Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I should see a Chiropractor?

I believe that a consultation with me should be your first choice when seeking relief from pain. There are several reasons that an initial consulation with me will help. First, I offer more variety in the types of treatments for your pain. Secondly, I will always obtain a complete history from a patient before attempting any treatment at all. During this evaluation, I will be able to advise a patient if he or she should proceed to the treatment offered only by an M.D. Third, many types of pain will respond to and be improved by the treatment options available at my clinic. Common sense says to treat pain with the least invasive procedures first, such as massage instead of prescription medications, muscle and weight training instead of surgery, etc. Even many surgeons now advise that surgery should be a LAST RESORT. My clinic can help many patients achieve a recovery level that is satisfactory to them and that keeps them out of the operating room. Finally, post surgical patients can benefit from a more thorough recovery program at my clinic than simply attending traditional physical therapy.

What types of injuries do you treat?

I believe that proper chiropractic care can treat many injuries and ailments – and it is usually the ideal treatment for problems with joints, muscles and pains. But I do not think that a chiropractor can fix everything. I work closely with your physician and am very quick to recommend the proper test and procedures to ensure you get the proper help you need to get on the road to recovery. Click here to see more about my treatment philosophy.

What can I expect on my first visit?

The first thing a chiropractor should do is to ask you about your health and find out what is concerning you. The DC will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem.

A physical examination will be performed, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to evaluating your problem.

What other services do you offer besides chiropractic?

Our office offers a variety of health treatments, including nutritional counseling, extensive massage therapy, and one-on-one exercise therapy consultation. For more information. Click here to read more about my other Services.

What is your approach to healing?

I incorporate physiotherapy, massage therapy, rehabilitative stretching and strengthening into most recovery programs for my patients. I have discovered that most patients in pain experience a faster and more thorough recovery when I use a combination of treatment techniques.. I strive to improve your quality of life by helping you reduce pain and facilitate the body’s ability to heal itself – and remove the roadblocks that prevent the body from healing.

My first goal is to find the true cause of your condition. Nothing bothers me more than people who recommend treatments before knowing what is causing the problem. I am a team player and work closely with you and your physician to understand your condition and your needs, and to help determine the best form of treatment. If that treatment does not include chiropractic care at this point, I will tell you. By working in conjunction with MD’s I will sometimes incorporate the use of medication, anti-inflamatories, muscle relaxers and pain blockers to help the healing process.

The most important goal of treatment is getting you back to good health. It is important to not lose site of this goal when considering all of the treatment options out there.

Why do you enjoy being a chiropractor?

Sometimes a chiropractor is used as a last resort – but often the results are the most dramatic. I have seen incredible improvements in patients who have suffered for years and have spent a great deal of money seeking healing. I have worked with patients who no longer have to take strong medication to mask the pain. I immensely enjoy the satisfaction of healing people so they can get on with their life.

How long do you work with patients.

Depending on the severity of the injury- and the responsiveness to the treatment – I have treated patients up to 3 times a week for extended periods, others have seen improvements after the first treatment. The goal is to get patients back to life, not to keep them coming back for more treatments. Life-long dependence on my care is not encouraged, and not taught.

What training do chiropractors receive?

Doctors of Chiropractic receive extensive, demanding professional education on par with medical doctors (MDs) and osteopaths (DOs). To receive the doctor of chiropractic degree, candidates must complete extensive undergraduate prerequisites and four years of graduate-level instruction and internship at an accredited chiropractic institution. Comprehensive knowledge of all systems of the body and diagnostic procedures enable the DC to thoroughly evaluate a patient, address disorders relating to the spine and determine the need for referral to another health care provider.

Is chiropractic care proven to be effective?

Studies conducted according to the highest scientific standards and published by organizations not affiliated in any way with chiropractic institutions or associations continue to show the clinical appropriateness and effectiveness of chiropractic care. One of the most recent, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health, stated emphatically that:

“On the evidence, particularly the most scientifically valid clinical studies, spinal manipulation applied by chiropractors is shown to be more effective than alternative treatments for low back pain...There would be highly significant cost savings if more management of low back pain was transferred from physician to chiropractors.”