Your First Visit —
This page is here to help your first visit go smoothly.
Please take a few minutes to review the information below so you know what to expect, how to prepare, and how to get the most out of your appointment.
What Your First Visit Includes
Your first visit includes a detailed assessment and treatment.
We will:
review your main concerns and goals
assess how your body is moving and where it may be compensating
provide hands-on treatment based on what we find
offer clear guidance on next steps
Treatments are guided by how your body is functioning, not just where symptoms are felt.
During the Session
We may assess movement, strength, or range of motion
Treatment may involve acupuncture, manual therapy, or both (depending on your booking)
We will likely reassess during, and after treatment to see what’s changed
Sessions are interactive — feedback during treatment is essential.
After Your Visit
It’s normal to experience:
temporary soreness, bruising or fatigue in treated areas
feeling tired or energized
changes in how your body moves or feels over the next 24–48 hours (maybe even in places we didn’t treat)
These responses usually settle within a day or two. Noticing and sharing them at your follow-up visits is helpful, as they guide how we tailor your next treatment.
If you have questions after your visit, please reach out or let us know at your next appointment.
For any severe symptoms, please seek medical care promptly.
Before You Arrive
Forms & Intake
Please complete your intake forms before your appointment time.
This allows us to review your information and use your visit time efficiently.If forms are incomplete, appointment time may be reduced.
What to Wear
Wear comfortable clothing that allows movement.
Helpful guidelines:
Athletic or casual clothing works best
Shorts are helpful for lower-body concerns
A tank top or loose shirt is helpful for shoulders or upper-body work
You will remain appropriately covered throughout treatment.
Eating & Hydration
Eat normally before your appointment
Avoid arriving very hungry or overly full
Stay well hydrated
Limit caffeine, especially if you’re sensitive to its effects
Arrival & Location
Where to Go
We are at 1200 Alpha Lake Road, Unit 204 in Function Junction - Above Forecast Coffee and Lordco. When you enter the building, take the elevator to the second floor, turn right, and we’re straight ahead - you can’t miss us.
Please arrive 5 minutes early to allow yourself time to settle in.
Parking
Free parking is available in front of and behind the building. Availability can vary, so please allow a little extra time in case you need to find nearby parking.
Washrooms
Washrooms are located in the hallway to the right of our entrance. A key is required — it will be hanging up by the coats (just be sure to bring it back).
What to Expect — RMT Treatment
Massage therapy sessions at Mend are movement-informed and clinically focused.
You can expect an in-depth assessment with precise massage therapy work, tailored to your needs and adjusted based on your feedback and response.
hands-on soft tissue, fascial and/or crainiosacral techniques
treatment that may include both passive and active movement
home care recommendations to continue progress
Sessions are performed with professional draping. You will undress to your comfort level, and areas not being treated will remain covered throughout the session.
For your first visit, a 60-minute (or longer) session is recommended to allow time for assessment and treatment. Follow-up visits can be booked for 30, 60, or 90 minutes, depending on your needs and treatment plan.
What to Expect - Orthopedic Acupuncture
Acupuncture sessions at Mend are hands-on, anatomy-based and evidence-informed.
You can expect a detailed assessment with targeted acupuncture techniques tailored to your needs and adjusted based on your feedback and response.
dry needling, electroacupuncture and/or distal acu-points
soft tissue fascial work, cupping or guasha as needed
movement re-education, breath work, and lifestyle support
Treatments are performed while you remain clothed. Comfortable clothing that allows movement and access to treatment areas is recommended. Shorts and a tank top or sports bra are ideal.
Your first visit lasts up to 60 minutes, and follow-up visits last up to 40 minutes. You’ll rest comfortably while the acupuncture points are in place (which varies from 10-20 minutes), with a call button available if you need anything.
Still have questions?
If something is unclear or you’re unsure how to prepare, please reach out before your visit.
We’re happy to help make your first appointment smooth and stress-free.
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1200 Alpha Lake Road, Unit #204
Elevator or the stairs will take you to the second level where you will continue down the hall to #204.
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Free parking is available in front of and behind the building. Availability can vary, so please allow a little extra time in case you need to find nearby parking.
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24 hours. This gives me a chance to reschedule another patient in the place that was reserved for you.
Failure to give 24 hours notice will result in a cancellation fee.
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No, we no longer submit insurance claims on your behalf.
You will receive a receipt after your treatment, which you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Most providers process claims and issue payment within 1–7 business days.
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Please wear comfortable clothing that allows movement.
Athletic or casual wear works well
Shorts are helpful for lower-body concerns
A tank top or loose shirt is helpful for shoulders or upper-body work
You’ll remain appropriately covered throughout treatment.
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This depends on several factors, including:
how long the issue has been present
how your body responds to treatment
what you’re hoping to get back to
Some people notice changes quickly. Others benefit from a short series of visits to support more lasting change.
We’ll talk through recommendations openly, without pressure or long-term commitments.
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Some techniques can feel intense in the moment, especially when working with irritated or underactive tissues.
That said, treatment should feel purposeful and manageable — not overwhelming.
We will always communicate throughout your session and adjust based on your comfort and response.
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You may notice:
a sense of ease or lightness
temporary soreness or bruising in treated areas
fatigue or increased energy
These responses are normal and usually settle within a day or two. We’ll let you know what to expect and how to support recovery between visits.
You can go back to activity as usual - movement is actually recommended as long as it is functional and pain-free.