From “Is It Covered?” to “Why Isn’t It?

Rewriting the Future of Preventative Health in Canada

For over three decades in clinical practice, one question has echoed through my treatment room more times than I can count:

“Does OHIP cover that?”

As a proud Canadian, I am deeply grateful for our healthcare system, especially when it comes to acute care, emergency medicine, and ensuring access for all.

But here’s the truth we don’t talk about enough:

We have built a system that excels at reacting to illness, yet continues to underinvest in preventing it.

And that’s where my life’s work has been focused.

A 35-Year Perspective on Change

When I began my career as a Registered Massage Therapist, massage therapy wasn’t widely covered by extended health insurance.

We were often viewed as “optional.”

So I did what many of us in the complementary health space have done:

• I showed up

• I educated

• I collaborated

• I demonstrated outcomes

• I advocated, consistently

Fast forward 35 years…

Massage therapy is now commonly covered across extended health plans in Canada.

That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because people advocated, educated, and refused to accept the status quo.

And now, we are at that same turning point again.

The Next Frontier: Prevention, Technology & Empowerment

Today, my work has expanded beyond the treatment room into education, advocacy, and system-level change through the Preventative Health Awareness Movement, recognized by Health Canada which includes increasing awareness and education about effective evidence informed preventative tools and therapies and advocating for them to be covered under extended health insurance plans.

Here are just a few of the innovations I am actively championing:

Low-Intensity Vibration for Bone Health

Devices like The Marodyne low-intensity vibration platform (a Health Canada approved Class II medical device) are showing meaningful outcomes when used daily:

• Stimulating osteoblast (bone-building) activity

• Supporting bone density and bone quality

• Enhancing circulation and lymphatic flow

• Improving balance and proprioception, critical for fall prevention

We are now seeing more patients successfully submit claims and receive reimbursement.

A New Standard in Bone Health Assessment

The REMS bone scan is transforming how we understand osteoporosis diagnosis and management.

Unlike the traditional DEXA scans, it evaluates both:

• Bone mineral density (T-score)

• Bone quality/strength (fragility score)

• Provides a preventative screening tool for anyone 21 years of age and older

• Is radiation free and more sensitive than the DEXA Scan

And here’s what the research is suggests:

Fracture risk is not determined by bone mineral density alone. Emerging research suggests that REMS derived Fragility Score, which reflects aspects of bone quality and skeletal fragility, may predict fractures better and BMD alone.

For the past 3.5 years, I have the opportunity to collaborate with OSTEOSOUND to provide preventative health education following every REMS bone scan. After scanning close to 4,000 patients, we’ve seen firsthand how:

• Nutrition (especially protein and key micronutrients)

• Progressive, resistance weight and impact training

• Hormonal Health

• Gut/digestive Health

• Sleep and recovery

• Nervous system regulation

…can meaningfully shift outcomes.

Even more encouraging?
Patients who once assumed that “the scan won’t be covered” by extended health insurance plans are now submitting and many are receiving reimbursement.

Fascia: The Missing Link in Musculoskeletal Health

Fascia plays a critical role in:

• Movement and mobility

• Nervous system function

• Circulation and structural integrity

Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST), when delivered by a trained professional like Leslie Spicer of Balanced Bodies, can:

• Reduce pain

• Improve range of motion

• Activates the parasympathetic nervous system to support mental & emotional health

• Support performance, wellbeing & longevity

And yet, it remains consistently uncovered by insurance plans and that needs to change.

Accessible, Powerful, and Often Overlooked: Spike Mats & Cushions

Not every effective tool needs to be high-tech or high-cost.

One of the most accessible, affordable, and multipurpose tools I’ve used personally and with patients for years is the SP1KE mat, cushion and insoles.

These simple tools can:

• Increase circulation and lymphatic flow

• Help reduce pain and muscle tension

• Support nervous system regulation

• Prevent Sciatica

• Improve proprioception and balance when used standing

I often recommend them as they are an effective tool that encourages daily, at-home activities to improve wellbeing.

I’ve seen growing success with patients receiving coverage when submitting these tools through extended health benefits.

This is prevention in action.

Emerging Tools Changing the Game

We are also seeing rapid growth in regenerative and preventative technologies, including:

• Dolphin Neurostim/ Vagus Nerve Stimulation Device (needle-less acupuncture + micro-current)

→ Supporting nervous system regulation and pain relief

• X39 - Photobiomodulation (light therapy)

→ Enhancing cellular repair and energy production

• Molecular hydrogen therapy- LV.IQ Tablets

→ Macro dose of molecular hydrogen that crosses the blood/brain barrior. Showing promise in reducing inflammation, oxidative stress & cellular repair.

Digisplint Canada – Custom Dynamic Splinting

→ A highly specialized, non-invasive tool used to restore range of motion, improve function, and support rehabilitation of the hand and upper extremity
→ Particularly impactful for individuals recovering from injury, surgery, or chronic conditions affecting mobility
→ Supports progressive, controlled movement, aligning beautifully with preventative and restorative care principlesThese are not fringe ideas.

They are part of the future of healthcare.

From Passive Patient to CEO of Your Health

Do you want to be part of the problem or part of the solution?

Insurance companies evolve when:

• Patients submit claims

• Providers advocate

• Education increases

• Demand becomes undeniable

We must move beyond:

“A pill for every ill… and then we chill.” approach to health

And step into:

Ownership. Prevention. Empowerment.

When preventative tools and therapies are accessible:

• Healthcare costs decrease long-term

• Quality of life improves

• Falls, fractures, and chronic disease are reduced

• People stay active and independent longer

This is not just better care, it’s smarter care.

An Invitation to Be Part of the PHAM Movement

If you are:

• Curious about any of these tools

• Interested in submitting for coverage

• A provider wanting to expand your offerings

• Or someone ready to take ownership of your health

I’m here to help and to continue to advocate for preventative health tools, therapies and technologies to be valued and covered by insurance to reduce the barrier to access.

I am also happy to support you by:

• Providing insurance estimates

• Sharing research, resources and education

• Collaborating with your diverse healthcare team

• Building your personalized preventative health toolbox

Final Thought

After 35 years in this profession, I know this to be true:

Prevention is not a luxury. It is the foundation of sustainable healthcare.
And the shift is already happening.

Let’s lead it, together.❤️