Dr. Alexander J. Stewart

Dr. Alexander J. Stewart provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Back & Spine Conditions

• Herniated, Protruded, or Bulging Discs (Symptomatic): A condition where the soft inner part of a spinal disc pushes out, potentially pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, neck, arms or legs.
• Mid-Back Pain (Thoracic Spine Pain / Interscapular Pain): Discomfort, aching, or stiffness in the area between the shoulder blades and below the neck, often related to posture, rib joint issues, or muscle strain in the thoracic spine.
• Low Back Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic): Effective treatment for various types of low back pain, whether it's a recent injury or a persistent problem, focusing on pain relief and functional restoration.

Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions

• Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Issues, Impingement, Bursitis): Discomfort, weakness, or limited movement in the shoulder, commonly from injury or inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, impingement of structures within the shoulder joint, or bursitis.
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Gentle mobilization and specific exercises to help improve movement and reduce pain for those suffering from a frozen shoulder.

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• Achilles Tendinopathy: Pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling in the Achilles tendon (the large tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone), often resulting from overuse or improper biomechanics.
• Ankle Sprains & Instability: Pain, swelling, and potential ongoing weakness or giving way in the ankle due to stretching or tearing of ankle ligaments, often from a twist or roll.
• Hip Pain (Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinopathy): Discomfort in or around the hip joint, often due to wear-and-tear arthritis (osteoarthritis), inflammation of bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint), or tendon issues like gluteal tendinopathy.
• IT Band Syndrome: Treatment for IT band friction syndrome, focusing on releasing tension in the IT band and associated muscles, correcting biomechanics, and reducing inflammation.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Stewart can assess your needs.

• 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).
• Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription: Evaluation for and fitting of custom orthotics to support optimal lower limb biomechanics.
• Sports Injury Management & Performance Optimization: Specialized chiropractic care for sports-related conditions and athletic enhancement.
• Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Rehabilitation: Helping you recover from MVA-related injuries with a tailored treatment plan.
• Kinesiology Taping / Athletic Taping: Using specialized taping techniques to aid in injury recovery and support active movement.
• Nutritional & Lifestyle Counselling: Holistic advice to empower you to make positive changes for better health.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Stewart. 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 WIN Health Performance Centre, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Stewart frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Imagine being able to playing your guitar/piano/drums without inflammation in my tendons holding you back. Dr. Alexander works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as feeling stronger, more stable, and more resilient in their body, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.
• Experience the significant benefit of reduced inflammation and swelling in affected joints, promoting comfort if you're dealing with that waddling feeling and hip pain during pregnancy. Dr. Alexander helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like consistently running your usual 5k/10k route at a comfortable pace through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
• Dr. Alexander understands how frustrating wrist pain from typing all day long can be. By aiming for improved core stability, leading to better support for their spine and reduced strain, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like volunteering in your community with renewed confidence.
• Many individuals visit Dr. Alexander because they are tired of dealing with constant lower back soreness. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve finding lasting solutions after trying many other approaches without success and get back to enjoying important activities like effortlessly lifting your toddler without that familiar twinge in your back.

Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Stewart, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Dr. Stewart’s practice is located at WIN Health Performance Centre in the vibrant Clifton Hill Tourist Area, situated within the Fallsview Area neighborhood of Niagara Falls. The clinic is conveniently positioned near numerous hotels and motels, making it easily accessible for visitors and locals alike. Patients can reach the clinic via Niagara Region Transit (NRT), which provides reliable public transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible, and ample parking is generally available close to the entrance, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for all patients.

Is chiropractic care covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) generally does not cover chiropractic services provided in private clinics. There may be very limited exceptions through specific government programs or if care is delivered within a Community Health Centre or Family Health Team that has integrated chiropractic services, but these are rare. Most patients should verify their private insurance coverage and consider supplementary health plans for chiropractic benefits.

Is chiropractic treatment, especially an adjustment, painful?

An adjustment itself is typically not painful. You might hear a 'pop' or 'crack', which is just gas being released from the joint, not bones cracking. Some people feel a bit sore the next day, similar to after a workout, but this is usually mild and temporary. Dr. Stewart ensures your comfort throughout the treatment.

Is it safe to see a chiropractor if I’m pregnant?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is generally considered safe and can be very effective for managing common musculoskeletal complaints such as back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and sciatica. Chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant women and often use modified adjustment techniques, specialized tables, or pillows to ensure the comfort and safety of both mother and baby. Some chiropractors, like Dr. Stewart, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.

What kind of education and training do chiropractors in Canada receive?

Canadian chiropractors complete a rigorous post-secondary education culminating in a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. This program typically requires at least three years of undergraduate university coursework followed by four years of intensive study at an accredited chiropractic college. The curriculum covers comprehensive basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, and biomechanics, as well as clinical sciences including diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, and differential diagnosis. The program also emphasizes chiropractic-specific techniques and rehabilitation, complemented by extensive hands-on clinical internships. Graduates must pass demanding national and provincial licensing examinations to practice legally in Canada.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a Chiropractor in ON?

No, in Ontario, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, and patients can book appointments directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies for specific requirements.

How long do chiropractic appointments usually last?

The initial consultation, which includes a detailed history and examination, typically lasts around one hour. Follow-up visits, during which adjustments and therapies are performed, generally take 15 to 20 minutes. The exact length depends on the treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs.

Does WIN Health Performance Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, WIN Health Performance Centre offers direct billing to most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Green Shield, and others. Patients should bring their insurance cards and confirm coverage with their insurer, as plans and benefits vary. Patients are responsible for any co-payments or amounts not covered by their insurance plan.

WIN Health Performance Centre
4114 Portage Road
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6A3

Phone: (905) 354-8397

Dr. Alexander J. Stewart 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/7510/10/6696a3897a8227b657d16642

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.