Question 1

Will My Extended Health Care Plan Cover the Costs of Acupuncture & Massage Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Most extended plans cover massage therapy and many offer direct billing. However, I always recommend checking with your insurance provider before your appointment to see how much is covered and whether you will need a note from your doctor in advance. You are responsible for payment if claims do not fully/partially cover the full cost of the treatment.
Debit, Mastercard, Visa, cash (exact amount only), and email money transfer are all acceptable forms of payment. All clients are issued a receipt following treatment that they can use later for reimbursement.

Question 2

Do You Offer Direct Billing?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Direct billing is available with Alberta Blue Cross, Maximum benefits (Johnson Group Inc.), Sun Life, Great West Life, Manulife, Medavie Blue Cross, Green Shield Canada, RBC Insurance, SSQ Financial Group, Empire Life,  Standard Life, Johnson, Desjardins, Express Scripts (Cowan), Industrial Alliance, Chambers of Commerce (Johnson Group), Sirius Benefits , Canada Life and RWAM.

Question 3

What is Massage Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Massage therapy works to improve health and wellness by manipulating soft tissues in the body including muscles, ligaments and joints. Massage therapy can be used to treat a variety of serious chronic pain conditions and muscle disorders as well as discomfort associated with occupational tasks, sports injuries, and beyond.

Question 4

Is Massage Therapy Just For Relaxation?

Accepted Answer

Massage therapy is a great source of relaxation for many, but is used for so much more than just that. When implemented properly, massage can lower blood pressure, ease tension headaches, elevate mood, decrease depression and anxiety, lower muscle tension, improve mobility, improve sleep quality, and promote health and wellness.

Question 5

What Are The Benefits of Massage Therapy?

Accepted Answer

In addition to improving your mental and physical wellbeing, massage therapy can be used to treat a variety of chronic pain conditions. Massage is also used to treat sports injuries, muscle spasms, and stress headaches. Some patients have even reported improved posture following a massage treatment.

Question 6

What Can I Expect During My First Massage Treatment?

Accepted Answer

You will first be required to complete a medical history form. After reviewing the form together and discussing your areas of concern, I will develop a treatment plan with goals, followed by your consent.
 
I will then leave the room so you can undress privately and get comfortable on the massage table. Before I re-enter the room I will knock on the door to ensure you are fully covered and ready for my return. All areas of your body will be covered by the sheet unless I am specifically working on it.

Question 7

How Often Should I Get a Massage?

Accepted Answer

If you are focusing on a specific area that is causing you continued discomfort or pain, I recommend treatment every 1 – 2 weeks. Once the issue has been resolved, one preventative massage a month is ideal.

Question 8

Can I Get A Massage If I’m Already in Pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Massage therapy works to reduce inflammation, swelling and current levels of pain. I will ask what your level of pain or discomfort is throughout the treatment to ensure it is not too much to handle.

Question 9

Will I Experience Muscle Soreness after My Massage?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may feel some soreness following your massage. Massage releases lactic acid in your muscles causing brief discomfort and soreness. Drink lots of water and rest directly after your appointment.

Question 10

Can Anyone Get a Hot Stone Massage?

Accepted Answer

Hot stone massage is not recommended if you are pregnant, have any immune system condition (such as Lupus, Cancer, Mononucleosis, etc), any skin conditions such as severe bruises, burns, shingles and/or any condition that results in a loss of sensation (ie: diabetes, Neuropathy and Peripheral Vascular Disorder). Please provide a full list of any condition you may have prior to the treatment.

Question 11

Do I Have To Take All My Clothes Off?

Accepted Answer

No. You can wear as much clothing as you would like during your massage therapy session. Throughout the appointment, you are underneath a sheet unless I am working on a specific part. You need to be comfortable and relaxed in order for the treatment to be most effective, so if this requires you to stay fully clothed that is most optimal.

Question 12

What Should I Expect For My First Treatment?

Accepted Answer

When you arrive for your acupuncture appointment, you will be asked to fill out several intake forms, including one that details your medical history. We will then discuss your treatment plan and address any issues or concerns you may have. Then, we will begin the acupuncture treatment. The entire process will take approximately one hour. Depending on the issue of treatment, follow-up sessions will be required.

Question 13

How Many Acupuncture Treatments Will I Need?

Accepted Answer

It will depend on the area and issue you are treating. While some patients experience results immediately following the treatment, others need anywhere between 3 – 5 sessions before feeling relief. After we have worked through the main issue, I recommend monthly acupuncture sessions to maintain general wellbeing and to support your immune system.

Question 14

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Accepted Answer

Not typically. Acupuncture needles are very fine. Depending on the area I am working on, you may feel numbness, a tingling sensation or electricity upon insertion. This is a desired and normal outcome, and means the treatment is effective. After acupuncture, most patients report feeling relaxed and calm.

Question 15

Are The Acupuncture Needles Safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each acupuncture needle is pre-packaged and wrapped individually. They are sterile steel needles and are immediately disposed of following treatment.

Question 16

What Do I Wear To My Acupuncture Appointment?

Accepted Answer

I recommend wearing comfortable clothing that isn’t too tight. However, wear whatever you are most comfortable in as the treatment will be most effective when you’re relaxed.

Question 17

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

Accepted Answer

Acupunture can treat:
 
Chronic pain
Sports injuries
Reproductive issue
Anxiety
Allergies
Arthritis
Depression
Digestion Issues
Fatigue
Illness
Injury
Insomnia
Migraines
Nausea
Neck pain
Shoulder pain
Smoking cessation
Sports injuries
Stress
Weight issues
Infertility
PCOS
Endometriosis
Uterine fibroids
Post-partum depression
Menopause symptoms

Question 18

What is Manual Osteopathy Therapy and what are the benefits?

Accepted Answer

Manual osteopathy therapy takes a holistic approach to restore your body’s natural healing processes. Looking at the body as a whole, focusing on getting the pelvis/body back into alignment and decreasing any build up of tension on the joints, muscles, and spine which relieves pain, tension, and stress.

• Reduces muscular/skeletal pain 
• Restores a greater range of motion to the body  
• Resolving a frozen shoulder
• Managing low back pain
• Decrease hip pain  
• Improving hip mobility   
• Improve postural problems  
• Promotes circulation
• Improves body functions   
• Lowers stress levels  
• Reduces headaches

Question 19

Is Manual Osteopathy Therapy billable to insurance or can be directed billed?

Accepted Answer

Insurance Companies that have Manual Osteopathy Therapy billing privileges:

• Alberta Blue Cross 
• Canada Benefit Providers 
• Chamber of Commerce Insurance 
• CINUP 
• ClaimSecure 
• ClaimXchange 
• Desjardin Insurance 
• Equitable Life 
• Empire Life 
• Greenshield 
• Group Medical Services (GMS) 
• Group Source 
• Johnston Group 
• Manulife 
• Maximum Benefits 
• Medavie (not veterans affairs) 
• NexGenRX 
• Pacific Blue Cross 
• People Corporation 
• Saskatchewan Blue Cross 
• Sunlife 
• The Co-Operators

Insurance Companies that have direct billing for Manual Osteopathy Therapy:

• Telus Health 
	• Beneva Inc.
	• BPA - Benefit Plan Administrators
	• Canadian Construction Workers Union
	• Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance
	• CINUP
	• ClaimSecure
	• Coughlin & Associates Ltd.
	• Cowan
	• D.A. Townley
	• Desjardins Insurance
	• Equitable
	• First Canadian
	• GMS Carrier 49
	• GMS Carrier 50
	• GroupHEALTH
	• GroupSource
	• Industrial Alliance 
	• Johnson Inc.
	• Johnson Group Inc.
	• LiUNA Local 183
	• LiUNA Local 506
	• Manion
	• Manulife Financial
	• Maximum Benefit
	• MDM Insurance Services Inc.
	• People Corporation
	• Simply Benefits
	• TELUS AdjudiCare
	• Union Benefits
	• UV Insurance

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Will My Extended Health Care Plan Cover the Costs of Acupuncture & Massage Therapy?

Do You Offer Direct Billing?

What is Massage Therapy?

Is Massage Therapy Just For Relaxation?

What Are The Benefits of Massage Therapy?

What Can I Expect During My First Massage Treatment?

How Often Should I Get a Massage?

Can I Get A Massage If I’m Already in Pain?

Will I Experience Muscle Soreness after My Massage?

Can Anyone Get a Hot Stone Massage?

Do I Have To Take All My Clothes Off?

What Should I Expect For My First Treatment?

How Many Acupuncture Treatments Will I Need?

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Are The Acupuncture Needles Safe?

What Do I Wear To My Acupuncture Appointment?

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

What is Manual Osteopathy Therapy and what are the benefits?

Is Manual Osteopathy Therapy billable to insurance or can be directed billed?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Will My Extended Health Care Plan Cover the Costs of Acupuncture &amp; Massage Therapy?

Do You Offer Direct Billing?

What is Massage Therapy?

Is Massage Therapy Just For Relaxation?

What Are The Benefits of Massage Therapy?

What Can I Expect During My First Massage Treatment?

How Often Should I Get a Massage?

Can I Get A Massage If I’m Already in Pain?

Will I Experience Muscle Soreness after My Massage?

Can Anyone Get a Hot Stone Massage?

Do I Have To Take All My Clothes Off?

What Should I Expect For My First Treatment?

How Many Acupuncture Treatments Will I Need?

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Are The Acupuncture Needles Safe?

What Do I Wear To My Acupuncture Appointment?

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

What is Manual Osteopathy Therapy and what are the benefits?

Is Manual Osteopathy Therapy billable to insurance or can be directed billed?

Will My Extended Health Care Plan Cover the Costs of Acupuncture & Massage Therapy?