Bridges to Wellness

Policies

1. Payment Policy: payment is due when service is rendered

We accept the following methods of payment:

2. What’s included in the session time?

A session consists of, orthopedic assessment/TCM assessment, description of what the doctor and/or therapist would like to work on with consent, time for you to dress and undress, treatment time which may or may not include cupping, myofascial work, trigger points and hydrotherapy as well as home exercises (needles and herbs if working with TCM Dr) and time to communicate with the therapist to make your experience truly customized.

When you book an appointment with Bridges to Wellness, that time is set aside for you. We never double book and are always ready for you when you arrive. In return, we ask that you show up for your appointment on time. If you do not show up for your scheduled appointment and you have not notified us at least 24 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the treatment when booked.

4. Informed Consent

Prior to each session, the treatment plan will be discussed with you.  At your first visit with us you will be asked to provide us with detailed information about treatments, risks, and alternatives.  Obtain written consent before proceeding with services.  Allow clients to ask questions and make informed decisions. sign the treatment consent form stating that you have read the information, understand it, and agree to comply with the professional massage therapy or acupuncture policies and procedures.

5. Scope of Practice

We are registered and held to the highest standards of the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada.

Massage Therapy is a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client.

Registered Massage Therapists, do not diagnose or prescribe for medical conditions. Our therapist may refer you to a medical doctor for diagnosis or treatment. Our services are not intended as an alternative for proper medical attention for specific conditions. Please refer to a medical doctor for any specific condition which requires medical treatment.

Acupuncture scope of practice is defined as having completed an appropriate training program based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and on basic biophysical science, has the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose and treat a range of diseases and disorders using the insertion and manipulation of acupuncture needles and using the techniques of acupressure, cupping, moxibustion and herbs.

6. Respect for Client Needs and Boundaries

Our doctors and/or therapists are happy to adjust pressure, temperature, musical volume, work longer on an area or move on if you request it.

The patient may choose to: leave on as much clothing as needed for comfort, refuse any massage methods, stop treatment at any time.

The patient will always be modestly draped. Only the area being treated will be undraped. The patients will be kept informed of the area to be treated.

Sexual interaction or discussion of any kind between the patient and the doctor and/or therapist is NEVER appropriate.

7. Confidentiality and Conversation

We treat all client visits and conditions as confidential. As such, we will not discuss your visit with anybody outside of our staff without your express permission.

You may choose to talk not talk during the treatment. Conversation will be guided by the patient’s direction.  

We as well do the same as this is a home-based practice, in which you may hear typical home-based distractions (as well as smell some good home cooking…sorry in advance!)

Cell Phone use is not permitted, it must be turned off (exceptions can be made by phone on vibrate)

8. Existing and New Medical Conditions

It is the responsibility of the client to keep the doctor and/or therapist informed of any medical treatment currently being taken, and to provide written permission from the physician, chiropractor, physical therapist, etc., that the treatment may be continued.

The patient must also keep the doctor and/or therapist informed of any changes in health conditions.

For patients undergoing chemo and radiation therapies – Please note that we require a doctor’s note that states the doctor is aware of and agrees to the desired treatment.

Code of Ethics

http://www.nhpcanada.org/about-us/code-of-ethics/

Please make yourself aware of sickness policies at Bridges to Wellness.

If you feel unwell in any way, please contact your practitioner to discuss options.
Patients should arrive no more than 5 minutes before the expected appointment time. If you arrive before this time, please remain in your vehicle until 5 minutes before your appointment time. This is to help us keep our waiting area from exceeding its maximum recommended capacity.

Where possible please be prepared to pay by contactless methods; tap is available.

The masks we wear are to protect both of us.

Thank you for being mindful, kind knowing your patience is greatly appreciated.

FAQ

If you are new to treatment, we understand that you might have some questions. We are confident that we have the answers to your inquiries.

Below are the answers to the questions that are most commonly asked about  treatment. Should you have additional questions please feel free to contact us.

What are the benefits of massage and acupuncture?
Even if you don’t have a specific health issue, massage therapy and acupuncture can provide many benefits, such as:

• Increased circulation
• Stimulation of the lymph system, the body's natural defense against toxic invaders
• Release of endorphins, the body's natural painkiller
• Improved range of motion and decreased discomfort associated with lower back pain
• Relaxation of injured and overused muscles
• Reduced muscle spasms and cramping
• Increased joint flexibility
• Recovery from strenuous workouts
• Pain relief from migraines
• Reduce post-operative adhesions and edema, as well as reduced scar tissue
• we work with fertility issues, peri menopausal and menopausal issues
• illness like anxiety and depression

Who do you provide treatments for?
We welcome patients of all ages including children, adults and seniors.

Why am I sore after a treatment?
Following your treatment, it is not uncommon to experience muscle soreness for a day or two. The soreness is a result of direct contact with spasms in the muscle, as well as accumulated waste products in the tissue being naturally released into your system. This is similar to what many people experience after strenuous activity.  Once the soreness is gone, you often notice heightened energy levels and an increased range of motion.

We recommend always drinking your recommended intake of water per day soaking in a warm bath with Epson or mineral salts to alleviate soreness. Your experience should be both pleasant and beneficial. We hope it will be the beginning of a life-long practice to help you enjoy the best possible health and wellness.

How often should I get a treatment?

For those who use natural healthcare as preventative care or to manage daily stress, one treatment a month is common. Some people require only a few sessions to treat a specific problem, while others become regular users of massage therapy as both proactive and preventative healthcare. Massage can help maintain good muscle tone, flexibility, and help correct muscular injuries. For TCM that is based on an per illness and patient basis that could be once a week to general maintenance 

Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes! A treatment is a great way to show someone how much you care. Contact us for more information.

Will I be charged monthly for my Bridges to Wellness - Wellness Membership?

A: We do not pre-charge each month. You pay for each treatment at the treatment appointment. If you do not book a treatment one month, the monthly treatment fee is processed and kept on file as a credit for a second monthly treatment in another month during your membership.

How does the membership work?

A: The monthly fee entitles you to a 60 minute treatment at a preferred member price of $95 including GST (savings of $10). If you want more than one treatment per month, you’ll enjoy the preferred member price every time you visit. As a bonus, we extend the preferred member price to family members in your household without the monthly commitment up to 4 times a year. However, you will need to fulfill your monthly commitment regardless of how often your family members receive treatments. If you do not book your monthly treatment, save it and enjoy a second treatment another month. The monthly treatment fee is processed and kept on file as a credit for a second monthly treatment for up to 2 months.

What if I don’t need one treatment a month?

A: Simply save it and enjoy a second treatment another month. The monthly treatment fee is processed and kept on file as a credit for a second monthly treatment for up to 2 months.

Will receive a receipt for my treatment?

A: You will receive a emailed receipt from the registered therapist or doctor who treated you. This receipt can be sent to your insurance company for reimbursement. Prior to your treatment, please be sure to verify with your provider whether you qualify for coverage.

Do I need to book the same therapist for each type of treatment?

A: You can book with the same therapist or try different ones.

Can I upgrade to another service when I am using my pre-paid service?

A. Yes, let us know before you arrive to ensure the additional service(s) can be scheduled. You only pay for the upgrade to your service.

Member Referral Program

You are the best source of referrals. To show appreciation, when you introduce a new member to Bridges to Wellness in the first 30 days of your Wellness Program, you’ll receive a 30-minute complimentary wellness massage treatment. After your first month of active membership in the Wellness Program, you are eligible to receive a complimentary 30 minute upgrade for each additional member enrollment.