What To Expect
Your First Visit
At Oakridge Chiropractic and Wellness Centre your first visit sets the foundation for your journey to better health. Knowing what to expect can help you feel comfortable and prepared for your appointment. Below you’ll find step-by-step guides outlining each treatment process, so you can arrive confident and ready to begin your journey toward better health and wellness.
Chiropractic
Step 1: Paperwork
Arrive early if you have not already completed the intake form online. After you complete the intake form, you will be taken to a treatment room where your chiropractor will meet with you to discuss your health history and current concerns.
Step 2: Preparation for Examination
In most cases on the first visit, women will be asked to change into one of our lovely gowns, and guys will remove their shirts. This is so that the chiropractor can take a closer look at your back, as well as check for any abnormalities on your skin. We are required to see the skin of the area that will be treated.
Step 3: Assessment and Diagnosis
The chiropractor will perform a thorough history and examination to determine what type of issue you are dealing with, and a diagnosis will be provided. Your chiropractor will then suggest a treatment plan customized for you and your body. Our chiropractors ensure that you are fully informed at every step so you are comfortable with the process and the adjustments.
Step 4: First Visit & Treatment
This first visit takes approximately 45 minutes in total, and, if appropriate, will include your first treatment (adjustment) as well, after reviewing and signing an informed consent form.
Step 5: Subsequent Visits
Subsequent visits will be anywhere from 7-15 minutes, depending on the treatment. These treatments can be performed while the patient is fully clothed, so no more gowns!
Massage
Step 1: Arrival and Intake Form
Arrive early if you have not already completed your intake form online. Our therapists will need a complete picture of your current health situation, including any medications or other treatments/therapies you are undergoing. This information is critical to ensuring that massage is not contraindicated. See Massage Therapy FAQs for more information about contraindications.
Step 2: Meeting Your Therapist
Your therapist will come to the front to take you and your paperwork to the massage room. They will review the information with you and then leave the room so that you may disrobe and get under the covers on the massage table.
Step 3: Preparing for the Massage
Clients leave only their underwear on. Only the body part that the therapist is working on is exposed at any one time. The rest of the time you will be under a sheet, blanket, and sometimes a heating pad. The lights in the room will be dimmed and quiet music may be played in the background as well to help you relax.
Step 4: During the Massage
Most massages will start with you lying face down, and finish by having you turn face up for the final few minutes.
Step 5: After the Massage
Once your time is completed, the therapist will leave the room so that you may get dressed. Get up slowly and carefully from the table, as massage can leave you feeling very relaxed and sometimes a bit light-headed.
Step 6: Post-Massage Effects
Some clients will experience some muscle stiffness or soreness after their first massage, much like the feeling after your first time back at the gym, or the first time you hit the ski slopes for the season. Drinking plenty of water, resting, and even an Epsom salt bath is sometimes recommended post-massage.
Acupuncture
Step 1: Intake Form and Questionnaire
An extensive intake form and questionnaire will be given to you, the answers to which will reveal any potentially beneficial treatments required, as well as your main area of concern.
Step 2: Review and Assessment
Dr. Sourang will review your form, and then use questioning and observation, as well as visual and sensory clues, to come up with a treatment plan personalized for you. Checking your tongue colour and texture, as well as evaluating your pulse, are common diagnostic tools.
Step 3: First Appointment Duration
You will also receive a treatment on your first visit, so allow about 1 hour for the appointment.
Step 4: Preparation for Treatment
You will likely be asked to change into a gown, or into a pair of shorts, so that the acupuncturist will be able to access the correct points for the acupuncture needles. Most treatments are performed while the patient is lying face up on the table.
Step 5: Needle Placement
The needles will be inserted at the points that will be most beneficial for your treatment, which may not always be where you think! If you have a sore shoulder, you may also find you end up with needles in your feet or wrist.
Step 6: Antiseptic and Sterile Needles
The areas where the needles will be placed is gently wiped with an antiseptic. The needles are very fine and usually patients only feel a slight pinching sensation as they are placed. All needles are individually wrapped and sterile, for single use only.
Step 7: During Treatment
The needles are left in place for the duration of the treatment, and you will be able to relax in a quiet, darkened room. Quite often patients will be so relaxed that they will fall asleep.
Step 8: Completion of Treatment
Once the treatment time is up, usually about 45 minutes, the acupuncturist will return to the room and carefully remove all of the needles.
Manual Osteopathy
Step 1: Arrival and Intake Form
Arrive a few minutes early for your first visit to complete the intake form, if you have not already completed the form online. Your osteopathic practitioner will review your medical history, current symptoms, previous injuries, and any medications or treatments you are undergoing. Bringing along any relevant imaging or prior medical reports can help ensure a thorough understanding of your health needs and goals.
Step 2: Pre-Treatment Preparation
Wear comfortable, flexible clothing that allows for easy movement, as you may be asked to perform certain exercises or stretches during your assessment and treatment. Try to avoid heavy meals immediately before your appointment so you can move comfortably throughout the session. Please be well hydrated prior to your appointment.
Step 3: Assessment with Your Osteopath
Your practitioner will perform a detailed, full-body assessment, checking your posture, movement patterns, and areas of tension or restriction. This hands-on examination helps identify any imbalances or dysfunctions that may be contributing to your symptoms, laying the foundation for a tailored treatment approach.
Step 4: During Your Treatment
Your practitioner will use a combination of hands-on techniques, which may include stretching, soft tissue mobilization, and gentle joint manipulation to address muscles, joints, and connective tissues. The treatment plan will be individualized and may address multiple areas of the body in one session. Treatments typically last between 30 and can last up to 90 minutes depending on treatment plan.
Step 5: After Your Session
You may experience immediate relief, a sense of relaxation, or mild soreness—similar to what you might feel after physical activity. Mild fatigue or local tenderness can last for up to 24–48 hours. Stay hydrated to support your body’s recovery, and keep activity light if you feel sore. Intense exercise is best avoided on the day of treatment if possible.
Step 6: Post-Treatment Effects and Results Timeline
Some people notice improvement in symptoms after just one session; however, chronic or complex issues typically require several treatments for best results. Gradual progress is common as your body continues to adapt and heal between sessions. Maintenance treatments may be recommended to sustain long-term benefits and support overall well-being.
EmSculpt® NEO
Step 1: Consultation and Intake
Arrive early for your appointment and complete the necessary intake form. You'll discuss your strengthening goals and determine the appropriate treatment areas with your provider. Your medical history will be reviewed to ensure EmSculpt® NEO is right for you, and a personalized treatment plan will be created based on your needs.
Step 2: Preparation for Treatment
You’ll be asked to change into comfortable clothing and remove jewelry or metal accessories. The provider will prep and position the treatment area, then securely fasten the EmSculpt® NEO applicator to your chosen muscle group.
Step 3: The Treatment Session
During your session, the device delivers a combination of radiofrequency (RF) heat and high intensity focused electromagnetic energy (HIFEM) supramaximal muscle contraction to the target area. You’ll feel a warming sensation followed by strong, involuntary muscle contractions—similar to an intense workout. Intensity will be adjusted throughout to maintain your comfort. Each session typically lasts about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Post-Treatment Care
After the session, the applicator is removed and you can get dressed right away. There is no downtime required—you can immediately resume your usual activities. You may experience mild muscle fatigue or a warmed feeling, much like after a challenging workout.
Step 5: Results Timeline
You may notice mild tightness or changes in muscle tone shortly after 1 to 3 treatments. Visible improvement and body contouring develop gradually over several weeks, with best results usually seen after completing your full series of sessions.
Emsella®
Step 1: Arrival and Intake Form
You will have to complete an intake form. A chiropractor will review your medical history and symptoms. This helps ensure Emsella® is safe and appropriate for your needs, and allows you to discuss your treatment goals and ask any questions.
Step 2: Pre-Treatment Preparation
No special preparation is required. Wear comfortable loose clothing, as you will remain fully dressed during treatment. Please avoid having phones, metal belts, jewelry, or zippers near your pelvic area.
Step 3: Getting Seated for Treatment
Your provider will help you get comfortably seated on the Emsella® chair and position you to ensure optimal targeting of your pelvic floor muscles. Everything is adjusted while you remain fully clothed.
Step 4: During the Emsella Session
The Emsella® chair emits high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy, causing strong, involuntary pelvic floor contractions. You’ll likely feel tingling or gentle pulling sensations, but treatment is not painful. Each session takes about 28–30 minutes—you can relax, read, or listen to music throughout.
Step 5: After Your Session
Once the session is complete, you can get up and immediately return to your usual activities. There is no downtime, and no restrictions on work, exercise, or daily routines.
Step 6: Post-Treatment and Results Timeline
Some patients notice early improvements in bladder control or pelvic strength after 1–2 sessions. Completing the full series (about six sessions, twice a week) typically leads to a significantly stronger pelvic floor and reduction in symptoms. Maintenance sessions may be recommended to help sustain your results for the long term.
Insurance – Chiropractic, Massage, Acupuncture and Manual Osteopathy Coverage
Oakridge Chiropractic and Wellness Centre is excited to offer our patients the convenience of direct billing for Blue Cross and affiliates as well as Sunlife. Direct billing is available for our Chiropractic, Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, and Manual Osteopathy services, making it easier for you to access the care you need without the hassle of submitting claims yourself. Have questions about your specific coverage or how direct billing works? Reach out to our team to learn more!
Book Your Wellness Journey Today!
Don't wait to experience relief and rejuvenation. At Oakridge Chiropractic and Wellness Centre, our expert practitioners are ready to guide you on a personalized wellness journey. Benefit from tailored treatments that enhance your health, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. Secure your spot today and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you. Book your appointment now and feel the difference!