What is Chiropractic?

One of the largest regulated healthcare professions in Canada, chiropractors are trained to assess, diagnose and treat conditions related to the neuromusculoskeletal system (i.e. nerves, muscles, bones and joints). Chiropractic is a non-invasive, evidence-informed, manual therapy (i.e. hands-on). It is also a primary (first-contact) healthcare profession, meaning that a referral from your family doctors is not required to receive care! When needed, spinal manipulative therapy, also known as an adjustment, is typically (but not always) used to treat neck and back pain, and certain types of headaches as well. Other forms of treatment can include soft tissue therapy, modalities such as electrotherapy (i.e. TENS or IFC), cold laser therapy and extracorporeal shockwave therapy, rehabilitative exercise programs, postural/ergonomic modifications, and nutritional/lifestyle advice.

Chiropractors must complete a mimimum of 3 years of undergraduate university education, followed by a 4 year Doctor of Chiropractic degree from an accredited institution, such as the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. As chiropractic is a regulated healthcare profession, each practitioner most complete a 3-part national board exam administered by the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board. In order to practice in Ontario, chiropractors must be a member in good standing with the College of Chiropractors of Ontario, and must complete its regulatory exam.

What conditions do you treat?

  • Back pain

  • Neck pain

  • Headaches (i.e. migraines, tension, cervicogenic)

  • Whiplash

  • Sports Injuries

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Spinal Stenosis

  • Sprains and Strains | Repetitive Strain Injuries

    • Shoulder: rotator cuff strains, impingement syndrome, AC joint sprains, frozen shoulder, glenohumeral instability, scapular dyskinesis, etc.

    • Elbow: golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, olecranon bursitis, cubital tunnel syndrome, etc.

    • Wrist/Hand: wrist sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, Gamekeeper's Thumb, De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, etc.

    • Hip/Thigh: piriformis syndrome, groin strains, hamstring strains, hip bursitis, hip arthritis, etc.

    • Knee: ligament sprains (ACL/MCL/LCL/PCL), meniscus tears, jumper’s knee, ITB tendinopathy, chondromalacia patella, patellofemoral pain syndrome, knee bursitis, knee arthritis, etc.

    • Ankle/Foot: ankle sprains, shin splints, calf strains, Achilles tendinopathy, metatarsalgia, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, etc.

What to expect?

For your initial visit, try and arrive 10 minutes early to complete the intake forms. The initial visit starts with a thorough (expect lots of questions!) health history, focusing on your current injury/complaint, while also investigating previous issues. Expectations? Concerns? Goals? You let us know. Following this, a comprehensive physical exam is performed, and if necessary, medical imaging will be recommended. All this well-spent time will lead to a diagnosis, which we will discuss in detail, and a personalized treatment plan will be designed to meet your specific needs.

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

No referral is required. As chiropractors are primary healthcare providers (just like your family doctor and dentist), all you have to do to reserve an appointment is call the office, or you can even book an appointment online!

Is chiropractic care covered under extended healthcare plans/benefits?

Most Extended Health Care (EHC) plans, also called supplementary health or supplementary medical plans, are complementary to provincial health coverage. Most EHC plans include chiropractic services in paramedical services, and it is the primary source of third-party coverage for most patients. Visit the Canadian Chiropractic Association, and contact your insurance provider, for more information.

For additional information about chiropractic care, visit the Ontario Chiropractic Association.