Dr. Danielle Desmarais is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at Essex Chiropractic, Rehabilitation & Massage in Essex, ON, she is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) standards. With a passion for improving her patients' health and well-being, Dr. Desmarais provides comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, focusing on spinal health and overall vitality. She believes in creating a welcoming environment where patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, feel comfortable and supported on their journey to better health.
She completed her Doctor of Chiropractic from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. With extensive clinical experience, Dr. Desmarais is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based chiropractic practices. Her approach is rooted in the latest research and tailored to each individual’s unique needs, ensuring safe and effective care that promotes long-term wellness. Her dedication to her community is reflected in her personalized approach, helping her patients achieve their health goals with compassion and expertise.
Dr. Desmarais's practice philosophy centers around helping the Essex community achieve better health and vitality through chiropractic care. She provides individualized care plans tailored to each patient’s specific health goals and needs, emphasizing education, prevention, and holistic well-being. She is fluent in English, French, ensuring clear communication and a comfortable experience for diverse patients.
Dr. Danielle Desmarais provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Specific Populations & Injury Types
- Geriatric Care (Mobility, Stiffness, Fall Prevention): Gentle chiropractic approaches tailored to help older adults manage age-related joint stiffness, improve mobility and balance, reduce osteoarthritis pain, and decrease the risk of falls.
- Pediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions (e.g., Growing Pains, Postural Concerns): Care for young patients, from babies with torticollis (co-management) to teens with 'text neck' or sports-related strains.
- Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries (e.g., Whiplash, Back Strain): Helping you recover from the physical impact of a car accident with a tailored chiropractic care plan.
Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions
- Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) of the Upper Limb: Management of RSIs affecting the upper extremities by addressing tissue irritation, improving biomechanics, and providing ergonomic recommendations.
- Nerve Entrapments (e.g., Thoracic Outlet, Cubital Tunnel): Identifying and treating sources of nerve irritation in the upper limb to alleviate radiating symptoms and improve sensation.
- Tennis Elbow / Golfer's Elbow (Epicondylitis): Treatment for lateral or medial epicondylitis, focusing on reducing tendon strain, alleviating pain, and restoring grip strength.
- 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.
Back & Spine Conditions
- Rib Pain / Intercostal Neuralgia / Costochondritis: Management of sharp, stabbing, or aching pain associated with rib joints or the muscles and nerves between the ribs.
- Facet Joint Syndrome / Facet Pain: Pain originating from the small joints (facet joints) located on the back of the spine, often causing localized back or neck pain that can worsen with certain movements like bending or twisting.
- 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): Relief for pain located in the mid-back or between the shoulder blades, often linked to prolonged sitting, poor posture, or restricted rib movement.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Desmarais can assess your needs.
- Radiographic (X-ray) Imaging & Analysis: Diagnostic X-ray evaluation to aid in accurate diagnosis and ensure the safety and appropriateness of care.
- Comprehensive Chiropractic Examination: A thorough assessment including health history, postural analysis, spinal alignment checks, range of motion testing, orthopedic and neurological tests to determine the cause of your concern.
- Functional Movement Screening (e.g., FMS™, SFMA™): Specialized assessment of fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential injury risks, guiding corrective exercise and treatment.
- Surface Electromyography (sEMG) Scan: Non-invasive scanning technology used to measure electrical activity in muscles, helping to identify areas of abnormal muscle tone or imbalance along the spine (if offered).
- Webster Technique (for Pregnancy): Gentle chiropractic care tailored for pregnancy using the Webster Technique to promote pelvic balance.
- Postural Assessment & Correction Planning: Identifying postural faults and creating a plan to address them through ergonomic advice and corrective exercises.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Desmarais. 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 Essex Chiropractic, Rehabilitation & Massage, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Desmarais frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Many individuals visit Dr. Danielle because they are tired of dealing with a slipped disc issue causing agony. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve more efficient and comfortable movement patterns during daily activities and get back to enjoying important activities like your regular jogging routine.
- Dr. Danielle frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by trouble sleeping soundly due to discomfort or pain. The common goal is experiencing fewer and less intense muscle spasms, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, peacefully kayaking or canoeing on the lake for hours, with greater comfort and ease.
- Overcoming a herniated disc diagnosis to achieve experiencing a smoother and more comfortable postpartum recovery and resume confidently going up and down multiple flights of stairs effortlessly is a common success story at Dr. Danielle's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
- Dr. Danielle understands how frustrating feeling 'jammed up' in my spine can be. By aiming for returning to their favorite sports and activities sooner and with more confidence, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like shooting hoops at the local court with renewed confidence.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Desmarais, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Dr. Desmarais's practice at Essex Chiropractic, Rehabilitation & Massage is situated in a welcoming clinic located in the heart of the central Essex neighborhood of Essex, ON. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care as part of their routine. It is accessible via multiple local public transit routes, ensuring that patients can reach their appointments with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- How long do chiropractic appointments usually last?
- Plan for about an hour for your first chiropractic visit, which includes a full assessment. Regular treatment sessions are generally more focused and shorter, often 15 to 20 minutes. Your Chiropractor will advise on the appropriate time needed for your care.
- 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 are very limited exceptions, such as care delivered within certain government programs or clinics with integrated services. Patients are advised to check their private insurance coverage for potential benefits. It is recommended to verify your specific coverage with your insurer.
- What should I expect during my first chiropractic appointment?
- During your initial chiropractic appointment, we take the time to understand your health concerns. Expect a detailed conversation about your medical history and symptoms, followed by a physical exam focusing on your spine, posture, and movement. After the assessment, your Chiropractor will explain the findings, answer your questions, and outline a recommended course of care. You may receive your first adjustment or other therapies during this visit.
- Do chiropractors provide exercises or stretches?
- Yes, absolutely. Therapeutic exercises, stretches, and postural advice are often a key component of a comprehensive chiropractic care plan. Your Chiropractor may prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition to help improve strength, flexibility, stability, restore proper movement patterns, and promote long-term recovery and injury prevention.
- What does a chiropractor mean by a 'subluxation' or 'joint restriction'?
- When a Chiropractor refers to a subluxation or joint restriction, they are typically describing a joint that isn't moving properly or is misaligned in a way that can affect nerve function and lead to discomfort or other health issues. Chiropractic adjustments aim to address these specific joint problems.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in ON?
- Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals in Ontario, meaning you can book an appointment directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy for specific requirements.
- Does Essex Chiropractic, Rehabilitation & Massage offer direct billing to private insurance companies?
- Yes, Essex Chiropractic, Rehabilitation & Massage offers direct billing to most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Green Shield, and others. Please bring your insurance details and check with your provider to confirm your coverage, as plans and benefits can vary. Remember, you are responsible for any co-payments or amounts not covered by your insurance plan.
Essex Chiropractic, Rehabilitation & Massage
316 Talbot St North, Unit 7
Essex, ON N8M 2E1
Phone: (519) 776-7683
Dr. Danielle Desmarais 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/5200/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcfa08
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.