Frequently Asked Questions (General)
The Healing Oasis has put together a collection of commonly asked questions - we hope that they serve you well.
What type of improvements can I expect with consistent massage therapy treatments?
By following a regular massage program, your body is able to continuously reap the benefits of relaxation: decreased tension in the muscles, and an increased range of mobility. Usually a two-week or monthly regimen is followed. Once your body becomes comfortable with this schedule, you will find that you're able to go that span of time without becoming sore or achy (provided no abnormal activities or injuries occur).
Why do I feel sore and achy the next day after my massage?
Usually, if someone feels "sore" or "tender" after a massage, it's because they:
- Haven't had massages before,
- Aren't receiving massages frequently enough, or
- Have had a specific and deeper massage to get rid of tight muscles and tension.
What if I am embarrassed about my body, will I have to be totally undressed?
This question, or the issues around it, comes up quite often in this business, especially with women, but also with men. Massage therapy can be done through your clothes or even through the sheets, but it does work better when done directly on the skin. The common misconception is that there is only a little towel covering you when you're on your stomache. At the Healing Oasis you're covered at ALL times with a sheet. The other thing to remember is that only the area to be worked on with be undraped. For example, if I am working on your back I undrape your back and the rest of you is covered. If I need to work on the front of your right leg, only that part is uncovered. And a true caring professional will not judge you no matter what your skin looks like, its' the muscles underneath that we're focused on.
What can I do to help alleviate pain and stiffness from sitting at a computer for eight hours a day? My neck and shoulders always end up feeling as though they are in knots by the end of the week.
Be sure to have a proper ergonomic set-up at your computer station. You should be able to look straight at your monitor with your hands at a level where your shoulders are not being raised to help support your arms. Also, if you can have your feet flat on the floor it will help your lower back. Taking five minutes every hour to stretch your neck, shoulders and lower back will ease the building tension as well. If you have access to a fridge or microwave, an ice pack or heat pack can also be used while you're working.
What type of preparation can I do to improve my massage sessions?
Doing your stretches at home and applying hydrotherapy (hot or cold compresses) before and after your massages will help you in your next treatment by keeping the muscles nice and relaxed that way it's not as hard (for both of us) to get into the deeper tissues. Also, drinking enough water and enjoying Epsom salt baths will help you feel better and not so sore after a good deep-tissue massage.
Deep breathing techniques can help you during your treatment (ie, with trigger point work that is painful) and it will also help you relax. And just allowing your body and mind to RELAX will help most of all. If you're lying on the table going over your to-do list and what happened yesterday and how this person upset you today, it will take away from YOUR experience and you won't allow yourself to completely re-group to truly benefit from the lasting effects of an hour of relaxation.
Deep breathing techniques can help you during your treatment (ie, with trigger point work that is painful) and it will also help you relax. And just allowing your body and mind to RELAX will help most of all. If you're lying on the table going over your to-do list and what happened yesterday and how this person upset you today, it will take away from YOUR experience and you won't allow yourself to completely re-group to truly benefit from the lasting effects of an hour of relaxation.
Can I talk during a massage?
Absolutely. And some people choose not to. Usually what happens for the first few treatments is that we chat throughout the whole thing, and as you and your body gets more comfortable with the treatment, conversation dies down after the first little bit and that's where the relaxation comes is. And some people just like to talk throughout the whole thing... either way is ok, as long as you're comfortable with what's going on... after all, it's your treatment! You get to decide.
Frequently Asked Questions (Naturopathic Doctor)
The Healing Oasis has put together a list of frequently asked questions concerning naturopathy and how it works/what you can expect. If you have further questions please do not hestitate to contact The Healing Oasis.
If I don't have a family doctor, can a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) be my primary care provider?
Yes, NDs are trained to be primary care providers. We perform physical exams, pap smears, and can order blood work. However, if further testing like ultrasounds, x-rays or a referral to a specialist is required, you will be asked to see a MD as well as your ND.
What training have Naturopathic Doctors gone through?
All licensed NDs in Ontario have a minimum of 7 years post-secondary education. 3+ years undergraduate studies in sciences with 4 years of naturopathic college. NDs go through extensive training and licensing exams in order to practice in Ontario. Check with the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapies - Naturopathy (BDDT-N) for qualified practitioners.
Can I meet the Naturopathic Doctor before committing to a paid consultation?
Your relationship with your ND is important since you will be working closely together on your health concerns. Many NDs offer a complementary consult before you decide to work with them. At The Healing Oasis we offer a 15 minute complementary consultation called the "Meet the Doctor" visit. This consult will give you the opportunity to meet the ND before you commit to this very important doctor-patient relationship.
What kinds of tests are done or will be required when I see an ND?
Some NDs do screening testing on all new patients while others reserve testing for later appointments. We typically do a urinary test on all new adult patients which includes a basic urinalysis as well as a few naturopathic tests. Further testing is individualized based on what more information do we need to know in order to treat you properly.
Will I be expected to take a lot of supplements and remedies?
This depends on your particular circumstances and health goals. We work with each person on an individual level based on their health issues, beliefs and desires. All in all, to get you better to a place of optimal wellness, you will need to take some sort of remedy.
Will I be asked to stop taking my medications?
Working with your health care team is very important to us. We will never tell you to not see your medical or family doctor or nurse practitioner since we believe in the team approach. It is up to you if you decide to go off your medications. We will work with you to determine what your goals are regarding your medications and we will work together to reach those goals.
