Any good comprehensive health insurance plan will have a certain yearly amount allotted for special services. This amount varies from provider to provider and not all plans cover massage therapy.
What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy is an essential treatment used to promote relaxation, healing and relieve body tension. By applying pressure, movement and vibration to the ailing part (or parts) of the body, this therapy can improve circulation, develop better muscle function, relieve pain and promote overall good health. Many people seek physical therapy after suffering a car accident or other physical injury. You can also visit a registered massage therapist to help with general joint stiffness or mental health related issues.
How does massage therapy help?
This type of physiotherapy comes with numerous benefits that range from relief from chronic pain to helping with anxiety and depression. Depending on what you are being treated for, your session can last anywhere from 30-90 minutes. Some conditions respond to one treatment while others require multiple sessions. Generally, ongoing sessions are needed for pain relief whereas simple joint stiffness can be resolved with one or two treatments. Massage therapy is an ideal treatment for headaches and migraines, whiplash and neck pain, muscle stiffness, tension, back problems, shoulder issues, sports injuries, ligament and tendon issues, and hip/pelvic pain. Moreover, massage therapy provides a temporary relief from anxiety and can boost your mood.
Does my insurance cover massage therapy?
When you signed up for your insurance, whether it was through your employer or privately, you were given a pamphlet or link that details everything covered under your program. Some health insurance plans do cover massage therapy as long as you visit a registered massage therapist. You should always use the services of a registered massage therapist for this type of physiotherapy. Otherwise you could end up seriously injured. Registered massage therapists must complete specific schooling and have hours of practice under their belts before they can work in the field. Do not take your chances on someone who is not registered.
Is massage therapy covered by OHIP?
Unfortunately, massage therapy is not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan even if your treatments are physician required.
Insurance in Ontario varies from plan to plan. While some plans do cover massage therapy, it depends on your provider. As aforementioned, massages from a registered massage therapist can provide numerous benefits. Please contact us for more information or to set up an appointment.
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