Chiropodists provide patients with complete nail and skin care; perform nail and soft tissue procedures under local anaesthetic; and prescribe, dispense and fit patients with custom foot orthotics and/or orthopaedic footwear.

Both Chiropodists and Podiatrists are titles that are often used interchangeably, however there are distinct differences in both professions. Chiropodists are educated and trained in Ontario or the United Kingdom, while Podiatrists have been educated and trained outside of Ontario. Both types of specialists are regulated by the Ontario College of Chiropodists and are the only regulated foot health professionals in the province.

While services provided by a Chiropodist are covered by many extended health care insurance plans offered by employers, they are not covered through OHIP. Extended health insurance plans vary by employer in terms of the specific products or services covered under the plan. Contact your insurance provider to determine the type of coverage your employer has for Chiropody services and custom orthotics or orthopedic/custom-made shoes. Some programs such as Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) provide reimbursement of Chiropody services. If you are having difficulty determining whether you have insurance coverage, our team at Head To Foot Oasis can certainly assist in checking the status of your benefits.

You'll likely need to wear them most of the day and there's usually no benefit to wearing them overnight.

Below knee compression socks are usually as effective as thigh length socks, and are easier to put on and wear for many people. Thigh length socks are better for people with swollen or arthritic knees, or painful varicose veins at the back of the knee.

No, however talk to your medical provider if they feel uncomfortable, cause skin irritation, or bruising.

Lymphedema occurs when your lymph vessels are unable to adequately drain lymph fluid - usually from an arm or leg. Lymphedema can be either primary or secondary. This means it can occur on its own (primary lymphedema) or it can be caused by another disease or condition (secondary lymphedema). Primary lymphedema is a rare, inherited condition caused by problems with the development of lymph vessels in your body. It occurs most frequently in women. Usually shows up at puberty Secondary lymphedema is caused when lymph nodes and vessels are damaged or removed. Therefore the normal drainage sites are not working. Lymph fluid will then collect in an area causing swelling. Some examples are: Traumatic injury, Pregnancy, Infection and Chronic venous insufficiency (common in obesity and diabetics).

Since skin is being stretch due to swelling, healing is compromised. Taking care of it is necessary. It is recommended that washing and moisturizing is done every day. The soap and lotion should be mild, and fragrance and additives free.Anti-bacterial cream should be used right away on any cuts, scraps and bug bites. Carrying cream in your car or purse is a good idea. If the infected area becomes irritated you must see a Doctor right away. Cellulitis can occur. Cellulitis is the inflammation of cell caused by a strep or staph infection. Some cases are hospitalized.

Cellulitis is a very serious illness and requires immediate medical attention.
The symptoms of Cellulitis may include:
• pain and tenderness in the affected area
• redness and inflammation in the skin
• skin redness or rash appears quickly and grows quickly
• tight glossy swollen appearance
• fever
• fatigue
• central area may have an abscess

Treatment for lymphedema aims to reduce swelling and helps to prevent the fluid building up again. Some see immediate results but others have notable reduction of swelling within weeks.There is no cure for lymphedema but very effective treatment. You will always need to be careful and get some help if you have problems. At the first signs of swelling in your arm or leg (for example: you may notice that your watchstrap or rings are getting tighter) you should see a doctor or nurse.

Is a chronic disease exclusively to women. It is abnormal fatty tissue usually occurring in the legs. Legs will have a column like appearance but the feet stay the same size. And no amount of weight loss changes the appearance. Lymphedema is a side effect of lipedema due to pressure on the lymph vessels from the excess weight.

Massage Therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage therapy helps alleviate the soft tissue discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions. If employed early enough after accidents involving trauma and injury, massage therapy can greatly reduce the development of painful muscular patterning.

Yes, massage therapy is appropriate for individuals of all ages, including infants, children, and the elderly; however, there are some conditions for which massage therapy is not appropriate. A qualified Massage Therapist (RMT or MT) is trained to recognize these cases.

Many Massage Therapists treat a variety of diseases and disorders while other Massage Therapists concentrate on certain conditions (fibromyalgia) or groups of people such as athletes, performers, women during pregnancy (including labour and delivery), infants and children. When booking your first consultation, be sure that the Massage Therapist is the right choice for you.

The practice of massage therapy is regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) and is therefore a Regulated Health Profession.?? Only individuals who have completed the requisite training and have met the strict competency requirements of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) can call themselves a ``Massage Therapist`` or a ``Registered Massage Therapist``.

When seeking massage therapy, look for an individual who uses one of those two titles and ask to see their registration with the CMTO. Alternatively, look for someone who displays the logo of the Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario. All RMTAO members must maintain their registration with the CMTO in order to be members.

No. Your comfort as a client is of the utmost to all Registered Massage Therapists, whether that is in the context of the clothing you wear or the treatment you receive. Massage Therapists can provide important treatment whether you elect to remove any, some, or all of your clothing.?? All RMTs are trained in proper draping procedures to ensure that your privacy is completely respected at all times during treatment. Your comfort and ability to relax is paramount to effective treatment.Registered Massage Therapists will also describe the treatments to be provided to ensure that you are comfortable with them. Your consent is sought before treatment is provided. If you are uncomfortable, your RMT wants you to let them know immediately, whether that discomfort involves the treatment, draping or any pain you may experience. Be sure and discuss the most effective means of treatment with your Massage Therapist.

As with many treatments affecting the soft tissue, there are times when massage therapy can cause some light discomfort but it is not harmful. Discomfort usually diminishes and no technique of this nature is used without the therapist first discussing it with the client and obtaining your permission. A comfort scale will be established and the therapist will work to the client's tolerance level. The client can stop or change the treatment at any time and Massage therapists will modify their techniques to meet their client's needs.

All Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) have photo ID cards, issued by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, showing the Therapist's registration number. All clients of massage therapy services have the the right to view this ID card in order to be assured that you are visiting a Registered Massage Therapist.

More simply, all members of the Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario must be registered and in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. You may therefore look for this logo as your assurance that you are in the hands of a professional RMT.

Some people believe that one treatment is enough; however, massage therapy is most beneficial in acute conditions when used over a series of treatments and then followed up with maintenance or preventive treatments.

Through mutual discussion, your Massage Therapist can help you establish a program which fits your physical needs and lifestyle. Your Massage Therapist is most interested in your recovery and in the maintenance of your health. Any recommendation for further treatment is being made by a qualified health professional and is made with your utmost care in mind.

Pain in the body can occur because of problems with your feet. This is because your feet are your foundation, literally. If they are not functioning properly then the rest of the body will try to compensate. The three main functions of the feet are as: a mobile adapter; a rigid leaver; and a stable base. If any of those functions are impaired, then the rest of the body will try to compensate to bring the body back in to alignment and balance.Orthotics help put you back into the ideal position by straightening you up and taking the stress off your muscles and ligaments which function to hold you up and keep you moving. Usually a cast or a 3D impression is taken of the foot, and our practitioners at Head To Foot Oasis then assess your entire foot by performing a full biomechanical assessment that checks the motion of all your joints. From there, the cast would be sent to the lab for a design suited to your specific needs.

Onychocryptosis or ingrown toenails are a common, painful condition that occur when skin on one or both sides of a nail grows over the edges of the nail. It can also happen when the nail itself grows into the skin. Irritation, redness, an uncomfortable sensation of warmth, and swelling can result from an ingrown toenail. The condition is usually very painful, can become chronic, and is prone to infection. There are many options to treating ingrown toenails, from very simple routine care, to minor surgical procedures which can provide a permanent solution to the problem. By performing a minor surgery, our team at Head to Foot Oasis can relieve the pain of an ingrown toenail, bringing your feet back to life. Most patients can even drive after the procedure and go to work on the same day!

On your first visit, please remember to bring a list of all the current medications that you’re on, as well as any supplements and naturopathic remedies you’re on. If you’re coming in for a chiropody or orthotics appointment, please bring your inserts and/or orthopedic shoes with you for the assessment. If you’re going to be measured for custom compression garments, please wear underwear.

On your first visit, you’ll hand in your intake forms. Our treatment coordinator will then give you a tour of our facilities and go over the different services available at the clinic that could be complementary to your treatment. At the end of your treatment or consultation, we will ask you to fill out a customer satisfaction survey that will help us assess the quality of our service to you, our valued clients.