Frequently Asked Questions

General

Are your practitioners registered?

YES! All our services are done by registered practitioners.

Do I need a referral from a doctor to make an appointment?

No! We can treat anyone who books an appointment. This being said, if you are looking to have your appointment covered by your private insurance, your insurer might require you to have a note from your doctor. As each insurance provider is different, always double check with them.

Where should I park?

The building does not have a designated parking area. You can find unmetered 2-hour street parking on Gladstone Avenue between Bank and Elgin, and there is ample metered parking on the surrounding streets.

Please make sure to read the signage carefully to find out about restricted hours, allocated time and other restrictions. Sage Wellness cannot be held responsible for any parking tickets or violations due to appointment delays, misread signage or any other circumstances.

Are your gels and lotions hypoallergenic?

Yes. We use Biotone Advanced Therapy Gel and/or Biotone Lotion. If you would like to provide your own gel or lotion, please bring it to your appointment with you. We are happy to accommodate as long a it’s unscented.

My name is different on insurance?
Is your preferred name different from the name on your insurance? We are happy to oblige! Book in as your preferred name and simply write down the name you require for insurance when you get to the desk.
We deal with this often and have easy protocols in place to accommodate you. 
Do I need to chat during an appointment?

Outside of assessments, you are not here to entertain us! If you feel more comfortable chatting, please do, but silence can be therapeutic as well. We may need to ask you for some feedback during treatment but otherwise, don’t be shy to ask your therapist for silence if that is what you prefer.

Should I leave a tip?

Our philosophy is that we prefer you put that money towards your next treatment, but we know people like to express their gratitude in the form of a tip. Therefore it is to your discretion to leave a cash gratuity. Just know we are not expecting it!

Insurance

Are your fees covered by my insurance?

Our practitioners are all registered with their designated bodies. Most insurance companies will cover at least a portion of your treatment. As each insurance provider is different, always double check with them.

I’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident. Can you work with my insurer?

The short answer is yes. After a thorough assessment, we will submit a treatment plan to your insurer. Treatment plans are individualized and may include massage therapy, chiropractic and acupuncture.

The first step is to contact your adjuster and request treatment (OCF) forms. Next, book an MVA Assessment with Dr. Chad DC and we will take it from there.

MVA ASSESSMENT – 60 MINUTES $190.00
MVA RE-EVALUATION – 60 MINUTES $140.00

*Please note that with the new MVA regulations all fees are to be paid on an ongoing basis directly to our clinic. We will provide receipts that you will submit to your insurance adjuster for reimbursement.

Does Sage Wellness offer direct billing?

No, we are unable to offer direct billing. We will provide you with a receipt following your treatment. It will include the practitioner’s registration number of their designating body, a signature, and treatment details for you to provide your insurer with.

Can an MVA recovery program include other modalities than massage or chiropractic?

Yes. Dr Chadwick Shank DC RMT can organize your recovery program to include treatment by other therapists, which may include: Massage Therapy, Chiropractic, Manual Osteopathy, Registered Acupuncture, and Athletic Therapy.

Massage Therapy

What should I wear for my appointment?

In many cases, massage therapy involves direct contact with the area requiring treatment, for which you are typically invited to at least partially undress.

Know that our therapists take your comfort, safety and privacy very seriously and will do everything in their power to make you feel at ease. You will be fully draped except for the area being treated but you are encouraged to ask for accommodation prior to booking or at the time of your appointment if partially or fully disrobing is not an option for you. Certain massage therapy techniques can be accomplished over clothing.

It is important that you feel safe and secure at all times.

Chiropractic

What should I wear for my appointment?

Chiropractic treatments don’t always involve direct contact with the skin, depending on treatment area, condition and technique. You may or may not be asked to remove your clothes.

Know that our chiropractors take your comfort, safety and privacy very seriously and will do everything in their power to make you feel at ease. You are encouraged to ask for accommodation prior to booking or at the time of your appointment if partially or fully disrobing is not an option for you.

Acupuncture

What should I wear for my appointment?

Acupuncture involves applying needles directly to the surface of the area being treated, meaning this may require you to at least partially undress.

Know that our acupuncturists take your comfort, safety and privacy very seriously and will do everything in their power to make you feel at ease. You are encouraged to ask for accommodation prior to booking or at the time of your appointment if partially or fully disrobing is not an option for you. In some instances, needles may be applied to a different part of the body to address a given issue.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

It might feel slightly uncomfortable for a fraction of a second, but most people report absolutely no pain. It is a very relaxing, minimally-invasive form of medicine and doesn’t involve any healing period.

What measures do you take to ensure optimal safety and hygiene measures?

We always use new needles and only purchase the highest grade of needles.

Manual Osteopathy

What should I wear for my appointment?

We encourage you to wear loose-fitting, athletic clothing to allow for stretches and easy access to areas of concern. We ask that you refrain from wearing jeans, dresses or skirts.

Feel free to bring a change of clothes if you have to come in wearing more formal clothes.

What should I expect?

During your first visit, expect a full osteopathic history questionnaire and assessment, followed by a preliminary treatment to address your concerns and start working toward your goals.

During sequential visits, your treatment time will vary. Your therapist will continue to guide you toward your treatment goals and will inform you of how much time to schedule.

Is Manual Osteopathy covered by insurance?

Checking directly with your insurance provider is encouraged prior to your first visit as coverage varies from plan to plan.

Carolyn is a member is the National Manual Osteopathic Society (NMOS). Because of the caliber of training required by NMOS, they have written letter of recognition from the following Canada-wide providers:

  • Great-West Life
  • Green Shield Canada
  • Manulife Financial
  • Sun Life
  • Desjardins Insurance
  • Cowan Insurance Group

Athletic Therapy

What should I wear for my appointment?

We encourage you to wear loose-fitting, athletic clothing to allow for stretches and easy access to areas of concern. We ask that you refrain from wearing jeans, dresses or skirts.

Feel free to bring a change of clothes if you have to come in wearing more formal clothes. 

What can I expect from Athletic Therapy?

Your initial assessment involves a comprehensive history of the injury and a look at the injured area to understand the source of the problem. You can also expect to be treated during the hour and prescribed an exercise routine.

Follow-up appointments include a quick briefing, followed by manual therapy and modality use. Your therapist will be able to make recommendations as to expected timelines and number of treatments required based on focus area and treatment goals.

Want more information regarding Athletic Therapy, and if it’s right for you? www.phoebeathletictherapy.ca

Physiotherapy

What should I wear for my appointment?

We encourage you to wear loose-fitting, athletic clothing to allow for stretches and easy access to areas of concern. We ask that you refrain from wearing jeans, dresses or skirts.

Feel free to bring a change of clothes if you have to come in wearing more formal clothes.

Naturopathic

What should I expect from my first visit?

Your first visit will be 90-minutes long. You will have the opportunity to tell the ND about all of your concerns and will be asked a lot of questions! Your ND may perform a physical exam and/or order laboratory testing if needed. Your ND will talk to you about your diagnosis and personalized treatment options, and answer any questions you have.

Bring copies of any recent bloodwork or imaging results if you have them. This will help your ND assess you.

The naturopathic doctor-patient relationship is meant to be a collaborative one; your input and questions will always be welcomed.

How often should I expect to meet with my ND?

In order to offer you continuity of care, it’s highly recommended that you book your second 30-minute visit at the same time as your initial visit. The suggested time frame is two (2) weeks between the initial appointment and second visit. This time between visits will allow your doctor to research and integrate the information from your initial appointment and expand on treatment recommendations ensuring best possible care.

Your future follow-up visits will be determined once you meet with the doctor.

COVID-19

Should I wear a mask upon entering the building?

**UPDATE September 19, 2022 we no longer require masks in the common spaces of the clinic. However, your practitioner might request you wear one for the duration of your appointment. We understand you may feel more comfortable wearing a mask, and you are welcome to.

Yes. Please wear a mask as you would when entering other public facilities. We also ask that you sanitize your hands upon your arrival. 

Do I have to wear a mask during my treatment?

**UPDATE September 19, 2022 we no longer require masks in the common spaces of the clinic. However, your practitioner might request you wear one for the duration of your appointment. We understand you may feel more comfortable wearing a mask, and you are welcome to.

Yes. Your therapist and yourself will be within 6 feet of each other during your treatment requiring both of you to wear masks for the entirety of the appointment.

What safety protocols have you implemented?

**UPDATE September 19, 2022 we no longer require masks in the common spaces of the clinic. We are still sanitizing all sheets and treatment rooms in between appointments, but there is no longer plexiglass at reception.

Sage Wellness abides by all public health recommendations and regulated protocols.

  • Staff and clients are asked to wash and sanitize their hands upon entering and maintain good hygiene practices throughout their presence.
  • Sheets are washed according to public health guidelines, at high temperatures and using bleach to prevent any potential contamination.
  • Thorough saniziation protocols are followed between each client.
  • Reception desk has been equipped with plexiglass.