What should I expect for my first session?
You will receive an email to set up your online account with our system called JANE once you book your initial visit with us. You will then be prompted to fill out your online intake form before you come in. To start, we will take a detailed history to get an understanding of the existing issue and any pertinent contributing factors. You will then undergo a detailed physical assessment to observe and evaluate your posture, movements, strength, etc. The assessment is a full hour, which will always include a treatment component, whether it is hands-on therapy or going through some exercises to get you started.
What do I need to bring/wear?
In order to best assess your movements and injury, it is best to wear clothing that allows you to move well. In addition, if it is a lower extremity issue, bringing or wearing shorts is advised. If you have an upper extremity injury, it is helpful for women to wear a sports bra or tank top to gain best access to the area. If you have issues while running or other physical activity, please bring your running shoes with you so that they can be included in the assessment of your biomechanics.
How many treatment sessions will I typically need?
This is assessed on an individual basis as every person and their injury/dysfunction require different treatment plans and care. We like to empower our patients by giving them the education and help to develop body awareness to do some active care on their own before checking in with us again. We also use the analogy of treating your body like a car. You don’t expect your car to run forever without getting an oil change. We encourage you to treat your body for a “tune-up” to maintain optimal performance by spreading out the services over the span of the year.
Do I need a referral from a physician to come to chiropractic, acupuncture or massage therapy?
For both chiropractic and acupuncture services, you do NOT need a physician referral. You can directly contact us or book online.
As for registered massage therapy, a large number of insurance companies require you to have a physician’s referral note each calendar year, in order to claim your massage therapy services. But you do NOT need a referral to book a massage therapy appointment with us.
We encourage you to double check with your extended health benefit plan to see if they have any specific requirements for any of the services we provide.
Can I do chiropractic care and acupuncture in the same session?
YES! Depending on how you present for your appointment, you can discuss with Dr. Lopes as to whether acupuncture would be a good addition to treatment for that visit. There is no additional charge.
If you would like to come in strictly for acupuncture, or for insurance purposes you would like the receipt to just be under “acupuncture” you can book an acupuncture appointment online. Dr. Lopes is registered with the Acupuncture Council of Ontario (ACO). Please double check with your extended health benefit plan to see that your acupuncture allotment accepts ACO providers. If they do not, then choose the option under the “chiropractic” treatment options, and we can provide acupuncture under the chiropractic scope of practice.
Do you treat Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) and Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)?
At this time we do NOT see patients involved in both MVA and WSIB claims.
Do you direct bill to insurance companies?
At this time we do NOT directly bill to insurance companies. We ask for payment after receiving treatment, and then you would submit your receipt to your insurance company to get reimbursed accordingly.
