Electra Health Frequently Asked Questions
Here, we’ve gathered answers to the most common questions our clients ask. Whether you’re seeking information about our services, or policies, you’ll find it all conveniently summarized right here.
We want to ensure you have all the information you need at your fingertips. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated reception team for personalized assistance. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we’re here to help!
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the use of needles to access certain points on the body in order to move the body’s Qi (pronounced chee), or vital energy so that proper balance is achieved. Qi, which is thought to exist in every being, streams through the body along pathways that are referred to as meridians. It is believed that when the Qi flows freely through the meridians, proper health is maintained. Chinese medicine believes that imbalances occur in the body when the flow of Qi is disrupted, and illness can occur when the body experiences such an imbalance in Qi.
With acupuncture needles, the acupuncturist restores the correct flow of blocked Qi using specific acupuncture points on the body. This acupuncture treatment results in the patient experiencing a decrease in pain, relief of pain, or the resolution of illness, and a generally relaxed state. Our acupuncturists in downtown Vancouver examine each patient on an individual basis, which means that the exact placement of needles will vary for each patient and each acupuncture treatment.
There is a long list of conditions, symptoms, injuries, and illnesses that are successfully treated by our acupuncturists, including:
- Facial Rejuvenation
- Migraines
- PMS
- Sleep issues
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Fertility issues
- Anxiety, depression, nervousness
- Muscle pain and strain
- Back pain
- Arthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Digestive issues
- Nausea and vomiting as a result of chemotherapy treatments
- Rehabilitation from stroke
- Morning sickness, nausea due to pregnancy
- Allergies
- Insomnia
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Ankle Sprain
- Rotator Cuff Injury
- Shin Splints
- Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Dysfunction
- Muscle Strains
- Ligament Strains
- Bursitis
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome (IT Band)
- Frozen Shoulder
- Gluteus Medius dysfunction
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SIJD)
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
- Medial Epicondylitis (Golfers Elbow)
- Other sports injuries: sprains, strains, swollen muscles, etc.
- Rotator Cuff Injury
Our first-time patients will find that visiting the acupuncturist is a bit different than visits to most other healthcare practitioners. During the first part of your appointment, your acupuncturist will ask you a series of questions, the acupuncturist will then take your pulse on your wrist, or tap other points on your body using their hand, and might also take a look at your tongue.
The exam while taking into account environmental factors, lifestyle, and the whole person: mind, body, emotions, and spirit. Your acupuncturist will be able to assess the best way to approach your individually-tailored acupuncture treatment regime.
Once the patient has consulted with their acupuncturist, he or she will have determined exactly which points to use for the maximum benefit. The thin acupuncture needles are then inserted at specific acupuncture points on the skin. While most needles are inserted just into the skin, the acupuncturist will be able to determine exactly how deep into the skin each needle will need to be inserted. Once inserted, acupuncture needles may be removed immediately, or left in place for about 30 minutes, depending upon the treatment your acupuncturist has decided would be most beneficial for your situation.
Each patient’s response to acupuncture varies, but many will immediately experience a feeling of relaxation and relief of symptoms. For others, relief may be experienced in a few days. And for some patients and certain conditions, return visits will be needed in order for the patient to receive a series of acupuncture treatments.
The most common question we are asked by those who are new to acupuncture is if the acupuncture needles hurt. While most patients have experienced the use of hypodermic needles by their physicians, the typical acupuncture needle is much thinner and is about 1 cm to 3 cm in length. Acupuncture needles are usually thinner than a strand of hair, and actually flexible. Because of the size of the needles, and that they are not inserted deeply into the skin, some people will notice little to no pain when needles are inserted, but for the most part, acupuncture treatment should not be painful. Once inserted, patients may experience tingling, stinging, or warm sensation at the point where the acupuncture needle was inserted.
Another concern is regarding hygiene. To minimize the risk of infection, the acupuncture needles used by our acupuncturists are disposable, pre-sterilized, come in sealed packages, and are disposed of after each use.
Chiropractic Care
Yes! Our registered chiropractors are covered under extended health insurance plans. An added bonus? We offer direct billing! We always recommend that you check the extent of your coverage prior to your appointment.
In most instances, our orthotics are covered under extended health. However, we always recommend that you check with your insurance provider to confirm the extent of your coverage.
Yes! Electra Health offers ICBC treatments for chiropractic care. In fact, we actually offer an entire program dedicated to ICBC treatments. And, we offer direct billing to ICBC with no user fees. If you have been in a car accident, learn more about our PAARCC program here.
Chiropractic is an effective form of treatment for a variety of conditions, including:
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Tendonitis (rotator cuff, tennis elbow, Achilles’)
- Sciatica
- Sprains/strains
- Postural dysfunction
- Disc herniation
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Scoliosis
- Whiplash
- Muscle tension
No! Our chiropractors can provide much more than traditional manipulation, including graston technique, activator adjustments, strength and exercise prescription, end-range loading, laser therapy and more. If you’re unsure about your treatment, please give our reception a call.
Clinical Counselling
You should see a registered counselor whenever you experience anxiety that interferes with the proper functioning of your life. If you are suffering from stress or depression, seeing a counselor will help you identify the cause of the distress and help you to deal with the problem (or learn how to cope with it in healthy ways). You can benefit from working with a counselor to help you resolve fears and to help you work through any difficult decision that you may be encountering.
You do not have to wait to be overwhelmed by a problem to talk to a professional. It can be very beneficial to acknowledge challenges and begin working on a problem before it exacerbates. Seeing a counselor when you experience major conflicts in your marriage/relationship or when you have other pressing family issues can support you and your loved ones in finding positive solutions before conflict has the opportunity to build. You may also benefit from working with a counselor if you have recently lost a loved one, are managing change (such as when moving or when changing jobs), are having a difficult time at your workplace, and when you are finding that your ways of coping seem to be contributing to more stress.
Registered counselors have the training and experience needed to support you in better understanding the cause of your anxiety or other emotional challenges. This is the first step in finding a solution for what you may be suffering from, be it stress, depression, anxiety, sadness or challenging life circumstances or relationships. This training and experience puts the counselor in a good position to help you find solutions for complex problems. Good counselors are empathic and objective listeners, and talking to one allows you to express yourself in a way you may not be able to do with others. This is important, because it’s human nature that you feel better after letting out what is bottled in.
You may benefit from working with a registered clinical counselor if you feel uncertain or stuck, or find yourself repeating a problematic pattern in your life or relationships. When you work with a counselor, you’ll work to develop the skills and strategies to handle situations you’re going through. You’ll develop solutions to help you find a path to self-discovery. You’ll feel happy, have a sense of purpose in life, learn to be assertive in asking for what you deserve and you will be able to tap into your ability to openly express yourself in a way that is healing and empowering.
Counseling sessions can be for individuals, couples, families or groups. On average, each session takes approximately 50 minutes, but longer sessions are also available. One session may be enough, depending on the concern, however it often takes several sessions for people to feel like they have developed the ability to really overcome the problem and make lasting change. The client and the counselor work together to determine how many counseling sessions will be most beneficial, the goals of therapy and the approach that will best to support the client in reach those goals.
In your sessions, you and your counselor will discuss the concerns or goals you are bringing to therapy. These therapeutic conversations will support you in developing a deeper understanding of your own feelings and perspective. Your counselor will support you in recognizing your ability to develop strategies to resolve your concerns and develop more positive solutions. Your counselor may also support you to recognize any problematic patterns that are leaving you stuck and support you in making change. Or, your counselor will support you to cope with your problem if there is no solution (such as in case of bereavement).
Kinesiology
Kinesiology is the study of the dynamics of the body. It involves several different fields of study, intertwined into one discipline. Kinesiologists are highly educated health professionals, who apply exercise and movement science to their clients to help with injury rehab, management, and prevention
At Electra Health, your initial appointment with your kinesiologist will involve taking a comprehensive health history, and, with you, your kinesiologist will help set out what you want to achieve from your treatments. These goals can range from recovery from MVA accidents or other injuries to individuals who want to perform optimally in their physical activities. Your kinesiologist will then develop an accessible movement and exercise program, to be performed both at the clinic and at home, to help you achieve these goals.
Because every person’s body is unique, an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach is the most effective in achieving your goal. At Electra, our kinesiologists work alongside other practitioners to ensure you get your body working at its best.
People who have been involved in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) benefit greatly from kinesiologists in combination with active rehab. Kinesiologists also treat a variety of different issues including but not limited to the following:
- Individuals looking to increase physical activity.
- Seniors and aging populations.
- Chronic or acute pain.
- Athletes focused on improving physical performance.
- Individuals suffering from neurological, pulmonary, or cardiovascular conditions.
- Organization and support of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
- Post-injury transition from physiotherapy exercises to activities and sports.
- Provide support in rehabilitation and wellness management.
- Pain reduction.
- Promote your overall health.
- Improve your ergonomics, increasing mobility and promoting proper movement.
- Management of any physical disabilities through exercise programs.
The difference between a kinesiologist and a physiotherapist lies in their approach. Physiotherapists help treat those who are already suffering from an injury or illness and restore their bodies to their original function. On the other hand, kinesiologists work with any individual wishing to improve their physical performance, by aiming to understand all the various mechanical elements of the human body, in order to improve a person’s ergonomics.
Naturopathic Medicine
At Electra Health, our ND can test you for both allergies and sensitivities. In the case of allergies, a blood test is required. Our ND will provide you with a lab requisition form to take to LifeLabs. Once the results are in, we will call you to review them with our ND.
In the case of sensitivity testing, our ND draws a minute amount of blood in the clinic through a pin-prick test. The test is then sent out; once the results are in, we will call you to review them with our ND.
Yes! Naturopathy is a great option when it comes to treating gut health. Your digestive system is directly tied to other parts of your body; when it’s not functioning at its best, it can cause symptoms that may not seem to be related to it. This can include skin conditions (eczema, acne, psoriasis etc.), anxiety, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, hair loss, hormonal changes and so much more.
Our naturopathic doctor will look at the role that your gut plays in your overall health and provide treatment recommendations tailored to your needs.
Naturopathy is an excellent form of treatment for a variety of conditions and illnesses, either on its own or alongside other medical interventions. Some common conditions that people use naturopathy for include:
- skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis etc.)
- allergies & sensitivities
- IBS
- weight gain
- hormonal imbalances
- depression & anxiety
- menopause
- PCOS
- PMS, PMDD
- sexual dysfunction
- chronic pain
And much more. To find out if naturopathy is right for you, please give us a call at 604-685-4325.
Our first-time patients will find that visiting the acupuncturist is a bit different than visits to most other healthcare practitioners. During the first part of your appointment, your acupuncturist will ask you a series of questions, the acupuncturist will then take your pulse on your wrist, or tap other points on your body using their hand, and might also take a look at your tongue.
The exam while taking into account environmental factors, lifestyle, and the whole person: mind, body, emotions, and spirit. Your acupuncturist will be able to assess the best way to approach your individually-tailored acupuncture treatment regime.
A licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) is a primary care practitioner, which takes years of schooling. Our naturopathic doctor – Dr. Rick Santimaw – is a licensed ND. In Canada, naturopathic doctors are required to obtain an undergraduate degree in pre-medical science, followed by a four-year post-graduate program of naturopathic medicine. Once this part of their certification is complete, naturopathic doctors are then obligated to pass regulatory board exams.
As you can see, naturopathic doctors are considered primary care physicians, thanks to meticulous education and regulatory exams, and they are able to offer patients everything from neonatal care to elderly health care, and everything in between.
In contrast, a naturopath is not legally able to provide a diagnosis or prescribe medication.
IV Therapy has many benefits as a form of treatment. Some include:
- increased energy
- immune support
- improved sleep
- decreased anxiety
- improved focus & concentration
And much more!
Osteopathy
In a first consultation, an Osteopathic Practitioner will compile a full case history of the patient’s symptoms, as well as information about their lifestyle and diet.
Osteopathic practitioners are trained to examine areas of the body using a highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to determine conditions and identify the body’s points of weakness or excessive strain. Osteopathic Practitioners also observe the patient doing some simple movements to facilitate evaluation.
The patient will usually be asked to remove some of their clothing near the area of the body to be examined to allow postural assessment. If it would make you feel more comfortable, please bring a loose fitting top and shorts with you.
The Osteopathic practitioner will discuss the most appropriate treatment plan with the patient, estimating the likely number of sessions needed to treat the patient’s condition effectively (usually 4 – 6 treatments at weekly intervals but this can vary from patient to patient depending on to what degree the problem is chronic or acute). If the condition is unlikely to respond to Osteopathic treatment, the patient will be advised on how to seek further care.
Osteopathy is a ‘package’ of care that includes skilled mobilizing and manipulative techniques, reinforced by guidance on healthy lifestyle and exercise. The key to this is the aim of the Osteopathic practitioner to establish the sound patient-practitioner partnership necessary for ensuring quality care.
Electra Health’s downtown Vancouver Osteopathic Practitioners treat a variety of common conditions including:
– Sports injuries
– Acute and chronic spinal pain
– Headaches
– Migraines
– TMJ disorders
– Asthma
– Disc injuries
– Digestive problems: IBS, constipation, acid reflux etc.
– Anxiety
– Osteoarthritis
– Joint pain
– Repetitive strain injuries
– Postural complaints
– Whiplash and accident trauma
And much, much more.
Everyone from infants ages 0 and up, to their grandparents. Osteopathic care is chosen by many women who wish to relieve pain caused by weight and posture changes during and after pregnancy. Older children often benefit from Osteopathic treatment of a wide range of common complaints such as sinus and postural problems. For older patients, Osteopathic treatment offers the option of drug-free pain relief, eases the physical wear and tear associated with aging, and can improve mobility and reduce inflammation, all of which enhance overall quality of life and independence.
Professional athletes and amateur sports enthusiasts alike turn to Osteopathic care to treat strains or injuries resulting from sporting activities. Osteopathy can contribute to enhanced performance and facilitate the achievement of long term training goals – alleviating the symptoms of injury, preventing recurrence and assisting rehabilitation.
If you are unsure whether Osteopathic care is suitable for you please contact our reception team to put you in touch with one of our practitioners, and they will be happy to advise you accordingly.
Orthotics
At Electra Health, our orthotics cost $470.00. The pricing for our custom orthotics includes the assessments with our chiropractor, as well as any home care and recommended treatment plans that our chiropractor might prescribe.
Yes. If you have coverage for chiropractic care, our orthotics are prescribed by a chiropractor. In addition, our chiropractor can also provide you with any additional information your insurance company might need, such as a referral or a biomechanical assessment.
There is no strict timeline for the life of orthotics; it is largely dependent on how often you use them and on the scope of the issues in your feet. Generally speaking, however, custom orthotics last anywhere from 3 – 5 years. If you experience an increase in pain or discomfort after having orthotics for a long time, it may be time to replace them.
This is largely dependent on the person. For some, orthotics provide instant relief from pain. For others, orthotics can cause some discomfort at first because your foot is adjusting to being and moving in the correct way. However, any pain and/or discomfort will subside as you adjust to your orthotics.
Almost anyone can benefit from orthotics as improperly supported feet are very common. Orthotics can also benefit anyone suffering from metatarsalgia, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, bunions, hammer toes, bursitis, heel pain, hip pain, knee pain, high arches (cavus foot), flat feet (pes planus), fallen arches and more.
At Electra Health, we are so excited to provide you with the most innovative and accurate custom orthotics on the market. Using a combination of the newest technologies in foot health, our orthotics program gives us the most precise and clear picture of your feet, their movements, and the overall impact they have on your body, which in turn gives you a custom set of orthotics that are truly the best for your feet!
Physiotherapy
In order to provide the best possible treatment plan, our physiotherapists perform an extensive assessment. An appointment for the initial physiotherapy assessment can be booked at any time, with or without a doctor’s referral. However some medical plans do require a doctor’s referral for coverage, so it’s best to check with your provider to assess your coverage requirements.
During this initial physiotherapy assessment, the physiotherapist may review your medical history, including an inspection of medical images like X-rays and MRIs. Both visual and hands-on assessment techniques are used; an accurate diagnosis can lead to a more appropriate and effective physiotherapy treatment plan.
Sports-related injuries are increasingly common. The types of physiotherapy treatment techniques applied in sports physiotherapy are not necessarily all that different from the type of physiotherapy treatments you’d receive when rehabilitating from an automobile accident, but they’re applied in a specific way to relieve tension in the surrounding areas and allow you to get back in the game. Sports physiotherapy often involves modified exercise programs too, allowing the individual to maintain a level of fitness and strength without causing more damage to the injured area.
Running is an extremely demanding activity on your body. Some of the most common conditions physiotherapists in Vancouver see are Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, ankle sprains, patella femoral syndrome and low back pain. With our Running Assessment, we can determine how your gait and stride work with your body, and how it can impact your performance and/or contribute to injuries. The more you run the more often you should make sure your body is in perfect working order.
I have chronic back pain, will physiotherapy help me?
It all depends on what is causing the chronic back pain. Our physiotherapists are extremely skilled and have postgraduate training that is suited for relieving chronic pain. See: chronic pain and physiotherapy.
No, physiotherapy referrals from a doctor are only needed if it’s an ICBC related treatment for injuries sustained in a car accident more than 3 months ago or if it’s a requirement of your extended health care plan.
We suggest trying one of our Electra Health physiotherapists because each has their own areas of expertise, which require postgraduate training, specializations, etc. If you’re looking for a specific technique and can’t find it online, please give us a call at 604-685-4325 and our reception team can assist you.
The goal of physiotherapy treatment in this context is to help the patient restore a desired level of comfort and mobility. If someone injures a leg, a cast may help to heal a broken bone, but working through the physiotherapy rehabilitation process is how the patient can walk, run, and play normally again. Physiotherapy treatments help with pain management, as well as the mobility needed to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Yes. If you have extended health coverage, we can bill for almost all major insurance companies. We always recommend that you check with your insurance company prior to your appointment, if you are unsure.
We get this question a lot. The best answer is this: if you wanted to see a physiotherapist, start there. At that point, if you want to add or try another practitioner, we can assist you with booking your next appointment. Our practitioners work collaboratively and can make suggestions for therapies, based on your needs.
Yes, although fibromyalgia can be challenging to treat, our physiotherapists are very knowledgeable and experienced with fibromyalgia’s various stages and symptoms.
Physiotherapy and massage therapy both aim to restore physical function. The majority of manual therapy techniques used to restore and prevent injury are practiced by both professions. Physiotherapy and massage, used together, makes therapeutic and practical sense.
While physiotherapy treatments seeks to restore physical function, massage therapy can also be useful for relieving stress, reducing muscle strain, and alleviating pain. Physiotherapy and massage, used together, will assist recovery from an injury or chronic condition faster; as well as allowing for a more comfortable and manageable recovery.
Acupuncture treatments are designed to stimulate specific nerves in specific ways, encouraging the body to boost its own natural ability to achieve biochemical balance and improve blood flow. This can promote the effectiveness of physiotherapy treatments, because the body is already working more effectively toward its own recovery. Physiotherapy and acupuncture are often used together to assist in the rehabilitative process.
Physical therapy is used primarily by patients in a rehabilitative context, working to restore a healthy and comfortable range of movement. Chiropractic treatments are designed to re-align the spine, taking a direct approach to manipulate bones and joints. The two modalities can complement one another for better overall patient wellness. Read more about the relationship between physiotherapy and chiropractic.
Stretch Therapy
No, it feels amazing! It gets to those areas that you can’t and releases that tension to make you feel great.
Your Pro Stretch therapist will communicate with you throughout the session. Your body is passively being moved through a sequence of a specific group of Pro Stretches. Some clients call it “lazy man’s yoga”. Regardless of how you want to phrase it, It really feels great!
This is the added bonus, each Pro Stretch treatment session is only 30 minutes. Even the busiest clients can fit this into their workdays.
Your Pro Stretch session involves movement, so we recommend wearing comfortable fitting clothing such as gym shorts, t-shirts, yoga pants, etc.
No, just enjoy how amazing your body feels.
Definitely! Clients have reported that Pro Stretching really helps with their other therapy. Let your Pro Stretch therapist know what therapies you are receiving and for what conditions.
This is a preventative program so it really depends on your lifestyle and goals. We have clients coming as often as 4 days a week to once a month. This is unlike anything you have done and after feeling the difference in your body, you will not be able to stay away.
Individual sessions are $74.00 + GST. We also offer a bundle of 4 sessions.
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