At Ladner Massage Therapy, each practitioner conducts an independent, thorough assessment, ensuring patient care benefits from distinct clinical perspectives across every discipline we offer.

Prior to Booking

Our secure practice management program, Jane App, will send you a basic consent form when you sign up to book an appointment. We run the clinic digitally and for the most part, paperless. To ensure maximum data protection, our clinic manages health information through a secure/encrypted, paperless digital network with all medical data safely stored within Canada in alignment with EMR and PIPEDA standards.

Please email us at ladnerrmt@gmail.com if you may need any assistance with Jane App, or have any questions that we may be able to answer for you.

Medical History & Assessment

Your initial visit will consist of a consultation of your medical history, as well as a thorough assessment (examination) of your current condition or injury.
These are vital steps in your treatment as your therapist uses this information to make an educated decision on the best approach to treatment for you. It is very important that you do not leave anything out, as things that may not seem immediately relevant could actually have great influence on the risks and benefits of the treatment chosen for you.

Remember, massage "therapy" is much more than just a massage, and it is in your best interest that your therapist gathers as much information as they need to provide you the most effective treatment possible. Our goal is to not only in helping to relieve your symptoms, but preventing them from recurring in the future as well (promoting good health, and saving you precious time and money in the long-term).

Treatment

It is the therapists's goal to provide some hands-on treatment (manual therapy) at the first visit but please be prepared that this may not happen in rare situations. Some appointments have more complicated or chronic conditons, which often require longer examination time and therefore may affect treatment time.  During any hands-on portion of the treatment, your therapist will check with you to make sure you are comfortable with both the environment and with the pressure being used.

You will be properly draped (covered) for privacy if any area of the body needs to be exposed for effective treatment.
It is common for your therapist to take a moderate approach at the first visit in order to determine response & reaction, and then to adjust the treatment as necessary in the following visits. Be sure to let your therapist know if anything feels uncomfortable or painful, or you simply have any questions about the treatment provided.

Prevention

Towards the end of your visit your therapist will take some time to discuss his/her findings and their recommendations. In addition to the examination and treatment, another important part of your care is patient education and remedial exercise (self-care).

Often exercises & home care will be given at a later appointment (after your therapist has become familiar with your condition and has been able to assess your response to treatment) but be prepared that basic home care or instructions may be given at your first appointment

Arrive a Few Minutes Early

Please note that our front door is locked and will be opened for you just prior to your appointment time.

If you have any billing/invoicing questions please ensure these are answered before your treatment begins.

We encourage you to express any questions or concerns you may have at any time so that you are comfortable and clearly understand the goals of your treatment and the treatment approach chosen for you.

Providing you with exceptional care is at the heart of what we do.

Initial visits generally last from 30 to 90 minutes.

Please note that our front door is locked and will be opened for you upon your arrival. 

Your acupuncturist will take a detailed health history, perform a physical exam, and provide you with your unique treatment plan. During your first exam, your acupuncturist will spend time getting to know you and your health concerns. You may be asked a wide range of questions about your symptoms, eating, exercise, sleep habits, emotional states and anything that may offer insight into your health.Your practitioner will also employ diagnostic tools that are unique to acupuncture and TCM such as tongue and pulse diagnosis.

Your treatment plan

Once your acupuncturist has gathered enough information, you’ll receive a comprehensive diagnosis and a treatment plan that will explain:

• Your underlying imbalances
• Your time line of care
• What types of treatment you will receive

Getting the most out of treatment

For the best treatment results, keep a few things in mind:

• Please show up on time
• Don’t eat a large meal before your visit
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes
• Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your acupuncturist
• Refrain from overexertion, drugs or alcohol for at least six hours after treatment
• Follow your treatment plan between visits
• Keep all of your appointments, as each visit builds upon the previous ones

How treatment works

To treat any Qi imbalances, fine, sterile needles will be inserted at specific acupuncture points along the meridian pathways. Your acupuncturist will concentrate on acupuncture points related to specific organs, based on your unique issues and symptoms.

Your acupuncturist may include other related therapies in your treatment plan, such as cupping, Gwa Sha or moxabustion. Herbal remedies are another important aspect of acupuncture and TCM, and it is important to understand and follow your practitioner’s directions in order to get the most benefit from these treatments.

Your role in the healing process

Your actions are a key component of your treatment plan. Focusing on your health and committing to a healthy lifestyle are the best steps you can take for your well-being. Together, you and your acupuncturist can heal your imbalances and help you achieve harmony and balance.

Even after your symptoms are resolved, acupuncture can assist you in maintaining your health, and possibly prevent future imbalances. The more you incorporate acupuncture and TCM into your life, the more you’ll learn to nurture your body, mind and spirit.

True healing takes time and dedication. Depending on your current health and symptoms, you could feel better right away, or you may need treatments for weeks, months or years to achieve the results you want. Your acupuncturist can give you an idea of what to expect. With a little patience and an open mind, you’ll be on your way to health and vitality.

Acupuncture and TCM offer a safe and effective holistic health care system. This natural approach can both resolve symptoms and enhance your overall health.

By taking the right steps and planting the seeds of health, you are on the road to a healthier you!