Chiropractic Care FAQ
The “cracking” sound, often heard when an adjustment is performed, is the release of gases in between the joints when the joint is moved beyond a certain range of motion. This is a completely normal sound that is heard almost like when someone “cracks” their knuckles. Often times, the patient experiences an immediate increase in range of motion and a decrease in pain in the area of the spine where the adjustment took place.
Yes. There are many other methods that we as chiropractors can utilize to treat a patient efficiently and effectively without producing an audible adjustment. At Connor Chiropractic and Wellness, we make use of an instrument called an Activator that delivers quick impulses to the joints which induces movement and range of motion. In addition, we use Thompson Tables that come equipped with a hydraulic system that allows us to perform adjustments utilizing the weight of the patient.
The easiest way to answer this question is to provide an analogy. We brush our teeth everyday to keep them clean and free from gum disease, cavities, and any other ailments. We depend on our spine everyday to give us the ability to get up from bed, walk around and carry out our activities of daily living. There is a constant downward pressure from gravity that is placed on our spinal joints let alone some occupations which require individuals to carry around objects all day. When there is pressure on our joints, this can sometimes lead to pain and over time degenerative changes that occur in our spine. The only way to overcome and prevent this process is to keep the joints moving which can be accomplished by getting regular spinal adjustments
Massage Therapy FAQ
The frequency of treatment needed by each individual differs based on their reason for therapy.
For relaxation or general maintenance, an average of 1 treatment every 4-6 weeks is recommended. For specific ailments, the frequency and length of treatment will depend entirely on the degree of pain or discomfort, the type of injury and the amount of time that has passed since the onset of the pain or injury. Your therapist will be able to tell you more during your first visit.
Massage therapy is a safe and effective treatment for people of all ages from birth until the palliative care stages. The length and frequency of the treatments, as well as the type of pressure used will change depending on the age of the person receiving the massage. Written consent is required by the parent for children under the age of 16.
Most people report feeling very relaxed, and experience significant relief from aches, pains and stress after a massage. However, those who require deep-tissue massage may experience mild muscle soreness which may last a day or two. Once the soreness is gone, they often feel significant reduction in the symptoms that brought them to massage therapy in the first place.
You will only be asked to remove the articles of clothing that you are comfortable with removing. Although, massage therapy treatments work best administered directly on the skin, without the barrier of clothing, massage can be effectively administered through the clothing as well. During a session you will be fully covered with a sheet/blanket and only the area of your body that is being worked on will be uncovered. Before and after the session, you will undress and dress in complete privacy.
While massage therapy treatments are not covered by the Ministry of Health, many private insurance companies provide full or partial coverage under extended health care plans. Check with your employer to find out the details and whether or not a doctor referral is required.
Ice is commonly used within the first 48 hours following an injury to help reduce swelling. Use ice after injuries such as an ankle sprain where swelling is evident. Ice may also be used for chronic conditions, such as overuse injuries in athletes. Ice the injured area after activity to help reduce inflammation. Never ice a chronic injury before activity. Ice an injury for no more than 15 minutes at a time; Icing longer can cause more harm than good. Allow the area to warm back up to room temperature before reapplying ice.
Heat should be used for chronic conditions to help relax and loosen tissues, and to stimulate blood flow to the area. Use heat treatments on chronic conditions, such as muscle strains before participating in activities. Do not use heat treatments after an acute injury. Use heat for 15-20 minutes at a time. Never apply a heating pad to an injury while sleeping.
Custom Orthotics FAQ
It depends. A large number of extended health care plans cover the cost of custom orthotic inserts. The best option is to look into your individual plan.
Orthotics typically last for an average of two years. Many variables play a role in how long they continue to provide support. Variables include how often you use them and what you use them for.
The custom nature of our orthotics are what differentiate the two. A custom orthotic is casted directly from your individual foot. In addition to a custom cast, our Chiropractors modify the base of the orthotic to accommodate for your individual needs.
Psychotherapy FAQ
Psychoherapy is the process of meeting with a trained professional to help manage through personal issues or problems. It is an opportunity to resolve problematic thoughts, behaviours, or beliefs. The therapeutic process is different for each person, but one common element is that the client and therapist collaborate to establish goals and determine steps to help achieve those goals. Therapy requires active participation from both parties. Therapy can be about one specific issue or many.
There are too many benefits to list! Therapy can provide support, improve problem solving skills, and develop coping strategies for a broad range of issues. Therapists can provide a fresh, objective perspective to help guide you through a problem you have been struggling with. Some benefits you may see: a boost to self-confidence, improved self-esteem, improved communication, building coping skills, creating boundaries, understanding yourself, ditching unhelpful patterns and embracing new ones. In therapy you can learning how to manage your emotions: anger, sadness, grief, or navigate through feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
As a psychotherapy client you have privileged communication. This means therapists are required to keep all your personal records and conversations confidential. All of the electronic devices we use are password protected and online video systems are encrypted. But, we are also obligated by law to protect vulnerable populations and those at risk of harm. We may be required to release information to appropriate sources in the following situations:
- If you give permission to tell your personal information to others, who may be able to help
- If there is a risk of you harming yourself or someone else
If there is reasonable belief that a health professional is guilty of sexual abuse - If you disclose or it is suspected that a child is being harmed or there is risk of harm to a child
- If legally obligated to do so through a court order or subpoena
People come to therapy for all kinds of issues, big and small.
You can talk about whatever you want to talk about. That said, some common things people come to therapy for are: anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive thoughts or behaviours, addiction, eating disorders, post-traumatic-stress disorders, transitions in life, work-life balance issues, boundaries, relationship issues, stress management, increasing awareness, navigating career challenges, grief or loss, managing fears, or to have a safe dedicated space to share anything that is troubling you.
This is dependent on the person and the situation. Some have a small issue they need help with and a clear goal, this can be often achieved in a few sessions. For example, deciding whether or not to take a career opportunity offered to them. Some people like to come to therapy once a week, having a trusted therapist can be helpful on a constant basis to bounce ideas off of.
Professional therapists complete extensive training to gain knowledge and skills on how to help others address their mental health concerns. Therapists are also required to continuously learn and develop. Therapists are skilled in remaining impartial, unbiased, and listening with the intention of truly understanding. Therapists are able to recognize thought and behaviour patterns that can cause people to become ‘stuck’.
Psychotherapists/therapists/counsellors/social workers typically have a master’s degree (MA), annual continuing education requirements, and focus on talk therapy. Psychotherapists and social workers are registered with governing bodies to ensure ethical standards are met. Psychologists typically have a post doctorate degree (PhD) but are not medical doctors. They provide talk therapy but also psychological testing. Psychiatrists have post doctorate level degrees (PhD) and attend medical school and are therefore medical doctors. They are able to prescribe medication and typically focus on clients with medication needs but are also able to treat mental illness through talk therapy.
No. Although we would love to have you at the centre, we can meet with clients over the phone or through video sessions. The therapist would either call you at the time of your session or send an encrypted link so that you can connect over video confidentially.
We understand everyone is busy and sometimes our schedules don’t line up. Let us know what times would work for you and we will do our best to find a suitable time.
It depends on your plan. Our recommendation is to review your plan and contact your insurance company. Each plan and spending allowance is different. Some plans cover registered psychotherapists up to a certain limit, some plans are unlimited, and unfortunately some do not offer coverage. At this time, OHIP does not cover psychotherapy.
We require 24-hours’ notice to cancel an appointment otherwise you will be billed for the session. We do send out automatic reminders of upcoming appointments, however, it is up to you to connect with us if you can no longer make the appointment time.