About
Dr. Cheryl J. van der Mark is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at Waterdown Village Chiropractic and Wellness Group in Waterdown, ON, she is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) standards. With a focus on providing comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, Dr. van der Mark emphasizes spinal health and overall well-being. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized care tailored to individual needs and health goals.
She completed her Doctor of Chiropractic from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. With extensive clinical experience, Dr. van der Mark is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based chiropractic practices. Her approach combines the latest research with compassionate patient care, aiming to empower her patients through education and proactive health strategies.
Dr. van der Mark’s practice philosophy centers on empowering patients with knowledge about their condition and long-term health strategies. She provides individualized care plans that promote natural, non-invasive healing and optimal body function. She is fluent in English, Haitian, and Haitian Creole, allowing her to effectively communicate with diverse patient populations and ensure clarity and comfort during treatment.
Dr. Cheryl J. van der Mark provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Back & Spine Conditions
- Rib Pain / Intercostal Neuralgia / Costochondritis: Care for conditions like costochondritis or rib subluxations, aiming to restore proper rib mechanics and alleviate chest wall or mid-back discomfort.
- Sciatica & Lumbar Radiculopathy (Radiating Leg Pain): Targeted treatment for conditions causing 'pinched nerve' sensations down the leg, helping to reduce pain and restore normal nerve function.
- Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction / Pain: Chiropractic care for SI joint pain, often involving adjustments and exercises to address underlying imbalances.
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) / Spondylosis: Managing the symptoms of degenerative disc disease and spondylosis to help maintain mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.
Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions
- Headaches (Cervicogenic, Tension-Type, Migraine Support): Pain in the head, often linked to neck issues (cervicogenic), muscle tension (tension-type), or as a component that chiropractic care can help manage in certain migraine cases by addressing musculoskeletal triggers.
- TMJ / Jaw Pain (Temporomandibular Disorders - TMD): Pain, clicking, locking, or limited movement in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often affecting chewing, speaking, and sometimes causing ear pain or headaches.
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.
- Nerve Entrapments (e.g., Thoracic Outlet, Cubital Tunnel): Conditions where nerves in the shoulder, arm, or elbow area become compressed or irritated, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A condition characterized by significant stiffness, pain, and progressive loss of range of motion in the shoulder joint, making everyday tasks difficult.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Conservative Management): Non-surgical approaches to manage carpal tunnel symptoms, including wrist and nerve mobilization, ergonomic advice, and supportive therapies.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. van der Mark can assess your needs.
- Heat & Cryotherapy (Ice) Application: Strategic use of heat packs to relax muscles and increase blood flow, or cold packs/ice to reduce swelling, inflammation, and acute pain.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (Cold Laser): Cold laser treatment to aid in the recovery of various musculoskeletal conditions.
- Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy: A specialized table-based therapy to decompress the spine and alleviate back or neck pain.
- Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration and pain reduction in persistent injuries.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound: Use of high-frequency sound waves to generate deep heat within tissues, increase blood flow, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote tissue healing.
- Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of gentle electrical currents (IFC or TENS) to the skin to help reduce pain, decrease muscle spasms, and promote circulation.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. van der Mark. 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 Waterdown Village Chiropractic and Wellness Group, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. van der Mark frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Patients often share how parts of my hand/foot falling asleep affected their ability to spending quality time working on your car or motorcycle in the garage. With Dr. Cheryl's help and a focus on finding that headaches are far less frequent and intense, improving focus and mood, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
- Experience the significant benefit of relying less on pain medication and more on their body's natural healing if you're dealing with my posture just feeling 'off' and uncomfortable. Dr. Cheryl helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like rock climbing indoors and outdoors through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
- Getting back to dancing at weddings and social events after struggling with carpal tunnel symptoms flaring up is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Cheryl's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to sleeping more soundly and waking up feeling genuinely refreshed and a return to a more active life.
- Dr. Cheryl understands how frustrating my knee feeling unstable or giving way can be. By aiming for a noticeable reduction in daily aches, allowing for more comfortable days, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like enjoyably cooking and meal prepping healthy food for the week with renewed confidence.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. van der Mark, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Waterdown Village Chiropractic and Wellness Group is situated in the heart of the central Waterdown neighborhood of Waterdown, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to integrate their chiropractic care into their daily routines. Accessible via local public transit routes, the clinic prioritizes ease of access for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- How long do chiropractic appointments usually last?
- The first visit to a Chiropractor involves a detailed history and examination and can take around an hour. Follow-up appointments where adjustments and other therapies are performed are typically 15-20 minutes. The exact duration will depend on your personalized treatment plan.
- 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 of the population. 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—though this is rare. Patients are advised to check with their private extended health plans for coverage details.
- 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. Chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant women and use modified adjustment techniques and specialized tables or pillows to ensure the comfort and safety of both mother and baby. Some chiropractors, like Dr. van der Mark, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.
- What should I expect during my first chiropractic appointment?
- The first chiropractic session is primarily about assessment and understanding your needs. Your Chiropractor will ask about your health background and perform various physical tests. The aim is to identify the cause of your problem so a tailored treatment plan can be created with you. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, and if indicated, treatment may begin on this first visit.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in ON?
- Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals in Ontario, 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 doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check the specifics of your individual insurance policy.
Waterdown Village Chiropractic and Wellness Group
255 Dundas Street East, Unit 14A
Waterdown, ON L8B 0E5
Phone: (905) 689-4440
Dr. Cheryl J. van der Mark 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/3080/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcf192
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.