Dr. Barbara J. Smith

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

Back & Spine Conditions

• Spinal Stenosis (Cervical or Lumbar - Symptomatic): Conservative management options for symptomatic spinal stenosis, aiming to reduce nerve compression and improve mobility and comfort.
• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) / Spondylosis: Chiropractic strategies to address stiffness and discomfort associated with the natural aging processes of the spine.
• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction / Pain: Restoring proper motion and stability to the SI joints to alleviate pain and improve pelvic biomechanics.

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.
• Postpartum Musculoskeletal Issues: Rehabilitation focused on restoring pelvic and spinal alignment, core strength, and addressing pain after delivery.
• 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.

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

• Tendinitis / Tendinopathy (Various Regions): Inflammation, irritation, or degeneration of a tendon (the tough fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones), leading to pain and tenderness near a joint, often from overuse or repetitive stress.
• Fibromyalgia (Pain & Stiffness Management): Helping fibromyalgia patients improve their quality of life by addressing musculoskeletal components of their condition.
• Muscle Strains & Ligament Sprains (Various Regions): Helping you recover from common injuries like a pulled hamstring, twisted ankle, or strained back muscle.
• Chronic Pain Syndromes (with Biomechanical Factors): A holistic approach to managing chronic pain by looking at the whole body's mechanics and nervous system function.

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

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise programs including stretching, strengthening, and stabilization exercises designed to support your recovery, prevent re-injury, and improve overall function.
• Geriatric Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care to help seniors maintain activity levels, manage arthritis pain, and improve stability.
• Prenatal & Postnatal Chiropractic Care: Modified, gentle chiropractic techniques tailored to address the unique musculoskeletal challenges faced during pregnancy (e.g., back pain, pelvic pain) and in the postpartum period.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Programs: Targeted training to build a strong and stable core, essential for back health and efficient movement.
• Pediatric Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care tailored for babies and children, using very light and safe methods.
• Webster Technique (for Pregnancy): A specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment for pregnant individuals, aimed at reducing sacral subluxation and optimizing pelvic biomechanics to support a more comfortable pregnancy and birth (practitioner certification dependent).

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

• Dr. Barbara understands how frustrating that runner's knee grinding feeling can be. By aiming for feeling less pain sensitivity in previously tender areas, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like your commute to work without neck strain with renewed confidence.
• Patients often share how feeling 'jammed up' in my spine affected their ability to challenging myself with rock climbing, both indoors and on real rock faces. With Dr. Barbara's help and a focus on effectively managing chronic discomfort to enjoy daily life more fully, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
• Dr. Barbara frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by tennis elbow pain making gripping hard. The common goal is reduced inflammation and swelling in affected joints, promoting comfort, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, playing actively with your young kids in the park again, with greater comfort and ease.
• For those whose fibromyalgia pain, fatigue, and body-wide tenderness has made operating machinery safely and efficiently a challenge, Dr. Barbara offers a path towards improved ability to perform everyday tasks with greater ease and comfort. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.

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

Health Haven, where Dr. Smith practices, is situated in the central York neighborhood of York. The clinic is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive healthcare in one place. The practice is accessible via multiple public transit routes, ensuring easy reach for those using buses or other transit options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What is chiropractic care and how can it help me?

Chiropractic is a healthcare profession focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system, primarily the spine, and their effects on overall health. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation (adjustments) and other manual therapies, as well as exercise, and lifestyle counseling, to relieve pain, restore function, and support your body's natural ability to heal. It can help with issues like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint problems in your arms or legs.

Can children and babies receive chiropractic care?

Yes, chiropractic care is safe and can be highly beneficial for children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Techniques are always modified to be extremely gentle and appropriate for each child's age, size, and developmental stage. Parents often seek chiropractic care for concerns related to posture, after minor falls or sports-related tumbles, to support overall spinal health during growth spurts, or for issues like colic or feeding difficulties in infants, where gentle musculoskeletal approaches may be supportive.

What are the typical phases of chiropractic care?

Generally, your care might involve an initial phase to provide relief from acute symptoms. This is often followed by a rehabilitative phase aimed at correcting underlying causes, improving function, and strengthening affected areas. Many patients then choose wellness or maintenance care, which involves periodic check-ups to help maintain progress and prevent future problems. However, this is always based on individual preference and needs.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my chiropractic appointment?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes are ideal. Think of what you might wear for light exercise. This allows free movement during assessments and easy access for your Chiropractor to the areas needing treatment.

What is that 'cracking' or 'popping' sound during an adjustment?

The sound is caused by gas being released from the joint capsule as it is gently stretched. It is perfectly normal, does not hurt, and is simply a sign that movement has been restored.

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

In Ontario, OHIP generally does not cover chiropractic services provided in private clinics for most individuals. There may be very limited exceptions through specific government programs or if care is delivered within a Community Health Centre or Family Health Team with integrated chiropractic services, but these are rare. It is important to check your private insurance coverage for chiropractic benefits.

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

No, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, and patients can book an appointment directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans might require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes, so it's advisable to verify your insurance policy.

Health Haven
61 Kenwood Avenue
York, ON M6C 2S1

Phone: (416) 903-3294

Dr. Barbara J. Smith 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/1250/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fceac9

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