FAQ
- If you are a new patient, you can download the necessary information forms before your first visit:
- Is Chiropractic effective?
- Yes. Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive approach to treating common musculoskeletal conditions, and complications arising from treatment are rare. Scientific evidence proving the effectiveness of chiropractic care for a variety of conditions is overwhelming. Over the past 20 years, many controlled and independent research studies have repeatedly shown that chiropractic care is safe and effective for treating low back pain, neck pain, headaches and other conditions relating to the musculoskeletal system.
- How do we get joint restrictions?
- Sometimes the cause is physical. Physical causes include accidents, repetitive motions, improper lifting, slips and falls. Other causes of these restrictions include stress, tension or postural strains we place on our body every day. You may have tightness and restrictions accumulating and not even realize until you are suddenly in a lot of pain.
- What is an adjustment?
- Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that are not moving correctly. Some chiropractors use manual adjustments, others may use instruments, a special table or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine.
- Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
- Yes! Many studies have found that adjustments are not only remarkably safe, but can help to avoid drugs and risky surgery. Statistics show that adjustments are many times safer than taking over-the-counter pain medications. Your chiropractor can assess you thoroughly and let you know if chiropractic care is right for you.
- Are all patients adjusted the same way?
- No. Each patient's spine and plan of management is unique. Each patient's care is custom tailored for his or her age, condition and health. The number of adjustments varies with each patient and his or her individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within the first couple weeks of frequent visits. Visits will become less frequent as your spine stabilizes. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years. Many factors can affect the healing process: How long have you had the problem? Are you following your treatment plan? Are you getting proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Do you smoke?
- Can't I just adjust myself?
- No. Some people can make their joints "pop" but that is not an adjustment. Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint that is already too mobile to begin with due to weakened associated muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific movements that take years to master. Even your chiropractor must consult a colleague in order to benefit from chiropractic care.
- Will chiropractic adjustments make my spine too loose?
- No. Only the spinal joints that are locked up, or restricted, will receive adjustments. This will also help relax and heal the associated muscles and ligaments.
- Will the bones move too much?
- Highly unlikely. Chiropractic adjustments are delivered with the right amount of energy to the exact spot, at the right angle at the right time with the goal of restoring motion to a "stuck" joint. Years of training, practice and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and safe.
- What makes the sound during the adjustment?
- Lubricating fluid surrounds the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluid in the joint shifts. It is like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn't necessary for the therapeutic benefit of the adjustment.
- How long will I need chiropractic care?
- After patients get the relief they want, many choose to continue with some type of periodic care. These patients show up for regular visits despite having no pain. These visits can help support the final stages of healing and help detect and resolve new problems before they become serious.
- Do I have a slipped disc?
- Between each pair of spinal vertebrae is a disc. The fibrous outer ring holds in a jelly-like material. This soft center serves as a "ball bearing" for the movement of the joints. Because of the attachments of the disc to the bone above and below it, a disc can’t actually "slip"; however, a disc can bulge. It can also tear, herniate, thin, dry out and can collapse, but not slip.
- Do I have a pinched nerve?
- A pinched nerve is rare. It is far more likely that an adjacent bone of the spine stretches, rubs or irritates a nerve. This can lead to symptoms in the areas innervated by the nerve, such as when irritation of the nerve in the neck causes pain or tingling down the arm.
- Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?
- Yes. Rest assured, your doctor of chiropractic will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above and below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
- Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
- Of course. When developing a care plan, your chiropractic doctor considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size, and condition.
- What if my policy doesn't cover chiropractic?
- Your health affects everything you do. It is your most valuable
possession. But it is up to each of us the value we place on our
health. It is convenient when an insurance company helps to pay
the bill, but we should not allow that to make the decision about
our health.
As chiropractors are concerned for your overall well-being, most treatment is accompanied by exercise, diet and other healthy living suggestions to help keep your body strong and healthy. If your chiropractor is unable to find or correct the cause of your specific problem, you will be referred to other specialists who may be able to help. Your health is your chiropractor's primary goal. If you have any additional questions, please talk to your chiropractor.
- Your health affects everything you do. It is your most valuable
possession. But it is up to each of us the value we place on our
health. It is convenient when an insurance company helps to pay
the bill, but we should not allow that to make the decision about
our health.
- What is autism?
- Autism is a complex developmental disorder that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is estimated to occur in 2 to 5 of every 1000 individuals. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. It exists on a continuum or "spectrum" (i.e., some children with autism have more challenges than others). The severity of autism is independent of a child's level of intellectual ability. The cause is unknown, but evidence points to physiological causes such as neurobiological abnormalities in certain areas of the brain.
- What are some characteristics of autism?
- Autism is characterized by deficits in communication and social interaction, and by restricted, repetitive, or stereotypic patterns of behaviour. Children with autism may have difficulty relating to people. They may engage in repetitive or unusual movements (rocking, hand-flapping), and self-injurious behaviour. Some have uncommon interests or attachments to objects, and have trouble with changes in routine. They may also have unusual responses within any, or all, of the five senses (hearing, sight, taste, smell, touch).
- How can autism be treated?
- It appears that many different factors can contribute to the developmental problems experienced by children with autism. Therefore, there are many different approaches that may be helpful. Currently there is no one treatment that has been accepted by everyone as "the one and only" approach to use. An intervention that has been found to be helpful for some children with autism includes Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI).
- What is IBI?
- IBI (Intensive Behavioural Intervention) is based on the principles
of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). This approach:
- Uses systematic behavioural teaching methods
- Has clearly defined strategies & goals
- Is individualized to the needs of each child
- Teaches children one-on-one or in small groups
- Incorporates changes based on direct measurement of each child's learning
- IBI (Intensive Behavioural Intervention) is based on the principles
of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). This approach:
- What makes the program successful?
- In order for IBI programs to be successful they should:
- Be intensive
- Begin early
- Involve parents in planning and treatment
- Be individualized
- Be delivered by qualified staff
- Take place in a variety of settings
- Involve integration with children who do not have autism
- In order for IBI programs to be successful they should:
- How often should I receive a massage?
- Ideally once a month for personal well being would be best. For athletic and active individuals, more frequent visits are recommended. Injuries or problems areas should be addressed on an individual basis.
- What is Shiatsu (Acupressure) massage therapy?
- Shiatsu is a Japanese healing therapy that was developed as a combination of Chinese Massage called Anma, key aspects of traditional Chinese Medicine and the theory of Shizuto Masunaga. The word Shiatsu can be translated as "finger pressure". During a session the therapist applies comfortable, sustained pressure to various parts of the body in order to help life energy or "chi/qi" flow properly. Qi flows along pathways referred to as Meridian lines. A Meridian line is worked on to aid blood flow, muscle tonus and posture. Shiatsu is applied using the thumbs, fingers, palms, forearms and elbows. The aim of Shiatsu is to trigger the body's own natural healing powers to help restore vitality and prevent disease by harmonizing the body, mind and spirit.
- What can I expect from my Shiatsu massage treatment?
- Shiatsu and other Oriental therapies, like acupuncture, have very unique ways of looking at the body. In Shiatsu we do not diagnose a person but take the signs and symptoms of disease along with observations, your medical history and what is felt in the body during a treatment to put together a personalized pattern of how the condition came to be. In Zen Shiatsu theory every organ in the body has an energy pathway that runs along the torso, arms and legs. This gives the advantage of working to help any local discomfort but also balancing the energy of specific organs distally as well. You may remain fully clothed or under the sheet at all times. Verbal contact is kept with you at all times to ensure the pressure is comfortable for your needs.
- What can Shiatsu massage therapy help treat?
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- Digestive disorders such as constipation, acid reflux, bloating and feeling tired after eating.
- Musculoskeletal problems such as muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, low back pain, limited range of motion especially after injury, RSI's, arthritis and whiplash.
- Nervous system imbalances like anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, stress, headaches and sciatica.
- Circulatory problems such as cold hands and feet or always feeling cold.
- Women's health concerns, including PMS, cravings, cramps, irregularities in flow and timing, menopause signs as well as moodiness.
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- How are naturopathic doctors different from medical doctors?
- Much like family doctors, naturopathic doctors act as general
practitioners to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions
in patients of all ages.
While medical doctors employ pharmaceutical and surgical interventions to treat physical symptoms and health conditions, naturopathic doctors focus on the specific needs of the individual, addressing the cause of illness through selecting highly effective natural treatments with the least risk of side-effects.
Naturopathic therapies can often be used effectively on their own, but may also be used to enhance the effects of conventional medical treatments, or to help manage the side-effects of conventional treatments.
- Much like family doctors, naturopathic doctors act as general
practitioners to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions
in patients of all ages.
- How is naturopathic medicine different from homeopathy?
- Homeopathy is one modality used by naturopathic doctors. This
system of medicine originated in Germany, and involves the use of
substances in a diluted form to stimulate the natural healing power
of the body. In addition to homeopathy, naturopathic doctors use
traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, nutrition, botanical
(herbal) medicine, hydrotherapy, physical medicine, and lifestyle
counseling.
A homeopath only uses homeopathy. In addition, homeopathy is not a regulated or licensed health profession in Ontario. Naturopathic medicine is regulated and licensed in Ontario.
- Homeopathy is one modality used by naturopathic doctors. This
system of medicine originated in Germany, and involves the use of
substances in a diluted form to stimulate the natural healing power
of the body. In addition to homeopathy, naturopathic doctors use
traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, nutrition, botanical
(herbal) medicine, hydrotherapy, physical medicine, and lifestyle
counseling.
- How are naturopathic doctors trained?
- Naturopathic doctors obtain comprehensive and rigorous training
in an educational structure similar to that of medical doctors.
Naturopathic doctors require a minimum of three years of pre-med
postsecondary education, plus four years of fulltime study at an
approved college of naturopathic medicine. The four-year naturopathic
medical program incorporates over 4,500 hours of classroom training
in basic medical science courses, clinical sciences and naturopathic
therapies, as well as 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience.
Graduates from an accredited naturopathic college receive the designation Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND). Following the completion of their program, NDs must successfully complete the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) in order to qualify for licensing in Ontario. NPLEX is the standard examination used by all regulated provinces and states across North America.
NDs are also required to earn continuing education credits on an ongoing basis to maintain their registration and good standing with the regulatory body.
- Naturopathic doctors obtain comprehensive and rigorous training
in an educational structure similar to that of medical doctors.
Naturopathic doctors require a minimum of three years of pre-med
postsecondary education, plus four years of fulltime study at an
approved college of naturopathic medicine. The four-year naturopathic
medical program incorporates over 4,500 hours of classroom training
in basic medical science courses, clinical sciences and naturopathic
therapies, as well as 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience.
- How are naturopathic doctors regulated?
- Naturopathic doctors are the only regulated health professionals
in the field of natural medicine in Ontario. Naturopathic doctors
are regulated in Ontario under the 1925 Drugless Therapy Act and
are registered (licensed) by the Board of Directors of Drugless
Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDTN). The BDDTN functions to ensure that
naturopathic doctors are properly qualified to practice naturopathic
medicine and that they follow the appropriate standards of practice.
Naturopathic doctors are also regulated in Canada in the provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
- Naturopathic doctors are the only regulated health professionals
in the field of natural medicine in Ontario. Naturopathic doctors
are regulated in Ontario under the 1925 Drugless Therapy Act and
are registered (licensed) by the Board of Directors of Drugless
Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDTN). The BDDTN functions to ensure that
naturopathic doctors are properly qualified to practice naturopathic
medicine and that they follow the appropriate standards of practice.
- What types of conditions do naturopathic doctors treat?
- As primary healthcare practitioners, naturopathic doctors can
treat the same conditions as a family doctor, and may refer out
to specialists or other healthcare professionals when necessary.
Using gentle and highly effective treatments selected to meet your
specific healthcare needs, naturopathic medicine can have excellent
results in the treatment of the following:
- Acute conditions, such as colds and the flu, ear and throat infections, headaches, seasonal allergies, and intestinal upset
- Chronic illnesses, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune conditions, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart problems, eczema, psoriasis, acne, digestion, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies and environmental illnesses, cystitis, prostatitis, impotence, and Cancer (prevention, minimize side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation, reduce recovery time, support immune system)
- Women's health issues, such as infertility, PMS, menstrual disorders, menopausal symptoms, fibrocystic breast disease, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and enhancing health in pregnancy
- Other issues, such as mental or emotional stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and attention deficit disorder
- As primary healthcare practitioners, naturopathic doctors can
treat the same conditions as a family doctor, and may refer out
to specialists or other healthcare professionals when necessary.
Using gentle and highly effective treatments selected to meet your
specific healthcare needs, naturopathic medicine can have excellent
results in the treatment of the following:
- Do you work with other health care providers?
- I believe in an integrative care model, combining naturopathic
and conventional treatments for the best patient health outcomes.
We have reached an age where there is ample scientific and empirical
evidence to support the use of both conventional and alternative
treatments, and integrating a naturopathic doctor into your healthcare
team is essential for ensuring the best healthcare provision.
I often consult with medical doctors, naturopathic doctors, and other healthcare professionals on cases, and am happy to work with your family doctor, medical specialists, or other healthcare providers.
- I believe in an integrative care model, combining naturopathic
and conventional treatments for the best patient health outcomes.
We have reached an age where there is ample scientific and empirical
evidence to support the use of both conventional and alternative
treatments, and integrating a naturopathic doctor into your healthcare
team is essential for ensuring the best healthcare provision.
- What can I expect when I visit a naturopathic doctor?
- Your initial naturopathic visit is approximately 60-75 minutes
in length, and is used for a detailed health history review, discussion
of your present health concerns, health goals, and relevant physical
examination. Lab testing may be recommended to aid in assessment
and diagnosis, and preliminary treatments are outlined.
In the second visit, a comprehensive individualized treatment plan is discussed.
Follow-up visits are between 30 and 45 minutes in length, and are used to implement appropriate naturopathic treatment modalities, monitor progress, and re-assess the treatment plan.
- Your initial naturopathic visit is approximately 60-75 minutes
in length, and is used for a detailed health history review, discussion
of your present health concerns, health goals, and relevant physical
examination. Lab testing may be recommended to aid in assessment
and diagnosis, and preliminary treatments are outlined.
- Is naturopathic medicine covered by OHIP or health insurance plans?
- Naturopathic medicine is currently not covered by OHIP. Most extended health insurance plans cover naturopathic treatments. Please contact your employer or individual insurance broker to determine the extent of your naturopathic coverage.
- Is it safe to combine naturopathic medicine with prescription medications?
- It is important to consult a naturopathic doctor if you are considering using natural treatments while on prescription medications. Naturopathic doctors have the highest degree of training in the health-care field in drug-herb and drug-nutrient interactions, selecting treatments on an individual basis to have the highest degree of safety and efficacy. Part of your treatment plan will also address the depletion of essential nutrients specific to your prescription medications.
- What is Reiki?
- Reiki is a safe, gentle, non-invasive form of hands-on healing that increases energy, reduces pain, produces deep relaxation and a general feeling of well-being.
- What is a Reiki treatment like?
- You will remain fully clothed and will lie on your back with your eyes closed. You may fall asleep or drift in and out. My hands are held above your body with the exception of the back of your head, shoulders, knees and feet. Some people feel heat or cold coming from my hands. A sensation of tingling or muscle releases is also normal. You might see a lot of colour or have visualizations. Each clients experience is unique and can be different from treatment to treatment, all depending on what the body/mind/spirit needs at the time.
- What can I expect after the treatment?
- You should find yourself either very relaxed and feeling "lighter" or feeling re-energized. Whatever it is that you need, is what you will experience. Be sure to drink lots of water as Reiki is very detoxifying. You should sleep very well.
- How often should I have a treatment?
- This depends on the reason for your interest in Reiki. This is usually discussed with the practitioner based on the findings following the initial treatment.
- What are the benefits of Reiki?
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- Provides relief from stress, anxiety, and depression
- Promotes a state of total relaxation and peace
- Reduces or alleviates pains
- Supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself
- Accelerates physical healing of injuries
- Balances the energy system
- Brings deep and restful sleep
- Promotes emotional healing & mental wellbeing
- Assists the body in cleansing toxins
- Supports allopathic and holistic treatment
- Reduces side-effects from medications, chemotherapy, anesthesia
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- Is Reiki a religious practice?
- No, there is no dogma attached to Reiki. You do not have to believe or subscribe to any form of religion to benefit from Reiki.