Welcome to the Stratford & Mitchell Health & Wellness CentresThe teams at our Centres are proud to be helping the citizens of Perth county to stay healthy. We offer many services to help promote the health and wellness of our clients. Please explore our site and learn more about us and how we can help you.
Welcome to the Stratford & Mitchell Health & Wellness Centres
The teams at our Centres are proud to be helping the citizens of Perth county to stay healthy. We offer many services to help promote the health and wellness of our clients. Please explore our site and learn more about us and how we can help you.
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is one of the largest primary-contact health care professions in Canada with over 6,000 practicing chiropractors. Approximately four and a half million Canadians use the services of a chiropractor each year (1).
Chiropractic is a regulated health profession recognized by statute in all Canadian provinces and American states. The benefits of chiropractic care are well recognized by other health practitioners. In a 1995 survey, 44 per cent of Ontario and Alberta physicians indicated that they refer patients for chiropractic treatment (2).
Chiropractic spinal manipulation (commonly referred to as a chiropractic adjustment) is a drug-free, non-invasive, controlled manual procedure, which utilizes the highly refined skills developed during four intensive years of chiropractic education. The primary goal of chiropractic manipulation is to treat areas of decreased movement in the joints of the body, particularly the spine. These decreased areas of movement can create a reaction in surrounding tissues (ligaments, muscles and nerves) resulting in pain, inflammation, dysfunction and muscular spasm.
Chiropractors assess disorders related to the spine, nervous system, and joints of the extremities and provide diagnosis, treatment and management of those disorders. Chiropractors are also trained to employ other treatments such as soft tissue therapy, acupuncture, electrotherapy, rehabilitative exercises, and nutritional counselling. If your complaint is not something that would respond favourably to chiropractic care, a referral will be made to the appropriate health care practitioner.
The vast majority of patients who seek chiropractic care do so for complaints of the musculoskeletal system, most often for conditions affecting the spine (3). Scientific study of spinal adjustment has clearly demonstrated that chiropractic treatment improves function and is effective for common conditions such as headache, neck and back pain. Between 86 and 96 percent of all visits to chiropractors are for these or similar conditions (3). In addition to spinal complaints, chiropractic training today equips the practitioner with skills in examination, diagnosis, and physical treatment of many non-spinal complaints such as shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle dysfunction and pain. See Common Conditions Treated.
In many cases, such as acute lower back pain, chiropractic care may be the primary method of treatment. Where other medical conditions exist, chiropractic care may complement or support medical treatment by relieving the musculoskeletal aspects of discomfort associated with the condition. Chiropractic care may also be palliative, providing symptomatic relief to patients with chronic conditions.
(1) Miller W. Use of Alternative Health Care Practitioners by Canadians. Canadian Journal of Public Health. 1997.88(3):154-58.
(2) Verbeof MJ & Sutherland LR. Alternative Medicine and General Practitioners: Opinions and Behaviours. Canadian Family Physician. 1995. 41:1005-1011.
(3) Chiropractors: Do They Help?, Kelner M, Hall O, Coulter I, Toronto, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1980.Waalen DP et al. Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Chiropractic Patients: A five year study of patients treated at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. 1994. 38(2):75-82.
How is a Chiropractor trained?
In Ontario, chiropractic education is offered through the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto. This educational program is fully accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education of Canada (CCEC), which has adopted standards similar to those of the Council on Chiropractic Education in the United States, an entity recognized by the United States Department of Education.
Chiropractic students undergo a rigorous course of study similar to that of other health care professionals. Students are required to complete a minimum of three years of university education before they are eligible for admission to the CMCC accredited program. The CMCC program requires four years of full-time study, including a year-long internship in the College's clinics.
In addition to the academic program, chiropractic education requires hands-on clinical experience under the direct supervision of highly qualified, licensed chiropractic faculty. This experience includes clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. The faculty at CMCC has diverse backgrounds and offers students a wide range of expertise. Faculty comes from such disciplines as biological sciences, pathology, medicine and psychology, as well as chiropractic. Some of the courses in the CMCC program include:
* Anatomy, biochemistry, neuroanatomy, physiology, neurology, embryology, histology, pathology, immunology, microbiology, clinical biomechanics, neuroscience, nutrition, orthopedics, radiology (biophysics and protection, x-ray interpretation and diagnosis), and clinical sciences specifically relating to diagnosis.
For a complete and detailed list of courses in the CMCC program visit the Undergraduate Studies Section of CMCC's website.
The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC)
The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College has been a leader in chiropractic research for more than five decades. The College has dedicated itself to the development of an ongoing, productive research program. Faculty have been successful in obtaining research grants from funding agencies and have published extensively in peer-reviewed and refereed chiropractic journals, as well as in multi-disciplinary journals such as the British Medical Journal, Spine, Annals of Internal Medicine, Pain, The Lancet, and The New England Journal of Medicine.
Over the years, CMCC has developed relationships with faculty in other academic institutions in North America. Research collaborations have taken place with faculty from the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, McMaster University, University of Western Ontario, Institute for Work and Health, St. Michael's Hospital, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, University of Calgary, University of Saskatchewan, The Texas Back Institute, and St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton. In 1996, CMCC partnered with the University of Waterloo to establish Canada's first chiropractic research clinic within a university.
How is Chiropractic regulated?
Chiropractic is regulated by provincial statute in all provinces. For example, in Ontario, chiropractic has been governed by statute since 1925. Currently, it is regulated by the Chiropractic Act (1991), which is administered by the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO), created in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) (1991).
Chiropractors along with medical doctors, dentists, psychologists, and optometrists have the legislated right and obligation to communicate a diagnosis and to use the title doctor. The College of Chiropractors of Ontario, like the colleges in each of the other provinces, is established by legislation in the same manner, and with the same structure and similar regulations, as the regulatory bodies for other health professions. It is responsible for protecting the public, standards of practice, disciplinary issues, quality assurance and maintenance of competency. This self-regulating and disciplinary process ensures that the public's health concerns are the Chiropractic profession's highest priority.
Is Chiropractic Safe?
Before becoming licensed to practice chiropractic, all eligible candidates are required to pass rigorous national and provincial examinations before applying to the Licensing Board for the right to practice. Chiropractors are required to complete many hours of post-graduate instruction and continuing education as part of annual license renewal. Licensing colleges in respective provinces strongly encourage chiropractors to attend seminars, scientific symposia and read professional journals to keep up with ongoing research and development within the profession. This professional development keeps the chiropractor well- equipped with the skills needed to provide patients with safe and effective chiropractic care.
Just as the medical profession in general must be completely certain that the care they provide is safe, so too must the chiropractic profession. The safety and effectiveness of chiropractic treatment has been studied very carefully. Serious complications from chiropractic treatments are rare. Your chiropractor will discuss all potential side effects and any risks along with the benefits of the care you receive. If your chiropractor diagnoses a problem that would be better treated by another health care professional, he or she will make an appropriate referral.
Additional chiropractic resources and information can be found at:
* The Ontario Chiropractic Association www.chiropractic.on.ca
* The Canadian Chiropractic Association www.ccachiro.org
Common Conditions Treated
Chiropractors along with medical doctors, dentists, psychologists, and optometrists have the legislated right and obligation to communicate a diagnosis and to use the title doctor. Chiropractors assess, diagnose, and treat disorders of joints, muscles, tendons, bones and nerves. The primary therapeutic goals of chiropractic treatment are:
* Decrease tissue inflammation
* Enhance and stimulate the healing process
* Ensure that the healing process is occurring correctly
* Increase pain free ranges of motion in muscles and joints
* Decrease stiffness and pain
* Improve balance, strength and coordination
* Implement strategies to prevent future relapses
Below is a list and description of common conditions that can be successfully treated with chiropractic care.
DISCLAIMER: This is a basic summary for educational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.
* Low Back, Mid-Back, and Neck Pain
* Migraine and Tension Headaches
* Sciatica
* Whiplash
* Disc Herniation
* Muscle Spasm and Pain
* Nerve Entrapments and "Pinched Nerves"
* Postural strain
* Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)
* Shoulder Complaints
* Rotator Cuff Injuries
* Tennis Elbow or Lateral Epicondylitis
* Golfers Elbow or Medial Epicondylitis
* Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
* Knee Conditions
* Illiotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome
* Piriformis Syndrome
* Shin Splints
* Bursitis
* Achilles Tendonitis
* Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs and Arch Pain
* Sprains and Strains
* Tendonitis
* Osteoarthritis
* Fibromyalgia
* TMJ Dysfunction
* Pregnancy Related Conditions
* Ergonomic Posture and Related Problems
* Sport, Work, and Motor Vehicle Injuries
* Repetitive Strain Injury
* Stress and Chronic Fatigue
* Wellness and Preventative Care
Nutrition Prescription
The food that you put into your body can have a profound impact on the way you look and feel. New studies prove that eating the right foods can affect your overall health, and decrease your risk of contracting certain diseases. Your nutritional dietary habits can be a significantly contributing to your pain and overall energy levels. Dr. Tuling offers nutritional counselling to those looking for a natural way in enhancing their overall health through food, diet, and supplementation. Nutritional counselling can be extremely effective for those looking to:
* Improving body composition and achieving weight loss
* Slowing down the aging process
* Identifying healthy alternatives in fighting high cholesterol, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, inflammatory conditions, arthritic conditions, and chronic fatigue
Rehabilitative Exercise Preparation
Regular exercise has long been identified as an essential component to good health. It can increase the ability to cure, diminish and eliminate many chronic ailments plaguing people today. There are many health benefits attributed to exercise. The most likely reason for this is that exercise influences every organ and structure in our body in a positive manner. Exercise prescription is a common form of treatment utilized by Dr. Tuling. Exercise should be viewed as guided and coordinated movements that strengthen our bodies to withstand our everyday occupational and recreational activities. Dr. Tuling will ensure that appropriate and safe exercises are prescribed for you. Exercise prescription may consist of the following:
* Stretching exercises to promote flexibility within tight, injured, or weakened muscles and the joints that they may influence
* Strengthening exercises to rehabilitate injured or weakened muscles and the joints they influence
* Stabilization exercises to help train your nervous system and teach your body its most efficient and balanced position in space
* Cardiovascular exercise for general fitness, weight loss, and rehabilitation
* Tips on starting a safe and effective exercise program
* Ergonomic advice and corrective exercises to combat postural strain
Exercise activities should be appropriate and linked to the physical capabilities of the individual. An exercise program that may be considered safe and appropriate for one individual may not be safe for another individual because of age, physical limitations, and other general health concerns. It is for this reason that a beneficial exercise program can vary greatly from one person to the next, and should only be prescribed by a knowledgeable and experienced individual.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a 2000-year-old Chinese treatment in which needles are inserted into specific points on the body. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists approximately four-dozen different conditions that can legitimately be treated by acupuncture. Most successful applications of acupuncture are for pain problems, particularly acute and chronic muscle and joint pain. These includebut are not limited to acute sprains and strains, muscle pain, arthritic pain, shoulder, neck, and low back pain, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, migraine and tension headaches. Acupuncture may also be of help as a supplementary treatment for digestive problems such as irritable bowel, constipation and diarrhea, respiratory problems such as sinusitis and bronchitis, and uncomplicated psycho-emotional problems such as stress, anxiety and insomnia.
Although acupuncture may provide significant pain relief from these and other complex medical problems such as lung disease, heart disease, tumors or cancers, it does not cure these serious conditions. It is, therefore, important that an individual continue to receive medical advice and maintain essential medical treatment.
Below are some frequently asked questions about acupuncture.
Q: How does it work?
A: Diseases and injuries are resolved by a complex set of responses in the body. Sometimes this complex set of responses is exaggerated, only partially triggered, or not triggered at all. Acupuncture treatment is aimed at triggering these responses appropriately, making sure that the body's natural healing mechanisms are enhanced. Acupuncture primarily exerts its influence through the nervous system. The act of inserting an acupuncture needle into the body generally results in the following:
1. Pain Control. Pain-blocking substances are released locally and by the central nervous system to suppress the transmission of pain.
2. Inflammation Control. Natural anti-inflammatory chemicals are released locally and inflammation control centers are stimulated in other parts of the body.
3. Blood and Lymphatic Flow. Enhancement of blood and lymphatic flow locally and throughout the body allows for the delivery of fresh oxygen and the removal of injury debris from the injury site.
Acupuncture acts by controlling pain, controlling inflammation, enhancing blood flow and lymphatic drainage to help promote the healing process. This synergistic effect allows for a quicker recovery from injury or condition. It also contributes to an overall sense of relaxation and/or exhilaration.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: The needles used for acupuncture are much smaller than the standard hypodermic needle, are solid not hollow, and have a finely tapered point as opposed to a beveled cutting-edge point. The sensations felt during needle insertion range from feeling nothing at all, to mild tingling, to slight numbness/achiness, to electrical pulsations distant to the site of insertion. All of these sensations usually subside once the needles are removed. Following one to several treatments, it is common for the patient to feel a tremendous sense of relaxation.
Q: Is it safe? Are there side effects?
A: As with any health intervention, there is always a potential for side effects and adverse reactions. The good news is that acupuncture performed by an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner is relatively safe and yields very few minor side effects. These may include but are not limited to a slight discoloration at the acupuncture site that is temporary and not dangerous, minor bleeding, fainting, mild nausea or shock, short-term fatigue or drowsiness, or a short-term increase in pain before relief sets in. An experienced and knowledgeable acupuncturist also aims to avoid treatment of certain points during pregnancy, over wounded or infectious areas, to individuals who are hemophiliacs, and to individuals who have needle phobia. It is common practice nowadays for practitioners to use sterile disposable needles that are discarded following treatment. At the New Hamburg Wellness Centre, sterile disposable needles are used for one treatment and then discarded.
Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: Acupuncture treatments are as individual as the patients and their responses to acupuncture. In some instances, conditions can be resolved in 1 to 3 treatments. More often, the cumulative effects of acupuncture requires a treatment plan of 8 to 12 treatments, though after 6 to 8 treatments the extent of the response can be approximated. Acupuncture treatments alone can be very effective for resolving complaints, and can also be utilized in conjunction with Active Release Therapy (A.R.T.) and standard chiropractic treatments.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has adopted guidelines on basic training for acupuncture providers, standards for safe practice and clinical indications for acupuncture treatment. The basic curriculum includes a firm knowledge of the acupuncture points and channels, and the traditional models of diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Jeffrey Tuling, DC is a graduate of the Acupuncture Council of Ontario acupuncture programme which meets WHO requirements and WSIB requirements.
Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is defined as the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function or relieve pain. (Massage Therapy Act 1991).
Massage Therapy affects the body both physiologically and psychologically. Massage is recognized as an effective treatment to combat, relieve and manage pain. Massage Therapy is a great treatment for stress, anxiety and depression, by leaving a feeling of an overall well being.
Massage Therapy can be therapeutic for a wide range of conditions including;
+ Sciatica
+ Rotator cuff syndrome
+ Whiplash
+ Headaches
+ Sports Injuries
+ MVA Motor Vehicle Accidents
+ Repeative Strain Injury
+ Inflammatory conditions ( Arthritis, Tendonitis)
+ Stress Relief
+ Pregnancy
+ TMJ Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
+ Muscle Strains
At your first Massage treatment, the Massage Therapist will obtain a thorough health history and assess any physical limitations you may have. Then they will discuss what areas of the body to be treated and the types of treatment that would be most beneficial.
The Massage Therapists in our offices all use Swedish Massage techniques along with specialized techniques. As well, most of our Therapists have taken extra courses in specific treatments for certain conditions.
Most Extended Health care plans have Massage Therapy coverage. Some of the health plans require a physicians referral. Check with your employer as to what amount is allotted for Massage Therapy and whether a referral is necessary. Most health plans require that massage treatments are given by a Registered Massage Therapist in order to use the coverage. The Massage Therapist will issue a receipt for the treatment given for you to hand into your benefits.
If you have been involved in a MVA- Motor Vehicle Accident and sustained injury, it may be covered by your Automobile Insurance Company.
New Clients Welcome!
We have daily, evening and Saturday appointments available. In the event you make an appointment and need to cancel please give our office 24 hours notice.
Gift Certificates
Makes a great gift for anyone! Give the gift of Relaxation a friend or loved one. The gift certificate comes gift wrapped with Epsom salts to use after the Massage.
Methods of Payment
We accept Cash, Cheque, Debit, Visa and MasterCard. The Therapist will issue a receipt to be sent into your Extended Health Care plans.
Graston Technique
In the healing process our body attempts to repair muscles, tendons and ligaments with scar tissue, much like the scar that forms on the skin when you have scraped or banged your knee. As you can imagine, that scar tissue is not as strong and flexible as normal, healthy, undamaged tissue. Over time we can have a buildup of this fibrous scar tissue, particularly in the muscles, tendons and ligaments that get a lot of use. This can lead to pain and dysfunction because this replacement tissue lacks the strength and flexibility of healthy tissue (in some areas it may even mat
down and entrap a nerve).
The Graston Technique ® allows us to better detect and treat these areas because it uses a stainless steel instrument that glides along a patients muscle, tendons or ligaments and acts like a scar tissue stethoscope. When knots or bands of scar tissue are encountered, both the doctor and the patient sense a restriction or a granular feeling. The instrument can then be used to break up this restriction or adhesion. Stretching exercises are then used to promote re-alignment of the fibers so that they behave more like normal, healthy tissue.
The benefit of the Graston Technique® is not only in detection of restrictions or adhesions, but also in the amount of improvement that takes place in a short amount of time. Unfortunately, the unaided hand is hard pressed to detect and break up as much scar tissue as the stainless steel instruments can.
When the Graston Technique® is coupled with the necessary strengthening and stretching exercises, it provides a great aid to the chiropractic adjustment and the patient gets better much more quickly and more completely.
The Graston Technique® is not appropriate for every patient condition. It is, however, very helpful for people with the most common conditions we treat in this office. If you have not experienced the Graston Technique® and you still have lingering discomfort or stiffness, please ask us whether you may be helped by this effective new treatment.
www.grastontechnique.com
photo by Ann Baggley
Laser Therapy
Low level laser therapy is the application of red and near infrared light over injuries or wounds to improve soft tissue healing and relieve both acute and chronic pain. Low level therapy uses cold (sub-thermal) laser light energy to direct bio-stimulative light energy to the body's cells without injuring or damaging them in any way.
The therapy is precise and accurate, offering safe and effective treatment for a wide variety of conditions. The energy range of low level laser light lies between 1 and 500 mW (milliwatts), while the energy range for surgical lasers lies between 3,000 and 10,000 mW. While you comfortably relax, therapeutic light energy can be effectively administered to one or more of your injured areas with our safe, low-level laser or cluster accessories. The average treatment time takes 5-15 minutes and can be used on patients of all ages.
Orthotic Therapy
Much like tires on a car give a vehicle a foundation of support for stability and performance, our feet function to do the same for us. When tires get old and worn, and don't offer the same support and stability that they once did, we simply replace them. Unfortunately we cannot replace our feet! Our only option is to give them the correct mechanical support so that they can continue to function as they were intended to. Custom orthotic therapy allows one to correct faulty foot mechanics by normalizing motion and offering shock absorption. Orthotics are mechanical aids that fit into your shoes as comfortably as an insole - and they have the advantage of having been custom made from precise imprints of your feet.
Some individuals may experience symptoms of faulty foot mechanics which may include but are not limited to: localized foot pain, bunions or hammer toes, arch or heel pain, leg, ankle, hip, and knee pain, and back pain. Others may not have obvious symptoms of faulty foot mechanics but may still benefit from orthotic therapy to prevent long-term problems. This may include individuals who spend a good portion of the day standing or walking on hard surfaces, individuals with a family history of foot related problems, and individuals who participate in sports such as tennis, golf, basketball, volleyball, or running on a regular basis. Faulty foot mechanics arise for different reasons ranging from genetic predisposition, to the normal aging process where ligaments, muscles and joints fail to support our bodies like they once did. Custom-made orthotics can relieve many different types of pain arising from faulty foot mechanics, including:
* Heel Pain
Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are the most common causes of heel pain. These problems usually occur in foot pronation (feet that roll inward). Pronation forces the heel to strike the ground abnormally, and places abnormal stresses on the heel and plantar fascia that causes pain which will become progressively worse. The custom made orthotic is constructed to allow the heel to strike the ground in the correct manner by eliminating pronation, cushioning the heel, and supporting the arch.
* Arch Pain
The usual causes of arch pain are flat feet, prolonged standing, walking and running, and the normal aging process. Custom-made orthotics gently support the arch, causing pain to disappear, and ensuring that the arch will drop no further and that the effects of aging on the feet are slowed.
* Pain caused by running, walking, and other athletics
It is no coincidence that many professional athletes use custom-made orthotics. Custom-made orthotics keep the feet in their most efficient alignment, allowing the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments to work optimally. They also protect the heel, arch, and forefoot from the increased stress that prolonged running and sports activity produce. Whether it is to prevent problems, relieve pain, or increase efficiency, all runners and other athletes benefit from custom-made orthotics.
* Pain related to Diabetes
Due to a thinning of the protective fatty pad on the bottom of the foot, circulatory problems, and loss of sensation or decreased feeling (neuropathy), diabetics encounter more severe foot problems than non-diabetics. Pressure sores, chronic painful areas, and ulcers are best treated with supportive custom-made orthotics featuring modern materials that can eliminate pain, protect painful areas, and decrease the chance of ulcerations occurring.
* Pain experienced by senior citizens
The aging process affects the feet and ankles just as it affects every other part of the body. The muscles, tendons, and ligaments become loose and weaker; bones lose calcium reducing their strength; and the fatty pads on the bottoms of our feet, which protect and cushion the bones, become thinner and can nearly disappear. Custom-made orthotics will gently support the bones of the feet. There are special materials used in the construction of custom orthotics that can mimic the foot's natural fatty pad and eliminate the pain of protruding bones and bone spurs. Custom-made orthotics can also keep the foot from turning and twisting while walking, making each step secure and pain-free resulting in less falls.
* Ankle, Leg, Knee, Hip, and Low Back Pain
If your feet are not giving your body a balanced and efficient base of support, mechanical stress will be transferred to joints away from the feet resulting in painful conditions such as Achilles tendonosis, shin splints, knee pain, hip pain, and low back pain.
The feet are an individual's contact points with the ground, so how they support the rest of the body is critical. Our feet have nearly 100 individual working parts, which all have to function together to provide proper stability and balance. While simple, commercially made devices such as heel cushions, or shock absorbing insoles for shoes can be purchased over-the-counter in drug stores or other retail establishments, they are made for the general public and may not be addressing the specific needs of your feet. The most effective orthotics are custom-designed devices specifically crafted to meet the needs of the particular individual. Mechanical dysfunction in our feet has the ability to put undue stress on other parts of the body, predisposing us to wear and tear and injury. Prevention and correction is key!
Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy involves the application of a therapeutic electrical current to the area of injury, inflammation, dysfunction, or pain. The selection of the appropriate therapeutic current is based on a number of factors including the nature, severity, and duration of your complaint. The application of therapeutic electrical current aims to accomplish the following:
· Reduce painful symptoms and release the body's natural painkilling
chemicals
· Reduce local swelling and inflammation
· Promote normal muscular tone
· Promote normal nervous system functioning in areas of dysfunction
· Restore normal movements
· Increase circulation and blood flow to accelerate the healing process
Electrotherapy is an effective treatment technique that is commonly employed in many progressive rehabilitation centres. Therapeutic electrical currents available include Ultrasound (US), Direct Current (DC), Interferential Current (IFC), Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS), Ultra-stimulation Current (UR), Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), and Combination Therapy (Ultrasound and Direct Current). Most patients find electrotherapy to be very beneficial and describe the treatments as relaxing. Most complaints involving muscles, nerves, and joints such as ligament sprains, muscle strains and spasms respond very well to appropriately prescribed electrotherapy. Electrotherapy yields excellent results when used in conjunction with Myofascial Release techniques and standard chiropractic treatments and Rehabilitative Exercise Prescription.
Mulligan Technique
Mulligan Technique is a manual therapy that works on the joints of the extremities and spine to create increased pain free movement. This technique focuses on creating mobilization of joints with movement while the practitioner applies an accessory gliding technique. This accessory glide can be applied manually or with a Mulligan belt to assist with directional movement. Education for selftreatment is also possible when using mobilizations with movement and the practitioner can use adhesive therapy tape to assist with this pain free movement.
For more information see:
www.bmulligan.com
www.mulliganconcept.ca
Kinesio Taping
Kinesio Taping is a therapeutic taping technique that gives support and stability without limiting movement. Kinesio Tape is elastic in nature and can stretch 30% beyond its original length. Clinically, it is applied to muscles to help reduce pain and inflammation, relax overactive muscles or to support movement. The science behind Kinesio Tape is that it activates the neurological and circulatory systems by assisting muscle function. Kinesio Tape can be worn for 3-4 days, providing continuous treatment outside of the clinical setting.
Kinesio Tape can be used in conjunction with other therapies for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back strain/pain, knee conditions, shoulder conditions, hamstring, groin injury, rotator cuff injury, whiplash, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, patella tracking, pre and post surgical edema, ankle sprains, athletic preventative injury method, and as a support method.
Proprioceptive Rehabilitation
Jeffrey Tuling, B. Sc., D.C.
Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Graston Technique, Kinesiotaping, Propriorceptive Rehabilitation Techniques, Laser Therapy, Myofascial Release Techniques, Rehabilitation/Stabilization Techniques
Dr. Jeffrey Tuling was raised in Stratford. Growing up he participated in many sports. As a teenager, low-back pain knee and ankle injuries kept him from participating in sports for periods of time. Chiropractic care eventually became the answer for his back pain and many of the other sprains, strains and injuries that accompanied his active lifestyle!
Dr. Tuling attended the University of Waterloo and obtained a Bachelors of Science Degree. Thereafter, he started the doctor of chiropractic program in Toronto, at the prestigious Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in 1993.
Dr. Tuling graduated from CMCC in 1997 (cum laude). Immediately after, he was accepted to the post-graduate position for the Clinical Sciences Fellowship programme. This programme of study involved lecturing/teaching and research, and rotations at the Chedoke-McMaster Hospital and Sunnybrook Hospital where he gained further training with world-renowned researchers (such as Dr. Eldon Tunks) specializing in chronic pain. His last rotation involved working at the University of Waterloo's Kinesiology and Biomechanics laboratory with the world-renowned biomechanics professor Dr. Stuart McGill. After practicing locally in the Stratford and Waterloo area for two years, he soon realized that his dream of working in an integrated chiropractic facility would become possible when he opened the Stratford Health and Wellness Centre and the Mitchell Health and Wellness Centre in 1999. Since opening, the Stratford and Mitchell Health and Wellness Centres have continued to build a strong reputation as a leader in chiropractic and alternative health care.
Dr. Tuling's extensive training and post-graduate education has allowed him to offer many different treatment options for patients seeking acute and chronic pain relief, and maintenance-preventative care for their structural health. This list of treatment options includes Acupuncture, Graston Technique, Kinesiotaping, Proprioceptive rehabiltative training, Myofascial Release Techniques, Electrotherapy, Laser therapy, Rehabilitative Exercise, Nutrition Advice and Orthotic Analysis. It is this multidimensional approach that has resulted in the effective treatment of many spinal complaints along with many non-spinal complaints (shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles). He has successfully been able to treat a wide range of individuals from seniors to newborns, from expectant mothers to highly skilled actors and athletes.
It is Dr. Tuling's strong desire to provide each individual with consistency, honesty, and excellence in chiropractic and alternative health care for many years to come.
Nicole Thornicroft
Dr. Thornicroft received her undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario in 2005, where she graduated with distinction and received her Honours degree in Health Sciences with specialization in health sciences field. She continued her four-year postgraduate training at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College where she received her Doctorate of Chiropractic degree with clinical honours in 2009.
Dr. Thornicroft is also a fully certified acupuncture provider from the contemporary medical acupuncture program at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. She has also completed postgraduate training in myofascial cross friction technique and is a certified Graston practitioner, and is also Mulligan therapy provider. Dr. Thornicroft is registered member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario and is an active member of the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA) and Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA). Her accolades include 2006 recipient of the Class of 1984 leadership award, and the 2007 board of governors North Vancouver Island Chiropractic Society.
Dr. Thornicroft has a strong interest in functional health and performance and intergrates that into her clinical practice; to get the athlete back to sport, the worker back to work, and the person back to their daily life. Dr. Thornicroft addresses spinal and non-spinal complaints and focuses on treatment, education and rehabilitation for overall functional health. Treatments may include, adjustments, acupuncture, myofascial therapies such as Graston Technique, electromodalities, low-level laser therapy, custom orthotics, exercise prescription, ergonomic and nutritional advice.
Cristina Kuepfer, R.M.T.
Registered Massage Therapist
Cristina (Desando) Kuepfer is proud to be born and raised in Stratford. She graduated Valedictorian from the D'Arcy Lane Institute of Massage Therapy in 2000 and has been a Registered Massage Therapist ever since in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. (CMTO)
Cristina treats various clients from children to the elderly, individualizing each treatment to meet her clients specific needs. She enjoys her work and is always able to take on and meet new clients. Cristina has taken specific training in different techniques and treating various conditions, including motor vehicle injuries as well as general relaxing techniques. Cristina ensures that each client visit is a comfortable and enjoyable one. She likes to include spa elements in her treatments whenever necessary and tries her best to make time for all of her clients!
Hollie Graham, R.M.T.
Hollie Graham graduated from D'Arcy Lane Institute of Massage Therapy in 2002 and is a member in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). Hollie has additional continuing education courses in scapular stretch & rotator cuff release 1, integrated assessment & treatment principles for the pelvis, hip and lumbar spine and advanced soft tissue manipulation for the cervical region.
In addition to using Swedish techniques she also uses trigger point release, myofascial release, deep tissue and hydrotherapy to facilitate clients treatment needs. Hollies also able to provide homecare involving various hydrotherapy treatments and stretching and strengthening exercises to continue the healing process. Hollie has been associated with the Stratford Health & Wellness Centre since 2004 and is proud to be part of a clinic that has integrated health professionals to serve the needs of clients. She works with clients of varied age and health needs, she truly enjoys being able to help clients feel better and improve their overall health & wellness.
Jillian Fowler, B.A., R.M.T., AEMCA
Jillian Brown was born and raised in Stratford. She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2000 with a BA in Psychology. She continued her studies at the DArcy Lane Institute of Massage Therapy, graduating in 2002. She is a member in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). Since graduation, Jillian has taken courses in ethics and client relations, therapeutic touch and hot stone massage. In 2003, Jillian travelled to Bangkok, Thailand, where she studied and became certified in Traditional Thai Massage.
Most recently (2007), Jillian graduated from Fanshawe College and currently works part-time as a Paramedic in Perth County.
Jillian utilizes a broad range of massage techniques, including Swedish Massage, trigger point therapy, hydrotherapy and homecare exercises. Jillian has experience working with people of all ages from children to the elderly. She also has experience treating motor vehicle collision patients.
Jillian worked at the Mitchell location for 5 years. She recently joined the team at the Stratford location in May 2008.
Jillian enjoys working in a clinic along side a team of health care professionals that promote health and healing. Jillian welcomes all new clients.
Janet Simpson
Administrative Assistant
Janet was excited to join the Stratford Health & Wellness Centre in 2003, and currently works in the Stratford location.
Janet is very familiar with the Stratford area, as she grew up in the city.
Patients and clients who visit the clinic are always welcomed by Janet's warm disposition and her friendly professionalism.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to new places, and enjoying the outdoors.
Julie Appleby
"If you don't take care of your body, where are you going to live?"
Julie started at the Mitchell location in the fall 2009.
Julie grew up in the rural village of Dublin, Ontario. Her family farmed in the Dublin area and now resides in the Mitchell community. Her interests include living a healthy balanced lifestyle while helping others. She has a kind, caring mannerism and provides exceptional quality customer service to clients.
In her spare time she enjoys running, spending time with her family, sightseeing, viewing artwork and relaxing. She also appreciates the simple, finer things life has to offer (like a good glass of vino!).
Stratford Location
137 Albert Street, Stratford, Ontario N5A3K5
tel: 519-271-8323
Mitchell Location
110 St. George Street, Mitchell Ontario N0K1N0
tel: 519-348-1114
Mitchell Health and Wellness Centre
110 St. George Street, Unit 3, Mitchell, Ontario 519-348-1114
Stratford Health and Wellness Centre
137 Albert Street, Stratford, Ontario 519-271-8323
