Skip to main content

Collingwood Chiropractor, Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ

Dr. Wayne Coghlan

Collingwood Chiropractic and Sports Injury Clinic

 Are you looking for a Re-Evolutionary experience?
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC? Chiropractic, at least how I do it, is a systematic approach to assessing and correcting the structural integrity of the body. Basically, I use hands on methods to restore the alignment and movement of your joints and muscles.

HOW AM I DIFFERENT? Some chiropractors rely on outdated theories in an effort to rationalize their treatments, and use patient management techniques rather than seeking to serve the needs of their patients to justify over extended treatment plans. I make every effort to incorporate EVIDENCE BASED treatment protocols into my practice, and where evidence is forthcoming, use more contemporary and scientific theories to guide my treatment approach. Rather than trying to coerce you into a treatment plan, I will explain your options and offer my guidance. You, however, make the decisions that seem best to you.

WHERE IS MY OFFICE? My office is the Collingwood Chiropractic & Sports Injury Clinic located at 516 Hurontario Street, at the corner of 9th Street, in Collingwood.

DO YOU NEED A MEDICAL REFERRAL? There are three or four chiropractors that the local physicians refer to, including myself. However, you DO NOT NEED a medical referral. It is as simple as calling Megan at the front desk (705 445-5401) and asking for an appointment.

WHAT ARE MY FEES? The fee for your initial visit is a very reasonable $70. Each additional visit is $35. There may be additional fees for extended visits and services. These will be discussed with as relevant.

WHAT HAPPENS AT YOUR FIRST VISIT? Your initial appointment includes intake, consultation, examination, referral for x-rays and further tests as necessary, diagnosis, and usually a treatment to get you started feeling better.

DO I TAKE X-RAYS? I do not take x-rays unless there is a good clinical reason to do so. If x-rays are necessary, I can refer you to a local medical facility who will do the procedure. There is not cost for your X-ray study itself, as it is covered by OHIP - take your OHIP card with you.  However, the radiologists who own the clinic insist on reading the films. There is fee of ~$25 for this service. They typically have your study read and report by fax to myself and your family doctor in a day or so. You will have to stop at the lab in another day or so to pick up your disk so that we can review your images together.  If you wish to avoid the radiologist's, I can send you to your M.D. for authorization although may delay getting your x-rays by several weeks and M.D. visits. 

WHAT’S HAPPENS NEXT? On your second visit we will discuss your diagnosis, that is, identify what is troubling you, how it came to be, and what we need to do about it. This usually involves laying out a treatment plan to get you the best results as quickly as we can. We usually do a treatment as well.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE UNTIL YOU ARE BETTER? That, of course, depends on your own particular problem. A new injury on a relatively fit individual will respond faster than an elderly person with long term issues. Many patients enjoy substantial relief on their first visit. However, in most cases, the acute phase may take from one to several weeks to get through. It is to your advantage to consider your long term function and health rather than just short-term pain relief

WHAT TYPE OF TREATMENT DO I USE? I use several modalities such as ultrasound, laser, and muscle stimulation. However, the mainstay of chiropractic is manipulation of the joints and tissues.

HOW DOES MANIPULATION WORK? Essentially, is stretches the tissues around the joint to make it more flexible and helps re-position the joint. The immediate effect is better mobility and less pain.

IS MANIPULATION SAFE? About as safe as golfing and bowling... probably safer. The most dangerous part of a chiropractic adjustment (treatment) is getting to the office. If you have more specific questions or concerns than I can answer here, I can offer you a more detailed explanation, including references, in person. You are welcome to email me your question or schedule a consultation.

DOES IT HURT? Generally no. Treatments such as Laser therapy or ultrasound produce pleasant warmth. Most people describe the feeling from muscle stimulation as soothing. With manipulation therapy most people experience a tolerable, some say pleasing, degree of pressure and stretching. It is much like cracking a knuckle. I liken a treatment to jumping into cool water. It may be annoying to think about, but once done, it wasn’t so bad and well worth the effort.


DO YOU NEED TO KEEP COMING BACK? That is up to you.

There are typically three stages of care.

In the initial stage, the goal is to get you free of pain and functional as soon as we can. Treatments during the acute phase are often daily for the first week or two. As you recover, you can expect treatments to spread to every other day to twice per week.

By this time, you have entered the sub-acute phase. Treatment at this time is directed to repair damaged tissues and restore normalized function. Please note that being out of pain does not necessarily mean the injury has resolved. Healing takes time. Through this phase treatments may begin at three per week and gradually taper to weekly or every two weeks.

Your need for ongoing care depends upon your condition. Some injuries are permanent. This does not mean that you are constantly suffering. In fact, many permanent injuries stabilize and can be managed quite well. However, it is to your advantage to consider your health a long term project.

Many patients appreciate the benefits of regular “maintenance” visits every two to four to six weeks. It feels good to feel good and it (YOU) are a worth the investment.

Nonetheless, I will offer you my recommendations and why, so that you may make informed decisions. How long you chose to continue chiropractic therapy for any particular condition is always YOUR choice.

DOES OHIP COVER ANY OF THE COST? No. No part of chiropractic services are covered by OHIP.

DO WE ACCEPT PRIVATE INSURANCE? Each extended benefits policy has its own conditions. Our contract is with you and not your insurer. In most cases, you pay us, we will assist with what ever paper work is necessary, and you then submit to your insurer for reimbursement. If your insurer agrees, we will take payment directly.

Dr. Wayne Coghlan, 
I’M NOT SURE THAT CHIROPRACTIC CAN HELP ME! I’m not sure either. I do know that I can’t help you unless you discuss your concerns with me. If I believe I can help you, I will explain what is involved, and you can make up your own mind.

CAN I HAVE A NO COST CONSULTATION? Absolutely. Call Megan and explain that you wish a bit of my time to discuss your concerns. After we have met and talked about your issues, you are free to continue with an initial visit, or part with a handshake. No cost or obligation.

It's that easy! 

 
WHAT IS MY PHONE NUMBER?
You can contact me at 705 445-5401,

or

drwaynecoghlan@gmail.com


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--dGOCJSBWw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpD41scLw44

http://www.allhx.ca/on/collingwood/hurontario-street/516/?t=map

http://www.cco.on.ca/English/Chiropractor-Search/Search/Detailed-Chiropractor/?rid=238604

http://www.chiropractic.on.ca/Microsite.aspx?ID=1924

 http://www.yellowpages.ca/bus/Ontario/Collingwood/Collingwood-Chiropractic-Clinic/2194915.html?what=chiropractor&where=collingwood%2C+ON&cli=0,2&le=425b544aca

http://centraleastontario.cioc.ca/record/CWD1264?UseCICVw=60&Number=0

Popular posts from this blog

Is good posture worth a year’s supply of prozac?

Posture vs: Prozac In this article, I am comparing the effects of improved posture on relieving a mild to moderately depressed mood, a condition that may otherwise be medically managed by pharmaceuticals such as Prozac. This is for reader's information and not intended as a guide to treatment.   Respectfully submitted for your evaluation. As you are sitting now at your computer station, allow yourself to slump in your chair… if you aren’t already. Computer Posture Give it a minute or so to give it time to sink in. Answer a few more emails if you wish. As you are now sitting slumped, take notice of how you feel in your chest….try taking a deep breath. You will likely be feeling constricted and the deep breath will be less than satisfying. Notice the feeling in your shoulders, the heaviness in your arms.. .. perhaps tension or fatigue in the back of your neck.... that load in your neck and shoulders get transferred to the lower back and add...

Miracle Mediterranean Diet

Olive Oil, Fresh Vegetables, and Wine are part of the Mediterranean Diet. People who have scanned my blog will appreciate that I promote doing the basic things well, and most of the other problems we have tend to diminish. I do promote a diet with more fruit, vegetable, whole grains, and less meat, dairy, and egg. Alcohol, if at all, in moderation.  How much more fruit, veggies and grains? More than you are eating now. How much less meat, dairy, and egg? Less than you are eating now. No drastic changes.. just whatever you are doing…keep tweaking and you’ll get it right. Here is a well written article that gives some more information how the simple things are often the best. Dr. Wayne Coghlan. drwaynecoghlan.blogspot.ca Get ’em to the Greek (diet) LESLIE BECK , Globe and Mail, Mar. 22, 2011 It’s arguably the healthiest diet in the world. The Mediterranean diet – which emphasizes fruit and vegetables, grains, nuts and olive oil – is recognized as the...

Aching Back No More - Straw Bale Gardening!

In this post, I’ll discuss two things I enjoy very much: helping you become and stay healthier through chiropractic, and gardening. More specifically, let me introduce you to STRAW BALE GARDENING.   Who should plant a Straw Bale Garden?   Can't do heavy lifting?   If you are less capable or less interested in doing the heavy work of traditional gardening, such as tilling the soil, constant weeding, unending insect battles and persistent disease spraying, Straw Bale Gardening virtually eliminates these challenges. Can't bend over?   If you have a physical limitation or handicap that restricts you from getting down on the ground, you will appreciate the easier access to the higher surface of a straw bale, which eliminates the bending to plant and harvest.  Poor soil or limited space?   If your have a low soil quality, or if you have limited space that you can devote to a garden, you will love Straw Bale...

Case history: Jane's chair caused her injury.

A case history: Jane (name changed, yadda..), a valued employee of a leading local business institution, came to see me about pain that had progressively developed in her lower back over the past year. There was no particular event to account for her discomfort, yet by the end of a work week, she was very happy for the weekend to get some relief. This was an important clue. Through insightful discussion, I understood that Jane spent a good deal of her job seated at her desk and working with a computer. I asked Jane to demonstrate her work posture and it became evident that her habits at work put excessive strain on her back… over time, the strain was developing into a chronic injury. We discussed modifications Jane could make to her desk, chair and computer arrangement… she found and liberated a better chair from an absent coworker. Jane found to her delight, that with chiropractic treatment, a better chair and new work habits to prevent ongoing injury, she was no longer worn rag...

Sleep Better

Sleep Better Sleep Better - Some suggestions We all have times when adequate sleep seems to elude us.   For the most part, these episodes are a short lived part of the normal cycles of life. * Persistent lack of sleep - beyond several weeks at a time - produces fatigue, depression, confusion, impaired short-term memory, concentration and alertness. Long term lack of sleep impairs your ability to fight off disease and repair tissue. Effects of chronic sleep deprivation Your proper sleep pattern is what works for you. There are documented cases of people who get by very well with only a few hours of sleep yet others who feel their best with ten! People in many tropical countries find it very necessary to enjoy their mid-day ciesta. If you are reasonably well rested through your day and able to function well, lack of sleep is not necessarily your problem. Your habits - both what you think and do - can cause many chronic sleep problems.   Sleep ...

Red Meat Increases Risk Of Diabetes

This article from Scientific American reports that people who eat red meat have much higher probability of developing diabetes. There is some indication that red meat may actually have a causative factor, perhaps due to an overload of iron in the diet, or animal source fats. However, the most significant factor is that generally, people who eat more red meat, also eat more dairy, eggs, starchy, and processed foods, and are less likely to be physically active. Essentially, higher consumption of red meat is associated with a lifestyle that promotes excessive eating and weight gain. Excessive body weight is the leading indicator of age related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and some cancers.   Generally, people who actively choose to avoid red meat are more attentive and discerning toward their overall nutrition and lifestyle, and make healthier choices. As I have promoted in other posts to this blog, progress toward a diet that is less dependent on m...

Lumber Disc Injury, Herniated Disc, Bulging Disc, Low Back Pain, Sciatica, Spinal Traction Therapy

Lumber Disc Injury, Herniated Disc, Bulging Disc, Low Back Pain, Sciatica, Spinal Traction Therapy Lumbar disc injuries range from strained tissue, to a bulging disc, to complete herniation.    The pain and disability is usually proportional to the degree of injury and complications, especially if a bulging or herniated disc is pressing on a nerve.  At times, a disc can herniate with minimal pain or disability. It is usually the tissues around the disc that cause the most pain. Similarly, there can be much pain with even a relatively minor disc injury.   A lumbar disc injury, as with a broken ankle or sprained knee, needs to be respected lest it becomes a chronic if not permanent disability. The problem is because we can't actually see the injured tissue and many people just try to tough their way through the injury ... or fail to recognize what they are doing to aggravate it.... and make it worse. An indication that a disc is pressing on a nerve is typic...

Mediterranean Diet and Living Well Longer

Dr. Wayne Coghlan, B.Sc., M.A., D.C. Ontario Chiropractor / Counselling Psychology, anger management www.drwaynecoghlan.com drwaynecoghlan@gmail.com Mediterranean diet has marked impact on aging First study to link women, Mediterranean diet, and biomarkers of aging. Mediterranean Diet - Live younger longer... and enjoy it! T he Mediterranean diet consistently has been linked with an array of health benefits, including decreased risk of chronic disease and cancer. Until now, however, no studies had associated the diet with longer telomeres , one of the biomarkers of aging. In a study published Tuesday online in The BMJ , researchers at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) found that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet correlated with longer telomeres. Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that get shorter every time a cell divides. Shorter telomeres have been associated with decreased life expectancy and incr...

HIgh Carbohdrate Diet and Weight Loss

Dr. Wayne's Summary: Of interest in this article is the comparison between high and low carb diets and weight loss. A review of low carb diets reveals that weight loss is less about engaging some metabolic short cut, but more about cutting out junk carbohydrates. In effect... eating less. When reviewing high carb diets, the same conclusion emerges. Eat less simple/junk carbohydrates, and one just generally eats less overall! The superiority of eating a diet higher in complex carbohydrates over a high protein diet is the inherent inclusion of dietary fiber, and the exclusion of animal fats. The Glycemic Index is emerging as a valuable tool in deciding what to eat... choose foods that have less impact on blood sugar. Overall guidance : Eat more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grain. Eat less meat, dairy, egg, and processed foods. Drink more water. Be more physically active. It's that simple. In the post-Atkins era, this might seem like strange advice: Eat carbohydr...