FAQs
FAQ - Massage Therapy
Why do people receive massage therapy?
Answer:
Massage therapy has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It’s extremely popular in modern Western medicine as a way to relieve different types of pain, as well as conditions, symptoms, and mental and physical discomfort. Most people seek out massage for these therapeutic benefits.
A few examples of reasons you might go to your local massage therapist or massage therapy clinic are to relieve upper or lower back pain, release muscle tension or “knots,” improve mobility in the joints, or to relieve symptoms of digestive issues, chronic pain conditions, or mental health issues. These are just a few reasons; there are many more health-related reasons you might want to seek out massage therapy.
Your specific goals for massage therapy are important and will be discussed privately with your therapist. If you aren’t sure which type of massage to book, keep reading through this FAQ to have your questions about the different types of massages answered.
Who can have massage therapy?
Answer:
Virtually anyone can book a massage at our St. Albert massage clinic. We have a range of therapists who have training in treating people of all ages and with a range of conditions. Some of our specialists are trained in pediatric massage for children and babies and pregnancy massage for expecting mothers.
There are a few specific situations where you should consult your medical care provider (such as a family doctor, GP, or specialist) before booking a massage. Some of these cases include after a motor vehicle accident, if you have a new or recurring injury, or if you’ve recently had surgery. If you’re not sure whether you should book, get in touch with our massage experts.
What can I expect from my first massage therapy appointment?
Answer:
Your first appointment will be a great introduction to our clinic, staff, and the therapeutic benefits of massage. After you’ve booked an appointment and you arrive at our massage clinic in St. Albert, we’ll ask you to fill out some paperwork so we can get to know you better. Then, you’ll be greeted by your therapist and brought into one of our relaxing treatment rooms.
Your therapist will go over your medical history and any current issues, conditions, or pain you’d like to work on. He or she will describe the treatment process and ensure you understand and consent to the treatment.
Then, you’ll get instructions for what to do next to prepare for the treatment, including the level of undress that will be optimal for the treatment (see below for questions about undressing to your comfort level). Your therapist will leave the room to allow you time to prepare and will knock before entering.
After this, your treatment will begin. At any time, you can request changes to the treatment type, pressure, or anything else that causes you any discomfort. See below to learn about potential discomfort and pain during treatment.
Does massage therapy hurt?
Answer:
Massage therapy is a technique that typically uses pressure and manipulation of specific parts of the body to relieve internal pressure or discomfort. Although it’s not usually painful, it can cause some discomfort as we treat the underlying issues. The pain isn’t dangerous to your health and typically fades quickly.
Your therapist will start the treatment by establishing a comfort scale and learning your tolerance level. If the therapist believes more intense pressure is needed for the treatment to be effective, he or she will let you know and obtain your permission before beginning.
If you are feeling pain at any time, or you would like to stop the treatment or change the pressure or techniques, you can let your therapist know. Your health and comfort are our ultimate concern at all times.
Do I have to remove all of my clothes?
Answer:
You don’t have to remove any clothing beyond what you are comfortable with. Your comfort is a top priority for all Registered Massage Therapists.
Your therapist will describe the treatment and suggest which items of clothing you can remove to make specific areas more accessible. However, whether you remove some or any of your clothing is entirely up to you. Your therapist will be able to provide important treatment regardless of whether you elect to remove any, some, or all of your clothing.
Our RMTs are also trained in “draping,” which is the use of sheets, towels, and other materials to cover specific parts of your body to respect your privacy at all times during treatment.
Your comfort and ability to relax is paramount to effective treatment. If you are uncomfortable, your RMT wants you to let them know immediately, whether that discomfort involves the treatment, draping, or any pain you may experience.
What type of massage treatment do I need?
Answer:
There are so many types (also known as modalities) of massage therapy, it can sometimes be hard to know which will be most effective for you. We usually recommend you book a massage that aligns with your ultimate wellness goals. Sometimes those are short-term goals (such as relieving pain in a specific body part) and other times they’re long-term (such as improved circulation or mobility).
Our St. Albert massage therapists are trained in many different types of massage, including deep tissue massage, therapeutic massage, manual osteopathy, relaxation massage, and pregnancy massage. Take a look through our massage services to find the service that fits your wellness goals. Or, get in touch with us directly to ask which type of therapy to book.
You can also try a different treatment type at any time. We work together as a team around your wellness plan, so you can book with multiple therapists at our location depending on your changing needs.
Will my treatment be covered by my health insurance plan?
Answer:
Most health insurance plans or benefit plans will cover massage therapy services. Every insurance provider offers different levels of coverage and limits may apply, so we always recommend you get in touch with your provider before booking your appointment. Some insurance providers also require a referral from a physician for coverage to apply.
At Urban Massage & Wellness, we want to make your experience as convenient as possible. Most of our massage therapists are able to direct bill insurance providers for massage services, but some will issue you a receipt that you can claim through your provider. If you have questions about direct billing, please reach out to us before booking your treatment.
How often should I have massage therapy?
Answer:
Some people believe that one treatment is enough; however, massage therapy is most beneficial in acute conditions when used over a series of treatments and then followed up with maintenance or preventive treatments.
Your massage therapist can help you establish a program that fits your physical needs, lifestyle, and budget. As qualified health professionals, we’re most interested in your recovery and in the maintenance of your health. Any recommendation for further treatment is made with your best interests in mind.
Do you have Registered Massage Therapists at your St. Albert massage clinic?
Answer:
Yes, most of us at Urban Massage are Registered Massage Therapists. However, we also believe in giving new therapists the chance to gain valuable experience and mentorship, so some of our student massage therapists are working toward becoming a qualified RMT. If you have questions about any therapist’s credentials, head to our team page or call us to ask directly!
Do you offer couples massage?
We do not offer couples massage in the same room, but can schedule 2 massages for the same time.
Where is your clinic located?
Answer:
Our massage clinic is conveniently located in St. Albert in Inglewood Towne Centre. Our building is directly between the Safeway and Starbucks, and you’re sure to see our sign when you arrive in the parking lot. We don’t share a door with other businesses and there’s plenty of free parking directly in front of the building.
How much does massage therapy cost?
Answer:
The costs for massage therapy depend on the length and type of the treatment, as well as the experience level of your therapist. You can view the prices for massage therapy at our clinic on our pricing page.
Why should I choose Urban Massage & Wellness for my massage?
Answer:
Our team is invested in your health and wellbeing. We think about our clients all the time, which is why we’ve created a massage therapy experience that’s as comfortable, effective, and enjoyable as possible. From our location and luxurious treatment rooms to the qualifications and “can-do” attitudes of our therapists, we’re confident in our ability to truly make a positive difference in your life and health.
Making an investment in your health is extremely important to your quality of life and overall well being, so whether you choose Urban Massage & Wellness or another massage clinic in St. Albert, we encourage you to gain all the therapeutic benefits of massage therapy!
FAQ - Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Answer:
Acupuncture describes the use of filiform (thread-like and non-hollow) needles inserted into specific acupuncture points located throughout the body, each of which is known to aid the body’s natural healing abilities. Stimulating different acupuncture points can achieve different results, allowing for the treatment of specific ailments, injuries, or conditions.
Where did acupuncture start?
Answer:
Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the origin of cupping techniques now used by physiotherapists and massage therapists all over the world. The first TCM book dates back more than 2,200 years ago.
How does it work?
Answer:
Acupuncture points are pressure, heat, and light-sensitive. Stimulation of an acupuncture point produces neuronal signals to the brain to kick-start the healing of a body part or to regulate a bodily system function. For example, modern scientific research has shown through MRI that the stimulation of an acupuncture point in the lower leg known to aid the healing of eye problems leads to the corresponding visual cortex in the brain to become active. Local area endorphin levels and blood flow also increase when an acupuncture point is stimulated.
How many treatments will I need?
Answer:
The treatment course varies from injury to injury and from person to person. Factors such as the history and severity of the injury, the overall health of the person (and, therefore, their body’s ability to heal), and the willingness to take action and follow through with the prescribed treatment plan all compound to determine how quickly healing happens and how many treatments are needed.
Osteopathic Articular Technique:
Manual osteopaths use this technique to reduce muscle spasms near a joint, ease neurological irritations around a joint, make joints more mobile, and reduce pain and discomfort. The articular technique involves gently moving two joint surfaces. Before doing this, manual osteopaths carefully prepare the soft tissues around the treatment area. They also move the client into a position that will minimize or eliminate the energy and force needed to perform the maneuver. Many clients find this technique less forceful than joint manipulations.
Soft Tissue Manipulation:
The practitioner uses soft tissue manipulation in many different ways. In general, they use it to evaluate the condition of tissues and to help the body’s fluids (such as blood and lymphatic fluid) flow smoothly. Keeping fluids flowing reduces harmful fluid retention and improves the capabilities of the body’s immune system. Soft tissue manipulation works with the fascia, which is soft tissue that connects all of the body’s structures at superficial and deep levels. Practitioners evaluate the fascia to find areas of restriction and then use soft tissue manipulation to ensure the length and tension of the fascia are properly balanced. Throughout the treatment, manual osteopaths keep checking on the state of the body’s tissues. If one technique isn’t working to correct a restriction, they’ll use another approach instead. Above all, manual osteopaths try to restore health without overtreating.
Cranial Osteopathy:
This is a very gentle osteopathic technique, and it requires the most experience to use effectively. Manual osteopaths use this gentle technique to assess and treat the mobility of the skull and its contents. They may also use it to assess and treat the spine, the sacrum, and other parts of the body. The goal of this technique is to adjust the body’s physiology by restoring balance to the circulation of the blood and other fluids. To learn this technique, manual osteopaths undergo intensive training to develop a precise cranial technique. Through this training, their hands become sensitive to cranial mobility so they can provide diagnoses and treatments. Manual osteopaths aim at treating the body’s inherent biorhythm. They are able to feel this rhythm in the client’s head, spinal cord, sacrum, and throughout the rest of the body, and can use the biorhythm to assess the patient’s condition and potentially modify it during treatment.
Visceral Manipulation:
Manual osteopaths use visceral manipulation to treat the organs of the body, including the lungs, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, stomach, pancreas, intestines, bladder, and uterus. Clients may have been experiencing pain in one or more of these organs, or the viscera may be less pliable than it should be. Manual osteopaths gently move the structures themselves and the fascia (connective tissue) that surrounds them to restore full movement. Most clients treated with visceral manipulation feel only the gentle pressure of the manual osteopath’s hand, but the corrections are powerful enough to improve the mobility of an organ, increase blood flow, and help the organ function more effectively.
How does acupuncture differ from dry needling?
Answer:
Acupuncture boosts the body’s natural healing abilities and can treat both external injuries as well as internal conditions. Dry needling specifically targets muscle knots to achieve tension release.
Can I receive acupuncture while undergoing massage therapy?
Answer:
Absolutely! Undergoing both therapies concurrently allows the treatment process to cover a wider spectrum, providing an optimal environment for the body to heal from any injuries and/or dysfunctions. Be sure to ask your therapist at Urban Massage & Wellness about massage therapy or acupuncture treatments. We are a holistic team dedicated to your wellness, which means we can recommend one of the other experts on our team to complete your treatment plan.
Are there risks to acupuncture?
Answer:
Although some people are nervous about trying acupuncture for the first time, it is very safe and effective with an experienced and trained acupuncturist. The risk of infection is extremely low and single-use, sterile needles are always used at Urban Massage & Wellness. Your acupuncturist will follow specific procedures for cleaning the site of insertion and disposing of needles after use.
Is there anyone who should not receive acupuncture?
Answer:
Just about anyone can be a candidate for acupuncture. In certain circumstances, such as if you have a blood disorder, a pacemaker, or you are pregnant, you should speak to your doctor before booking an acupuncture appointment.
FAQ - RAPID
What should I expect during a RAPID treatment?
RAPID is a manual (hands-on) treatment that uses a combination of techniques. Typically, there will be a continuous cycle of evaluation and treatment throughout the session, as your therapist manually detects where there are problem-areas and how they need to be addressed. Much of your treatment will consist of palpation, in which your therapist will move his or her hands over specific areas to evaluate factors such as the tightness and movement of various musculoskeletal parts (including muscles, joints, nerves, ligaments, and fascia). In some cases, your therapist may ask you to make a specific movement during the treatment to make his/her motions more effective.
Will it be painful or uncomfortable?
Stimulating the neurological system in a way that reduces restrictions can be somewhat uncomfortable. However, this slight discomfort is perfectly normal and part of the healing process.
Why should I try RAPID?
RAPID NFR is, as the name suggests, a very fast way to remove pain and restore function. Many clients have found themselves able to return to their normal activities and routines, even after years of pain or after a serious injury. RAPID can be used to treat acute conditions or chronic conditions, making it an excellent option for most people suffering from ongoing pain.
What should I wear to my appointment?
RAPID can be performed with clothing, but it is highly recommended that you wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment to allow both you and your therapist ease of movement.
Osteopathic Articular Technique:
Manual osteopaths use this technique to reduce muscle spasms near a joint, ease neurological irritations around a joint, make joints more mobile, and reduce pain and discomfort. The articular technique involves gently moving two joint surfaces. Before doing this, manual osteopaths carefully prepare the soft tissues around the treatment area. They also move the client into a position that will minimize or eliminate the energy and force needed to perform the maneuver. Many clients find this technique less forceful than joint manipulations.
Soft Tissue Manipulation:
The practitioner uses soft tissue manipulation in many different ways. In general, they use it to evaluate the condition of tissues and to help the body’s fluids (such as blood and lymphatic fluid) flow smoothly. Keeping fluids flowing reduces harmful fluid retention and improves the capabilities of the body’s immune system. Soft tissue manipulation works with the fascia, which is soft tissue that connects all of the body’s structures at superficial and deep levels. Practitioners evaluate the fascia to find areas of restriction and then use soft tissue manipulation to ensure the length and tension of the fascia are properly balanced. Throughout the treatment, manual osteopaths keep checking on the state of the body’s tissues. If one technique isn’t working to correct a restriction, they’ll use another approach instead. Above all, manual osteopaths try to restore health without overtreating.
Cranial Osteopathy:
This is a very gentle osteopathic technique, and it requires the most experience to use effectively. Manual osteopaths use this gentle technique to assess and treat the mobility of the skull and its contents. They may also use it to assess and treat the spine, the sacrum, and other parts of the body. The goal of this technique is to adjust the body’s physiology by restoring balance to the circulation of the blood and other fluids. To learn this technique, manual osteopaths undergo intensive training to develop a precise cranial technique. Through this training, their hands become sensitive to cranial mobility so they can provide diagnoses and treatments. Manual osteopaths aim at treating the body’s inherent biorhythm. They are able to feel this rhythm in the client’s head, spinal cord, sacrum, and throughout the rest of the body, and can use the biorhythm to assess the patient’s condition and potentially modify it during treatment.
Visceral Manipulation:
Manual osteopaths use visceral manipulation to treat the organs of the body, including the lungs, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, stomach, pancreas, intestines, bladder, and uterus. Clients may have been experiencing pain in one or more of these organs, or the viscera may be less pliable than it should be. Manual osteopaths gently move the structures themselves and the fascia (connective tissue) that surrounds them to restore full movement. Most clients treated with visceral manipulation feel only the gentle pressure of the manual osteopath’s hand, but the corrections are powerful enough to improve the mobility of an organ, increase blood flow, and help the organ function more effectively.
How many appointments will I need?
Many issues can be resolved in about 2-8 sessions. However, as is the case in many soft-tissue treatments, the number of treatments you’ll need will vary based on your condition, whether it is acute or chronic, and the severity of your injury or condition. Your qualified RAPID NFR therapist in St. Albert will provide you with a treatment plan after your first session so you know how many treatments you may need. You may also need maintenance treatments occasionally after your pain is resolved.
Who should book a RAPID treatment in St. Albert?
RAPID NFR can work well for anyone with chronic pain or for those with current or past injuries or trauma. Neurological pain can arise for many reasons, including inflammation, micro-tearing, hypoxia (not getting enough oxygen to a specific area).
FAQ - Manual Osteopathy
What is Manual Osteopathy?
Manual osteopathy (MO) is a complementary form of healing. It focuses on the interrelationship between the structure and function of the body. The goal is to work toward total body health through treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework, which includes the joints, muscles, and spine. We aim to positively affect the body’s nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic systems. Using a subtle, hands-on technique called palpation, MO helps restore function in the body by treating the causes of pain and imbalance.
Can I add manual osteopathy to my regular massage therapy treatment?
Yes, we offer manual osteopathy treatment in combination with massage therapy. These are often complementary treatments and can work in tandem to provide more thorough relief from ailments and conditions. It’s also a great option if you’d like to try MO for yourself, but you’re unsure about committing to an entire treatment session. You can learn more about the different types of massage treatments on our massage therapy services page.
What do Manual Osteopaths do?
Manual osteopaths identify, assess, and treat the body’s structures and rhythms using a gentle, hands-on approach. This fundamental technique is called osteopathic palpation. Manual osteopaths develop a very sensitive sense of touch to master osteopathic palpation. By ‘listening’ to the body, palpation identifies issues such as congestion, dehydration, scarring, and stiffness, while restoring proper function to bones, muscles, fluids, and organs.
What techniques do Manual Osteopaths use?
Manual osteopaths use a variety of techniques to address imbalances in the body using a whole-body perspective.
Osteopathic Articular Technique:
Manual osteopaths use this technique to reduce muscle spasms near a joint, ease neurological irritations around a joint, make joints more mobile, and reduce pain and discomfort. The articular technique involves gently moving two joint surfaces. Before doing this, manual osteopaths carefully prepare the soft tissues around the treatment area. They also move the client into a position that will minimize or eliminate the energy and force needed to perform the maneuver. Many clients find this technique less forceful than joint manipulations.
Soft Tissue Manipulation:
The practitioner uses soft tissue manipulation in many different ways. In general, they use it to evaluate the condition of tissues and to help the body’s fluids (such as blood and lymphatic fluid) flow smoothly. Keeping fluids flowing reduces harmful fluid retention and improves the capabilities of the body’s immune system. Soft tissue manipulation works with the fascia, which is soft tissue that connects all of the body’s structures at superficial and deep levels. Practitioners evaluate the fascia to find areas of restriction and then use soft tissue manipulation to ensure the length and tension of the fascia are properly balanced. Throughout the treatment, manual osteopaths keep checking on the state of the body’s tissues. If one technique isn’t working to correct a restriction, they’ll use another approach instead. Above all, manual osteopaths try to restore health without overtreating.
Cranial Osteopathy:
This is a very gentle osteopathic technique, and it requires the most experience to use effectively. Manual osteopaths use this gentle technique to assess and treat the mobility of the skull and its contents. They may also use it to assess and treat the spine, the sacrum, and other parts of the body. The goal of this technique is to adjust the body’s physiology by restoring balance to the circulation of the blood and other fluids. To learn this technique, manual osteopaths undergo intensive training to develop a precise cranial technique. Through this training, their hands become sensitive to cranial mobility so they can provide diagnoses and treatments. Manual osteopaths aim at treating the body’s inherent biorhythm. They are able to feel this rhythm in the client’s head, spinal cord, sacrum, and throughout the rest of the body, and can use the biorhythm to assess the patient’s condition and potentially modify it during treatment.
Visceral Manipulation:
Manual osteopaths use visceral manipulation to treat the organs of the body, including the lungs, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, stomach, pancreas, intestines, bladder, and uterus. Clients may have been experiencing pain in one or more of these organs, or the viscera may be less pliable than it should be. Manual osteopaths gently move the structures themselves and the fascia (connective tissue) that surrounds them to restore full movement. Most clients treated with visceral manipulation feel only the gentle pressure of the manual osteopath’s hand, but the corrections are powerful enough to improve the mobility of an organ, increase blood flow, and help the organ function more effectively.
Does Manual Osteopathy hurt?
Manual osteopathic treatments are not usually painful. However, depending on the condition we’re treating, some discomfort can’t be avoided. Most techniques are extremely gentle. In devising the treatment plan, the practitioner will look at the condition, symptoms, and the client’s general health and concerns. We won’t perform a procedure unless consent is given to proceed, and just like in massage therapy, you can let us know at any time if you’re uncomfortable or would like to stop or change the treatment.
Do I have to remove all of my clothing for Manual Osteopathy?
No. Osteopathy is a manual medicine, so treatment is hands-on, and usually involves moving various parts of your body. Make sure you wear loose, comfortable clothing. Depending on the area being looked at, it may be necessary to undress down to your underwear, so sports bras are recommended for females and shorts for both males and females. Please speak to your manual osteopath if you feel uncomfortable with removing any or all items of clothing.
What Is the Duration of a Treatment and How Many Are Necessary?
A treatment session can vary depending on the nature of the problem and the general state of the patient. We recommend 60 minutes for the initial consultation/treatment with subsequent sessions ranging from 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes. The number of treatments needed to reach the expected results can vary based on the nature of the problem and its associated conditions.
How will I feel after treatment?
Following your initial osteopathy treatment, your body will be in a process of readjustment for the next 3-4 days. For this reason, we recommend that you avoid any intense activities for a few days.
Each client is different and will have a different experience; it really depends on the individual, the imbalance, and the treatment type you receive.
Some people may feel the benefits of the treatment right away, which would indicate that your body revealed the primary cause of your imbalance during treatment.
The opposite is also possible. In this case, you may feel worse and experience more symptoms (or new ones) within the 3-4 days of the recovery process. This indicates that your body is liberating the tensions or toxins stored. After four days, the symptoms should become less intense, as your body begins to heal and rebalance. If the intensity of the symptoms persists after five days, you’ll need to contact your osteopathic practitioner as soon as possible, as your body is not able to find its balance on its own and an additional treatment will be required to facilitate it.
You could also feel as if nothing has changed. If this is your experience, it’s important to look specifically for changes in intensity or the frequency of the symptoms that were originally present prior to your treatment. Your body will require more work to find the primary cause of your symptoms and restore balance.
No matter how you feel after treatment, we recommend an increase in your water intake to help the kidneys and other organs process the various substances which move through the body on a regular basis. After treatment, a lot more of these toxins have been released, so it’s very important to help your body flush them out.
Is manual osteopathy treatment safe?
Manual osteopathy is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapy available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal and joint complaints. Although manual osteopathy has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free from potential adverse effects.
However, the risks associated with MO are very small. Many clients feel immediate relief following treatment, but some may experience mild soreness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise or massage. Current literature shows that minor discomfort or soreness following soft tissue therapy typically fades within 24 hours.
Is manual osteopathic treatment appropriate for children?
Yes, children can benefit from manual osteopathy care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from daily life and from playing sports. These injuries may cause many symptoms, including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness, or discomfort. Manual osteopathy care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.
Does manual osteopathic treatment require a referral from a medical doctor?
You don’t typically need a physician’s referral to see a manual osteopath; however, your health plan insurer may have specific referral requirements. You may want to contact your employer’s human resources department—or the insurance plan provider directly—to find out if there are any referral requirements. Most plans allow you to call and schedule an appointment with a manual osteopath without any additional paperwork.
What is the difference between a Manual Osteopath and a Chiropractor?
Osteopathy was founded 21 years before the chiropractic discipline. Although they work toward some of the same goals, there are some important differences to note:
- Chiropractors tend to focus mainly (but not exclusively) on the alignment of the spine as the primary means to relieve pain. They achieve this by preventing any compromise of the nervous system, whereas manual osteopaths look at the body as a whole and help improve its function by correcting the overall structure.
- Manual osteopaths treat a broader range of functional problems, including issues such as circulatory and digestive system disorders.
- Chiropractors use more diagnostic procedures such as X-rays, MRI scans, blood tests and urine tests, whereas osteopaths place more emphasis on physical examination, and will generally refer patients on for more diagnostic procedures if required.
- Manual osteopaths tend to use a greater variety of techniques to influence the body’s own innate healing system, such as muscle and soft tissue work, joint articulation, and manipulation. Meanwhile, chiropractors use a wider number of techniques for the “adjustment” on the vertebrae (similar to manual osteopathic manipulation) to facilitate optimal nerve transition.
- Chiropractic appointments tend to be shorter (in most cases) as they primarily focus on adjustment techniques which are quicker to carry out. Manual osteopaths spend more time with their patients per visit as their approach is broader and treatments tend to be spaced out over a longer period of time.
- Chiropractors tend to see patients more frequently.
What is the difference between a Medical Osteopath and a Manual Osteopath?
In Canada and the US, osteopathic medicine is a distinctive form of medical practice. Medical Doctors (MDs) and Doctors of Osteopathy (DOs) are the only two types of physicians that are fully trained and licensed to order required laboratory or diagnostic procedures, prescribe medication, perform surgery, and deliver babies. They may also use their training as a prerequisite to specialize in other branches of medicine. There are currently 29 accredited Osteopathic Medical Schools in the US and none in Canada. These DOs are recognized as osteopathic physicians and are the only ones legally able to call themselves osteopaths.
Our manual osteopathic treatments at Urban Massage and Wellness are performed by skilled therapists (not MDs or DOs) who have attended hands-on training for the techniques being used.
How much does manual osteopathy cost?
Manual osteopathy costs depend on the length of the treatment. You can view pricing for manual osteopathy and all other services on our pricing page.
Is Manual Osteopathy covered by insurance?
Yes, most insurance companies who provide chiropractic, physiotherapy, and massage coverage also provide osteopathic coverage. Check your policy if you aren’t sure about your coverage before you book or arrive.
***Please note that direct billing is not available for MO treatments. Payment is due at the time of treatment, and you will be given a receipt to submit for reimbursement from your provider.
We accept cash, debit, MasterCard & Visa at our clinic.