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 care is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, and non-invasive therapies for managing headaches, neck, and back pain. While it has an excellent safety record, like any healthcare treatment, some patients may experience minor, temporary side effects such as slight stiffness or swelling before feeling full relief.
Informed Consent
We prioritize your safety and transparency. Before any treatment begins, our chiropractors ensure you fully understand the procedure, its benefits, and any potential risks, providing you with all the information needed to give informed consent.
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.
How Chiropractic Care Benefits Athletes
Yes, chiropractic treatment is a core component of fitness and maintenance programs for both amateur and professional athletes. By focusing on the relationship between the structure of the body and its function, chiropractic care:
– Optimizes muscle and joint conditioning;
– Enhances biomechanical and physical function;
– Prevents Injuries by ensuring proper body alignment;
– Accelerates Recovery and reduces healing time for sports-related injuries.
While the average person often seeks chiropractic care for pain management, athletes utilize it to achieve peak performance. In the professional sports world, chiropractors work as essential members of a multi-disciplinary team, collaborating alongside medical doctors, massage therapists, and physiotherapists to provide comprehensive care.
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 BioFlex Laser Therapy work?
Our clinic utilizes the advanced BioFlex Laser System, which uses specific wavelengths of light (photons) to penetrate deep into damaged tissues. These photons are absorbed by the cells and converted into chemical energy, triggering a “cascade of healing” at the cellular level. This process includes:
– Optimizing ATP Production: Increases cellular energy to accelerate natural healing.
– Enhanced Tissue Repair: Stimulates DNA and RNA synthesis for faster regeneration.
– Natural Pain Relief: Increases levels of beta-endorphins and serotonin.
– Improved Recovery: Enhances collagen synthesis and cell membrane permeability to reduce inflammation.
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 BioFlex Laser Therapy the only treatment required for healing?
While BioFlex Laser Therapy is highly effective as a standalone treatment, we often achieve the best results by combining it with other therapies to provide a comprehensive recovery plan. Depending on your condition, it can be integrated with:
– Manual Therapies (Chiropractic adjustments and mobilizations)
– Medical Acupuncture
– Ultrasound Therapy
– 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?
If you couldn’t find the answer you were looking for, feel free to give us a call or send us a message.