As part of her initial assessment, Dr. Renee uses the CLA Insight technology to assess the health of your nervous system. This scan uses three different technologies that each provide information about different parts of the nervous system. It provides both Dr. Renee and you with a great objective baseline.

Thermal Scan

This part of the scan assesses temperature differences on each side of the spine. When there are disturbances to your nervous system along the spine, there are often temperature differences from side to side. This is caused by inflammation and changes to localized blood flow. This non-invasive thermal scan reveals the condition of your autonomic nervous system controlling your organs, glands and circulatory system. It gives us a window into how well that part of your body is able to function.

Surface Electromyography

Using technology known as electromyography, the Surface EMG exam evaluates the function of the muscles that support your spine. These muscles are controlled by nerves. This test shows the pattern of how energy is distributed through these muscles. The exam helps determine which muscles are receiving adequate nervous system support, which ones are acutely overactive, and which ones are chronically underactive. This scan also helps to identify areas of excessive energy expenditure, abnormal tension, and stress.

Heart Rate Variability

The Pulse Wave Profiler (PWP) helps the doctor to determine your overall ability to adapt to the environment. It does this by looking at the timing of your pulse, and determining the balance and tone of your nervous system. Proper balance and tone are associated with better adaptability and a healthy lifestyle. High heart rate variability is associated with a strong ability to adapt to changes in your outside environment. Low heart rate variability is associated with aging, poor heart health, and predisposition to diseases of stress adaptation. Published research has shown that chiropractic adjustments have a beneficial effect on heart rate variability.

Core Score

The data from these tests will be compiled and complex calculations are then made to create your COREscore. Your score tells Dr. Renee how much interference is in your central nervous system and how she can begin to help you. The COREscore is a single number based on a scale from 0-100. The lower the number, the more nerve interference. The doctor will then create an individualized care plan tailored to your needs and health goals. Your score will be re-measured periodically to measure your progress as you move toward 100!

FAQs

How does chiropractic care help with pain relief?

Chiropractic care focuses on identifying and correcting misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, which can cause pain and discomfort. Through gentle adjustments, chiropractors restore proper alignment, reducing nerve interference and promoting the body's natural healing abilities.

Is chiropractic care safe for children?

Yes, chiropractic care for children is safe and gentle. Pediatric chiropractors use specialized techniques tailored to the unique needs of children. Early chiropractic intervention can help address issues like postural imbalances, colic, and sleeping difficulties, fostering optimal growth and development.

Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?

Absolutely. Chiropractic has been found to be very beneficial to the overall comfort of mom during pregnancy. It can help with the general pains associated with pregnancy, as well as help to optimize the biomechanics of the pelvis to help make delivery a bit smoother. Chiropractors will usually alter their adjusting technique to accommodate the changes to the body during pregnancy.

I don't like the "cracking" sound, can I still get adjusted?

Absolutely. While manual adjustments certainly are the most common, instrument adjustments are widely utilized in Dr. Renee's practice. She will always give the patient the option to get a non-manual adjustment, which eliminates the "cracking" noise.

How long will I need to wait for an appointment?

Most appointments can be made for the same day or the following day, depending on patient care hours, and availability. Specific blocks are available for an Initial Consultation every day, meaning availability can vary. Online booking is available, with booking accepted until 1 hour before the appointment time. If you are trying to book within the hour cut-off, please contact the office to book your appointment over the phone.

Are appointments required?

Yes, appointments are required. If you are in the area and are looking to get onto the schedule, just call the office and they will see what Dr. Renee's availability is like.

Why is a credit card required to book?

Credit cards are required to book as a way to guarantee your appointment. This was made necessary by the number of no-show visits that have occurred over the last several years. The card is merely an insurance policy, and will only be charged without explicit patient consent if there is a no-show for an appointment.

What types of adjustments does Dr. Renee do?

Dr. Renee has a variety of different techniques that she uses, see "Techniques Used" for information about them. Dr. Renee always takes patient comfort into account when deciding on a particular course of care, and values patient feedback. If a patient is uncomfortable with a certain manner of adjusting, or has any significant health history that could be worsened by a specific type of adjustment, Dr. Renee is always willing and able to make changes to her techniques.

Will I be adjusted on the first visit?

Dr. Renee will typically perform a complaint-based adjustment on the first visit, however that is not a guarantee. If she decides that imaging is required prior to any adjusting, she will postpone the adjustment until she has had the chance to review that imaging. Dr. Renee does reserve the right to decide on a case-by-case basis if an adjustment on the first visit is appropriate.

How often will I need to come in for my appointments?

The frequency of appointments is initially determined based on the exam findings, the spinal scan results, and Dr. Renee's professional experience. Through the course of your care plan, re-evaluations will dictate the decreases in your frequency with the ultimate goal of transitioning you to a wellness plan or a "maintenance plan" that requires very few appointments. In order to get to this phase, a higher frequency of visits may be required initially, though this is not always the case. If you have any concerns about potential plans of care, please speak to Dr. Renee.

How often will my progress be assessed?

After the initial visit, the progress of each patient will be reassessed periodically. Typically a re-evaluation is performed by Dr. Renee every 12 visits. Re-assessments must be performed within 24 visits as per College of Chiropractors of Ontario standards of practice.

Will my extended benefits cover my care?

It is recommended that you check with your insurance company to see if you have coverage for chiropractic. We do not directly bill extended benefits companies on behalf of the patient; however, we can provide you with an invoice that you can submit to your insurance company and be reimbursed if you do have coverage. You should also check with your extended benefits about whether a medical referral is needed to have care covered.

Is there a cancellation policy?

There is no penalty for cancelling an appointment; we only ask that you give us a call to inform us that you no longer need the appointment. A credit card number is required to book any visit online to deter no-shows, which have unfortunately been rising recently. If a patient no-shows, they will be charged.