General

1. What are your treatment fees?
2. Are treatments covered by insurance?
3. What are your hours?
4. How do I make an appointment?
5. What is your cancellation policy?
6. Is there parking onsite?

1. What are your treatment fees?

Please click here to view each practitioners treatment fees: https://bodahealth.janeapp.com/

2. Are treatments covered by insurance?

Extended health benefits vary from plan to plan many of today’s plans offer some form of coverage. Contact your benefits coordinator to find out if your plan covers the treatment that you are looking for. If you are self-employed discuss with your financial planner about setting up a health and welfare trust to write off the cost of your healthcare.

We provide direct billing to most health benefit providers. Please contact the clinic at 604 733-2632 to inquire if your plan is included.

If you qualify MSP pays for a combined annual limit of 10 visits for acupuncture, massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic and naturopathy. Contact MSP at (604) 660-2421 to find out if you qualify.

3. What are your hours?

Our clinic is open 7 days a week except statutory holidays. Our general hours are Monday to Friday 8:00am to 9:00pm, Saturdays 9:00am to 5:00pm and Sundays 10am to 2pm – for specific practitioner hours and availability, please visit our online booking page.

4. How do I make an appointment?

You can make an appointment by calling Boda at (604) 733-2632, or you can click here to book online.

5. What is your cancellation policy?

We have a 24hr cancellation policy. If you need to reschedule, Please be sure to call our clinic 24 hours in advance so that we can make your appointment time available to another client.

If you do not call to reschedule 24 hours in advance, or if you miss your scheduled appointment, you will be charged the full fee.

6. Is there parking onsite?

We have visitor parking open from 7:00am. Take the back alley, located between Broadway and 8th, from Alder. Drive into the garage at building 1245 and park in one of the visitor parking stalls, parking is $3 per hour. Take the elevator from the parking up to the 3rd floor.

Acupuncture and TCM

1. What is acupuncture?
2. What causes imbalance?
3. How many treatments will I need?
4. Does acupuncture hurt?
5. Do you use disposable needles at BodaHealth?
6. Is acupuncture covered by MSP or extended medical?
7. What can acupuncture treat?
8. Can I combine acupuncture and TCM with Western medicine?
9. Why are Chinese herbal medicines used?
10. What does it take to become a TCM practitioner?
11. What is cupping?
12. What is moxibustion?

1. What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture originated in China over 2000 years ago. It is based on the belief that health is determined by a balanced flow of qi (pronounced “chee”) the vital life energy present in all living organisms. Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of sterile, disposable, hair-fine needles into specific points, called acupuncture points, on the body to stimulate the flow of qi. These points provide us with ‘gateways’ to influence, redirect, increase, or decrease qi correcting many imbalances. Qi circulates through the body along twelve major energy pathways, called meridians. Each meridian is linked to specific internal organs and organ system. There are hundreds of acupoints within the meridian system that can be stimulated to enhance the flow of qi. When you are healthy, the qi flows smoothly.

Studies have shown that Acupuncture stimulates the brain to release chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins help relieve the body from different kinds of pain, one of the primary uses of Acupuncture is for the relief of chronic and acute pain. Acupuncture has been used extensively for a variety of medical purposes ranging from the prevention and treatment of disease, to relieving pain and anesthetizing patients for surgery.

The needles used are solid, not hollow like needles used for drawing blood. The end of an acupuncture needle is smooth and rounded. Acupuncture needles are not designed to cut the skin. Instead, when an acupuncture needle is inserted, the round edge pushes the tissue aside without cutting it.

A positive attitude helps with any type of therapy but it is not necessary to believe in acupuncture for it to work. Acupuncture is used successfully on animals and children. They do not understand or believe in the process yet they get better anyway.

At BodaHealth Vancouver we have 6 registered acupuncturists each educated in unique areas such as: women’s health, fertility, pregnancy, MS, autoimmune disease, pain and injury. Please visit our practitioner bios here to learn more about our areas of focus.

2. What causes imbalance?

When Qi flows freely through the meridians, your body is balanced and healthy, if your energy becomes blocked or weak, it can result in physical, mental or emotional illness. Imbalance can result from:

Emotions such as excess anger, over-excitement, grief and fear
Environment such as cold, damp/humidity, wind, dryness, and heat
Poor diet, overwork and overexertion.

3. How many treatments will I need?

The answer depends on the nature and duration of your problem. To give acupuncture enough time to do its work, approximately 4 – 6 visits are required. Generally speaking, the more recent the ailment, the shorter the treatment time and the fewer treatments needed. Problems that have arisen recently may see improvement within the first few treatments, while long-standing disorders may take longer for your body to balance. As with any form of medical care, the client’s attitude, diet, determination and lifestyle will affect the outcome and course of treatment.

Patients should start to feel the benefits from acupuncture within 2-3 treatments. If the problem is acute, sometimes improvement is felt after 1 treatment, and may only need 3-5 treatments to resolve. If the problem is chronic and long term, it may take a many treatments to resolve.

Typically we start by treating patients 1 – 2 times a week. If the condition is acute and painful, treatments may be as frequent as 2-3 times per week for the first 2 – 3 weeks. The benefits of acupuncture treatments tend to hold longer as you receive treatments, so what typically happens is that patients need fewer treatments over time and eventually only come periodically for maintenance.

4. Does acupuncture hurt?

People experience needling differently and there are different styles of needling. Unlike injection and blood drawing needles, acupuncture needles do not have a hollow space inside for fluid. Therefore, they are very fine in comparison. The needles are very thin, and are designed to be easily inserted and create minimal discomfort. The client should feel a slight sensation as the needle contacts the Qi. This feeling is known as ‘deqi’, or arrival of Qi. The sensation of deqi can either be distention, heaviness, heat, dull ache, numbness, or tingling. A client may feel a needle slightly more if the area is very blocked. In some instances the sensation travels along the line of the meridian. The energetic sensation differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but relaxing soon after insertion. Most people find Acupuncture to be calming and relaxing or even fall asleep once all the needles are placed.

No need to worry if you are afraid of needles. At BodaHealth there are always alternatives for acupuncture needles, such as heat therapy, cupping, Tui Na and acupressure.

One of the greatest advantages of acupuncture is the absence of serious side effects.

5. Do you use disposable needles at BodaHealth?

Every needle used in our clinic is a sterile, single-use needle. Each needle is used only one time and then immediately placed in a biohazard container. We do not reuse needles.

6. Is acupuncture covered by MSP or extended medical?

Extended health benefits vary from plan to plan many of today’s plans offer some form of coverage. Contact your benefits coordinator to find out if your plan covers acupuncture. If you are self-employed discuss with your financial planner about setting up a health and welfare trust to write off both the cost of acupuncture and herbs prescribed by your practitioner.

If you qualify MSP pays for a combined annual limit of 10 visits for acupuncture, massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic and naturopathy. Contact MSP at (604) 733-2632 to find out if you qualify.

7. What can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are used to treat many conditions. Among those are: chronic and acute pain, women’s health issues such as fertility, pregnancy, menopause, stress and anxiety, digestive complaints, endocrine disorders and others. Please see our Conditions Treated page for a more comprehensive look at what we do at BodaHealth.

The World Health Organization lists over 40 different disorders that acupuncture is effective in treating. These conditions include:

Digestive: Abdominal pain, Constipation, Diarrhea, Acid reflux, Indigestion

Eye-Ear-Throat: Cataracts, Gingivitis, Poor vision, Tinnitis, Toothache

Musculoskeletal: Arthritis, Back pain, Muscle cramping, Muscle pain and weakness, Neck pain, Sciatica

Respiratory: Asthma, Bronchitis, Common cold, Sinusitis, Smoking cessation, Tonsillitis

Emotional: Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Nervousness, Neurosis

Gynecological: Pregnancy and postpartum issues, Infertility, Menopausal symptoms, Premenstrual and menstrual symptoms

Neurological: Headaches, Migraines, Neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Parkinson’s disease, Postoperative pain, Stroke

Miscellaneous: Addiction control, Athletic performance, Blood pressure regulation

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine treat both the symptoms and the root of an illness. Chinese Traditional Medicine focuses on the whole person and on maintaining the optimum balance of energy that creates health.

8. Can I combine acupuncture and TCM with Western medicine?

Many clients undergo acupuncture and TCM alongside conventional medication. It is advisable, however, that herbal medicine and conventional medicine be taken at different times of the day. With TCM treatment, Western medication can often be reduced slowly as the client’s health improves, in consultation with both the client’s conventional doctor, acupuncturist and TCM practitioner. Be sure to discuss this with your prescribing medical doctor. Please inform both your medical doctor and practitioner of TCM about the herbs and drugs you are presently or will be taking. It is our goal at BodaHealth that our patients receive the best possible quality of care. This often involves working in consultation with your MD or other health practitioner to best serve your needs.

9. Why are Chinese herbal medicines used?

In East Asia, people have been using natural herbs to treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions for over 2000 years. These herbs are composed of roots, bark, flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, branches and some animal products. Some conditions respond better to a combination of herbs and acupuncture. Combining both treatment modalities can provide a more efficient and effective healing response. It is also less costly because the number of and frequency of acupuncture treatments can be reduced.

Herbal medicines are generally gentler than drugs and more holistically targeted, so there are fewer side effects. In fact, herbs used within the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) context relieve symptoms above and beyond the chief complaint of the client. That is why we often modify the herbs as treatment continues, since the body starts to shift towards being healthier, and therefore the herbs are modified to meet the changing needs of the body. If you are taking western pharmaceutical you may not be able to take herbs, it depends on the medications you are taking. This would have to be evaluated on a case by case basis.

The medicinal herbal products at BodaHealth do not contain any endangered or illegal plant or animal substances. We use e-fong concentrated herb granules that can be taken in the form of tea or can be encapsulated for your convenience. The herbs are inspected for herb quality, herb identification, heavy metals, presence of bugs, and other contaminants by the supplier. E-fong sends products to an independent laboratory to be tested for pesticides, alfatoxins and certain heavy metals. BodaHealth only uses high quality Chinese Herbs from suppliers with the most stringent testing and quality control.

10. What does it take to become a TCM practitioner?

A Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.) has a minimum of 1,900 hrs in 3 academic years, including 450 hrs of practicum and has passed the provincial licensing exam administered by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMA).

A Registered Herbalist (R. TCM. H) has a minimum of 1,900 hrs in 3 academic years, including 450 hrs of practicum and has passed the provincial licensing exam administered by the CTCMA.

A Registered TCM Practitioner (R. TCM. P) has a minimum of 2,600 hrs in 4 academic years, including 650 hrs of practicum and has passed both the licensing exam for R. Ac. and R. TCM. H.

A Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Dr. TCM) has a minimum of 3,250 hrs in 5 academic years, with an additional 1,050 hrs of practicum, has passed the Dr. TCM competency exam in addition to being a Registered TCM Practitioner (R. Ac. and R. TCM. H).

11. What is cupping?

Cupping hit the mainstream when Gwyneth Paltrow caused a stir at a New York film premiere. After that everyone started to ask about cupping.

Cupping is an ancient Chinese method of treatment that focuses on the movement of blood, energy (Qi) and body fluids, such as lymph, which circulates around the body’s tissues. It is often used in addition to acupuncture to relieve pain in the muscles, such as back pain or shoulder pain from stiffness or injury, and clearing congestion in the chest, which occurs with colds and flu. Cupping also helps tissues release toxins, clear colon blockages, help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries, activate the skin, clear stretch marks and improve varicose veins.

Heat is used to create a vacuum inside the glass cups and they are placed on the skin. This draws up the underlying tissues. The cup is then left in place on the skin for a few minutes to invigorate the underlying tissue and meridians.

Cupping can leave deep purple, bruises on the skin. But it’s not damage to the tissue but rather they are ‘healthy bruises’ and they disappear within a week or so. Although cupping does leave noticeable marks, it is not painful during or after treatment.

Cupping has been practiced for thousands of years for the treatment of disease and pain. There have certainly been satisfied customers for over 2,500 years.

If you are thinking about trying cupping it is important to find an experienced practitioner. The acupuncturists at BodaHealth in Vancouver are trained in cupping therapy.

12. What is Moxibustion?

If you’ve ever walked into a Chinese Medical practice offering Acupuncture, you will very likely have smelled the earthy tones that moxibustion gives off when being used in treatment. Moxibustion is the burning of a herb to warm acupuncture points. It is most often used in conjunction with acupuncture though may also be used entirely on its own to achieve a therapeutic outcome. The herb used is mugwort (artemisia vulgaris) and the part used is the floss found under the leaves of the mugwort plant. For thousands of years it has been know as one of the most effective therapies in Oriental Medicine. In warming the acupuncture points and meridians, the body returns to health. The digestive, nervous, reproductive and musculoskeletal systems are all affected by the use of moxibustion as it boosts immunity and alleviates pain, allowing for improved function.

Clinical application:

At BodaHealth, we offer various types of moxibustion applications according to the patterns we are treating and the desired outcome.
The two most common ways of administering moxibustion are direct scarring moxibustion and indirect moxibustion.

Direct Scarring Moxibustion:
Although rarely used in the western practice of Chinese Medicine, direct scarring moxibustion consists of placing a rice grain shaped roll of moxa floss directly on the patients skin and burning it down to the point of creating a small scar. These rice grain moxa rolls are extremely small.

Indirect Moxa:
Most commonly used in the western practice is this type of moxa therapy administered through a tightly bound collection of the moxa floss into a cigar shape and burned over the acupuncture points or a cone placed on the skin with a barrier between the skin and the cone. Barriers include, barrier cream, a slice of ginger or garlic or a mound of salt. This achieves deep penetrating heat without burning or scarring. It is a pleasant treatment, inducing a deep state of relaxation.

Training:

Moxibustion is taught in most Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine degree programs in the West and is most commonly used in tandem with an acupuncture treatment. At BodaHealth, we have practitioners who have gone on to study moxibustion extensively as it is used in Japan, where a separate license must be held in order to practice it. In the West, one must hold an Acupuncture license in order to practice moxibustion therapy.

Massage Therapy

1. What benefits can I expect from Massage Therapy?
2. What kinds of health problems can Massage Therapy provide treatment and support?
3. What should I expect during my first Massage Therapy session?
4. Do I need a doctor’s referral for Massage Therapy?
5. Who should have Massage Therapy?
6. I am currently trying to conceive. Is Massage Therapy safe during this time?
7. Can I continue to receive treatment when I’m pregnant?
8. Why don’t all RMT’s treat the same way?

1. What benefits can I expect from Massage Therapy?

Massage Therapy is one of the safest, drug-free and non-surgical ways to treat a wide range of conditions. Massage Therapy provides a number of physiological effects.

Reflex Effects – The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) can benefit substantially from Massage Therapy. The ANS is responsible for a wide range of responses called reflex effects. These reflexes can happen throughout the body or can be localized meaning the response happens only at the site of the manipulated region. The improvement of the immune system is one type of reflex effect. Massage therapy has a beneficial effect on the immune system function, although more studies may be required to prove this.
Fascial Tissue Effects – The role of Connective Tissue is to support all the organs of the body and the other body structures, such as muscles, ligaments, and bones. When restrictions or adhesions in this tissue develop due to trauma, disuse, disease or other conditions then the range of motion of the affected parts can become limited. This can also result in pain. Myofascial techniques can help limit these adhesions, thus improving function and lessening pain.
Neuromuscular Effects – One of the benefits of Massage is to relieve tight muscles, which in medical terms is called neuromuscular tension. Massage does this by lessening overstimulation of muscles. Massage is applied to stop the pain-tension cycle and help readjust the muscle’s resting tension. The effect can be experienced as a “softening” of the muscle.
Effects on Fluid Mechanics – Blood and lymphatic fluid can either be moved in or out of body tissues through the process of mechanical compression. The effect results in the healing of injuries by enhancing blood flow into the tissues and helping to reduce swelling.
Psychological Effects – Patients have stated that massage treatment has greatly helped in reducing their levels of stress as well as helped them relax. The reduction of stress is a key element in preserving good health.

2. What kinds of health problems can Massage Therapy provide treatment and support?

The following health conditions that RMT’s treat comes from a list seen on the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of BC website. This is not an exhaustive list. It just shows the efficacy and versatility of massage therapy in being able to treat and/or support a wide spectrum of conditions. These can include asthma, whiplash, athletic injuries, paralysis, arthritis, compression & entrapment syndromes, bronchitis, varicose veins, Buergers’ disease, osoteoarthritis, bursitis, TMJ dysfunction, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoporosis, cerebral palsy, tenosynovitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, neuritis/neuralgia, chronic pain, tendonitis, constipation, muscular dystrophy, contractures, thoracic outlet syndrome, contusions, spasm/muscle tension, cramps, degenerative disk disease, muscular issues with multiple sclerosis, digestive disorders, synovitis, dislocations, migraine headaches, Dupuytrens’ contractures, stress-related disorders, dysmenorrhea, low back pain, edema, muscle strains, knee injury, Parkinson’s disease, ligament sprains, fibromyalgia, insomnia, facet lock, sports injuries, pes planus, impingement syndrome, fractures, spastic paralysis, frozen shoulder, iliotibial band contracture, scoliosis, hemiplegia, herniated disks, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, scars, tension headaches and postural deformities.

Massage therapy can be highly effective when applied as a component of a preventative care program. Forms of general wellness care can include performance enhancement, injury prevention, sports training, stress management, infant massage, and pre or post-natal care.

3. What should I expect during my first Massage Therapy session?

Your initial visit usually takes an hour. If you haven’t filled out your intake form online, you’ll need to come in about 10 minutes before your actual appointment time to complete an one. In the treatment room, your massage therapist will perform an intensive evaluation and assessment of your complaint/condition, in order to ascertain the best treatment approach for you. After treatment, some home care recommendations will be given on steps for easier and faster recovery. These recommendations can involve the proper use of heat, ice, rest, postural exercises to bring back correct movement patterns, as well as strengthening and stretching exercises.

4. Do I need a doctor’s referral for Massage Therapy?

No referral is required from your doctor or primary health care provider since registered massage therapists are themselves primary health care specialists.

However, if you have an extended Health Care Plan, you may need to talk to your plan provider to see if you need a doctor’s referral for Massage Therapy coverage. Each plan is different.

5. Who should have Massage Therapy?

Everyone can benefit from Massage Therapy! All of our Registered Massage Therapists are highly trained and you can entrust us with your safety and health.

6. I am currently trying to conceive. Is Massage Therapy safe during this time?

Yes, massage therapy is safe, whether you are trying to conceive naturally or if you are using assisted reproductive technology. Many patients find that a relaxing massage helps to calm their nervous system and decrease pain.

7. Can I continue to receive treatment when I’m pregnant?

Once you are pregnant, we will proceed with pregnancy massage, which is another one of our passions at BodaHealth! We have the experience and education needed to assess which positions and techniques should or should not be used throughout all stages of your pregnancy.

8. Why don’t all RMT’s treat the same way?

As with all types of health professionals, each RMT has their own way of treating patients. After graduation, RMT’s need to complete extra hours of training each year. One therapist may undergo training in a different set of skills, compared to another therapist. So to provide the best service, a therapist will tend to utilize the techniques and style that works best for her. In all likelihood this may be different from the techniques and style used by the other therapists.

This can be seen with our RMT’s at BodaHealth. Each are exceptionally trained and skilled yet utilize techniques very distinct from each other. A patient may have a preference for a certain therapist because her style works best for that patient.

In this regard, you can make specific requests if you prefer to receive certain techniques, (i.e. you may prefer a deeper or lighter massage). You may need to experience the styles of different therapists before you find one that works best for you. If you can describe in detail the type of therapy that you prefer, then we will help you find the therapist that will be the best match for you.

Naturopathic Medicine

1. How long are the appointments with your naturopathic doctors?
2. What does an initial naturopathic appointment entail?
3. What kinds of treatments do your naturopaths offer? Can your naturopathic doctors prescribe medications?
4. Is naturopathic medicine covered by my health plan?

1. How long are the appointments with your naturopathic doctors?

An initial visit with our naturopaths is approximately 60 minutes and follow-up visits can range from 15-60 minutes depending on your health concerns.

2. What does an initial naturopathic appointment entail?

In an initial visit, our naturopathic physicians take a detailed history of your current and past health concerns as well as perform a physical exam and any necessary laboratory tests to make a health assessment and diagnosis. From there, an individualized treatment plan is proposed for you.

3. What kinds of treatments do your naturopaths offer? Can your naturopathic doctors prescribe medications?

Our naturopathic doctors provide a wide variety of treatments, including dietary and lifestyle counseling, herbal medicine, vitamins and supplements, injection therapies as well as acupuncture. Naturopathic physicians in BC also have prescriptive authority and are able to prescribe many common medications.

4. Is naturopathic medicine covered by my health plan?

Most extended health insurance plans in Canada provide coverage for naturopathic medicine so it’s best to check with your individual insurance provider.

Pilates

1. What is Pilates?
2. What are the benefits of Pilates?
3. What are the six principles of Pilates?
4. What is the difference between Pilates and yoga?
5. What are the benefits of using a reformer?
6. Why are there different types of reformers?
7. Do you use any equipment besides a reformer?
8. Are there any contraindications to doing Pilates?
9. Can I do Pilates when I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant?
10. What should I wear when I come to BodaHealth to do Pilates?
11. How long is a Pilates session?
12. How often should I do Pilates?
13. What is “clinical Pilates” and how is it different from a Pilates class?
14. I am currently doing physiotherapy for an injury, is Pilates a safe complement to my treatment plan?
15. Can I do Pilates before or after acupuncture or massage therapy?
16. What do I need to bring to my Pilates class?
17. What should I do before my first Pilates Session?

1. What is Pilates?

Pilates is a full body low impact system of exercises done to stabilize and strengthen your core. Pilates can be done on a mat or on specialized Pilates equipment. There is a focus on rib cage breathing and core strengthening (diaphragm, pelvic floor, abdominals, and low back muscles), to improve muscular balance and tone, joint alignment and overall physical fitness. Joseph Pilates pioneered this conditioning technique called “Contrology” which can prevent and rehabilitate injuries, improve muscular strength and endurance, provide neutral alignment in the body, quality of life and function, and optimize well being.

2. What are the benefits of Pilates?

Pilates harnesses our “powerhouse” or core to improve our posture, to improve muscular balance around joints and bones to provide neutral and safe alignment of the spine. Pilates can help reduce low back pain, reduce risk of injury, rehabilitate injuries, increase flexibility, blood circulation and the oxygenation of cells. Pilates also facilitates synovial fluid into the joints and enhances lymphatic flow.

Pilates can help strengthen your pelvic floor, deep abdominal muscles and can balance and strengthen the muscles in your entire body. Pilates can also help with various medical conditions such as: osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, degenerative disc disease, herniated disks, sciatica, scoliosis, neurological conditions, pelvic organ prolapse and musculoskeletal strains and sprains.

Pilates can help with preoperative and postoperative core strength and cardio conditioning, and improve functional fitness and athletic performance. With repeated Pilates sessions your muscles build memory which transfers to your everyday life.

3. What are the six principles of Pilates?

Concentration – the goal is to connect your mind to your body by concentrating on the correct movement
Control – movement is slow and controlled as the mind directs the muscles
Centering – all movements start from the core or powerhouse as the more centered you are the less strain on your extremities
Precision – positioning your body in alignment with precise movements
Flow – smooth and graceful transitions from one movement to the next
Breathing – focusing on inhalation and exhalation with each movement helps connect to your core and increase your breathing capacity

“Change happens through movement and movement heals” – Joseph Pilates

4. What is the difference between Pilates and yoga?

Yoga is a series of poses or asanas with spiritual and religious traditions usually done on a mat to gain flexibility and a mind/body/spirit connection while utilizing different breathing techniques called pranayama.

Pilates differs from yoga in that Pilates was created for rehabilitation and is comprised of exercises on both the mat and Pilates equipment including the reformer, cadillac and chair. Pilates utilizes a type of breathing called deep diaphragmatic or rib cage breathing which engages your deep abdominal muscles. Both Pilates and Yoga are mind body exercises however the “pearl of Pilates” is that we elongate the muscles on the eccentric contraction to build muscle strength and length. Pilates is a form of resistance training and exercises are done with the assistance and resistance of strings and pulleys.

5. What are the benefits of using a reformer?

The reformer offers different ways to move, sometimes it makes the movement easier and sometimes it increases the challenge. You may want it to be easier if you are recovering from an injury. For example, after a knee injury you can build strength and endurance without compression on the joint and without fighting gravity. The reformer can increase resistance capacity because it is spring and pulley based and it can help you find support and ease of movement. The reformer is also useful because it can raise the intensity of your rehab by increasing the weight and instability. The reformer has a moving surface, which improves your balance by challenging your body to move in different planes of motion.

6. Why are there different types of reformers?

There are a few companies that make reformers so they all look a bit different. Essentially they all provide the same benefits and results.

7. Do you use any equipment besides a reformer?

Yes, at BodaHealth we have a reformer, tower, chair, and a barrel, as well as other props such as weights and bolsters.

8. Are there any contraindications to doing Pilates?

With every injury there may be unique contraindications with certain movements. However, our experienced instructors know how to build a workout plan that will keep you safe and moving well. There are many gentle movements that can be done during acute or chronic stages of injury.

9. Can I do Pilates when I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant?

Yes, in fact it is very beneficial to start Pilates pre-conception or during your first trimester. Pilates helps you build a baseline of core strength and creates a mind body connection to your muscles so you know how they should feel which can help you re-connect with them more quickly post partum. Pilates is about stretching and strengthening your pelvic floor and preparing your pelvis for the multiple changes and movements that happen during labour. Additionally, the stronger you are going into labour the more endurance you will have. Pilates can balance and strengthen your core and low back to help with childbirth and to help with postpartum recovery. Pilates is a safe and effective work out routine to be done throughout all trimesters and after labour and delivery.

10. What should I wear when I come to BodaHealth to do Pilates?

Pilates is usually done in grip or toe socks or bare feet and comfortable clothing that you can move in. Some people wear tights and others wear sweats or loose fitting clothing.

11. How long is a Pilates session?

At BodaHealth our sessions are 55 minutes.

12. How often should I do Pilates?

In the beginning, it is ideal to practice Pilates 2-3x per week to build your muscle memory and to help integrate and maximize your results. That being said, each body is different and the ideal number and frequency of sessions will vary from one individual to the next. One of the main advantages of clinical Pilates versus group classes is the personalized approach to wellness and ensuring that programs reflect the unique needs and goals of each client.

In addition, many clients benefit from a supplementary home care routine, which we can provide by our instructors, to compliment your in studio program.

Joseph Pilates said,” After 10 session you will feel the difference. After 20 sessions you will see the difference. After 30 session you will have a whole new body.”

13. What is “clinical Pilates” and how is it different from a Pilates class?

The main difference between Clinical Pilates and Regular Pilates is the breadth of knowledge and training of the Clinical Pilates instructor. This special training allows your instructor to adjust and modify individualized Pilates exercises for each client. Whereas, an instructor for regular or group Pilates usually recommends a generalised program of exercises. At BodaHealth, our Pilates instructors take into account your medical history, past injuries, unique muscular imbalances and specific physiological needs.

14. I am currently doing physiotherapy for an injury, is Pilates a safe complement to my treatment plan?

Yes, Pilates exercises can be used to rehabilitate your body by correcting muscle and postural imbalances, by strengthening and lengthening muscles to help realign bones and joints, and by helping to facilitate proper breathing.

15. Can I do Pilates before or after acupuncture or massage therapy?

Yes, many of our patients receive a lot of benefits from combining the therapies at BodaHealth.

16. What do I need to bring to my Pilates class?

You don’t need to bring much to your Pilates session. Wear comfortable clothing and some people like to bring a bottle of water. Though we do offer filtered water at BodaHealth.

17. What should I do before my first Pilates Session?

The only thing you need to do is book your session and complete the assessment form.