Frequently Asked Questions

Chiropractic services are not covered under OHIP. However many extended health plans do cover chiropractic services – please confirm your extended health coverage and requirements if unsure.

When a chiropractor adjusts or physically moves a vertebrae (bone), a pressure difference is created within the synovial joint. Gases released cause an audible sound to be heard. The bones themselves are not breaking or cracking!

In most cases no! The guidelines for x-rays are extremely strict in Ontario and we adhere to these to limit your exposure to x-ray radiation. If x-rays are warranted you will be referred to your medical doctor or x-ray facility such that OHIP will cover the cost.

No. At our facility the chiropractor will usually provide some soft tissue work on tight muscles but we do not replace registered massage therapists. Chiropractic care works very well with massage therapy, among other therapies.

Yes and no. There may be some discomfort during and/or after a treatment (usually only the first treatment or two). Every patient is different but in some cases the body will “fight” against the treatment and it will take a few sessions for the body to get used to the restored motion or joint position.

No! And since chiropractic is a drug-less practice, we do not prescribe either. Every Ontario resident is entitled to chiropractic care without a medical prescription. In very rare cases a medical doctor referral note is required for extended health plans to be covered for chiropractic treatments – please confirm your coverage if you are not sure. We also carry custom made orthotics and compression stockings and socks which may require a medical doctor note to receive reimbursement from your extended health plan.

The length of time you are under chiropractic care varies among individuals. After the chiropractor completes your physical assessment, your diagnosis and plan of management of your condition will be recommended to you. We will make our recommendations but ultimately the choice is yours! In general, with new injuries you will benefit from a slight increased frequency for the first couple of weeks, but as you start feeling better your frequency will be decreased. It is recommended once you start feeling better that you continue to come every 4-6 weeks to keep your joints and muscles moving properly and pain-free. However, we have some patients that only wish to come in for treatment when they are in pain and this is fine as well. You will never feel any pressure from us!

Along with your treatment plan, your chiropractor will recommend alternatives to care, exercises and changes to your present lifestyle during your visit.

The first visit lasts approximately 45 minutes to one hour. This allows time for the history taking and chiropractic examination. Each subsequent visit lasts approximately 20-30 minutes.

There are reported cases of stroke associated with visits to various health care providers including: medical doctors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, naturopaths and chiropractors. Research and scientific evidence does not establish a cause and effect relationship between chiropractic treatment and the occurrence of stroke rather, recent studies indicate that patients may be consulting one of the health care providers listed previously when they are in the early stages of a stroke. In essence, there is a stroke already in progress. The possibility of such injuries occurring in association with upper cervical adjustment is extremely remote.

Activator technique is a specific chiropractic adjusting technique involving a low-force adjusting instrument. Similar to the hands-on traditional chiropractic adjustment, the goal is to restore motion to a misaligned or restricted joint which can reduce pain and stiffness.