Frequently Asked Questions

Like most people, you probably have a few friends and family members who swear by chiropractic care. But what is it, exactly? Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, hands-on technique focusing on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the neuro-musculoskeletal systems & their associated conditions. Chiropractic care uses the body's innate (natural) mechanisms to promote health and wellness and alleviate pain. Treatment techniques often include soft tissue therapy, joint mobilizations/manipulations and various modalities such as cupping, acupuncture and shockwave therapy. We offer unique treatment plans tailored to your needs to help relieve pain, improve mobility, and promote better overall health and wellness.

A chiropractor is a health care professional specializing in diagnosing and treating neuromusculoskeletal systems. Chiropractors use various methods to treat these disorders (symptoms/conditions), including manual therapy, electrical stimulation, and nutrients/nutrition. Manual therapy involves using hands-on techniques to relieve pain and improve function. (Soft tissue therapy, Joint Mobilizations & Manipulations) Electrical stimulation uses electrical currents to stimulate the nerves and muscles. Nutrients are used to enhance the role of the body's cells and tissues. Rehabilitative exercises are provided to rebuild muscle strength, endurance, and power, improving overall flexibility and mobility Lifestyle modifications such as sleeping patterns, eating tendencies, level of physical activity, stress management practices and hydration habits can create lasting effects on your personal well-being. Chiropractors are trained in the evaluation and diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders. Based on the best available evidence, combined with their clinical expertise, your chiropractor will work with you to determine the best treatment to relieve your pain, manage your condition and promote optimal wellness. Chiropractic care can prevent your condition from returning, restore your mobility and much more by working with the body’s own mechanisms. Some of the conditions chiropractors treat include: Back pain( (Mid back, Low Back, Sciatica) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Hip & Knee pain Neck pain, Headaches & Migraines Referral Pain/Radiculopathies Pregnancy-Related Low Back Pain/Pelvic Girdle Pain Paediatric Conditions or Wellness Checks- Torticollis, Plagiocephaly, Positional Preferences (Feeding, sleeping, carrying). Stiffness or pain from prolonged sitting Strains/Sprains Sports injuries Tennis or Golfer’s elbow Arthritis, work and sports injuries. Postural Strain/Workplace Injuries

In Ontario, you can visit a chiropractor without a doctor or other health care professional referral. This is because chiropractors are primary health care providers regulated by the province. As such, they are held to high standards of safety and efficacy. When you visit a chiropractor, they will take a thorough history and conduct a physical examination. They may also order diagnostic tests, such as x-rays or refer you to other practitioners - family physicians, specialists for advanced imaging or diagnostics - MRI, CT, and bloodwork.The goal of chiropractic care is to improve your overall health and well-being. By restoring proper alignment to your spine and extremities, chiropractors can help relieve pain, improve range of motion, and reduce inflammation. If you are looking for an alternative to medication or surgery, consider seeing a chiropractor.

As of December 1, 2004, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) no longer covers chiropractic services.

In most instances, chiropractic is covered by insurance or by extended health care plans. Health care coverage will vary based on the insurance plan, with the examination and treatment or adjustments most often covered. Additional services like x-rays, physical therapy or other modalities vary depending on insurance health plan coverage. Please check with your individual insurance plan provider for more details.

Dr. Sarah Seaborn does offer direct billing through most major insurance companies including but not limited to: Blue Cross® Chambers of Commerce Insurance Group Plan® ClaimsSecure Cowan Insurance Group DesJardins Empire Life First Canadian Canada Life Green Shield Industrial Alliance Johnson Insurance Johnston Group Insurance Manulife Maximum Benefit® Standard Life Sun Life To find out which chiropractic treatment may be covered under your health insurance, follow up with your insurance provider for more information.

Yes! Chiropractic care is safe for pregnant women and those trying to get pregnant.

No, chiropractic adjustments are not necessary during pregnancy. However, they are safe and often included in the treatment plan. There are various techniques, pillows and table modifications to ensure expecting mothers are comfortable during treatment. There are various treatments available to support your condition including: Pelvic Block - This treatment improves balance, and flexibility and aids in reducing back pain by addressing pelvis misalignments leading to joint dysfunction, liagementous and muscular tension. Soft Tissue (Muscle) Therapy - Cupping, Acupuncture, Shockwave Therapy and Manual Relesae. These treatment options are used to address tight muscles causing stiffness and discomfort throughout one’s body. Working on these tissues relieve pressure from joints while increasing blood circulation and improving range of motion Prescribed/Individualized exercise plans for prenatal & postpartum.

To complete a detailed medical history & physical assessment of their nervous system, development and age appropriate functional abilities. To promote wellness by stimulating nervous system regulation. To assess oral function including tethered oral tissue (Tongue Ties, Lip & Buccal Ties) To assessa, diagnose and treat oral dysfunctions including feeding/latching challenges, jaw tightness and neck mobility.

Yes! We wouldn't see infants and children in our practice otherwise. Adjustments vary dependent on the age and preference of the child and/ord guardian Pediatric adjustment involve a prolonged hold on a restricted segment; much different from adult manual adjustments

An activator is an instrument assisted adjusting tool that provides a control force to a specific area of the body. This tool is used on infants as well as adults to improve joint mobilty and function.

Torticollis- Neck Preference/Tilt Indigestion/Colic/Constipation Congenital Hip Dyplasia Feeding Difficulties (latching, positional preference, indigestion) Fussiness & Irritability Limited Body Movement & Stiffness Preferred Positions - (ex. disliking Tummy Time) Constipation- Sacral Dysfunction Developmental Delays Wellness Checks- Detailed Physical Assessment

You will be asked to complete a confidential health history, and then your massage therapist will assess the extent of any injury or condition that's been affecting you. They'll develop an individualized treatment plan with goals for healing in mind - one which can change at anytime if it doesn't feel right! You're given every opportunity during this time as well; we want everyone who comes into our clinic feeling confident about what they've chosen from start-to finish.

Swedish Technique The Swedish massage is a popular treatment in which the therapist uses his or her hands to manipulate soft tissue on various parts of your body. This helps optimize health by acting upon muscles, connective tissues (like skin), tendons and joints; it can also relieve stress! To give you an idea about how this works - think back-and-forth movements with light pressure applied firmly but surely at different points throughout each area being manipulated until finally ending up somewhere near its corresponding joint . The Ontario Registered Massage Therapists are trained specifically so they know what kind/ variation would best suit someone's needs whether that be chronic pain resulting from injury sustained during sports participation Therapeutic Technique Therapeutic massage is a proven method for relaxation and stress relief. This form of therapy uses manual techniques to manipulate soft tissue, which helps the body's systems work more efficiently by increasing blood circulation as well decreasing inflammation in your muscles! Deep Tissue Technique Deep Tissue Massage is a great way to release tension and get your body moving smoothly again after an injury or chronic pain. The therapist will use deep pressure along with long strokes, which reaches structures far beneath the superficial fascia in order relieve these problems‍ Pregnancy Massage Pregnancy Massage helps relieve the discomfort associated with being pregnant. It is a specialized massage that focuses on your individual concerns, such as back pain or swelling feet and legs. During this treatment you may be asked to rest on one side while lying down in certain positions so it's important for both mommy-toos who are getting their massages too! Sports Technique The massage techniques vary depending on whether the client is in training or after an event. Kneading, muscle manipulation and joint mobilization are all used to treat athletes before they compete again as well as people who have been exercising heavily for a while now but still experience discomfort from their muscles being sore due that this will help prepare them properly so there's less risk of injury during competition time! Hot Stone Technique Heated stones are used as massage tools in the ancient technique of hot stone therapy. This form of relief can be one-of-a kind because it's so relaxing, but also offers deep tissue work to help relax muscles even more!

The benefits of massage extend beyond relaxation. Massage has been shown to relieve pain, increase blood circulation and improve consumption by the body's natural defenses system (lymphocytes). In some cases you may experience discomfort while receiving this treatment but it typically goes away quickly once completed or contact your doctor if necessary!

Massage therapy can be a great way to help manage your stress and tension, but it's important that you feel comfortable. All of our therapists ask clients who receive massage treatments if they want their clothes removed or not - some people prefer staying fully dressed while getting relief from sore muscles; others enjoy feeling relaxed enough not care about what is going on around them at all times! Our staff will provide towels for covered sessions so there won't need any additional washing afterword either (unless someone spills something).

It's common to fall asleep during a massage, but we won't judge you if snoring or drooling.

You can always ask for more or less pressure during a massage session. This is an excellent way to make sure that you're getting the most out of your massages by being mindful about what feels good for YOU, not just relying on our opinion. We'll be happy comply with any requests and adjustments!

Massage therapy is all about relaxation, but it's also good for relieving pain. If you're feeling uncomfortable when your therapist applies pressure in an area or passes gas during the session because of nerves - don't worry! Just excuse yourself and go outside where there are fewer distractions so that way no one will notice how awkward this may have been for both parties involved.

Some people prefer to chat, but don't feel you have to make conversation. If your want quiet time for self care that's ok as well!

In most instances, Registered Massage Therapy is covered by insurance or by extended health care plans. Health care coverage will vary based on the insurance plans. Please check with your individual insurance plan provider for more details.

Kinesiologists are a regulated health profession with a governing body regulating their services (College of Kinesiologists of Ontario).

A kinesiologist differs from a physiotherapist in that kinesiologists focus on dysfunctions and movement patterns whereas physiotherapists assess patients to provide a diagnosis(es). Kins are able to provide nutritional counselling/coaching whereas physiotherapists are not, allowing for more holistic treatment plans. Assessments may be similar, but physiotherapists tend to focus on more passive care/manual therapies whereas kinesiologist focus on maximizing function/movement through specific exercise prescription. This difference is reflected in the typical appointment lengths, 20-30mins vs 30-60min.

No, you do not need a referral to see a kinesiologist. Kinesiologists often work alongside chiropractors and physiotherapists (who may focus on more acute injury phases), in addition to having their own clients. ‍

Some OHIP covered facilities may have kinesiologists working with clients, where services are covered. This is most common following a surgical procedure such as a joint replacement or repair.

Some insurance policies do cover kinesiology services as it's becoming more recognized as a regulated health care profession (Kins became regulated in 2013, not even 10 years yet!) the best option is to call your insurance provider and ask if that coverage is available.

Shockwave Therapy is a versatile treatment that can effectively address a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions: Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Shockwave Therapy can alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with overuse of the forearm muscles. Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): This treatment is also beneficial for reducing pain and promoting healing in the tendons on the inner side of the elbow. Achilles Tendonitis: Shockwave Therapy can expedite the healing process for Achilles tendon injuries, reducing pain and restoring functionality. Calcific Shoulder Tendinitis: Shockwave Therapy is effective in breaking down calcium deposits in the shoulder tendons, providing relief from pain and stiffness. Hip Bursitis: Bursitis in the hip can be treated with Shockwave Therapy to reduce inflammation and pain, enhancing hip joint function. Plantar Fasciitis: As mentioned earlier, Shockwave Therapy is highly effective in treating this common condition, which causes heel pain and discomfort. Shin Splints: Shockwave Therapy can help alleviate the pain associated with medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) or shin splints, often experienced by runners and athletes. Stress Fractures: Shockwave Therapy can aid in the healing of stress fractures by promoting bone regeneration and reducing pain. Jumper's Knee (Patellar Tendonitis): This treatment can reduce pain and inflammation in the patellar tendon, common among athletes and individuals with active lifestyles. Chronic Neck and Back Pain: Shockwave Therapy can be used to address chronic pain in the neck and back, often related to muscle tension and trigger points. Heel Spurs: Shockwave Therapy can provide relief from pain associated with calcium deposits on the heel bone. Trigger Points (Myofascial Pain Syndrome): Muscular trigger points that cause pain and discomfort can be treated effectively with Shockwave Therapy. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Shockwave Therapy can help improve shoulder mobility and alleviate pain in cases of frozen shoulder. Knee Osteoarthritis: Shockwave Therapy may offer pain relief and improved joint function for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Chronic Tendinopathies: Various chronic tendon conditions, such as patellar tendinopathy and rotator cuff tendinopathy, can be treated with Shockwave Therapy. Foot and Ankle Pain: Conditions like Morton's neuroma, ankle sprains, and ligament injuries can benefit from Shockwave Therapy. Scar Tissue Reduction: Shockwave Therapy can help break down scar tissue in muscles and tendons, restoring flexibility and function. Please note that while Shockwave Therapy is an effective treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions, individual results may vary. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific condition.

Mild Discomfort: Some patients may experience mild discomfort or pain during the treatment, but it is usually manageable. Swelling and Redness: Temporary swelling and redness at the treatment site are common side effects, typically resolving within a few days. Bruising: Bruising may occur in some cases, but it is usually mild and temporary. Rare Complications: While rare, there can be complications such as skin blistering, infection, or nerve damage. These risks are minimized when the treatment is administered by experienced professionals.

Yes, acupunture is a safe and effective modality for an enormous list of conditions. The sterile, single use needles are opened immediately before use and disposed in sharps container.

In most instances, chiropractic is covered by insurance or by extended health care plans. Health care coverage will vary based on the insurance plan, with the examination and treatment or adjustments most often covered. Additional services like x-rays, physical therapy or other modalities vary depending on insurance health plan coverage. Please check with your individual insurance plan provider for more details.

Dr. Sarah Seaborn does offer direct billing through most major insurance companies including but not limited to: Blue Cross® Chambers of Commerce Insurance Group Plan® ClaimsSecure Cowan Insurance Group DesJardins Empire Life First Canadian Canada Life Green Shield Industrial Alliance Johnson Insurance Johnston Group Insurance Manulife Maximum Benefit® Standard Life Sun Life To find out which chiropractic treatment may be covered under your health insurance, follow up with your insurance provider for more information.