Collingwood Chiropractor, Low Back Pain

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Complimentary Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

WHERE IS MY OFFICE? The Collingwood Chiropractic & Sports Injury Clinic is located at 516 Hurontario Street, at the corner of 9th Street, in Collingwood, Ontario. 705 445-5401

DO YOU NEED A MEDICAL REFERRAL? There are three or four chiropractors that the local physicians do 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 you as relevant.

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

DO I TAKE X-RAYS? I order x-rays only as necessary, that is, to qualify a diagnosis or to rule out other complications. If so I can refer you to a local medical facility that will take your X-rays. The taking of the X-rays is covered by OHIP (take your card with you), however, you will have to pay a modest out-of-pocket fee for their radiologist to read and provide a report.  A report will be sent to your physician. Please arrange to visit the lab in the next few days and they will turn the films/CDs over to you to bring back to my office (and we can look at them together).  If you wish to avoid the cost of the radiologist report, we can discus having your physician ordering the study.

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 pain relief. Please see "Do I need to keep coming back?" 

WHAT TYPE OF TREATMENT DO I USE? I use several modalities such as ultrasound, laser, and electro 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 and normalize the motion of the joint. The immediate effect is better mobility and less pain. Normalizing the joint can also relieve pressure and irritation of nerves.

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 details 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 a pleasant warmth. Most people describe the feeling from electrotherapy as soothing. With manipulation therapy most people experience a tolerable, some even say pleasing, degree of pressure and stretching. It is much like cracking a knuckle. I liken a treatment to jumping into cool water. It is 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... please read on.

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 are 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 investment.

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 re-imbursement. If your insurer agrees, we will take payment directly

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, for either office, at 705 445-5401, or drwaynecoghlan@gmail.com