Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Should I see a chiropractor or physiotherapist?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the nature of your condition, goals, and preferences. Chiropractors commonly focus on spinal and joint mechanics, while physiotherapists often emphasize rehabilitation exercise, movement retraining, and recovery progression. Many patients benefit from collaborative care involving both professions.

Question 2

Should I see a chiropractor for low back pain?

Accepted Answer

Many patients seek chiropractic care for mechanical low back pain, stiffness, restricted movement, and recurrent spinal discomfort.

Question 3

Can I combine chiropractic care and physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chiropractic care and physiotherapy are frequently combined within collaborative treatment plans.

Question 4

Can I receive massage therapy and chiropractic care together?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many patients combine massage therapy and chiropractic care as part of a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Question 5

What is chiropractic care?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic care is a regulated healthcare profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions.

Question 6

What conditions do chiropractors treat?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractors commonly treat:
Upper back pain
Mid-back pain
Low back pain
Neck pain
Headaches
Sciatica
Sacroiliac pain
Hip pain
Rib pain
Shoulder pain
Elbow pain
Wrist pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Sports injuries
Postural strain

Question 7

Can chiropractic care help low back pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chiropractic care commonly addresses mechanical low back pain, spinal dysfunction, stiffness, and movement-related pain.

Question 8

Can chiropractic care help sciatica?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chiropractors commonly assess and treat mechanical causes of sciatic-type pain involving the lumbar spine and pelvis.

Question 9

Can chiropractic care help headaches?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic care may help tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches related to neck dysfunction.

Question 10

Can chiropractors help posture?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chiropractors assess:
Posture
Spinal mechanics
Workstation ergonomics
Muscular imbalances
Movement patterns

Question 11

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

Accepted Answer

A chiropractic adjustment is a manual technique used to improve spinal or joint mobility and function.

Question 12

Are chiropractors regulated in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chiropractors in Ontario are regulated healthcare professionals governed by the College of Chiropractors of Ontario.

Question 13

Can chiropractic care help arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic care may help improve mobility and reduce stiffness associated with some forms of arthritis.

Question 14

Can chiropractic care help office workers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chiropractors commonly treat neck tension, headaches, shoulder tightness, mid-back pain, and low back pain related to prolonged sitting.

Question 15

Can chiropractors help sports injuries?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chiropractic care may assist with joint mechanics, mobility, recovery, rehabilitation, and injury prevention.

Question 16

Can chiropractic care help rib pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Rib dysfunction and thoracic spine restrictions are commonly treated.

Question 17

Can chiropractic care help whiplash?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chiropractors commonly assess and treat whiplash-associated disorders involving the neck, upper back, and surrounding soft tissues.

Question 18

Can chiropractic care help disc herniation?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic care may help improve movement and reduce pain associated with some disc-related conditions. Treatment recommendations depend on the severity and clinical presentation.

Question 19

Can chiropractic care help dizziness?

Accepted Answer

Some forms of dizziness related to the cervical spine or neck dysfunction may respond to chiropractic assessment and treatment.

Question 20

Can chiropractors help with TMJ dysfunction?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chiropractors may assess jaw mechanics, surrounding musculature, and cervical spine dysfunction contributing to temporomandibular joint pain.

Question 21

Can chiropractic care help with carpal tunnel syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractors may assess wrist, elbow, shoulder, and cervical spine mechanics that contribute to nerve irritation associated with carpal tunnel symptoms.

Question 22

Can chiropractic care help with frozen shoulder?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chiropractic care may help improve mobility and reduce pain associated with adhesive capsulitis and related shoulder dysfunction.

Question 23

Can chiropractic care help plantar fasciitis?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chiropractors commonly assess foot mechanics, gait, ankle mobility, and calf tightness associated with plantar fasciitis.

Question 24

Can chiropractic care help with sports performance and injury prevention?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chiropractic care may help optimize joint mobility, movement efficiency, and biomechanical function in active individuals and athletes.

Question 25

Can chiropractors prescribe medication?

Accepted Answer

No. Chiropractors in Ontario do not prescribe medications.

Question 26

Do chiropractors order X-rays?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chiropractors may order or review diagnostic imaging when clinically indicated to help assess your condition and guide treatment recommendations. Both CURAVITA clinics, Glebe and ByWard, have on-site digital X-ray services, allowing our chiropractors to conveniently obtain and review imaging as part of your care when appropriate. Not all patients require imaging, and recommendations are based on your history, symptoms, and examination findings.

Question 27

Will I receive exercises along with chiropractic care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Rehabilitation exercises and home recommendations are commonly included alongside treatment.

Question 28

What techniques do your chiropractors use?

Accepted Answer

Our chiropractors use a variety of evidence-informed techniques tailored to each patient’s needs, comfort level, age, and health goals. Treatment may include manual chiropractic adjustments, Thompson technique, instrument-assisted adjusting techniques such as the Activator Method, joint mobilization, soft tissue therapy, stretching, rehabilitation exercises, ergonomic advice, and lifestyle recommendations. Whether you prefer a traditional hands-on approach or a gentler technique, your chiropractor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is safe, comfortable, and appropriate for your condition.

Question 29

Should I get massage therapy or physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Massage therapy often focuses on muscular tension and relaxation, while physiotherapy typically focuses more on rehabilitation, strengthening, mobility, and functional recovery. Some patients benefit from combining both approaches.

Question 30

Is massage therapy good for stress and tension?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Massage therapy is commonly used to reduce muscular tension and promote relaxation.

Question 31

What types of massage therapy are offered at CURAVITA?

Accepted Answer

Massage therapy options may include:
Therapeutic massage
Deep tissue massage
Swedish massage
Prenatal massage
Sports massage
Relaxation massage
Cupping massage therapy

Question 32

What is deep tissue massage?

Accepted Answer

Deep tissue massage uses slower, sustained pressure to address deeper muscular tension and chronic soft tissue restrictions.

Question 33

Can massage therapy help stress?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many patients seek massage therapy for relaxation and stress management.

Question 34

Can massage therapy help anxiety and stress?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Massage therapy is commonly used to support relaxation and reduce physical tension associated with stress.

Question 35

Can massage therapy help insomnia?

Accepted Answer

Massage therapy may help improve relaxation and sleep quality in some individuals.

Question 36

Can massage therapy help headaches?

Accepted Answer

Massage therapy may help tension headaches related to muscular tightness and posture.

Question 37

Can massage therapy help neck pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Neck and shoulder tension are among the most common reasons patients seek massage therapy.

Question 38

Can massage therapy help athletes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Athletes commonly use massage therapy for recovery, mobility, performance support, and maintenance care.

Question 39

Is massage therapy regulated in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Registered Massage Therapists in Ontario are regulated healthcare professionals.

Question 40

Can massage therapy help after a motor vehicle accident?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Massage therapy may help reduce muscular tension and soft tissue discomfort following motor vehicle accidents.

Question 41

Should I see a physiotherapist for knee pain?

Accepted Answer

Physiotherapists commonly assess knee pain related to movement dysfunction, weakness, tendon irritation, sports injuries, gait mechanics, and overuse conditions.

Question 42

What is physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Physiotherapy is a regulated healthcare profession focused on restoring movement, reducing pain, improving strength, and supporting rehabilitation.

Question 43

What conditions does physiotherapy treat?

Accepted Answer

Physiotherapists commonly treat:
Sports injuries
Tendon injuries
Muscle strains
Chronic pain
Post-surgical rehabilitation
Mobility limitations
Balance deficits
Repetitive strain injuries

Question 44

Can physiotherapy help low back pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Physiotherapy often focuses on strengthening, mobility, functional movement, and pain management.

Question 45

Can physiotherapy help sports injuries?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Physiotherapists commonly treat athletic injuries and performance-related movement issues.

Question 46

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Manual therapy includes hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization, stretching, and soft tissue treatment used to improve mobility and reduce pain.

Question 47

Can physiotherapy help after surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Post-operative rehabilitation is a major focus of physiotherapy.

Question 48

Can physiotherapy help runners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Running-related injuries and gait mechanics are commonly assessed and treated.

Question 49

Can physiotherapy help repetitive strain injuries?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Physiotherapists frequently assess ergonomic and movement-related causes of repetitive strain.

Question 50

Can physiotherapy help with concussion recovery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Physiotherapy may assist with balance deficits, dizziness, neck dysfunction, and graded return-to-activity planning following concussion.

Question 51

Can physiotherapy help with vestibular disorders?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Vestibular rehabilitation may help manage dizziness, vertigo, and balance-related disorders.

Question 52

Can physiotherapy help with whiplash?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Physiotherapists commonly treat neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and mobility deficits associated with whiplash injuries.

Question 53

Can physiotherapy help with frozen shoulder?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Physiotherapy often includes stretching, manual therapy, and progressive mobility exercises to improve shoulder motion and reduce pain.

Question 54

Can physiotherapy help with chronic hip flexor tightness?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Physiotherapy commonly addresses hip flexor tightness associated with prolonged sitting, athletic activity, and movement dysfunction.

Question 55

What treatment techniques do CURAVITA physiotherapists use?

Accepted Answer

CURAVITA physiotherapists use a variety of evidence-informed assessment and treatment techniques, which may include:

* Manual therapy and joint mobilization
* Therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation programs
* Strengthening and conditioning programs
* Stretching and flexibility training
* Postural and movement retraining
* Balance and fall-prevention training
* Gait assessment and retraining
* Concussion assessment and rehabilitation (with trained providers)
* Vestibular rehabilitation (with trained providers)
* Dry needling
* Acupuncture
* Shockwave therapy
* Soft tissue techniques
* Taping and bracing recommendations
* Ergonomic and workplace assessments
* Education on injury prevention and self-management
* Return-to-work and return-to-sport planning

Treatment plans are individualized based on your condition, goals, lifestyle, and stage of recovery. Not all physiotherapists offer every treatment modality, and your provider will discuss the options most appropriate for your needs.

Question 56

What are custom foot orthotics?

Accepted Answer

Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices designed to support foot mechanics and gait.

Question 57

Can orthotics help plantar fasciitis?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Orthotics may help reduce strain associated with plantar fasciitis.

Question 58

Can orthotics help knee pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Foot mechanics can contribute to knee loading and gait-related problems.

Question 59

Can orthotics help back pain?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, abnormal foot mechanics may contribute to spinal or pelvic strain.

Question 60

How are custom orthotics made?

Accepted Answer

Custom orthotics are typically created using biomechanical assessment and foot scanning or casting.

Question 61

What happens during a custom orthotics assessment?

Accepted Answer

An orthotics assessment typically includes gait analysis, foot mechanics evaluation, footwear assessment, and biomechanical testing.

Question 62

What is the difference between custom orthotics and over-the-counter insoles?

Accepted Answer

Custom orthotics are prescribed based on an individualized biomechanical assessment, while over-the-counter insoles are generic supports not tailored to a specific condition or gait pattern.

Question 63

Are orthotics covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Many extended health insurance plans provide partial reimbursement for custom orthotics.

Question 64

Do I need a prescription for orthotics?

Accepted Answer

Some insurance providers require a physician prescription for reimbursement purposes.

Chiropractic Care

Massage Therapy

Physiotherapy

Custom Foot Orthotics

About the Clinic