Chiropractic
One of the largest primary-contact health care professions in Ontario, Chiropractic is a non-invasive, hands-on health care discipline that focuses on the neuromusculoskeletal system.
Chiropractors use a combination of treatments, all of which are predicated on the specific needs of the individual patient. After taking a complete history and diagnosing a patient, a Chiropractor can develop and carry out a comprehensive treatment/management plan, recommend therapeutic exercise and other non-invasive therapies, and provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counselling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can Doctors of Chiropractic help me?
Is Chiropractic treatment safe?
What education does a Chiropractor have?
Do I need a referral to see a Chiropractic Doctor?
What can I expect on my first appointment?
Does Chiropractic care X-Rays?
Is Chiropractic treatment ongoing?
Do insurance plans cover Chiropractic care?
Chiropractors use safe, non-invasive techniques to restore motion to dysfunctional spinal or extremity joints, and treat the involved muscles and surrounding soft tissues. Although Chiropractors use their hands for most treatments, they also use other methods such as heat, ultrasound, electrotherapy, and other manual and physical therapy techniques. Your Doctor of Chiropractic can also give you information and guidance on how you can stay healthy through proper nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes.
Yes. Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of muscle and joint complaints. Although Chiropractic treatment has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects.
A Chiropractor undergoes at least four years of professional study following an undergraduate university degree. Doctors of Chiropractic also must pass national and provincial board examinations
No. A referral is not necessary to be assessed or treated by a Chiropractor. However, we welcome patients who have been referred to a Chiropractor by their family doctor.
The initial chiropractic assessment consists of a thorough health history and focused physical examination that helps the Chiropractor identify factors influencing a patient’s health. The Chiropractor will then review therapies that may be used in the treatment plan. Chiropractic patients may ask their Chiropractor any questions they have. A Chiropractic treatment is also performed on the first visit, unless further diagnostic tests are needed. The typical chiropractic initial assessment takes between 40 and 60 minutes.
X-rays can play an important role in diagnosis and are taken when a need has been determined after taking a patient case history and conducting a physical examination. Chiropractors receive 360 hours of education in radiology covering a full range of topics from protection to X-ray interpretation and diagnosis. Governments in every province have recognized the training and competence of chiropractors to take and interpret X-rays and have granted them this right.
Following the initial exam, the Chiropractor will inform the patient of the extent of treatment recommended and how long it can be expected to last. The goal of the Chiropractor is to resolve pain, restore function, and reduce incidences of recurrence.
Yes. The majority of employees have partial or full coverage for Chiropractic through their workplace health plans. OHIP does not cover these services. The Chiropractic patient is provided with a detailed itemized receipt listing the services provided, the credentials of the Chiropractor, as well as payment details for reimbursement.
