Dr. Charles Bélanger

Dr. Grant Cummings provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• Knee Pain (Osteoarthritis, Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - Conservative): Aching, sharp pain, or instability in the knee, commonly resulting from cartilage degeneration (osteoarthritis), issues with how the kneecap tracks (patellofemoral pain syndrome), or certain types of meniscal (cartilage) injuries suitable for conservative care.
• Ankle Sprains & Instability: Chiropractic care to support healing after an ankle sprain, including joint mobilization and proprioceptive exercises.
• Piriformis Syndrome / Deep Gluteal Pain: Addressing buttock and leg pain that may be related to muscular tightness deep in the gluteal region.

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

• Myofascial Pain Syndrome / Trigger Points: Management of myofascial pain through various soft tissue techniques and corrective exercises.
• 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): Addressing persistent pain where underlying joint dysfunction, muscle imbalance, nerve irritation, or altered movement patterns are identified as significant contributing factors.
• Bursitis (Various Regions): Alleviating discomfort from inflamed bursae through gentle therapies and advice on activity modification.

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.
• Spinal Stenosis (Cervical or Lumbar - Symptomatic): Narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness, often in the legs (lumbar) or arms (cervical).
• Sciatica & Lumbar Radiculopathy (Radiating Leg Pain): Management of sciatic nerve pain and other forms of radiating leg symptoms through chiropractic care aimed at relieving pressure on the affected nerve.
• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) / Spondylosis: Chiropractic strategies to address stiffness and discomfort associated with the natural aging processes of the spine.

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

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided instruction on specific stretches and flexibility exercises to improve your range of motion, reduce muscle tightness, and enhance overall movement quality.
• Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Exercises: Exercises based on the principles of DNS to improve movement quality and core stability.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Programs: Developing core strength and endurance to protect your spine during daily activities.
• Webster Technique (for Pregnancy): Gentle chiropractic care tailored for pregnancy using the Webster Technique to promote pelvic balance.
• 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.
• PNF Stretching (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation): Advanced stretching techniques that involve both stretching and contracting muscle groups to quickly achieve greater flexibility and range of motion.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Bélanger. 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 Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec (OCQ).

At ABC Chiropratique Gatineau Inc. (ABC Clinique Santé Gatineau), chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Bélanger frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals visit Dr. Charles because they are tired of dealing with repetitive strain injury in my arm/wrist. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve a more positive outlook on their physical capabilities and future health and get back to enjoying important activities like strength training at the gym.
• If painful elbow joint is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying spending hours gardening and landscaping without pain the next day, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Charles focuses on achieving finding that headaches are far less frequent and intense, improving focus and mood so you can engage in the things you love again.
• Dr. Charles understands how frustrating bulging disc symptoms can be. By aiming for experiencing significant relief from nagging lower back pain, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like competing effectively in your curling league bonspiels with renewed confidence.
• Getting back to CrossFit workouts after struggling with inflammation in my tendons is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Charles's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to better tolerance for physical activity without experiencing significant post-activity pain and a return to a more active life.

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

ABC Chiropratique Gatineau Inc. (ABC Clinique Santé Gatineau) is situated in the heart of Chelsea, in a centrally located clinic within the Chelsea neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to integrate their chiropractic care into their daily routines. Accessible via multiple local public transit routes, the clinic ensures that patients can reach their appointments with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 Chiropraticien will discuss what's appropriate for your specific situation and goals.

Do chiropractors only treat back pain?

While chiropractors are very well known for effectively treating back pain, their expertise extends to a wide range of other neuromusculoskeletal conditions affecting the entire body. This includes issues with the neck, shoulders, hips, knees, feet, as well as headaches, and problems related to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves throughout the extremities.

What is chiropractic care and how can it help me?

Essentially, chiropractic care helps your body move and function better. Your Chiropraticien will assess your spine and other joints for restrictions or misalignments that might be causing pain or affecting your nervous system. Through precise adjustments and other treatments, they aim to improve your mobility, reduce pain, and enhance your overall well-being, allowing you to get back to your daily activities.

Is chiropractic care covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

[Generate a brief, accurate answer about Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) coverage for chiropractic care in QC. For AB (AHCIP): State that AHCIP provides limited coverage for chiropractic services for seniors (65+) and dependents (under 18), typically a set number of visits or a maximum dollar amount per benefit year, often requiring co-payment. For other adults, AHCIP generally does not cover chiropractic care in private clinics. Advise all to check current AHCIP limits and their private insurance. For BC (MSP): Explain that MSP provides partial coverage (a set amount per visit) for a limited number of chiropractic visits (currently 10 combined per year for supplementary benefits including chiro, physio, massage, naturopathy, acupuncture) for eligible individuals with lower incomes (e.g., those on Premium Assistance). Most patients will have a co-payment. Advise checking MSP eligibility and their private insurance. For ON (OHIP): State clearly that OHIP generally does NOT cover chiropractic services in private clinics for most of the population. Mention there might 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 (this is rare for typical private practice). Strongly advise checking private insurance. For QC (RAMQ): Explain that RAMQ does NOT cover chiropractic services performed in private clinics. Patients pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Mention that care received in a hospital setting (extremely rare for chiro) might be different, but this is not the typical scenario. Emphasize reliance on private insurance. Universal advice for all: Strongly advise patients to verify their specific eligibility and coverage details directly with Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) if applicable, and to always check their private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant chiropractic coverage.]

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropraticien in QC?

Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals in Quebec, meaning patients can book an appointment directly without a referral from a medical doctor. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a physician's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy for specific requirements.

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 that often arise due to hormonal changes and shifting biomechanics. Chiropraticiens are trained to work with pregnant women, utilizing modified adjustment techniques and specialized tables or pillows to ensure comfort and safety for both mother and baby. Some chiropractors, like Dr. Bélanger, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.

How long do chiropractic appointments usually last?

The initial consultation, which includes a detailed history and examination, typically lasts around an hour. Follow-up visits for adjustments and therapies are usually 15-20 minutes, depending on your personalized treatment plan.

ABC Chiropratique Gatineau Inc. (ABC Clinique Santé Gatineau)
57, route 105, unité 202
Chelsea, QC J9B 1L3

Phone: (819) 773-4230 | Website: https://www.abccliniquesante.com/

Dr. Grant Cummings is regulated by the Code des professions in QC and is a member of the Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec (OCQ).

Registration can be verified with the Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec (OCQ).

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