Chiropractic
Chiropractic care focuses on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving the spine, joints, muscles and nervous system.
At Sigma Rehab, we look beyond simply where it hurts. We consider your movement, mobility, strength, posture, daily activities and other factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. Because understanding why you hurt is an important first step toward helping you move and function better.
Every year, close to 3.5 million people across Ontario rely on chiropractors for care for neuro-musculoskeletal (nMSK) conditions. This makes them the second most consulted health care providers in the province, after medical doctors.¹
What Conditions Do Chiropractors Treat?
Our chiropractors commonly assess and treat:
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Neck pain and stiffness
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Lower back pain
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Mid-back and upper-back pain
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Headaches associated with neck dysfunction
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Shoulder pain
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Hip and pelvic pain
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Sciatica and certain nerve-related symptoms
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Muscle tension and spasm
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Sprains and strains
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Postural and repetitive-strain problems
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Sports injuries
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Work-related injuries
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Motor vehicle accident injuries
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Joint stiffness and mobility restrictions
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Pregnancy-related musculoskeletal discomfort
If your symptoms suggest that further medical investigation or imaging may be appropriate, your chiropractor can discuss the appropriate next steps with you.
What to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Visit
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Let's talk
Your first appointment starts with a conversation.
We want to understand not only where it hurts, but how your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and how they are affecting your work, sleep, exercise and everyday life.
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Assessment
Your chiropractor may assess your posture, movement, joint mobility, strength and neurological function.
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Plan of management
We'll explain our findings and discuss recommended treatment options and frequency of care.
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Start moving forward
When appropriate, treatment may begin at your first visit.
What Does Chiropractic Treatment Include?
Depending on your needs, your care may include:
Soft-tissue therapy
Hands-on treatment for muscles and other soft tissues.
Joint mobilization
Gentler repetitive movements used to improve restricted joint movement.
Chiropractic adjustments
Controlled manual techniques used to improve mobility and function of specific joints.
Therapeutic modalities
Depending on the condition, treatment may incorporate technologies such as Laser, therapeutic ultrasound, IFC/EMS/Russian Stimulation, shockwave or spinal decompression when clinically appropriate.
Acupuncture or dry needling
May be incorporated when clinically appropriate and provided by a practitioner trained to perform the technique.
Exercise rehabilitation
Stretching, strengthening, mobility and stabilization exercises designed around your condition.
Education and self-management
Because what happens between appointments matters too.
Do I Have to Get My Back or Neck “Cracked”?
No.
Joint manipulation is only one of many techniques chiropractors can use.
If you prefer gentler techniques, or if manipulation isn't appropriate for your condition, your chiropractor can use other treatment approaches.
Please tell us your preferences. We want you to feel comfortable with your care.
Do I Need a Doctor's Referral?
No referral is required to see a chiropractor in Ontario.
However, individual extended health insurance plans may have their own reimbursement requirements. If you are planning to use insurance benefits, it is always a good idea to check your specific policy.
Sigma Rehab offers direct billing to many participating extended health insurance plans.
Chiropractic FAQ
How many treatments will I need?
There is no universal number. Your recommended treatment frequency depends on your diagnosis, severity and duration of symptoms, health history, response to treatment and functional goals. Your chiropractor will discuss a plan of management after assessing you.
Will I be sore after treatment?
Some people experience temporary muscle soreness or stiffness following manual therapy, particularly after their first few treatments. Your chiropractor will explain what to expect based on the treatment provided.
Can chiropractic help if I've had pain for years?
Chronic conditions can still benefit from appropriate assessment and management. Treatment goals may include improving mobility, strength, function and self-management rather than simply focusing on pain alone.
Can chiropractors treat areas other than the spine?
Yes. Chiropractors assess and treat many musculoskeletal conditions involving areas such as the shoulders, hips, knees and other joints.
Can chiropractic be combined with physiotherapy or massage therapy?
Absolutely. Depending on your condition, coordinated care between chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture and exercise rehabilitation may be appropriate.
[1] The 2025 CCA/OCA-commissioned IPSOS poll cites a 27% chiropractor utilization rate for the adult population in the past 12 months. According to Statistics Canada projections for 2025, Ontario’s adult population (20 years of age and older) is 12,987,616. Therefore, according to these figures, over 3.5 million Ontarians will use the services of chiropractors in 2025.
Meet Our Chiropractic Team
Dr. Hyemi Ma
Dr. Dakota Zelichowski
Dr. Joyce Lee
Dr. James Son
Ready to Make an Appointment?
You don't need to know exactly what's wrong before booking. That's what the assessment is for.
Book a chiropractic assessment at Sigma Chiropractic & Rehab Clinic and let us help you understand your condition and build a plan toward better movement and function.