FAQ

Robin’s Nest Family Care is a dedicated family wellness center that prioritizes parents’ and children’s health and well-being. Our aim is to provide a holistic and supportive environment that caters to the diverse needs of families. We offer many services, including osteopathy, massage therapy, and joint treatments for moms and babies. At the core of our mission is the belief that healthcare should empower and connect people in meaningful ways. Whether seeking support during pregnancy, postpartum care, or simply looking to optimize your family’s health, Robin’s Nest Family Care provides personalized, compassionate, and nurturing services to help your family thrive.

No, Robin’s Nest is not exclusively for pregnant women, moms, and babies. While we do offer specialized services for expecting mothers and families with infants, our commitment to family wellness extends beyond these groups. We provide a wide range of holistic healthcare services that can benefit individuals of all ages and stages of life. Whether you seek care for yourself or other family members, we support your health and well-being. Our dedicated team of professionals is ready to cater to your unique needs and provide personalized care to help you and your family thrive.

At Robin’s Nest Family Care, we do not have family doctors or general practitioners (GPs) on staff. Instead, our focus is on providing holistic and complementary healthcare services, such as Osteopathy, Massage therapy, and Joint treatments for moms and babies. Our team of skilled practitioners specializes in these areas, with a deep commitment to supporting family wellness.

While we do not offer traditional primary care services, we work in partnership with our clients to address specific health and wellness needs. If you have questions or require medical advice, we recommend consulting with a primary care physician or family doctor who can provide comprehensive medical guidance and services for your family’s general healthcare needs.

Yes, we are open most evenings and alternating weekends. At Robin’s Nest Family Care, our hours of operation may vary, and we strive to accommodate our clients’ schedules to the best of our ability. We understand the importance of flexibility in healthcare services, and we do offer appointments during some evenings and weekends based on practitioner availability.

To find out more about our specific hours and appointment availability, we recommend contacting our Patient Care Coordinator. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date information and work with you to schedule an appointment that suits your needs and availability.

No, you generally do not need a doctor’s referral to visit Robin’s Nest Family Care. We offer a range of holistic healthcare services that are accessible to individuals and families without the need for a referral. You are welcome to schedule an appointment directly with us to address your specific health and wellness needs.

However, if you have a specific medical condition or your insurance provider requires a referral for coverage, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company or consult your primary care physician for guidance on whether a referral is necessary. This can help ensure that you have the appropriate documentation for insurance purposes, if applicable.

If you have been referred by your midwife, doctor or another practitioner, feel free to call the office and we will make sure you find an appointment that suits your needs and schedule.  If you have any questions prior to booking an appointment, we are always happy to chat with you or set up a 15 min free phone meet and greet with the practitioner that you would like to see. You are also welcome to book online, using our easy to navigate Jane booking system.

We are located at 319 Woolwich St, close to beautiful Downtown Guelph.  There is limited parking behind our clinic. Alternatively, there is free 2-hour street parking across the street on Woolwich St or on McTague St directly across from our clinic.

Our clinic has a 48 hour cancellation policy in effect.  We do understand that unforeseen circumstances and illness happen.  In this case, you will be unable to cancel your appointment online. We ask that you call the clinic and let one of our staff know the reason for the cancellation. If it is after clinic hours please leave a voicemail and we can return your call the next day or following a weekend or holiday.

Yes, you will need to fill out forms prior to your appointment.  These forms are accessible by clicking on the “Fill Forms” button at the bottom of your appointment notification email.  If you have any problems accessing the forms then you can contact the office and we can email them to you directly.

If you do not have access to a computer you can arrive early for your first appointment and forms can be filled either on an iPad or on paper.

Osteopathy helps all the body’s systems work together to optimally function. It can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions and concerns, including, but not limited to:

• Acute and chronic pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Congestion and sinus issues
• Digestive problems and drainage concerns
• Women’s health
• Pre and post-natal care for both mother’s and babies
• Pre and post-tongue tie release body work
• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Posture improvement and mobility enhancement
• Arthritis management
• Nervous system issues
• Sleep cycle optimization

This is my favourite question because I get to let people know about my detective side. When looking at a patient my training is in finding areas of the body visually or through palpation where the body is not able to move or rest comfortably. Sometimes it’s that the person isn’t able to breathe into their lower ribs or sometimes it’s how the person is standing and weight bearing through their pelvis. These are all insights into how the body is or is not able to move well and where I can be of help to enable the body to continue to heal naturally.

Osteopathy is a type of manual therapy that emphasizes the relationship between the structure and function of the human body. This therapy follows a belief in the body’s ability to self-heal and self-regulate, which is why Osteopathic Manual Practitioners are considered facilitators of health.

Myofunctional therapy is used to address a range of issues, including tongue tie, speech disorders, snoring, sleep apnea, and other oral and facial muscle-related concerns. The ultimate goal of myofunctional therapy is to improve the function and health of the oral and facial muscles, leading to better overall well-being.

Whether myofunctional therapy is covered under your health insurance benefits depends on your specific insurance plan and provider. Insurance coverage can vary widely, and different plans may have different policies regarding what types of therapy and treatments they cover.

To determine if myofunctional therapy is covered under your insurance benefits, you should:

• Contact your insurance provider: Contact your insurance company’s customer service department to inquire about your coverage for myofunctional therapy. They can provide you with information about your specific plan and its coverage.
• Check your policy documents: Review your insurance policy documents, such as your policy booklet or online account, to see if there is any information regarding the coverage of speech therapy, oral therapy, or myofunctional therapy. It’s important to be aware that even if myofunctional therapy is covered, there may be restrictions, such as the number of sessions allowed or the need for a referral from a healthcare provider. Be sure to understand the details of your coverage and any associated costs, like copayments or deductibles, to make informed decisions about your treatment options.
• Remember that insurance policies and coverage can change over time, so it’s a good practice to check with your insurance provider for the most up-to-date information on your benefits.

The number of myofunctional therapy appointments you’ll need and the duration of each session can vary depending on several factors, including your specific condition, treatment goals, and the recommendations of your myofunctional therapist. Here are some general guidelines:

• Frequency of Appointments: Myofunctional therapy sessions are typically scheduled weekly or bi-weekly. The frequency may be adjusted based on your progress and the therapist’s recommendations.
• Total Number of Sessions: The total number of sessions you’ll need can vary widely. Some individuals may see improvement relatively quickly, while others may require several months of therapy. It depends on the severity of your myofunctional issues and how well you respond to the therapy.
• Session Duration: A myofunctional therapy session typically lasts about 30 minutes to an hour, although this can vary depending on your specific treatment plan and therapist’s preferences.
• Consistency is Key: Consistency in attending therapy sessions and completing recommended exercises at home is important for achieving the best results. Compliance with your therapist’s guidance is essential.
• Customized Treatment: Myofunctional therapy is highly individualized. Your therapist will evaluate your specific concerns, such as tongue thrust, tongue tie, or other oral muscle issues, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. They will also assess your progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.
• Follow-up and Maintenance: Even after completing the initial phase of myofunctional therapy, some individuals may benefit from occasional follow-up sessions to maintain their progress and ensure that any issues do not reoccur. Discussing your treatment plan and expectations with your myofunctional therapist is important. They can provide you with a more accurate estimate of the number of sessions you’ll need and the expected duration of your therapy. Additionally, they will provide guidance on exercises and lifestyle changes that can support your progress. Remember that every individual’s experience with myofunctional therapy can be unique, so your therapist’s recommendations will be tailored to your specific needs and goals.

A myofunctional therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in addressing and treating issues related to the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat, particularly as they pertain to functions like breathing, swallowing, and speech.

Here’s what a myofunctional therapist does:

• Assessment: A myofunctional therapist begins by thoroughly assessing a patient’s oral and facial muscle function. This assessment can involve evaluating muscle strength, coordination, and any abnormal muscle patterns or habits. They may also assess the patient’s posture and body mechanics.
• Diagnosis: Based on the assessment, the therapist diagnoses any myofunctional issues or abnormalities, such as tongue thrust, open mouth posture, tongue tie, or improper swallowing patterns.
• Treatment Planning: After diagnosis, the therapist develops a personalized treatment plan to address the specific issues identified during the assessment. The treatment plan may include exercises, therapies, and techniques designed to improve muscle function and correct any improper habits or patterns.
• Education: Myofunctional therapists educate patients about their condition and the importance of proper muscle function for various activities, such as breathing, swallowing, and speech. Patients learn how to perform exercises and techniques to improve their muscle function.
• Exercises and Techniques: Myofunctional therapy often involves a series of exercises and activities that patients perform regularly to target specific muscle groups and improve function. These exercises can help correct issues like tongue thrust or mouth breathing.
• Behavior Modification: Myofunctional therapists work with patients to change harmful habits or patterns, such as tongue resting position, lip posture, and swallowing techniques, which can lead to long-term improvement.
• Breathing Training: Some myofunctional therapists specialize in breathing retraining, helping individuals transition from mouth breathing to nasal breathing, which is healthier and more efficient.
• Oral Health: Myofunctional therapists may collaborate with dentists and orthodontists to address issues like malocclusion (improper bite) or problems related to orthodontic treatment. Proper muscle function is crucial for dental and orthodontic health.
• Follow-Up: Myofunctional therapy often involves regular follow-up sessions to monitor progress, make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, and provide ongoing guidance.
• Collaboration: Myofunctional therapists may work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as speech therapists, dentists, orthodontists, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists, to provide comprehensive care.

Myofunctional therapy can benefit a range of individuals who exhibit certain oral and facial muscle issues or improper functional habits.

The ideal patient for myofunctional therapy may include:

• Children: Myofunctional therapy can be beneficial for children, especially those with developmental issues related to speech, swallowing, or orthodontic problems. It can help address issues like tongue thrust, mouth breathing, and improper swallowing patterns. Early intervention can prevent these habits from becoming more challenging to correct in adulthood.
• Orthodontic Patients: Individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment, such as braces, may benefit from myofunctional therapy to improve the stability of orthodontic results. Addressing improper oral and facial muscle function can help maintain the correct bite and alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment.
• Tongue Tie or Lip Tie Patients: Individuals with tongue tie (ankyloglossia) or lip tie (labial frenulum restriction) can benefit from myofunctional therapy to improve their tongue mobility and overall oral function. Myofunctional therapy is often recommended as part of the treatment plan following a frenectomy procedure.
• Snoring and Sleep Apnea Patients: Myofunctional therapy may be recommended for individuals who snore or have obstructive sleep apnea, particularly those with mild to moderate cases. The therapy can help improve muscle tone and reduce airway obstruction, leading to better breathing during sleep.
• Speech and Language Patients: Myofunctional therapy can be used in conjunction with speech therapy for individuals with speech and language disorders, especially those related to articulation or phonological processes.
• Chronic Mouth Breathers: Individuals who habitually breathe through their mouths may benefit from myofunctional therapy to transition to healthier nasal breathing patterns, improving overall respiratory health.
• Individuals with TMJ Disorders: Myofunctional therapy may be incorporated into the treatment plan for individuals with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders to help improve jaw function and reduce symptoms.
• Post-Operative Patients: After certain surgeries or medical procedures involving the oral and facial region, myofunctional therapy can aid in rehabilitation and recovery.
• Individuals Seeking Improved Facial Aesthetics: Myofunctional therapy may be sought by individuals interested in improving their facial appearance and aesthetics, as proper muscle function can contribute to a balanced facial structure.

It’s important to note that myofunctional therapy is highly individualized, and the ideal patient can vary depending on their specific needs and goals. A myofunctional therapist will conduct an assessment to determine whether this therapy is suitable and, if so, will tailor the treatment plan to address the patient’s unique concerns. Additionally, the therapy can benefit people of all ages, from children to adults.

Registered Massage is a very safe modality to add to your overall care and wellness plan. In some cases, adaptations may need to be made to the massage treatment to ensure that it is safe for you. These can include modifying the amount of pressure used, choosing the correct position during treatment, or telling your massage therapist how to respond if a particular event (dizziness, hypo/hyperglycemia, cramping, seizure, etc.) should occur during the treatment. Massage therapists are trained in how to modify massage to accommodate a variety of health concerns. If you are still determining if massage would be safe for you, please check with your doctor. You can also book a free 15-minute phone call with one of our practitioners to discuss your condition and concerns. 

No. You can request silence or chat as much as you like. It’s entirely up to you. If you prefer silence, just let your massage therapist know you are looking forward to some quiet time during your treatment. They will check in with you about pressure and the treatment, but otherwise, they will make sure you have quiet time. Alternatively, you can chat as much as you like. It’s all up to you.

No. Registered Massage can be a safe and beneficial treatment for anyone of any age and stage of life, from infancy to end-of-life care. When treating vulnerable people like infants, children, or those with cognitive impairments, it is best to have a caregiver or trusted person accompany them to the appointment so they feel comfortable and safe and communicate their needs and concerns clearly.

Probably. Most extended health benefits plans do cover treatment by Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs). All of our massage providers are registered (licensed) with Ontario’s governing body; the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, so you can be assured of the quality of training and standards of practice that we uphold. You should check with your insurance provider before booking, just to be sure that massage is included.  

No, anyone can book a Registered Massage at any time. We do not require prescriptions. However, please check with your insurance provider to see if they need a referral or prescription from your doctor to reimburse you for the treatment.

No, While massage is most effective through skin-on-skin contact, it also has many benefits when administered through clothing. The most important thing is for you to be physically and emotionally comfortable during your treatment, so our RMTs will be happy to work with you in whatever clothing you feel most comfortable in. If you plan to wear clothes for your treatment, please wear comfortable, loose-fitting, or stretch clothing that allows easy and free movement.