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2. Space is an issue. Where do we put the table?
Finding a private space for treatments shouldn't deter you from bringing a therapist on site. A designated room is the best option but isn't always possible. We have been able to create alternative treatment spaces. Strategic temporary treatment locations can include almost any type of location including: bedrooms, playrooms, hallways, living rooms, patio’s, basements, condo amenities’ rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, the possibilities are endless.
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3. What equipment does Onsite Therapy bring?
Onsite Therapy will arrive at equipped with a massage table, linens and all other materials required to carry out the treatment; such as cleaning supplies, needles and of course receipts.
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4. What do I need to do?
Just give us a call. We will arrange for an acupuncturist to a visit with you at your convenience. Make sure you have a clean space we can use.
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5. How do I book appointments?
Treatments are scheduled by phone. If we are unable to answer your call leave a message, we make it a priority to return your call as soon as possible.
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6. What should I wear?
During an acupuncture treatment, clothing may be rolled up to the knees and elbows. Sheets and blankets are available to protect the client’s dignity while only the area of complaint is uncovered. You are not required to undress: this is a personal choice, but may facilitate the therapist to select a more appropriate treatment.
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7. What are the costs?
The price per treatment is $88. We offer group rates. A discount may be applied depending on age, income and frequency of visits. Contact us for more information.
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8. Payment options?
We currently accept cash, cheque, visa, mastercard, american express, discover, or jcb. .
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9. Should I tip?
No. The cost of treatment is all the compensation we require. The best tip we can receive is a referral.
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10. Can I claim these services under my Insurance?
Yes. Please check with your insurance provider to see if you require a physician’s prescription for reimbursement, as well as to determine the amount of coverage you currently have.
Onsite Therapy will issue a receipt upon completion of the treatment that may be submitted to your insurer for reimbursement. In addition, we email you your receipt so it is easy to keep track of it and send it electronically should your insurer ask for a copy.
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11. How do I know if my extended health benefits include acupuncture?
You will need to contact your health insurance provider to inquire about coverage. Currently OHIP does not cover any of the costs of seeing an acupuncturist. Most private insurers cover a portion or the full cost of the treatment up to a maximum amount per calendar year. Acupuncture is covered by almost all plans as long as the treatment is performed by a member of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturist of Ontario or (CTCMPAO). Onsite Therapy exclusively works with registered acupuncturists regulated by the CTCMPAO.
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12. Do I need a doctor’s referral?
You do not require a doctor’s referral to see a registered acupuncturist, as they are primary health care professionals. However, some insurance companies require that you submit a Doctor’s referral every year with your claim form. We recommend that you call your insurance provider to determine what they require in order to reimburse your payment.
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13. What should I expect at my first visit?
During the initial consultation, your detailed health history will be completed. Please allow some time for this to occur. The clinical health history form collects specific information regarding your current health. This form will aid your therapist in identifying any possible contraindications or modifications that may be needed to perform treatment. Treatment goals will also be discussed to ensure that the right treatment plan is developed for each individual client.
Your therapist will perform testing that will enable the therapist to determine the nature of injury/complaint and formulate a clinical-impression of the your current condition. After your therapist has put together a treatment plan and you have consented to the treatment approach, the actual therapy component will begin. Therapy may involve different modalities including hands on techniques, movement therapy/exercise, cupping, electrical stimulation and guided imagery to achieve the desired affect. In addition, therapy will focus on determining the underlying dysfunctions to prevent the pain from resurfacing or worsening in the future.
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14. What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote self-healing and to improve functioning. The acupuncturist uses the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points proven to be effective in the treatment of many health problems. Your therapist’s goal is to help you keep the body’s energy in balance to restore good health. Energy flows through distinct meridians that cover the body somewhat like the nervous system and blood vessels. When energy becomes blocked or stuck, the individual tends towards disorder and disease. According to Chinese medicine, acupuncture allows energy to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from areas where it is excessive. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body, allowing it to heal. Each meridian is associated with a specific organ system and because of this acupuncture can treat not only the symptoms of illness, also called branches, but the causes of imbalance, or root; as in root causes. From a Western perspective, acupuncture stimulation appears to activity natural painkillers, decrease inflammation, increase blood flow, promote “rest and digest” hormones, and activate natural healing compounds in the target tissues.
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15. What are the benefits of acupuncture?
Since acupuncture promotes the body’s natural healing ability, many conditions, such as Arthritis, Tendonitis, hip and knee pain, hand and foot pain, Sciatica, shoulder pain, lower back and neck pain, migraines, and even addictions, can be successfully treated. Many men and women have discovered that acupuncture has helped them function optimally on a daily basis. Throughout its long history, acupuncture has established a solid reputation as providing excellent health care.
As a natural form of healing, acupuncture has the following benefits:
- Provides drug-free pain relief
- Fosters faster healing
- Treats the underlying cause of disease
- Provides a holistic approach linking body, mind, emotions and behaviour
- Assists in the prevention of disease and cultivates a sense of well-being
- Helps to increase mental clarity and focus
- Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation, which promotes healing
- Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
- Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
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16. What conditions can acupuncture address?
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Hypothyroid / Hyperthyroid
- Cancer and Chemotherapy Support
- Smoking Cessation
- Addictions
- Musculoskeletal trauma or dysfunction
- Depression and Anxiety
- Menstrual cycle irregularity or pain
- Digestive complaints
- Respiratory issues
- Stress Reduction
- Menopause and Perimenopause
- Infertility and Reproductive issues
- Migraines and Headaches
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17. Why is acupuncture so effective when it comes to the treatment of stroke recovery?
Acupuncture treatments work by restoring circulation. The acupuncture points open up circulation in the body and help it to function normally. Using acupuncture points on the arm that open circulation in the arm, such as Large Intestine 4 and Large Intestine 11, are often used to treat arm or hand pain. These points can be used to treat stroke patients also. The points are often used with electro-acupuncture to stimulate the communication between the limb and the brain. You can look at it like an information highway. The brain normally controls the hand, but the communication is BLOCKED due to the stroke. If you stimulate the hand and arm with acupuncture, your brain can start to recognize the arm again.
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18. Is it safe for a woman who is pregnant to receive acupuncture?
Yes. Acupuncture have proven to be safe and effective in treating the discomforts of pregnancy. During treatment, modifications will be made with respect to positioning, techniques and points chosen. Please let the practitioner know if you are pregnant.
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19. Is acupuncture painful?
Acupuncture needles are very flexible and fine, approximately the diameter of a human hair. The needles are inserted without pain by design. The procedure is almost always painless and the needles are inserted just below the surface of the skin. A patient may feel some heaviness, soreness or sensations either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian. These sensations are usually mild and subside quickly after insertion. Most patients find the treatments very relaxing and many patients fall asleep during the treatment, which lasts about 40 minutes; the needles are generally left in place for this duration. The vast majority of patients receive pain relief through acupuncture treatment. You have nothing to fear except fear itself. In fact, most patients new to acupuncture come in with a little fear and leave pleasantly surprised.
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20. Is acupuncture safe?
If performed by a qualified practitioner, yes. Registered acupuncturists know the human anatomy well and insert needles in a safe fashion. The instruments used to penetrate the skin are pre-sterilized, disposed after a single use. The practitioner is well aware of the concern over infectious diseases and takes every measure to ensure cleanliness, practices “clean needle technique.”
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21. How is my personal contact and health information being protected?
All client information will be filed in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 and Personal Protection and Electronic Documents Act, 2000. Registered Acupuncturists are required by their regulatory body to maintain confidentiality in respect to personal health information such as ongoing client health information.
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22. What is your cancellation policy?
Please notify us at least 24 hours before the scheduled event - No Charge.
Less than 24 hours of a scheduled event - Charged in full
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23. More Questions?
Your therapist will inform you in advance, of what to expect including the risks and benefits, however he/she cannot anticipate all your questions. If you have any subjects you would like to know more about please do not hesitate to ask.
Please talk with your therapist because your body is a very personal experience. A technique or acupuncture point might elicit a foreign experience or sensation the second time it is performed whereas for others it may not register any sensation.
Please talk with your therapist. They may adjust the treatment if necessary to help you get the most out of your sessions.
