Danforth East Wellness health clinic

Our Services

Danforth East Wellness provides chiropractic care, registered massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, psychotherapy, lactation and infant feeding support, and prenatal classes, in our beautiful clinic.

CHIROPRACTIC

We mainly practice diversified chiropractic at Danforth East Wellness, however, treatments are always tailored to the individual’s chiropractic preferences, based on an open dialogue between patient and practitioner.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient holistic healing system as well as a regulated health profession. It has been used for thousands of years to promote health and wellbeing. TCM is based on the balance of yin and yang, two opposite and complementary forces found in nature. It focuses on the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the body rather than treating only the symptoms of a disease. Through the use of Chinese herbal remedies, acupuncture, tuina, gua sha, cupping, and other modalities, TCM seeks to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.

YOGA THERAPY

Yoga Therapy is available to patients who have had an initial chiropractic visit at the clinic. Sessions may cover yoga routines for home practice, review correct yoga pose positioning, modify yoga poses as needed, and identify movement restrictions. This therapy assists in recovery from injuries, may act as rehabilitation, and can help prevent future injuries.

MASSAGE THERAPY

Massage Therapy is the hands-on manipulation of soft tissue to help ease muscle and joint pain, increase circulation, as well as promote a general sense of well-being. A typical massage treatment will involve a health history intake, assessment and treatment. Massage Therapists are regulated health care professionals governed by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.

Massage Therapy can treat a wide variety of conditions including back, neck, and shoulder pain, headaches, injuries such as sprains and strains, sports-related or repetitive strain issues like tendinitis, pregnancy, and lymphedema. Relaxation is also a key factor in optimum health and should not be overlooked.

Most insurance companies cover massage in their benefits. Please feel free to call our clinic and enquire more about how you might benefit from massage or to book an appointment.

SCAR TISSUE RELEASE THERAPY

Scar Tissue Release Therapy (STRT) using the Dolphin Neurostimulator, is excellent for scar and scar tissue, such as in post C-section, which forms with any injury to the skin.

What are Scars? 

Scars can be external or internal, resulting from wounds that have healed, accidents, or surgery. Scar tissue is thick and fibrous tissue that is generally less flexible than its surroundings. It is important to address scar tissue for a number of reasons:

  • Scars can be a common cause of stress activation as they are shown to be involved in up-regulating the sympathetic nervous system
  • Internal adhesions from scars can cause pain and affect body functions, including hormone regulation
  • Circulation and lymph drainage can be impeded by scars
  • Emotional trauma and chronic pain can be associated with scar tissue.

How does STRT work?

STRT is performed with the Dolphin Neurostimulator which uses low-level electrical impulses to stimulate cellular activity. It is generally completely painless – rarely, if anything, there’s a ‘tingle’ – and is Health and Canada FDA approved.

STRT reduces and fades scar tissue, and reduces adhesions and restrictions in the body. This helps in a number of ways – reducing pain, normalizing sensation, decreasing stress on the body, improving muscle and organ function, improving blood flow, and improving circulation.


What kinds of conditions are generally addressed by STRT? 

  • post-surgical scars of any kind (i.e. hip or knee replacement scars, C-section scars)
  • childhood injury scars
  • nerve irritation like carpal tunnel or other entrapments
  • rotator cuff injuries
  • plantar fasciitis
  • acupuncture point stimulation for people frightened of needles
  • Achilles tendonitis

STRT is a therapy provided under chiropractic care, and as such may be billed as a chiropractic session.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction while encompassing whole-body health and performance. Using a soft touch, practitioners release restrictions in the soft tissues and the dural tube that surround the central nervous system, in turn restoring the natural flow of cerebrospinal fluid. It has a long history in osteopathy dating back to the 1900’s. The pioneers, Dr. Still, Dr. Sutherland and Dr. Magoun, worked tirelessly for over 50 years to develop its foundation.  From the 1970’s onwards, Dr. Upledger continued their work in collaboration with doctors and scientists to bring us craniosacral therapy, as it is known today. CST is particularly effective with a wide range of medical conditions such as concussion, low immunity, high stress, neurological issues, frozen shoulder, TMJ syndrome, migraines, circulation and, skeletal misalignment such as scoliosis and slip and falls.  Pediatric practice includes treatment for flat head syndrome, breastfeeding issues, birth trauma, torticollis, colic, and, tongue ties. 

ACUPUNCTURE

Dr. Elisa Petricca completed her Acupuncture training at McMaster University via the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program. Acupuncture is a wonderful treatment option for a variety of conditions including, but not limited to, headaches, neck and back pain, sciatic pain, osteoarthritis, and sports injuries (strains, sprains, tears). The initial assessment is typically 1-1.5 hours in duration and includes a detailed history, physical examination, diagnosis, report of findings, and treatment if deemed appropriate. Follow-up sessions are approximately half an hour in length. Acupuncture treatments can be provided on their own, as well as in conjunction with the chiropractic care we offer!. Acupuncture is a wonderful treatment option for a variety of conditions including, but not limited to, headaches, neck and back pain, sciatic pain, osteoarthritis, and sports injuries (strains, sprains, tears). The initial assessment is typically 1-1.5 hours in duration and includes a detailed history, physical examination, diagnosis, report of findings, and treatment if deemed appropriate. Follow-up sessions are approximately half an hour in length. Acupuncture treatments can be provided on their own, as well as in conjunction with the chiropractic care we offer!

Kim Nguyen is a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner who is uses acupuncture through the lens of TCM diagnoses to help restore balance and harmony to the body, mind and spirit. Her initial assessment is 75minutes in length and includes a detailed history, examination and diagnosis, as well as treatment if deemed appropriate. Follow up sessions are 45mins in length.

ELECTROTHERAPY and EXERCISE THERAPY

We have interferential current (IFC), microcurrent, and ultrasound at our facility as adjuncts to our treatments.  ‘Homework’ in the form of exercises or stretching is also something we often utilize.  This supplements our treatments and allows us to maintain achieved gains and to progress successes.

ORTHOTICS

We would be more than pleased to perform the biomechanical and gait analyses to assess your needs with respect to orthotics.

INITIAL VISIT
The initial visit for orthotics is approximately 30 minutes in duration.  We will take your history with respect to your issues, perform a postural examination, and, analyze your gait and biomechanics.  If deemed that orthotic therapy is applicable, a signed consent form will be required, and then a foam cast of your feet will be taken.  This will be sent to an orthotic manufacturer.  A deposit of $150 is required at this time.

FOLLOW-UP VISIT
We will call you when the orthotics are received (approximately two weeks later).  We will assess the correction when you pick them up.  The balance of the orthotics is due this visit.  Final paperwork is available for submission to extended insurance if required.

ROSEN METHOD BODYWORK

Rosen Method Bodywork helps people reclaim their connection to their bodies and emotional selves through touch, sensing and feeling. Following and acknowledging subtle shifts in muscle tension and breath, Rosen Method’s curious and compassionate touch creates awareness about habitual holding patterns and allows space for what has been held beneath physical and emotional habits to emerge. Rosen Method uses supportive verbal inquiry as a ‘third hand’ to bring awareness to muscular and postural patterns as well as the emotional blocks that can underlie them. In the presence of the deep, accepting listening of Rosen touch, breath expands and tissues soften. The renewed sense of spaciousness and ease can assist people in reconnecting to what has heart and meaning in their lives.

COUNSELLING/PSYCHOTHERAPY/MENTAL HEALTH

Psychotherapy is primarily a talk-based therapy and is intended to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being. The therapist and client enter into a psychotherapeutic relationship where both work together to bring about positive change in the client’s thinking, feeling, behaviour, and social functioning. Individuals usually seek psychotherapy when they have thoughts, feelings, moods and behaviours that are adversely affecting their day-to-day lives, relationships and the ability to enjoy life.

At Danforth East Wellness our therapists work only through online sessions. We have several therapists available, with some providing care under supervision in the final stages of training. Please read their individual biographies to learn more about how they work and what you can expect as a client.

LACTATION AND INFANT FEEDING SUPPORT

Lactation and infant feeding support sessions are provided by Kate Sissons, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Sessions can include:

Chest and Breastfeeding Support – newborns to weaning
Learning to feed a baby is a steep curve that involves acquiring a multitude of new skills. Our sessions will help you feel more comfortable in your positioning, more confident in your technique and more informed about up to date information on infant feeding. We may cover:

  • Latch techniques to achieve a pain free and comfortable feeding session.
  • Managing feeds and knowing how to tell that babies are hungry and when they are satiated.
  • Troubleshooting discomfort with cracked nipples, mastitis, vasospasm, and other concerns.

Pumping Support
There is skill to pumping too! A well fit pump, with a good grasp of pump settings, will achieve more comfort and more milk, for most people. During these sessions you’ll trial a number of flanges to find the best fit and walk away feeling confident in using your pump’s settings.

  • Please bring your pump. Flanges will be provided to test out and they will be available to purchase, following your session.

Bottle Feeding Support
Baby’s use different muscles when bottle feeding compared to body feeding and we need to use different techniques too, when offering a bottle. We will cover:

  • Bottle aversion and refusal plans.
  • Ways to hold a bottle and how to offer a bottle to a baby.
  • The differences between bottles – shapes, sizes and flow rates – and discovering what bottle will work best for your baby.

Solid Foods
Introducing solid foods can feel both fun and daunting! Our sessions will make you feel ready to get started. We’ll cover:

  • When to introduce foods – age and signs of readiness.
  • The best foods to start with.
  • Tips and tricks for getting started – prep work and keeping it all organized!

Prenatal Education
Our Prenatal Education sessions are offered in both private or semi private formats. These sessions are run once a month.

Birth Prep sessions will cover:

  • Possible and for sure signs of labour
  • Anatomy and physiology of birth
  • The emotional and psychological elements of birth
  • Comfort measures for birth
  • Medical support measures
  • Inductions, augmentations & surgical births

Postpartum & Baby Prep sessions will cover:

  • What to expect immediately after baby is born
  • What to expect from days 1-3
  • Bathing, diapering and soothing your baby
  • Feeding your baby – breast/chest, bottle and pumping
  • Safe infant sleep
  • Preparing for your postpartum recovery

 

Danforth East Wellness reception area