Your Questions, Answered
We’re here to help you understand our services, what to expect during your first visit, and how we can support your wellness journey.
Chiropractic
What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to a joint of the body. Adjustment loosens the joint to restore proper movement and optimize function.
When a joint is adjusted, a gas bubble escapes causing the popping noise you may have heard about.
Chiropractic adjustment techniques have been researched extensively. Complications are rare and side-effects, such as temporary soreness, are usually minor. Your chiropractor is well-trained to determine if your problem will respond to chiropractic care or if you require referral to another health care provider.
When should I see a chiropractor?
Eight out of ten Canadians will experience back pain at some point in their life, and at least one-third of people in Ontario will have back pain at any given time. For many, pain can interfere with work, school, or daily activities. If pain causes interruptions or restrictions in your life, you should consult a healthcare provider. Chiropractors are regulated primary healthcare professionals and one of the five classes of healthcare professionals in Ontario authorized to use the title “Doctor.” Chiropractors are highly educated and extensively trained to assess, diagnose, treat, and prevent conditions of the spine, joints, muscles, and nervous system. These disorders may include:
Back pain
Neck pain
Headaches
Pain radiating to arms and legs
Many patients seek chiropractic treatment for wellness care, while others, like seniors, use it to maintain mobility and range of motion.
Common reasons to visit a chiropractor include:
Back pain
Neck pain
Headaches
Whiplash
Strains and sprains
Repetitive strain injuries
Work and sports-related injuries
Arthritis
Restricted movement in the back, shoulders, neck, or limbs
General health and well-being
What are some of the benefits of chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care can:
Improve movement in the neck, shoulders, back, and torso
Improve posture
Provide relief from headaches, neck, and back pain
Help prevent work-related muscle and joint injuries
Enhance athletic performance
Improve flexibility and range of motion
Relieve pregnancy-related back pain
Correct gait and foot problems
Is chiropractic adjustment safe?
Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies for treating headaches, neck pain, and back pain. It has an excellent safety record, but no treatment is entirely free of potential side effects.
Most patients experience immediate relief following an adjustment, though some may have temporary pain, stiffness, or slight swelling.
Informed Consent
Before treatment, all healthcare providers are legally required to obtain informed consent. Chiropractors take this responsibility seriously, ensuring patients understand the risks and benefits.
Neck Adjustment & Stroke Risk
Rare cases of stroke-like symptoms have been associated with neck adjustments. However, studies show this risk is significantly lower than risks associated with long-term use of common pain medications. Research indicates neck adjustments are well within the normal range of motion and unlikely to cause vascular damage.
Does chiropractic care require a referral from an MD?
Chiropractors are primary contact health professionals in every Canadian province, meaning patients can consult them directly without a referral. However, chiropractors often work closely with medical doctors and may refer patients to them when necessary.
Can chiropractic care cure other ailments besides back pain?
Chiropractic care does not “cure” all ailments, but adjustments may have a beneficial effect on various conditions by relieving secondary or referred pain caused by musculoskeletal issues.
How many Ontarians use chiropractic?
Chiropractic is one of the largest primary-contact healthcare professions in Ontario, with over 3,100 practicing chiropractors. Approximately 1.2 million Ontarians visit a chiropractor annually to help them return to work and normal activities.
Are there many athletes who use chiropractic?
Yes, many amateur and professional athletes use chiropractic treatment as part of their fitness and maintenance programs. Chiropractic care:
Improves muscle and joint conditioning
Enhances biomechanical function
Helps prevent injuries
Reduces healing time for injuries
Athletes often receive treatment to improve performance, while the average consumer seeks care for pain management. In professional sports, chiropractors work
alongside medical doctors, massage therapists, and physiotherapists.
What is chiropractic?
The word “chiropractic” comes from ancient Greek, meaning “done by hand.”
Chiropractic care involves manual adjustments of the spine and other joints to relieve pain and restore normal function. Chiropractors are specialists in spinal manipulation, therapeutic exercise, nutritional counseling, rehabilitation programs, and injury prevention strategies.
When Chiropractic Treatment Is Recommended
At what point should I see a chiropractor?
You may consider seeing a chiropractor if you have ongoing back or neck pain, joint stiffness, posture-related discomfort, or reduced mobility that affects daily activities and does not improve with rest.
How do you know if you need a chiropractic adjustment?
Common signs include stiffness, limited range of motion, recurring pain, or discomfort during movement. A chiropractor will assess your spine and joints to determine whether an adjustment is appropriate for your condition.
How do you know if you need to visit a chiropractor?
If you have persistent joint or spine-related pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility that affects your daily life, a chiropractor can evaluate whether chiropractic care may benefit you.
When should you get a chiropractic adjustment?
An adjustment may be recommended after an assessment if restricted joint movement or spinal issues are contributing to discomfort or pain.
When is chiropractic care not recommended?
Chiropractic treatment may not be advised for people with fractures, severe osteoporosis, spinal infections, or certain neurological conditions unless cleared by a medical professional.
Chiropractor vs Physiotherapist: Which Is Right for You?
Is it better to see a physiotherapist or a chiropractor?
Both professionals treat musculoskeletal conditions but use different approaches. Chiropractors focus on joint and spinal movement, while physiotherapists emphasize exercise, rehabilitation, and muscle strengthening. The right choice depends on your symptoms and goals.
Which is better for back pain, physiotherapy or chiropractic care?
Both chiropractic care and physiotherapy can be effective for back pain. Chiropractic treatment often targets spinal mobility, while physiotherapy focuses on long-term strength and movement patterns. In many cases, combining both approaches can be beneficial.
How do you know whether to see a chiropractor or a physio?
If your main concern is joint stiffness or spinal alignment, a chiropractor may help. If your condition requires guided exercises, injury recovery, or muscle rehabilitation, a physiotherapist may be more suitable.
Who is the best professional to see for back pain?
The best professional depends on the cause of your back pain. Chiropractors, physiotherapists, and medical doctors each play an important role. An accurate assessment helps determine the most appropriate care.
What are the red flags to watch for with chiropractors?
Warning signs include guarantees of instant cures, lack of proper assessment, discouraging medical advice, or recommending long-term treatment without clear progress or explanation.
What are the disadvantages of seeing a chiropractor?
Chiropractic care is generally safe, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Some people experience mild soreness after treatment, and it may not be recommended for certain conditions such as fractures, severe osteoporosis, or spinal instability. A proper assessment helps ensure safe care.
Laser Therapy
How does MedX Phototherapy work?
When photons of light penetrate the skin and underlying tissue, they are absorbed by the cell and converted into energy, altering cell membrane permeability. This triggers a cascade of cellular events, including:
Stimulation of ATP
Stimulation of the respiratory chain
Increased DNA and RNA synthesis
Increased levels of beta endorphins and serotonin
Enhanced collagen synthesis
What is low-level laser therapy?
There are two types of medical lasers: high-power and low-power. High-power lasers cut through tissue, while low-level lasers stimulate tissue repair through bio-stimulation.
The term “laser” stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The first low-level therapeutic laser was developed in 1962, and by the late 1960s, researchers found that low-level laser radiation improved wound healing.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) involves applying red and near-infrared light over injuries or wounds to promote soft tissue healing and relieve pain. This therapy is:
Cold (sub-thermal)
Non-damaging to cells
Precise and safe for various conditions
LLLT operates between 1 to 500 mW (milliwatts), while surgical lasers operate between 3,000 to 10,000 mW.
What exactly is phototherapy?
Phototherapy is a broad term that includes low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and super-luminous diodes (SLD), also known as light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Laser light is different from natural light because it is:
Monochromatic (single wavelength)
Coherent (waves are synchronized)
Focused (penetrates tissues without heating or damaging them)
Therapeutic laser light penetrates the skin without causing heat or damage. Different wavelengths and power levels determine the level of penetration and cellular effects.
Does phototherapy affect only the area being treated?
The effects of MedX Phototherapy can be:
Local: Direct benefits over the affected injury.
Regional: Positive effects in the surrounding tissue.
Systemic: Broader effects through increased cell membrane permeability and chemical mediators carried by the blood, lymphatic, and nervous systems.
How are phototherapy treatments administered?
MedX Laser/Phototherapy devices are placed directly on the skin with gentle pressure. Treatment is generally painless.
Common treatment areas include:
Directly over the lesion or injury site
Muscle insertion points
Trigger or tender points
Nerve roots or superficial nerve trunks
Acupuncture points
Is MedX Phototherapy the only treatment required for healing?
Phototherapy/laser therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or combined with other therapies such as:
Manual therapies
Acupuncture
Ultrasound
Massage therapy
Orthotics
What are orthotics?
Orthotics, or ‘Orthoses’, are inserts that fit inside shoes to support and improve foot function. They are commonly prescribed for patients with chronic foot or lower limb issues and for athletes to enhance performance in sports.
How often should I wear my orthotics?
You should wear your orthotics whenever you are on your feet-at work, home, and during activities. Similar to eyeglasses, orthotics only work when they are worn.
Removing them may cause the return of stress and discomfort that existed before their use.
What should I do if my orthotics hurt my feet?
During the first few weeks, you may experience aches and pains in your feet and legs. This is normal and indicates that your orthotics are working. Your body needs time to adjust to the correction.
However, if discomfort persists beyond a few weeks, you should contact your provider, as a minor adjustment may be needed.
Does the effectiveness of my orthotics depend on the type of shoes I wear?
Yes, orthotics are most effective in well-constructed, properly fitting, and good-condition shoes.
It is recommended to bring your frequently worn shoes when being fitted for orthotics. This helps in prescribing the correct type of orthotics for your lifestyle.
Patients may be prescribed two pairs of orthotics (e.g., dress and sport orthotics) for different footwear needs.
When buying new shoes, bring your orthotics with you to ensure a proper fit.
Still Have Questions?
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