Dr. Cheri L. Lafreniere

Dr. Cheri L. Lafreniere provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

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.
• Knee Pain (Osteoarthritis, Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - Conservative): Management of knee pain through chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and exercises aimed at improving joint function, stability, and reducing symptoms from conditions like runner's knee or mild meniscal tears.
• Plantar Fasciitis / Heel & Foot Pain: Effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, focusing on reducing inflammation, stretching the plantar fascia and calf muscles, and addressing foot biomechanics.
• 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.

Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions

• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A rehabilitative approach to gradually restore shoulder mobility and alleviate the discomfort of adhesive capsulitis.
• Nerve Entrapments (e.g., Thoracic Outlet, Cubital Tunnel): Chiropractic care to address mechanical nerve compression syndromes such as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, aiming to relieve pressure and restore nerve function.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Conservative Management): Symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the hand and wrist caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist.

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• Tinnitus (Cervicogenic/Somatosensory): Investigating and addressing potential musculoskeletal contributions from the neck or jaw that may be linked to certain types of tinnitus.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of symptoms including neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness following a sudden acceleration-deceleration injury, typically from a car accident.

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

• Gonstead Technique: A highly specific and detailed approach to spinal analysis and adjustment.
• Thompson Drop-Table Technique: A gentle adjusting method using a specialized table with sections that drop slightly, allowing for precise adjustments with minimal force.
• Flexion-Distraction Therapy (e.g., Cox® Technic): Spinal decompression and mobilization performed on a specialized table to relieve pressure on discs and nerves.
• Diversified Technique: A widely used manual adjusting technique involving specific high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to restore proper movement and alignment to spinal and extremity joints.
• Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT®): Utilizing pelvic blocking and specific cranial-sacral procedures to balance spinal and pelvic structures.
• Activator Methods® Technique: A gentle, low-force instrument-assisted adjusting technique using the Activator Adjusting Instrument to deliver precise and controlled impulses to specific joints or tissues (practitioner certification dependent).

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

• Many individuals visit Dr. Cheri because they are tired of dealing with chronic pain from a previous accident. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve seeing their child appear more comfortable, settled, and mobile and get back to enjoying important activities like your commute to work without neck strain.
• Patients often share how vertigo making the room spin when i lie down or get up affected their ability to seriously training for a half-marathon/marathon, hitting your mileage goals. With Dr. Cheri's help and a focus on feeling more balanced and secure on their feet, reducing the risk of falls, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
• If feeling generally 'out of alignment' or 'out of whack' is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying stand-up paddleboarding, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Cheri focuses on achieving getting back to work feeling more comfortable and productive so you can engage in the things you love again.
• Experience the significant benefit of a better understanding of their body and how to prevent future flare-ups if you're dealing with a tweak in my lower back that won't go away. Dr. Cheri helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like your regular exercise routine at home through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.

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

St Lawrence Chiropractic Clinic is situated in the heart of Winchester, ON, in a central location that is easy to access for local residents. The clinic is conveniently located near community services and pharmacies, making it simple for patients to integrate their chiropractic care into their routine. The clinic is accessible via local public transit routes, providing an easy option for those using public transportation. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

The audible release sometimes heard during a chiropractic adjustment is simply the sound of gas being released from the joint capsule as it is gently stretched. It's perfectly normal and doesn't hurt. The important thing is the restoration of movement, not the sound.

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. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies for specific requirements.

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

Generally, OHIP does not cover chiropractic services in private clinics for most residents. There may be very limited exceptions through specific government programs or if care is provided within a Community Health Centre or Family Health Team with integrated chiropractic services, which is rare. Patients should verify their private insurance coverage for chiropractic care.

Do Chiropractors work with other healthcare professionals?

Yes, Chiropractors often believe in a collaborative approach to healthcare. They frequently work with and refer to other healthcare professionals such as family physicians, physiotherapists, massage therapists, naturopathic doctors, and specialists when it is in the best interest of their patients to ensure comprehensive and optimal care.

Will I need to get X-rays before starting chiropractic care?

X-rays are not routinely required for every patient. Dr. Lafreniere will conduct a thorough history and physical examination to determine if imaging is clinically necessary. Imaging is typically recommended to rule out more serious conditions, assess for significant spinal degeneration or instability, or if the patient’s condition is not improving as expected with conservative care, always following established guidelines to minimize radiation exposure.

Does St Lawrence Chiropractic Clinic offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, St Lawrence Chiropractic Clinic offers direct billing to most major private insurance providers such as Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, and Green Shield. Patients should bring their insurance details and verify their coverage with their insurer, as plans and coverage amounts vary. The patient remains responsible for any co-payments or amounts not covered by their insurance plan.

St Lawrence Chiropractic Clinic
520 St. Lawrence Street
Winchester, ON K0C 2K0

Phone: (613) 774-2225

Dr. Cheri L. Lafreniere 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/2120/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcedf2

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