Questions? We got you.
Inclusion, Safety, and your comfort is of utmost importance to us. If you have any other questions that are unanswered below, please reach out. There are no silly questions and you can feel safe knowing that we will honour your needs.
I’m self conscious about my body size and/or worry that my practitioner may make comments about my weight.
At Foxglove, when we say we love everybody and every body, we mean it. Every body that comes through our clinic is different and it’s our job to make sure that you feel as comfortable as possible. We will never comment on your body weight or any other physical trait of your body, unless the conversation is started by you for treatment purposes.
We do however want to make sure you feel good, so if there is any accommodations you need (ie.longer table, arm rests, different treatment positioning etc. please let us know prior to your appointment so we can support your needs. Once you get here, you get to relax and we can take care of everything else. Every body deserves care and we are honoured to be entrusted with yours.
What size are the tables and what types of accommodations are available to support my body?
If you require a specific accommodation for your treatment, please email us at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment or at the time of booking at info@foxglovewellness.ca, so we can prepare for your appointment time.
We have a thorough intake form to try to catch most concerns, but if there is anything we may have missed, please let us know, so we can add it and ensure you are taken care of.
For those with mobility issues that have a wheel chair, scooter, walker, etc. our largest room (room 1) is available and accessible. All of our tables are electric and can be lowered to 17''/ 43cm, to allow for an easier transition on and off the table. All of our tables are tilt top to allow for different positioning to ensure your best comfort. We also have arm rests upon request to support your body while face up.
Our bathroom is all gender and wheel chair accessible, including a handrail.
We have two sizes of tables at Foxglove.
We have 4 tables (rooms 1-4) that have specifications as follows:
Weight Capacity: 432 lbs/ 196kgs
Length: 72.5"/ 184cm (Table top), including headrest: 83.1"/211cm
Width: 30"/76cm
We have one extra long table (room 5)
Weight Capacity: 432 lbs/ 196kgs
Length: 77"/ 195.5cm (Table top), including headrest: 90"/228.6cm
Width: 30"/76cm
As a member of a marginalized group, it can be common to have negative experiences in accessing health and wellness care. How does Foxglove work to create positive, affirming care experiences for everybody?
At Foxglove, we understand how important positive health care experiences are for making a tangible difference in ones wellbeing.
We are working with the QTHC, MT Consulting Group and a body size inclusion specialist to regularly train and work with our team on providing education on diversity and inclusion practices, so we can support the needs of our diverse community.
We have a non-discrimination policy in place and want everybody/every body to have safe access to preventative and acute care services at our clinic.
Our bathroom is all gender and wheel chair accessible, including a handrail.
The concerns around covid-19 are still prevalent. How is Foxglove helping to prevent the spread of illness?
At Foxglove, health and wellness is at the forefront of what we do. Our team of practitioners are all vaccinated for covid-19 and use the highest standards of cleaning protocol for our industry.
Although masks are no longer mandatory at Foxglove, if you are concerned and would like to wear a mask, please feel free to bring one or ask for one from one of our team members. You wearing a mask shows us that you would like to protect yourself and your practitioner will, in response, ask you if you would like them to wear one or just automatically throw one on for the extent of your treatment.
If you are sick, you are exempt from our 24hr cancellation policy. Stay home and rest, and reschedule for when you are feeling better at no charge.
The most commonly asked question for newbs to Acupuncture/Massage:
Does acupuncture hurt?
This is a misconception and totally understandable question to ponder. Acupuncture is not supposed to hurt. At most, it’s mildly uncomfortable while the needles are being inserted, but once they are in, you should feel relaxed and comfortable. Clients often fall asleep during their treatments.
How does acupuncture work?
There are a few answers to this question because it depends on the issue being addressed. Here are a few ways we explain acupuncture to our clients:
Acupuncture creates a “micro-trauma” to the body to bring blood flow to a point of chronic pain or area of concern - be it a sore muscle, a pelvic cavity to nourish developing embyros if you’re trying to conceive, the skin if you want that perfect natural glow, or your head if you want more mental clarity. Remember - proper blood flow is key to having your body function its best. Blood flow oxygenates tissues, removes metabolic waste, and nourishes cells — seems important, right?
Acupuncture releases endorphins which make you feel happy and stops pain as effectively as morphine.
Acupuncture helps to engage or release specific muscle groups to address imbalances in posture, areas of chronic tension/weakness, or gait issues to keep your body balanced and pain free.
What is the difference between acupuncture and IMS?
The short answer is nothing. Every instance a therapeutic needle pierces your skin it is considered acupuncture. Acupuncture has been adopted by western culture and renamed “IMS,” which does not properly acknowledge or respect its eastern origin. Your acupuncturist uses different techniques, one of which is stimulating muscle motor points to release muscle tension similar to IMS, depending on the issue at hand. Traditional Chinese Acupuncture uses meridian theory to treat the underlying root of your complaint. For a longer answer, talk to Lindsay at your appointment. She can talk about acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine until she’s blue in the face. And she’s always happy to explain why she is doing something or how it works. Most of her clients leave their appointments understanding a little bit about Traditional Chinese Medicine, which why so many of you have fallen in love with it as much as she has.
Can I get a massage and acupuncture in the same day?
With too much soft tissue work in the same day, you can feel a little bit sore or tired after your treatments. It’s ok to do both in the same day, just make sure you can rest after your treatments and don’t have to run off to a rugby game, for example. It also depends on the person. If you’re the type of person to feel fatigued after just a massage, it’s best to stagger your appointments in order to feel your best. Talk to your practitioner about what might work for you regarding maintenance visits and scheduling other modalities. We work as a collaborative team at Foxglove and will most likely consult with each other to make sure you’re getting the best care from our whole team.
Can you get acupuncture with a needle phobia or fear of needles?
YES! This might seem like a strange answer. Lindsay, our resident acupuncturist, is very gentle with needling and will even stay in the room with you if you’re afraid to be left alone. Alternatively, every client is given a doorbell to use if they need to call her during their treatment for any reason… discomfort, itchy nose, anxiety, song change… whatever you need. And she will work with you to build up to a full treatment if necessary. If it’s not for you, she will offer a cupping treatment, acupressure, GuaSha, herbal medicine, moxibustion or ear seeds… or refer you to one of our amazing massage therapists. There’s many ways traditional Chinese medicine can help, depending on your complaint, that doesn’t involve needles. From a former needle-phobe turned acupuncturist, Lindsay is confident after a treatment or two you’ll enjoy your sessions.
How many sessions do I need to see results?
This depends on what you’re seeking care for. The rule of thumb is the longer you’ve had an issue, the longer it takes to address. We definitely don’t recommend only one treatment. Usually for massage and acupuncture we recommend 4-6 treatments and then try to get you down to a maintenance schedule. Talk to your practitioner after your first session and your full assessment and they will be able to give you a better answer to this question.
What level of undress is required for treatment?
Your comfort and safety are our number one priority. Some people are comfortable being completely unclothed knowing they will be draped properly at all times during their treatment. Others choose to bring shorts or other clothing to change into. If you are uncomfortable taking off clothing from a specific area, please let your practitioner know. We will work within your comfort levels to get you the best treatment possible.
And for those specific to physiotherapy:
I hear pelvic health does an internal exam – do I have to do this?
Not everyone wants an internal exam. Concerns around pain, personal comfort, fear are some reasons that people don’t. You don’t actually need a reason to say no. Although this is a valuble tool the therapist has available to do, it is a personal choice you make about your body and what you want to learn about the muscles, nerves, organs in that area when we do the assessment.
But will my problem improve if I don’t do an internal exam?
Did you know we teach you to do your own internal muscle check? And that you are pretty good at telling what’s going on in your body, once you know what to look for.
In case you aren’t sure about doing that, don’t fret, we can gather information from the hip movement, breathing, and an assessment of abdominal strength around the area, so that we can help most problems without an internal. It is always recommended, but can be worked around too.
I am unsure if my pelvic floor is involved with my problem?
Phone our front desk for a a free consult. A good indicator is if you check 3 or more on the Cozean Screening. Before your consult we will send you are intake form to fill out, it can be reviewed by your practitioner before the consult. Pelvic health is a very personal area and you may also want to meet your professional first.
I have already tried pelvic physiotherapy and still am unsure/ want another opinion/didn’t connect with my last professional/want a different approach.
Book yourself a free consult by calling our reception. Pelvic health is very personal assessment, and you may need to meet with your professional first. We want you to be comfortable and sure that the methods and thoughts on treatment work with you before you make the investment in care.
What if I come and I don’t feel connected, heard, schedule doesn’t work etc.?
We have a list of other practitioners and professionals we trust and refer to. There is no one best fit. Please let us know if the session didn’t go as expected and we will help find a solution.
When should I come in after my birth?
The recommendation is 8 weeks. However, with other complications like a 3rd or 4th degree tear, c-section, leaking all the time etc. Please – give us a call or e-mail! There is information we can give you, ie. programs, healthcare that need to be accessed in the first 12 weeks (not us necessarily) that can help your recovery.
Don’t wait if you are struggling, even if you are told it is normal after birth.
“No one has every contacted me, without valid concerns, in the 15 years of my practice. You know your body”
— Keeley Smith, BScPT.
Do you do birth preparation?
My focus throughout pregnancy is exercise and pain relief. Specifically, how to change your programming for abdominal work pelvic strength and mobility in the 3rd trimester and build it as part of your recovery after birth in the fourth trimester
If you are worried about tearing and are wanting to decrease interventions we recommend Milly Friedman – Spinning babies, (because it’s awesome!), getting a doula ( e-mail us for our recommended list of practitioners), or checking to see your chiro has certification in the Weber technique.
What are Hypopressives?
Basically, my one of my favorite pelvic floor training programs. It is an exercise program that trains the involuntary contraction of the abdominals, pelvic floor and organs. You need this training for cough, laugh, sneeze, sex and activity. It has been shown to reduce a prolapse and decrease abdominal pressure. Uses 8 postures with breathing, arm and body movements to train your involuntary pelvic floor contraction.
It was brought to Canada by Trist Zinn from Spain in 2012 – where they have been using it since 1998. See the website https://hypopressivescanada.com/ for more info.
Kegels don’t work for me – what else can I do?
So much. Research shows the strengthening the glutes, adductors, and abdominals can help build pelvic floor strength. Hypopressives, breathing and balance are other ways to train pelvic floor function.
Did you know: We have had patients who’s symptoms of leakage or urgency or prolapse were also helped with acupuncture, massage, naturopath, osteopath, pessary insertion, chiropractor, hormone therapy – the list goes on!
We are happy to refer to other health practitioners that can support you.
Just don’t give up!