Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this treatment safe?

The ProAdjuster treatment is very safe as there is no twisting, pushing or torquing of the spine. The spinal joints are gently mobilized by repetitive tapping with the ProAdjuster.

2. What conditions do you treat?

In Dr. Smith’s 35 plus years in practice he has assessed thousands of patients and been exposed to most types of spinal and extremity pain. At the Smith Health Centre if we do not feel we can treat your particular problem we will tell you up front and refer you to the proper health care practitioner.

3. How long will it take to get better?

Every case is unique but on average chronic problems (problems that you have had for a longer period of time) take three months to resolve the spinal misalignments. Acute pain problems take a shorter period of time. The treatment plans are individual and take into consideration your history, physical examination, and my many years of experience.

4. Will it hurt?

The ProAdjuster is very gentle and does not hurt. The treatment involves gentle tapping on the vertebrae involved to improve mobility and restore normal function.

5. Do I need a referral from my medical doctor?

No referral from any health practitioner is required as we are considered a primary contact therapy. We have been educated at a high level in the art and science of differential diagnosis and are capable of determining if you are a candidate for chiropractic care.

6. How often do I have to come each week?

This is unique to each case. It is important to understand that more intense care and therefore more frequent visits per week are required early in the treatment to start to change the spinal distortions. As you improve the frequency is reduced. On average the early period of the treatment requires two to three visits per week. Dr. Smith will determine by the outcome of your ProAdjuster scans, pain levels, orthopedic improvements, and improved activities of daily living how soon to reduce the visit frequency.

7. Will I have to keep coming?

Most patients like to come for regular check-ups after they have improved. Just as you have regular check-up with your dentist to make sure there are no dental problems, your spine deserves regular maintenance to assure its optimal function and to help in preventing future spinal difficulties.

8. Will my private insurance cover the treatment?

Most extended health care plans cover all or a set dollar value of chiropractic care. Check with your individual plan to determine your coverage. Chiropractic is not covered by OHIP.

9. Why do I have to come when I don’t have any pain?

Someone has so appropriately said that the absence of pain does not indicate the presence of wellness. Pain is an indicator that something is wrong with how your body is functioning. It is not the first indicator of malfunction and not the last indicator that everything is okay. Once the pain has gone it is important to make sure that the problem has been corrected and that the risk of reoccurrence will not happen. As an example let’s look at heart disease. How many times have you heard of someone having a heart attack without prior symptoms and yet on further investigation the heart arteries are found to be badly blocked. The same can be true for spinal and other joint pain. The joint can be losing normal function without any pain and also the pain can resolve without full spinal function restored. The ProAdjuster is capable of finding the spinal joints that are reduced in mobility and indicate when they have been restored to optimal performance. With the ProAdjuster we can track your improvement and tell you when you have reached maximum chiropractic improvement.

10. What ages can get chiropractor care?

Chiropractic care can be helpful for all ages, from the very young infant to the most elderly. Many studies have been done to verify the efficacy of chiropractic care for babies with colic. In fact in Denmark spinal manipulation is the treatment of choice for this health issue. Our office over the years has also helped many elderly patients who have been told nothing can be done for their problem. Since the ProAdjuster treatment is so safe and gentle, it is the ideal means of addressing the spinal and other joint pains of all ages.

11. How long have you been using the ProAdjuster, and are you properly trained to use it?

Dr. Smith has been using the ProAdjuster since 2004 and it has been in the USA for over ten years. Dr. Smith was trained in Pittsburgh on the proper use of the ProAdjuster and has attended, over the past 5 years, many ProAdjuster conferences to maintain his high level of efficiency and knowledge of this form of chiropractic care.

12. Are chiropractic care and/or acupuncture covered by WSIB or Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Insurance?

Yes. After you are assessed a treatment plan will be sent to WSIB or your motor vehicle insurer to determine if your particular case will be covered. Very few WSIB or Motor Vehicle Accident claims have been denied at our office. You do not need a referral from your medical doctor to receive chiropractic care for a WSIB or MVA injury.

13. How may I pay for my care at your office?

The Smith Health Centre accepts payment by: Interac; Visa; Mastercard; Cheque; Cash