About
Dr. Albert M. Scales is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Lakeshore Chiropractic Group in St. Catharines, ON. He is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO). Dr. Scales’s approach emphasizes thorough assessment and personalized treatment plans designed to address a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, with a focus on spinal health and overall well-being. His goal is to help patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, achieve better health and vitality through evidence-based chiropractic care.
With a strong background in clinical practice and continuous professional development, Dr. Scales completed his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. He brings extensive experience in managing complex cases and is dedicated to staying current with the latest advancements in chiropractic techniques and research. His comprehensive approach ensures that each patient receives individualized care tailored to their specific health goals and needs.
Dr. Scales’s practice philosophy centers on helping the St. Catharines community improve their quality of life through holistic and effective chiropractic interventions. He offers care predominantly in English and strives to create a welcoming environment where patients feel confident in their journey toward improved health and function.
Dr. Albert M. Scales provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions
- Postural Imbalances & Related Pain: Discomfort, muscle strain, and joint stress resulting from poor or sustained body alignment during daily activities like sitting, standing, or working.
- Chronic Pain Syndromes (with Biomechanical Factors): Helping individuals with long-standing pain find relief and improved function by addressing treatable biomechanical components.
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome / Trigger Points: Identifying and treating muscular trigger points to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve range of motion.
Specific Populations & Injury Types
- Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries (e.g., Whiplash, Back Strain): Musculoskeletal trauma resulting from car accidents, commonly involving whiplash-associated disorders (neck pain, stiffness, headaches), back strains, soft tissue damage, and joint sprains.
- Work-Related Injuries (RSI, Lifting Injuries): Musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, neck strain, or repetitive strain injuries (RSI) that are developed or aggravated by physical demands, postures, or accidents in the workplace.
- Pediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions (e.g., Growing Pains, Postural Concerns): Care for young patients, from babies with torticollis (co-management) to teens with 'text neck' or sports-related strains.
- Sports Injuries (Acute & Overuse): Comprehensive care for athletes of all levels, including accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and targeted rehabilitation to ensure a safe and timely return to sport and prevent re-injury.
Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions
- TMJ / Jaw Pain (Temporomandibular Disorders - TMD): Management of temporomandibular joint dysfunction through gentle manual therapies, exercises, and advice to reduce jaw pain and improve its function.
- Headaches (Cervicogenic, Tension-Type, Migraine Support): Comprehensive assessment to determine if your headaches have a musculoskeletal origin, followed by tailored treatment to alleviate pain and improve function.
- Tinnitus (Cervicogenic/Somatosensory): Ringing or other noises in the ear that may be related to issues in the neck (cervical spine) or jaw (TMJ), which chiropractic care can sometimes influence.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Scales can assess your needs.
- Kinesiology Taping / Athletic Taping: Application of elastic therapeutic tape (e.g., Kinesio Tape®) or rigid athletic tape to support joints, reduce pain, manage swelling, facilitate or inhibit muscle function.
- Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription: Providing personalized foot supports to improve alignment, reduce pain, and enhance comfort.
- Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Rehabilitation: Helping you recover from MVA-related injuries with a tailored treatment plan.
- Concussion Management & Rehabilitation: Assessment, management, and rehabilitation protocols for concussion, focusing on musculoskeletal components, cervicogenic dizziness, and a safe return to activity (requires specialized training).
- Nutritional & Lifestyle Counselling: Holistic advice to empower you to make positive changes for better health.
- Sports Injury Management & Performance Optimization: Helping athletes of all levels recover from injury and achieve their performance goals.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Scales. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.
All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO).
At Lakeshore Chiropractic Group, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Scales frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Overcoming recovering from a work-related back/neck injury to achieve improved nerve function, leading to less tingling, numbness, or weakness and resume rock climbing indoors and outdoors is a common success story at Dr. Albert's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
- Many individuals visit Dr. Albert because they are tired of dealing with fibromyalgia pain, fatigue, and body-wide tenderness. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve better tolerance for physical activity without experiencing significant post-activity pain and get back to enjoying important activities like taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
- For those whose sharp pain around my rib cage has made running your usual 5k/10k route a challenge, Dr. Albert offers a path towards moving more freely and easily throughout their entire body. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
- Dr. Albert frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by whiplash from a car accident. The common goal is enhanced athletic performance due to improved biomechanics and reduced restrictions, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, seriously training for a half-marathon/marathon, hitting your mileage goals, with greater comfort and ease.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Scales, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Dr. Scales's practice is located at Lakeshore Chiropractic Group in the Lakeport area of Lakeshore in St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently situated near Lakeside Park, offering easy access for local residents and visitors alike. It is well-connected via public transportation, with services provided by Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.
- What does a chiropractor mean by a 'subluxation' or 'joint restriction'?
- When a Chiropractor refers to a subluxation or joint restriction, they are typically describing a joint that isn't moving properly or is misaligned in a way that can affect nerve function and lead to discomfort or other health issues. Chiropractic adjustments aim to address these specific joint problems.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in ON?
- In Ontario, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, meaning patients can book an appointment directly without a referral from a medical doctor. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may still require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specifics of your insurance policy.
- Does Lakeshore Chiropractic Group offer direct billing to private insurance companies?
- Yes, Lakeshore Chiropractic Group offers direct billing to most major private insurance providers such as Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, and Green Shield. Patients should bring their insurance card and confirm their coverage with their insurer, as plans and reimbursement limits vary. Patients are responsible for any co-payments or amounts not covered by their plan.
- What are the typical phases of chiropractic care?
- Chiropractic care often progresses through a few general phases: 1. **Initial Intensive/Relief Care:** This phase focuses on reducing your immediate pain, inflammation, and discomfort. Visits may be more frequent during this stage. 2. **Corrective/Rehabilitative Care:** Once symptoms are under control, the focus shifts to correcting underlying joint dysfunction, improving muscle strength and flexibility, and restoring normal movement patterns. Visit frequency usually decreases. 3. **Wellness/Maintenance Care (Optional):** Some patients choose periodic visits to maintain their improvements, prevent recurrences, and support overall spinal health and well-being. Your Chiropractor will discuss what’s appropriate for your specific situation and goals.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- In Ontario, OHIP generally does not cover chiropractic services in private clinics for most of the population. Limited exceptions may exist if care is provided within a Community Health Centre or Family Health Team that has integrated chiropractic services. It is recommended to verify coverage with your private insurer and check your individual plan details.
Lakeshore Chiropractic Group
126 Lakeshore Road
St. Catharines, ON L2N 2T5
Phone: (905) 935-3355
Dr. Albert M. Scales is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Chiropractic Act, 1991 in ON and is a member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO).
Verify registration with the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO): https://cco.ca.thentiacloud.net/webs/cco/register/?t=1#/registrant/all/all/all/all/all/all/530/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fce933
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.