Chiropractor in Richmond Hill

Chiropractic in Richmond Hill and Maple

Welcome to the biggest clinic in the group. We are at 955 Major Mackenzie Drive West, Unit 106, between Bathurst and Dufferin, where Richmond Hill runs into Maple, and we see more than 13,000 visits a year across physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, osteopathy, chiropody and naturopathy. Two Doctors of Chiropractic practise here, Dr. Daniella Astorino and Dr. Alvin De Leon. The clinic is open until 8pm three nights a week and until 3pm on Saturdays, the longest Saturday we run anywhere.

New to this treatment? How chiropractic care works, and when to see a chiropractor rather than a physiotherapist.

Who comes to us for chiropractic

Older adults are the largest single group at this clinic, and spinal stiffness and pain in later life is a big part of what our chiropractors do: slower mobilisation rather than manipulation where bone density is a concern, and a steady, patient approach to a spine that has been stiffening for years. The second group is people from Richmond Hill, Maple, Oak Ridges and Thornhill with the usual working-life problems, a low back that went while lifting, a neck that will not turn after a week of screens. Between the two, Dr. Astorino and Dr. De Leon treat:

• Low back pain at every age, and sciatica once serious causes are excluded
• Neck pain, stiffness and headaches that start in the neck
• Pain between the shoulder blades and around the ribs
• Spinal stiffness in older adults, with techniques chosen for bone density and comfort
• Whiplash and other collision injuries, planned with our physiotherapists
• Hip and shoulder problems where joint mechanics are part of the story
• Back and pelvic pain in pregnancy, with adapted positioning

Chiropractor, osteopath or physiotherapist?

With all three in one building, it is the question our front desk answers most. A locked or painful spinal joint suits chiropractic. Stiffness spread across several regions, or a wish for slow, gentle, whole-body treatment, suits osteopathy. Weakness, instability, a sports injury or recovery after surgery suits physiotherapy. Book whichever seems closest; each assesses before treating and refers within the clinic, and many people here use two of the three over the course of a problem.

How your chiropractor works

Everything starts with an assessment. Treatment then draws on joint manipulation, mobilisation, soft tissue work and exercise, matched to your spine and your preferences. You stay dressed and agree to each technique before it is used. If you would rather not be manipulated, say so; mobilisation and soft tissue work get most people where they need to go. The plan has a goal and a reassessment point, and as you improve, more of the work moves to you.

Your first appointment

Allow forty-five minutes to an hour. Your chiropractor takes your history, asks what you want to be able to do again, examines how your spine and the joints around it move, tests strength and nerves where relevant, and screens for anything that should go to a doctor first. You leave with a plain-language explanation, a plan and something to do at home. Treatment usually starts the same day.

Coverage and direct billing

Chiropractic is not covered by OHIP but is among the most commonly covered services on extended health plans, usually to an annual limit. We bill most major insurers directly and there is no HST on chiropractic. Car accident injuries are funded through your auto insurance accident benefits; workplace injuries can be treated within a WSIB program of care. Bring your claim number.

Questions we hear in Richmond Hill

What are your hours? Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 8pm, Wednesday 9am to 7pm, Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 3pm.

Is this Richmond Hill or Maple? The clinic is in Richmond Hill, at 955 Major Mackenzie Drive West. Maple is the neighbouring community a few blocks west, and Maple GO is a few minutes away.

I am in my seventies. Is chiropractic still suitable? Yes, and a large part of our work is with people your age. Techniques are chosen for bone density and comfort, and the plan is paced to you.

Which chiropractor should I see? Either. Request one by name and stay with them through a course of treatment where you can. Dr. Astorino also practises in Newmarket and Dr. De Leon in Woodbridge.

Do I need a referral? No. Check whether your insurer wants a doctor’s note.

Where do I park? Free parking at the plaza on Major Mackenzie Drive West; the clinic is Unit 106.