Muscle tension • Neck and back discomfort • Sports-related soreness • Car accident rehabilitation
Are tight shoulders, an aching back or sore muscles making your day harder? Prana Physiotherapy offers registered massage therapy at our Surrey and New Westminster clinics, with treatment selected for your symptoms, comfort and goals.
Whether you want focused care for a painful area or help easing everyday muscle tension, your RMT starts by listening to you and assessing what is appropriate. Pressure and technique are adjusted throughout your appointment.
Free parking at both clinics • Direct billing where supported • Call for current RMT availability, including evening and weekend options
Does This Describe Your Discomfort?
- Neck and shoulder tension after desk work or driving
- An aching back or tight muscles affecting daily comfort
- Soreness after gym training, running or sport
- Muscle discomfort following a car accident
- Recurring tightness that makes movement uncomfortable
- Stress-related muscle tension and difficulty unwinding
Massage may help some people manage symptoms, but it does not address every cause of pain. Your RMT can recommend medical review or another rehabilitation service when appropriate.
What Happens at Your First RMT Appointment
Your therapist asks about your symptoms, health history, medications, injuries and what you hope to achieve. Tell us about recent surgery, pregnancy, skin concerns or conditions that could affect treatment.
Assessment may include movement and relevant soft-tissue checks. Your RMT explains the proposed treatment, discusses benefits, risks and alternatives, and obtains your consent before assessment and treatment.
You agree on the areas to be treated, comfortable pressure, positioning and draping. Only the agreed treatment area is exposed as needed; your privacy is respected. Ask about clothing options if you prefer to remain clothed. You can change your mind, request less pressure or stop treatment at any time.
After your appointment: Your RMT may suggest self-care or simple movement advice and discuss whether follow-up is useful. Appointment time includes assessment, consent discussions and treatment, not necessarily continuous hands-on massage.
Massage Options Selected for You
Therapeutic Massage for Muscle Tension
Focused soft-tissue treatment can address muscle-related discomfort in areas such as the neck, shoulders and back. The plan depends on your assessment and how you respond.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deeper pressure may be appropriate for selected areas of muscle tension. More pressure is not automatically more effective. Your therapist adjusts intensity to your needs; you do not need to endure sharp pain for treatment to be worthwhile.
Swedish Massage
Broader strokes and kneading may be used to support relaxation and ease muscle tension. Your RMT can adapt the pace and pressure rather than follow the same routine for everyone.
Myofascial and Trigger Point Techniques
An RMT may use focused techniques for sensitive or restricted soft tissues when appropriate. Ask which approaches your chosen therapist offers and how they fit your treatment goals.
Massage for Active People
If training or sport leaves you sore or tight, massage may be part of symptom management. It does not replace progressive strengthening, load management or an appropriate return-to-sport plan when you have an injury.
Common Reasons Patients Seek RMT Care
Neck, Shoulder and Back Discomfort
Muscle tension can affect comfort during desk work, driving and daily tasks. Treatment may offer symptom relief for some people, while activity guidance and other rehabilitation can address ongoing functional needs. Results vary and benefits may be short term.
Soft Tissue Symptoms After an Injury
Massage may be appropriate during rehabilitation once the injury and healing stage have been considered. New injuries, significant swelling or severe pain may need medical assessment first.
Headaches With Neck Tension
Some people seek massage for neck and shoulder tension occurring alongside headaches. Headaches have many causes and research findings for massage are mixed. New, unusual or worsening headaches need appropriate medical assessment.
Everyday Stress and Muscle Tension
A comfortable massage appointment may help you relax and ease muscle tension. Tell your therapist whether you prefer a quieter session, lighter pressure or focused treatment. Massage is not a substitute for mental health or medical care.
Your Relieve, Restore, Recover Pathway
Step 1
Relieve
Discuss what is bothering you and start suitable treatment with pressure you can tolerate. Identify practical comfort goals, such as less shoulder tension during the day.
Step 2
Restore
Reassess movement and symptoms. Adjust the treatment and discuss self-care that supports comfortable activity between appointments.
Step 3
Recover
Review whether care is helping you reach your goals. If strength, endurance or return-to-work needs remain, another Prana clinician may be useful. Follow-up frequency is based on your needs and choices, not a fixed ongoing schedule.
Massage can complement rehabilitation, but hands-on symptom relief alone does not guarantee full recovery from an injury.
Call Surrey 604-260-0183 | Call New Westminster 604-533-6620
ICBC Massage Therapy After a Car Accident
Eligible ICBC claims include up to 12 pre-approved registered massage therapy treatments in the first 12 weeks after the collision, without a doctor's referral. Bring your claim number, collision date and Personal Health Number.
Call your preferred Prana clinic to confirm eligibility, direct billing and any further approval needed after the initial period. Your RMT assesses your symptoms and selects treatment suited to your recovery stage.
WorkSafeBC Massage Therapy
WorkSafeBC massage has its own requirements. An accepted claim and a doctor's referral are required for covered treatment. The current guidelines allow an initial assessment and up to six treatments within the first eight weeks from injury without pre-approval when the requirements are met; treatment beyond eight weeks needs approval.
Call with your claim number, injury date and referral so we can check whether an eligible RMT appointment can be arranged. Tell us about any other treatment for the same injury, because concurrent-treatment restrictions may apply. Physiotherapy approval does not automatically establish massage coverage.
Why Choose Prana for Registered Massage Therapy
- Treatment selected for your symptoms, comfort and goals
- Pressure and positioning discussed with you
- Access to physiotherapy and other rehabilitation services when appropriate
- Direct billing where your insurer and policy support it
- Surrey and New Westminster locations with free parking
Ask about available therapists and appointment times at your preferred location. Your treatment plan does not automatically require multiple services.
Registered Massage Therapy FAQs
What is the difference between RMT care and a spa massage?
In BC, massage therapists are regulated health professionals. RMT appointments include relevant assessment, consent and therapeutic care. Insurance eligibility depends on your policy and the provider; confirm coverage rather than assuming every massage service qualifies.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
You can generally book RMT care directly. Some extended health plans require a referral for reimbursement. WorkSafeBC-covered massage requires a doctor's referral; eligible ICBC pre-approved treatment has different rules.
Should deep tissue massage hurt?
You should not have to tolerate sharp pain or brace through treatment. Tell your RMT when pressure is uncomfortable. The therapist can reduce pressure, change techniques or stop.
What should I wear and will I be covered?
Wear comfortable clothing. Your RMT explains clothing and draping options before treatment and agrees on them with you. You can ask to remain clothed or decline treatment of any area. Consent is ongoing.
How long is an appointment?
Call for available appointment lengths and fees. Assessment, discussion, positioning and treatment all form part of the visit. Choose a duration with the clinic based on your needs and available options.
How often should I have massage?
It depends on your goals, response and preferences. Your therapist should review whether care is helping and discuss follow-up accordingly. There is no schedule that everyone must follow.
Can I claim RMT through extended health insurance?
Many plans cover registered massage therapy. Annual limits, deductibles, reimbursement percentages and referral rules vary. Bring your insurance details. Direct billing submits a claim; it does not guarantee full payment.
Can I combine massage and physiotherapy?
It may be useful when both address different needs within a coordinated plan. You may not need both. With your consent, clinicians can coordinate goals. Check your insurer's rules; WorkSafeBC restrictions require particular attention.
Do you offer pregnancy massage?
Tell us you are pregnant when calling. We can check whether a suitable RMT appointment is available and discuss positioning needs. Certain symptoms or pregnancy complications need medical advice before treatment.
Is massage suitable after surgery or with a medical condition?
Tell your therapist about recent surgery, blood-thinning medication, osteoporosis, cancer treatment or a history of blood clots. Treatment may need adaptation, medical clearance or postponement. Massage should not delay necessary medical care.
Can I get an evening, weekend or same-day appointment?
Call your preferred clinic for current RMT openings. Therapist schedules can differ from general clinic hours; appointment availability is not guaranteed.
What should I bring?
Bring your insurance information, relevant referral or medical instructions and any claim details. Let us know about your goals, pressure preferences and health concerns. Call before attending if you are unsure whether massage is appropriate.
Choose Your Prana RMT Location
Registered Massage Therapy Surrey
103–9093 King George Boulevard, Surrey, BC V3V 5V7
Find us in King George Business Complex at 91 Avenue, near Bear Creek and Surrey Memorial Hospital. Free parking is available in the plaza and behind the building.
Call 604-260-0183 for RMT appointment availability.
Registered Massage Therapy New Westminster
420 Columbia Street, 4th Floor, New Westminster, BC V3L 1B1
Opposite Columbia SkyTrain, with free parking behind the building.
Call 604-533-6620 for RMT appointment availability.
Ready to Arrange Your Massage Appointment?
Tell us what is bothering you, which location you prefer and what time works for you. We can help you find an available registered massage therapy appointment and explain what to bring.
