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Create a patient accountHave an account? Sign in hereIn general, a chiropractic clinic can help treat pain, such as back pain, neck pain, or shoulders pain. Chiropractors can also act as preventative care. Even without pain, a chiropractor can help you prevent pain or maintain a pain-free spine.
Most chiropractors offer some type of primary prevention for musculoskeletal disorders. While this can be a good option for many people, it may be of particular interest to those who are athletic or more prone to pain.
There are many types of chiropractors, depending on your needs. For example, a sports chiro can be focused on sports lesions such as a sprained ankle, whereas a pregnancy chiropractor may specialize in reducing pregnancy back pain.
Using medimap.ca you can easily find the best chiropractor or chiro clinic nearby. You can check their booking availability, and book a consultation using the medimap.ca website. The clinic may or may not do a follow up call prior to the consultation for things such as pre-screening tests, etc.
During an adjustment, the practitioner uses their hands to apply controlled force on the affected joint, like an ankle or wrist. They may also gently exercise it to increase mobility.
For conditions like back pain, force is applied to vertebrae, called spinal manipulation therapy (SMT). The adjustments made at a chiropractic clinic are usually painless, although some discomfort may be expected if you unconsciously tense or stiffen your body during treatment. You can expect an adjustment appointment to last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.
Chiropractors are not doctors, but it is a regulated profession requiring years of training. Here are the requirements in Canada:
To legally practice, each chiropractor must be registered with their province’s college, which scrutinizes applications. For example, chiropractors in Ontario must be registered members of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO). Similarly, to practice in B.C. chiropractors must be registered with the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC).
Although each chiropractor has different training, they must meet all requirements to take and pass exams required to register with their provincial college. When you’re choosing a chiropractor, you can ask about their individual training.
A physiotherapist (also known as a physical therapist or PT) mainly educates and guides you in exercises and stretches targeted to your concern. This is compared to a chiropractor, who is most well-known for hands-on adjustments of muscles and vertebrae.
Both professionals provide some of the same services, although their main clinic service differs. They both can help pain and mobility. Whether you see a chiropractor or physiotherapist it depends on your condition and the type of treatment you want to try. For example, back pain can be treated at both a chiropractic clinic and a physiotherapy clinic.
At a chiropractor clinic, you can expect manual adjustments. At a physiotherapy clinic, you can expect them to guide you through exercises and stretches. In this case, the professional you choose depends on your goal and the treatment you prefer.
If your condition can be treated by either a chiropractor or physiotherapy clinic here is a suggestion: Talk to both professionals. After one appointment each, see which therapy you want to try most. In some cases, it’s safe for patients to receive treatments at either type of clinic (although you should tell your practitioners if this is the case).
Most provincial health plans do not cover chiropractic appointments. See below for more details.
Is chiropractic care covered by OHIP? Chiropractic care isn’t covered by Ontario’s provincial health plan.
People eligible for the Medical Services Plan (MSP) supplementary benefits can receive support for chiropractic services.
Chiropractic care not covered by the provincial health plan.
Provincial plan covers up to 7 chiropractic visits each year (this includes adjustment of the spinal column, pelvis, and extremities).
Chiropractic care not covered by the provincial health plan.
Chiropractic care not covered by the provincial health plan.
Chiropractic care not covered by the provincial health plan.
Chiropractic care not covered by the provincial health plan.
Chiropractic care not covered by the provincial health plan.
Chiropractic care not covered by the provincial health plan.
Chiropractic care not covered by the provincial health plan.
Chiropractic care not covered by the provincial health plan.
Chiropractic care not covered by the provincial health plan.