Switching RMTs in Brentwood Burnaby: What Happens at Your First Visit?

What should you tell your new RMT first?

Start with the concern that matters most today. You do not need a perfect medical timeline or technical vocabulary. Describe what you notice, when it happens and how it affects an ordinary activity. If there are several concerns, say which one you most want to discuss during this appointment.

For example, “My shoulder bothers me when I reach to a high shelf” gives the therapist a useful starting point. Add whether that concern is new, recurring or different from the reason you previously attended massage therapy. Avoid guessing a diagnosis when you do not have one.

Bring relevant diagnoses, medications, surgery history and instructions from other treating professionals. Tell the RMT about changes since your last appointment, even if those details are already in older notes. Ask for help deciding which records are relevant.

Prepare a short handover note

A few organised lines are often easier to use than a long account written from memory at reception. You can use these prompts on paper or in a private note on your phone:

• My main concern: What I notice and when it started.
• My activity goal: The everyday task I want help understanding or managing.
• My previous care: When I attended, what was discussed and what I remember trying.
• My response: What changed afterwards, what felt unhelpful and how long any change lasted.
• Recent changes: New symptoms, medication changes, injuries or instructions from another professional.
• My preferences: Positioning, pressure, clothing and how I would like instructions explained.

You can leave a prompt blank if you do not know the answer. A personal summary helps you explain your experience. It does not replace the clinical record or a new assessment.

How do you arrange record sharing?

Contact your previous clinic and ask about sharing relevant records with the new therapist. Confirm the receiving practitioner and clinic, the information requested and the process for giving permission. Ask how long the request may take and whether there is an administrative fee.

The CCHPBC record-keeping FAQ explains that transfers require patient consent, secure handling and confirmation of completion. It also says record-related fees must be reasonable and disclosed in advance. This does not establish a particular clinic’s fee or turnaround time.

Ask the receiving clinic which secure route it uses. Do not send detailed health records through social media or assume a general contact form is intended for them. Before the appointment, confirm what has arrived. If something is missing, tell the clinic so it can advise you about preparation.

Why might a new RMT assess you again?

Your previous notes describe earlier visits. The new RMT also needs to understand your current situation and decide what is appropriate now. Sharing records can support that process, but it does not mean the same techniques or appointment plan will automatically continue.

Expect a conversation about your concern, relevant history and goals. Ask what any proposed assessment involves before it begins. Evergreen’s registered massage therapy service in Burnaby provides information about the service, while the treating RMT determines the approach for your visit.

A useful question is, “What information do you still need before we decide on care?” If recommendations differ from your previous plan, ask the therapist to explain why. A different suggestion is a reason for discussion, not proof that either provider has made an error.

How can you describe what felt helpful or uncomfortable?

Be specific about your experience without feeling that you need to judge the previous therapist. “That position was difficult for me” or “I found it easier when each step was explained first” gives your new RMT something practical to work with.

Describe any symptoms after previous treatment, including when they began and how they affected you. Do not assume that discomfort is something you must tolerate for treatment to work. Ask what to watch for and how to contact the therapist with concerns.

The CCHPBC informed consent standard requires a discussion before assessment and treatment and respect for a patient’s decision to change or withdraw consent. You can ask to pause, have something explained again or discuss a different approach.

What should you confirm before the Brentwood visit?

Check the clinic, practitioner and appointment type when booking. Say that this is your first visit with this RMT, even if you have attended massage therapy elsewhere. Ask what intake information is needed and whether any records should arrive beforehand.

Use the Brentwood Burnaby location page to confirm contact details. If you are arranging other care as well, the Brentwood services overview can help you identify which service to ask about. Do not assume that all practitioners share the same schedule or record access.

Confirm the appointment fee and any billing questions with the clinic. If you intend to claim extended health benefits, check the specific practitioner and service with your insurer. Changing therapists does not, by itself, confirm coverage or direct billing.

What should you clarify before leaving?

Ask for a brief explanation of what was discussed and any agreed next step. Note the goal you will use to review progress, such as a particular daily activity, rather than trying to remember only how the appointment felt.

Check that you understand any personalised instructions, when to contact the therapist and whether another appointment has been recommended. If records are still being requested, agree on who will follow up. You can bring new questions to the next conversation without rebuilding the whole history from the beginning.

Frequently asked questions