FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
How do you book an appointment at the clinic? When do you pay for your visit? What forms of payment are accepted by the clinic? Are the services offered at the clinic covered by extended healthcare insurance plans? Are the services offered at the clinic covered by OHIP? What happens if you need to cancel your appointment?

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE Can I use Naturopathic Medicine if I'm on prescription medication? If you're currently getting treatment from a Medical Doctor can you also visit a Naturopathic Doctor? Is Homeopathic Medicine different from Naturopathic Medicine? How are Naturopathic Doctors trained? Does health insurance cover Naturopathic Medicine? How do Naturopathic Doctors function as part of today's health care system?
CHIROPRACTIC

What is chiropractic? Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD? What kind of education does a Chiropractor receive? Are chiropractic adjustments safe? What is the popping sound associated with a chiropractic adjustment? Are chiropractic adjustments effective? Once I start, will I need to see a Chiropractor indefinitely? Does every patient need to have X-rays taken? Who would benefit from chiropractic care? What can I expect on my first visit?
REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPY What to expect on your first visit? How are Registered Massage Therapists trained? Can I ask my massage therapist to make adjustments for my comfort?
LINKS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND RESEARCH Listed below are some links to industry Association websites that you may find helpful: Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors http://www.naturopathicassoc.ca Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors http://www.oand.org The Canadian Chiropractic Association http://www.ccachiro.org/client/cca/cca.nsf/web/Home?OpenDocument Ontario Chiropractic Association http://www.chiropractic.on.ca Ontario Massage Therapists Association http://www.omta.com

How do you book an appointment at the clinic? You can book an appointment by contacting us at 416-2-HEALTH (243-2584) Go Back to Top When do you pay for your visit? Payment is required at the time you receive your treatment. Go Back to Top What forms of payment are accepted by the clinic? We accept cash, debit, VISA and MasterCard. Go Back to Top Are the services offered at the clinic covered by extended healthcare insurance plans? Yes, most extended healthcare insurance plans cover the services we offer. However, we recommend that you contact your insurance provider directly to confirm the nature and extent of your coverage. Go Back to Top Are the services offered at the clinic covered by OHIP? No, at the present time, the services offered at the clinic are not covered by OHIP. Go Back to Top What happens if you need to cancel your appointment? We ask that you provide the clinic at least 24 hours advance notice if you need to cancel your appointment. Cancellations with less than 24 hours advance notice are subject to a charge of the full fee for the service scheduled. Go Back to Top
Can I use Naturopathic Medicine if I'm on prescription medication? Yes. Licensed Naturopathic Doctors have training in pharmacology and drug-nutrient-herb interactions. Naturopathic Doctors can also help you manage the side effects of medication. Naturopathic Doctors work together with Medical Doctors to ensure the best care for all patients. Go Back to Top If you're currently getting treatment from a Medical Doctor can you also visit a Naturopathic Doctor? Yes. Medical Doctors and Naturopathic Doctors often work together to provide you with the best health care available. Go Back to Top Is Homeopathic Medicine different from Naturopathic Medicine? Homeopathic medicine is one of a number of therapies that Naturopathic Doctors may integrate into a treatment program. Naturopathic Doctors perform a thorough examination including laboratory diagnostics and physical exams before prescribing any kind of treatment. Naturopathic Doctors are trained and licensed to provide homeopathic treatments as part of an integrated treatment program.
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How are Naturopathic Doctors trained? Naturopathic Doctors have a minimum of three years of pre-medical studies at a university, followed by four years of study at a Naturopathic Medical school. The education encompasses medical sciences including pharmacology, laboratory diagnosis, naturopathic principles and treatment modalities including acupuncture, botanical medicine, homeopathy, medical nutrition as well as 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience. Graduates must also pass rigorous standardized examinations obtain a license and qualify to practice as a Naturopathic Doctor (ND).
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Does health insurance cover Naturopathic Medicine? Most private insurance plans cover Naturopathic treatments. Insured patients are encouraged to contact their employer or insurance provider to determine the level of coverage provided.
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How do Naturopathic Doctors function as part of today's health care system? Naturopathic Doctors are primary care providers with a revolutionary approach to health care. Naturopathic Doctors treat acute and chronic illnesses by addressing the underlying cause(s) and not just the symptoms. Each treatment is personalized and addresses physical, mental and emotional health.
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What is chiropractic? Chiropractic is a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care. Chiropractors focus on the assessment and treatment of disorders relating to the spine, pelvis, extremities and their effect on the nervous system. In short, chiropractic is a system of health care that views patient symptoms as clues to the cause of the problem. Once the cause is identified, chiropractors use non-invasive therapies such as the chiropractic adjustment, therapeutic exercise, nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling to resolve the complaint and improve overall patient health. Go Back to Top Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD? No. Chiropractors are primary contact health providers. This means that anyone can visit a Chiropractor in the same manner as a Medical Doctor. Chiropractors and Medical Doctors do refer to one another when they feel it would be in the best interests of their patients. Go Back to Top What kind of education does a Chiropractor receive? Chiropractic students undergo a rigorous course of study similar to that of other health care professionals. Students are required to complete a minimum of three years of university before they are eligible for admission to the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College accredited program. Once accepted to the program, students receive 4 years of intensive education in the areas of anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, neurology, embryology, principles of chiropractic, radiology, immunology, microbiology, pathology, nutrition, and clinical sciences specifically relating to diagnosis. Students also receive a full year of hands-on clinical management experience under the supervision of highly qualified Chiropractors with diverse backgrounds in areas such as physiology, biochemistry, biomechanics and anatomy. Go Back to Top Are chiropractic adjustments safe? Yes. Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of headache, and neck and back pain. It has an excellent safety record. However, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. Most often, patients feel immediate relief after receiving an adjustment; however, some patients may experience mild temporary pain, stiffness or minor swelling. These adverse effects are short-lived and the overall result is usually a decrease in pain and discomfort. Go Back to Top What is the popping sound associated with a chiropractic adjustment? When a joint is adjusted, there is a change of pressure within the joint that causes the formation of gas bubbles within it. As the bubbles escape, they produce a "popping" or "cracking" sound. It is the same sound created when cracking your knuckles and is not harming the body in any way. Go Back to Top Are chiropractic adjustments effective? Yes. Chiropractic adjustments are very effective in reducing pain, stiffness and muscle spasms and improving mobility of the joints. Spinal manipulation by Chiropractors has been shown to be more effective than other treatments (including medications) for conditions such as low back pain, neck pain and headaches. Chiropractic also has the best overall cost-effectiveness for low back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions. Go Back to Top Once I start, will I need to see a Chiropractor indefinitely? Absolutely not! The length of treatment is determined by the nature, severity and duration of the condition for which you are seeking care. Minor ailments may require only a few visits, others may require longer treatment. A treatment plan is recommended after a health history and physical exam have been completed and a differential diagnosis has been determined. The treatment plan will be discussed with you and will not be implemented without your consent. Once the condition is resolved, you will be discharged from care until you require further assistance. Some people wish to have ongoing care because they continue to receive some benefit from regular visits or they have found that their condition can be prevented or delayed with regular chiropractic treatment. This kind of supportive care is available and recommended to patients with particular needs. However, it is not necessary for every patient and is not a requirement for chiropractic care. Go Back to Top Does every patient need to have X-rays taken? X-rays are a useful tool to aid in diagnosis of certain conditions however they are not required for every patient. A determination of whether x-rays are required will be made during your initial visit. Go Back to Top Who would benefit from chiropractic care? Almost anyone would benefit from chiropractic care. Men, women and children of all ages may benefit from chiropractic because the care they receive is tailored to their unique needs and individual health status and goals. Chiropractic is not only beneficial for those persons who are in acute pain from headache, back and neck pain; it is also beneficial to those who suffer from chronic illness such as fibromyalgia. From physical laborers who are injured at work, to CEOs who are feeling mentally and physically fatigued, any working individual (including some of the hardest workers of all - stay at home Moms!) will benefit from chiropractic care. The 'weekend warrior' with muscle aches and pains after playing flag football on the weekend and the competitive athlete who wants to improve their performance can both benefit from chiropractic care. Young people who want to excel in athletics and academics as well as the aging population who wish to enhance their quality of life and increase their longevity will benefit from chiropractic care. Go Back to Top What can I expect on my first visit? The first visit can last between 30 minutes to 1 hour. During this time the Doctor will be taking a thorough health history that will include not only information about your current condition but also information regarding your overall health. After the history, a neurological, postural and orthopaedic exam will be performed along with any other tests deemed necessary. You may be asked to change into a gown or a pair of shorts for the physical examination, depending on the location of your complaint. After both examinations are complete, the Doctor will give you a report of findings which includes the diagnosis and a plan of management. During this time you are free to ask questions. We will not move on to treatment until you are comfortable with what is being explained to you. Once you have agreed to the treatment plan, the Doctor will begin the treatment. Go Back to Top
What to expect on your first visit? On your first visit you will complete a confidential health history as part of your assessment. This is important as the Massage Therapist needs to know if you have any medical conditions or if you are taking any medications. The Massage Therapist will then develop a treatment plan with you to ensure you receive appropriate treatment. Go Back to Top How are Registered Massage Therapists trained? A Registered Massage Therapist is an individual who has: Completed competency-based education at an educational institution recognized by the Government of Ontario; Studied anatomy, physiology, pathology, physical assessment, neurology, treatments, ethics and other subjects; Completed a minimum of 150 clinical hours; Successfully completed examinations from and have been "registered" by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (the College) in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Massage Therapy Act; Maintained their registration by participating in continuing education and a Quality Assurance Program that assists them in the maintenance of high professional standards and quality care of their clients Go Back to Top Can I ask my massage therapist to make adjustments for my comfort? Absolutely, we encourage you to discuss your preferences for a gentle, moderate or deep massage with your massage therapist. Go Back to Top