  • If you have specific areas in the body that you would like to have addressed during the session, 60 minutes may not be adequate time unless you are quite small or in really great shape. When we say, “in great shape” we are not necessarily referring to body fat %.
  • If you are a large person, it will take longer to complete a thorough treatment. 
  • If you are intending to satisfy your curiosity, book 60 minutes and “try it out”. But be advised, the first session is likely to make you aware of cranky regions that you might not have realized you had. 
  • Book 2 or 3 hours if you would like to make sure you get a thorough treatment. 
  • If you are elderly we may have to proceed more slowly through the process.

Question: How often should I receive Thai Massage?

Answer: There is no risk in receiving a Thai massage as often as you wish. For clients new to Thai massage I would recommend scheduling your first massage and then deciding on the interval after you determine how well the effect lasts. The benefit of Thai Massage may last longer than a typical massage but the duration requirement and frequency are different for every individual. Many of my customers schedule their massage on a weekly basis, however, we do have customers who come in every other week or make monthly appointments. If you are a person who has specific health goals, consider a series of treatments. Health professionals agree that committing to a series of treatments produces a deeper effect in comparison to an unorganized approach. Discounts are available for multi-session purchases.

Question: Will I experience muscle pain or discomfort after a Thai Massage?

Answer: This therapy combines pressure point work with stretches and can be as deep or as light as you wish. Typically, there is no residual muscle pain afterward, just a feeling similar to that of flushing out the by-products from muscle contraction and increased circulation. If your objective is to achieve marked tissue change, there may be a need for increased intensity and although it is rare, some clients experience a bit of stiffness first thing the next morning which clears up as soon as you get moving. This is usually followed by greater ease in movement, increased range, and greater strength which evolves over the following days.

Question: Why does Thai massage hurt so much?

Answer: It's normal to feel sore after a massage. The technique carries blood and nutrients to your muscles while eliminating toxins. After stimulating muscles that you may not usually use, you might experience delayed onset muscle soreness. This is a physical response to the inflammation as your body heals.

Question: Is Thai massage better than deep tissue?

Answer: For example, if you have been struggling with muscle pain, tension, and knots, then a deep tissue massage is ideal. However, for your general health, improved movement and joint relief, including a number of other benefits, Thai massage is the way forward.

Question: What is a Herbal Compress Massage?

Answer: Thai Herbal Compress massage (Luk Pra Kob) uses a steamed herbal ball during the massage. A blend of medicinal herbs is wrapped in cotton and applied to the body as a hot compress to relieve pain and inflammation and nourish and soften the skin.

Question: What is Thai Foot Reflexology?

Answer: Thai foot reflexology applies pressure to particular areas of the soles of the feet using thumbs, fingers, knuckles and a wooden Thai foot massage stick.