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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: CHIROPRACTIC
What should I expect?
Your first visit will entail a comprehensive history/physical exam related and not related to your current problem in order to gain as much information on you and your ailment. The physical exam is designed to reproduce the discomfort you are experiencing to hone in on what may be going on in order to select the proper treatment.
If Dr. Mario deems you to be a good candidate for chiropractic treatment, you will receive a report of findings, diagnosis/differential, plan of management, risks/benefits/alternatives, and a consultation about your personal health goals.
What is a Chiropractic adjustment?
One of the most common therapies a chiropractor uses is Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT), which can comprise a variety of adjustment techniques. Specific training in SMT allows chiropractors to provide highly-skilled and precise adjustments to the vertebrae of the spine, correcting joint motion to restore proper movement and improve function.
A chiropractic adjustment is a very specific/gentle but quick thrust put into a joint which reminds the brain how it is supposed to move. Sometimes with our daily routines and day to day stresses and activities our joints tend to “lock up” or feel “stiff” due to a variety of problems. These may include muscle fatigue or strain or simply wear and tear on the body or even something extreme such as physical trauma. Therefore, by reminding the body how its supposed to move we see systemic changes of muscle tone and movement which in turn helps to restore proper movement and balance within the body.
Chiropractors essentially remind the central nervous system of how/what it needs to do to achieve homeostasis in relation of how to properly move again.
What type of conditions do Chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors treat a variety of ailments such as, but not limited to the following:
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Sports Injuries
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Neck Pain
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Back Pain
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Sciatica/Leg pain
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Plantar Fasciitis
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Tennis Elbow
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Sprains/Strains
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Whiplash/Vertigo
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Tendonitis/Tendonosis
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Headaches
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Joint Pain
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Nerve Related Syndromes
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Rotator Cuff Injuries
What is the “cracking” noise sometimes felt with an adjustment?
Sometimes during an adjustment you will feel or hear a “crack” or “click”. Not to worry, this is completely normal. A vacuum phenomenon forms within a joint and when gas molecules enter and are released through an adjustment this sound tends to happen. This also does not mean that a joint needs to “crack” in order to be adjusted. There are many techniques, which make no sound at all and are just as effective.
Can adjustments hurt?
Adjustments are very gentle and specific movements that shouldn’t hurt. Although, minor discomfort may arise when joints are manipulated because the chiropractor needs to move the joint slightly past its range of motion. If you’re experiencing any discomfort throughout any portion of your treatment, please tell your chiropractor!
Are chiropractic treatments safe?
Every treatment carries risk, but chiropractic care is regarded as one of the safest forms of therapy. Side effects may include short-term tenderness post treatment or the day after, but many patients experience immediate relief after most adjustments.
Do I require a referral from my MD to see a chiropractor?
A doctors note is not required to see a chiropractor, as we are considered primary health care professionals.
Do I have to get adjusted?
No. If you ever would like to opt out of your treatment at any time it is your choice to do so. I encourage all patients to actively participate in their own health. My job is to direct you to receive the best possible care you can receive from my professional opinion. And if I feel that you will not benefit from my treatment, I will advise.
What will my treatment plan look like?
Each individual treatment plan is catered to each individual patient. The idea is to get you in, get you better, teach you how to stay better and teach you why chiropractic is good for your body moving forward.
Does OHIP cover chiropractic care?
OHIP does not cover chiropractic care, however most insurance plans do include chiropractic, so please check with your provider.
What education does a chiropractor have?
A four-year undergraduate degree along with an at least four-year professional Chiropractic College. This is followed by each country, province or state -administered standardized board exams that are essential to be able to legally practice. Each chiropractor is monitored by the College of Chiropractors and must remain in good standing.
Dr. Micovsky has passed his board exams in both the United States and Canada.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: PHYSIOTHERAPY
What should I expect on my first visit?
The first visit will be about an hour. We will cover your current injury, past medical history, and your expectations and goals. A full objective assessment will be performed, including range of motion, strength testing, and functional testing. Treatment will then be provided to address your injury, and may include a combination of education, manual therapy, acupuncture, and a home exercise program.
Are you currently accepting new patients?
YES! I am currently accepting new patients for in-person and virtual physiotherapy, as well as running assessments and gait analysis.
Do I need a doctor's referral/script?
Yes and no. You do NOT need a doctor's referral to access physiotherapy services. However, your Extended Health Benefits Company (Greenshield, Manulife, etc) may require a script. If you need one and cannot contact your family doctor, we have telehealth doctors available who can provide one for you.
What should I wear to my appointments?
Wear something comfortable that you can move in. Make sure the area you want assessed is easily accessible (e.g. for shoulder injury wear a tank top, for a knee injury wear/bring shorts, etc).
If you are booking a Gait Analysis, please wear shorts, a tank top/t-shirt, and your usual running shoes.
Do I have to have an "injury" to come to physiotherapy?
No! You can come to physiotherapy for many different reasons, including pain, feeling stiff from sitting at a desk all day, wanting to move better and learn how to prevent injuries, and more. A concept often overlooked in our medical system is "pre-habilitation", where we seek conservative care like physiotherapy before you are injured. We can often identify poor movement strategies, retrain sport-specific skills (e.g. running gait), and address weaknesses or muscle imbalances specific to your life or sport needs (e.g. leg strengthening and stability in soccer players).
What is Virtual Physiotherapy?
Virtual physiotherapy involves assessment and treatment of injuries through some kind of video device, such as a Smart Phone, computer, or tablet. Your physiotherapist will be able to diagnose your injury and provide education and exercises via video. Obviously, hands-on treatment and modalities like acupuncture and laser cannot be performed via telehealth; however, research shows that most injuries can be resolved with education, activity modification, and exercise.
Should physiotherapy hurt?
No. Physiotherapy should not be painful. However, it is normal to experience discomfort with manual therapy and exercise, especially in the beginning phases of treatment. If we are strengthening a weak muscle or mobilizing a stiff joint, often times it can feel uncomfortable or achy. The discomfort should not last into the next day, although you may experience DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) for a day or two after performing some exercises. Communicate with your therapist to let them know how you are responding to treatment, and modifications can be made as needed.
Does OHIP cover physiotherapy?
OHIP covers physiotherapy care at certain clinics in Ontario (based on population size).
Our clinic does NOT provide OHIP funded care.
If you are eligible for OHIP physiotherapy (see eligibility criteria), you can visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website to find the OHIP clinic nearest to you.
What education does a physiotherapist have?
Registered Physiotherapists in Ontario must complete a four-year undergraduate degree followed by a two year Masters of Physical Therapy program. This is followed by standardized board exams that are essential to be able to legally practice. Each physiotherapist is monitored by the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario and must remain in good standing. Physiotherapists often take continuing education each year. For instance, Megan has taken continuing courses on Manual Therapy, Acupuncture, Concussion, Soft Tissue Release, Running Related Injuries, and Gait Analysis,