Artemis Wellness Clinic is a multidisciplinary health clinic at 5911 No. 3 Road #130, Richmond — steps from Brighouse SkyTrain and directly across from Pricesmart Ackroyd. Our registered massage therapy program is built around clinical outcomes, not relaxation packages. Four licensed RMTs work alongside acupuncturists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and kinesiologists, coordinating your treatment so every session builds on the last.
We accept ICBC claims with direct billing (no upfront cost), WorkSafeBC claims, and direct bill to Pacific Blue Cross, Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, and most extended health plans. No referral is needed. Walk-ins are welcome 7 days a week.
What Is Registered Massage Therapy?
Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) is a regulated healthcare profession in British Columbia. Unlike spa massage or relaxation bodywork, RMT is a clinical discipline. Every registered massage therapist in BC has completed a minimum of 2,200 to 3,000 hours of education at an accredited institution, passed provincial examinations administered by the College of Massage Therapists of BC (CMTBC), and maintains ongoing continuing education requirements.
This distinction matters for two practical reasons. First, only treatments from a registered massage therapist are covered by extended health insurance and ICBC in BC. Second, RMTs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal conditions — not just provide general relaxation.
At Artemis, every massage therapist holds active CMTBC registration. You can verify any therapist’s credentials at the CMTBC public register.
Our RMT Treatment Techniques
Our registered massage therapists use evidence-based techniques selected for your specific condition, pain pattern, and recovery goals.
Deep Tissue Massage
Sustained pressure targeting the deeper layers of muscle and fascia. Effective for chronic tension, postural imbalances, and adhesions from repetitive strain. Our therapists adjust pressure based on your tolerance and tissue response — deep tissue work should produce therapeutic discomfort, not pain.
Myofascial Release
Slow, sustained pressure applied to fascial restrictions. This technique addresses referred pain patterns, restricted range of motion, and tissue tightness that doesn’t respond to conventional massage. Particularly effective for patients with fibromyalgia, chronic neck stiffness, and post-surgical scarring.
Trigger Point Therapy
Focused pressure on hyperirritable spots within taut bands of muscle fibre. Trigger points can cause local pain, referred pain to distant areas, and restricted movement. Your RMT identifies active trigger points during assessment and uses sustained compression, followed by stretching, to deactivate them.
Sports Massage
Pre-event and post-event massage techniques designed for athletes and active individuals. Includes facilitated stretching, cross-fibre friction, and compression work to reduce recovery time, improve flexibility, and address sport-specific muscle imbalances. Our RMTs work with runners, CrossFit athletes, hockey players, and weekend warriors throughout Richmond.
Joint Mobilization and Therapeutic Stretching
Gentle, repetitive oscillations applied to joints to restore normal range of motion. Combined with PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) stretching and active release techniques, joint mobilization is essential for patients recovering from car accidents, frozen shoulder, and post-surgical stiffness.
Prenatal Massage
Specialized positioning and techniques for pregnant patients. Prenatal RMT helps manage lower back pain, hip discomfort, swelling, and stress during pregnancy. All our RMTs are trained in safe prenatal massage protocols and use supportive cushioning systems for patient comfort.
Lymphatic Drainage
Light, rhythmic massage strokes that stimulate the lymphatic system to reduce swelling and support immune function. Used post-surgery, post-injury, and for patients managing lymphedema or chronic inflammation.
Conditions We Treat
Our RMTs have clinical experience treating a wide range of musculoskeletal and pain conditions:
- Chronic neck and shoulder pain — often caused by desk work, poor posture, or repetitive strain
- Lower back pain and sciatica — including disc-related pain, piriformis syndrome, and SI joint dysfunction
- Tension headaches and migraines — frequently linked to cervical muscle tension and trigger points
- Whiplash and car accident injuries — soft tissue damage from motor vehicle collisions, covered by ICBC
- Sports injuries — muscle strains, ligament sprains, tennis elbow, rotator cuff issues, and IT band syndrome
- TMJ (jaw) pain — muscle tension in the masseter and temporalis contributing to jaw pain, clicking, and grinding
- Repetitive strain injuries — carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, and forearm overuse from computer work
- Post-surgical recovery — scar tissue management, range of motion restoration, and pain reduction following surgery
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) — progressive stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint
- Pregnancy-related discomfort — lower back pain, hip pain, and swelling during pregnancy
- Stress and anxiety-related tension — physical manifestations of chronic stress, including muscle guarding, shallow breathing, and sleep disruption
ICBC Massage Therapy: Direct Billing, No Upfront Cost
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in British Columbia, ICBC covers registered massage therapy as part of your recovery care under the Enhanced Care model. At Artemis, we handle all ICBC documentation and billing directly — you pay nothing out of pocket.
Here is how the process works:
- Report the accident to ICBC at 1-800-910-4222 and obtain a claim number.
- Call Artemis at 604-242-2233 or book online at artemis.janeapp.com.
- Bring your ICBC claim number to your first appointment. We bill ICBC directly.
- Your RMT completes an initial assessment and develops a treatment plan.
- Treatment continues as long as it is medically necessary — there is no fixed session limit under Enhanced Care.
No doctor referral is required to begin ICBC massage therapy. However, having a referral from your physician can be helpful for documentation.
Under the Enhanced Care (no-fault) model introduced in May 2021, coverage applies regardless of who was at fault in the accident. Your treatment benefits are the same whether you caused the collision or were a passenger.
For a complete guide, read our article: ICBC Massage Therapy Claims in Richmond.
Insurance Coverage and Direct Billing
All major extended health insurance plans in BC cover registered massage therapy. At Artemis, we direct bill to:
- Pacific Blue Cross
- Sun Life Financial
- Manulife
- Canada Life (formerly Great-West Life)
- Green Shield Canada
- Desjardins Insurance
- Industrial Alliance
- Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance
- Blue Cross Alberta/Atlantic
- Most employer-sponsored plans
We also accept WorkSafeBC claims for workplace injuries, including active rehabilitation programs.
If you are unsure whether your plan covers RMT, bring your insurance card to your first visit — our front desk team will verify your coverage before treatment begins.
Meet Our Registered Massage Therapists
Dave Tam — Director & RMT
Dave is the clinic director and a registered massage therapist with extensive experience in deep tissue therapy, sports massage, and injury rehabilitation. He oversees the clinical direction of the RMT program and ensures treatment consistency across the team.
Samuel Cabuay — RMT
Samuel brings focused expertise in therapeutic massage for chronic pain, postural correction, and workplace injury recovery. His approach combines deep tissue work with joint mobilization to address both symptoms and underlying structural issues.
Jonae Ablao — RMT
Jonae specializes in myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and prenatal massage. Patients managing complex pain patterns, fibromyalgia, or pregnancy-related discomfort benefit from her detail-oriented assessment and treatment style.
Max — RMT
Max focuses on sports massage, active release techniques, and rehabilitation for athletic injuries. His background in movement assessment helps athletes at every level recover faster and prevent recurring injuries.
What to Expect at Your First RMT Appointment
Your first visit at Artemis begins with a one-on-one assessment — not treatment. Your RMT will review your health history, ask about your pain patterns, daily activities, and treatment goals, then perform a physical assessment including posture analysis, range of motion testing, and palpation of the affected areas.
Based on this assessment, your RMT will explain what they found, recommend a treatment plan, and discuss realistic timelines for improvement. Treatment typically begins during the same visit, after the assessment is complete.
Subsequent visits focus on hands-on treatment, with reassessment at regular intervals to track your progress and adjust the plan as needed.
For a detailed walkthrough, read: What to Expect at Your First RMT Appointment in Richmond.
Why Choose a Multidisciplinary Clinic for RMT?
Most massage therapy clinics offer one service. Artemis offers five regulated health disciplines under one roof — and our practitioners coordinate your care.
If your RMT identifies a joint restriction during treatment, your chiropractor can address it. If your physiotherapist designs a rehab exercise program, your RMT can manage pain between sessions. If you are recovering from a car accident, your treatment plan can include RMT, acupuncture for pain, physiotherapy for mobility, and kinesiology for active rehab — all in one clinic, all billed to ICBC.
This integrated approach is particularly valuable for patients with complex injuries, chronic pain conditions, or post-surgical recovery where multiple disciplines produce better outcomes than any single treatment in isolation.
RMT Pricing at Artemis Wellness Clinic
Note: ICBC patients pay nothing out of pocket — we bill ICBC directly. Extended health insurance typically covers a significant portion of RMT costs. Pricing is subject to change; confirm current rates when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor’s referral to see an RMT?
No. In British Columbia, you can book directly with a registered massage therapist without a referral. If you are using ICBC or WorkSafeBC benefits, a referral is not required but can be helpful for your claim documentation.
How many RMT sessions does ICBC cover?
There is no fixed session limit. Under the Enhanced Care model, ICBC covers massage therapy as long as it is medically necessary. Your RMT documents your progress and treatment necessity for ICBC.
What is the difference between an RMT and a regular massage therapist?
A registered massage therapist has completed 2,200-3,000 hours of accredited education, passed provincial exams, and holds active registration with the CMTBC. Only RMTs are covered by insurance in BC. Read our full comparison: RMT vs Massage Therapist in Richmond.
Is RMT covered by my extended health insurance?
Almost all extended health plans in BC include RMT coverage. The exact amount varies by plan. We direct bill to most insurers, so you typically only pay the difference (if any) at the time of your visit.
Can I combine RMT with other treatments?
Yes. Many of our patients combine RMT with acupuncture, physiotherapy, or chiropractic care for comprehensive treatment. Our practitioners communicate and coordinate your treatment plan.
Do you accept walk-ins?
Yes. We accept walk-ins 7 days a week, subject to therapist availability. For guaranteed appointment times, we recommend booking online at artemis.janeapp.com or calling 604-242-2233.
Where is the clinic located?
Artemis Wellness Clinic is at 5911 No. 3 Road #130, Richmond BC — directly across from Pricesmart Ackroyd, a 3-minute walk from Brighouse SkyTrain station, and steps from Richmond Centre mall. Free parking is available in the building.
Book Your RMT Appointment
Ready to start your treatment? Book online at artemis.janeapp.com or call 604-242-2233. Artemis Wellness Clinic is open 7 days a week, with flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends.
ICBC and WorkSafeBC claims accepted. Direct billing to most insurance plans. No referral needed.
5911 No. 3 Road #130, Richmond BC V6X 0K9 — Steps from Brighouse SkyTrain.