Frequently Asked Questions
What do I wear to my appointment?
For all appointments it is a good idea to wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing that you can relax in. With the exception of massage therapy, you will stay full clothed for your osteopathy, reiki, and cranial sacral appointments. Depending on techniques being used during your appointment, it may be necessary to remove large jewelry, belts, and bulky sweaters, but our therapists will work with your comfort levels to ensure they provide a safe, relaxing treatment.
How often do I need to come for Osteopathy appointments?
This answer varies from person to person, and depends on the specific nature of the problems that the body is going through. Some people who have a preventive, health-conscious mindset come regularly (weekly-monthly). Others come only when they are having a flare up of a problem. For acute painful conditions such as sore neck, back, or shoulders, often one or two treatments can make notable progress.
Because osteopaths believe that the body needs time to process and integrate the effects of a treatment, we recommend no more than one session per week, unless we are dealing with a crisis condition (sciatic flareup, etc). Once we area able to assess the body and how it reacts to treatments, we often reduce the frequency of osteopathic visits to once per month, every other month, or to three or four visits a year. Keep in mind, periodic check-ins can be helpful to reduce the frequency and intensity of flare-ups that one may be prone to experiencing.
Do I need to have a specific problem to book an appointment?
No, you don't need to have a specific problem to book any type of appointment! Our therapists will assess the body prior to beginning every session, then follow what they are led to treat.
Osteopathy has been shown to promote better circulation throughout the body, and can reduce a person's experience of stress by promoting balance of the nervous system. This allows the body as a whole to function at its optimal potential.
Massage is a phenomenal way to decrease overall tension within the body and promote better movement patterns.
Reiki and Cranial Sacral help to align the body, mind, and spirit. Both are a great way to unwind, and manage stress levels as well.
Is there a minimum age for Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a safe and effective way of balancing the body at any age, from newborn to the elderly population! We often treat babies and new moms just days after delivery, commonly for colic and other birth related traumas that may have occurred.
Are all treatments safe during pregnancy?
Yes! Every type of appointment we offer is safe during pregnancy. Its is, however, a good idea to include your pregnancy as well as how far along you are on your intake form so that our therapists can made any modifications necessary to accommodate different needs which may arise during your appointment.
How long of an Osteopathy appointment should I book?
Generally speaking, a 45 minute treatment is the standard osteopathy appointment length. This allows time for the therapist to provide an effective treatment while still performing a short assessment prior to beginning. That being said, it is recommended for first time appointments, or conditions requiring more in depth resolutions, to book a 60 minute appointment.
If you are unsure, you can book a 60 minute timeslot and we can always shorten it, if needed!
We also offer a 30 minute option, but this is often only used for rechecks within 7 days of the last appointment, or for children, as their bodies tend to integrate techniques much quicker than adults.
Is direct billing available for my appointment?
Depending on the type of appointment, direct billing may be an option.
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For Massage therapy, both Stephanie and Mark are able to direct bill to most insurance companies. If you have any questions regarding if your specific company is available for direct billing, please feel free to reach out prior to your appointment.
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For Osteopathy, we can direct bill to many companies, including Manulife, Greensheild, Cinup, People Corp, Sunlife, etc.
There are a few health care plans which DO cover Osteopathy, but may not offer direct billing such as Blue Cross (meaning you must pay up front and submit your own receipts).
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Canada Life, Industrial Alliance, and RWAM currently do NOT cover our Manual Osteopathic services in Alberta due to the insurance companies themselves not recognizing our therapists association.​
If this is a concern, please contact your insurance company to look into your plan and see what options are available as our therapists are unable to see specifics of individual plans.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our clinic requires 24 hours notice when rescheduling or canceling any treatments. If you do not show for your treatment, you will still be expected to pay for the therapists time, as this space has been specifically held for you. These payments are not covered under any extended health care plans so they must be paid out of pocket in the form of cash, debit or credit, and are due before future treatments can be scheduled.
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Each therapist has their own policies:
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Steph's policy - 50% of the scheduled treatments cost, with 2+ no shows requiring prepayment before scheduling future appointments, or client may be asked not to return.
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Mark's policy - 50% of the scheduled treatments surcharge on all late cancellations or missed appointments.​
Our therapists acknowledge that extenuating circumstances do occur, and that they will use their discretion if the case arises.
What should I expect after my appointment?
Depending on your type of appointment, you may expect to experience different things.
We often recommend to drink plenty of fluids for 24 hours after all appointments and to generally take it easy. Warm baths, or heating pads can also help alleviate any post treatment discomforts that may arise.
You may feel some muscle soreness, or get a slight headache post massage for a couple days. This is a totally normal response as your body metabolizes any lactic acids or toxins that may have been released from tense muscles during the massage. Fluids and heat will help remedy these side effects!
After osteopathy, we say you should expect the unexpected! You may feel quite tired after your appointment, with the potential for some discomfort as your body integrates the techniques used during the appointment. For 24-72 hours post treatment, you may experience somatic releases of emotions, or more "cracking" of joints than you typically would experience in a normal day. This is due to your body pulling itself into alignment from adjustments made during treatments.
If at anytime you experience something that you are unsure of, please contact us and we can assess the situation and guide you to what the next step should be!
Do all Osteopath's treat the same?
If you have experienced osteopathy before, you will be aware that there are differences in treatments, and treatment styles. Although all Osteopaths are guided by the same principles and taught the same techniques, treatment differences usually reflect the practitioner’s personality, training (prior training and osteopathic training) and experiences. Furthermore, osteopathy is patient centered and individualized, therefore no two treatments or therapists will be exactly the same.
Do I need a doctors referral for Osteopathy?
No, doctors referrals are not necessary to book an osteopathic appointment!
However, if you are looking to book an appointment and your insurance company requires a referral, we are happy to work with your healthcare provider to ensure you are covered.