Dr. Darcy M. Driscoll

Dr. Darcy M. Driscoll provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Back & Spine Conditions

• Rib Pain / Intercostal Neuralgia / Costochondritis: Addressing pain around the rib cage, often sharp or related to breathing/movement, potentially due to rib joint dysfunction, intercostal muscle/nerve irritation, or cartilage inflammation (costochondritis).
• Spondylolisthesis (Lower Grades): Supportive care to address symptoms related to vertebral slippage, helping to maintain an active lifestyle.

Specific Populations & Injury Types

• 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.
• Sports Injuries (Acute & Overuse): Injuries sustained during athletic activities or exercise, ranging from sudden incidents like sprains, strains, and joint subluxations to chronic pain developing from repetitive stress or overuse.
• Pregnancy-Related Musculoskeletal Pain: Chiropractic care adapted for the unique needs of expectant mothers, focusing on maintaining comfort, optimizing pelvic alignment, and preparing for childbirth.

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• TMJ / Jaw Pain (Temporomandibular Disorders - TMD): Management of temporomandibular joint dysfunction through gentle manual therapies, exercises, and advice to reduce jaw pain and improve its function.
• Tinnitus (Cervicogenic/Somatosensory): Ringing or other noises in the ear that may be related to issues in the neck (cervical spine) or jaw (TMJ), which chiropractic care can sometimes influence.

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

• Activator Methods® Technique: Precise and gentle corrections delivered with a handheld adjusting instrument.
• Gonstead Technique: A specific system of analysis (including X-ray review, instrumentation) and full-spine manual adjustments designed for precision and thoroughness (practitioner specialization).
• Flexion-Distraction Therapy (e.g., Cox® Technic): A traction-based chiropractic technique aimed at increasing spinal motion and resolving disc bulges or herniations.
• Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT®): A specialized method aimed at optimizing cerebrospinal fluid flow and neurological integrity through craniosacral adjustments.
• 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.
• Thompson Drop-Table Technique: Utilizing a precision drop-table for comfortable and effective spinal adjustments.

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

• Dr. Darcy understands how frustrating a persistent knot between my shoulders can be. By aiming for getting back to work feeling more comfortable and productive, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like leisurely walking around the mall or large shopping centers for hours with renewed confidence.
• If recovering slowly after a nasty fall is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Darcy focuses on achieving being able to actively keep up with their children or grandchildren so you can engage in the things you love again.
• Experience the significant benefit of effectively managing chronic discomfort to enjoy daily life more fully if you're dealing with feeling 'jammed up' in my spine. Dr. Darcy helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like confidently going up and down multiple flights of stairs effortlessly through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
• Imagine being able to effectively performing all your physically demanding job duties with renewed vigor without neck pain that just won't quit holding you back. Dr. Darcy works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as a better understanding of their condition and effective self-care strategies, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.

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

Dr. Driscoll practices at PT Health, situated in a centrally located clinic in the Thorold neighbourhood of Thorold. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive health support. It is accessible via multiple local public transit routes, ensuring ease of travel 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.

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

In Ontario, OHIP generally does not cover chiropractic services 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 strongly advised to check their private insurance plans and extended health benefits for coverage details.

Do chiropractors provide exercises or stretches?

Yes, exercises and stretches are an integral part of many chiropractic treatment strategies. Your Chiropractor will likely show you specific movements to do at home to help speed up your recovery, maintain your progress, and prevent the problem from returning.

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

Chiropractors in Ontario 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 require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients should check their individual insurance policies for specific requirements.

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

X-rays are not routinely required for every patient. Your Chiropractor will conduct a thorough history and physical examination to determine if imaging is necessary. Imaging is typically recommended to rule out serious conditions such as fractures or pathology, or if your condition isn't improving as expected, always following established guidelines to minimize radiation exposure.

How can I tell if chiropractic care is right for me?

If you are experiencing pain, stiffness, or dysfunction related to your spine, muscles, joints, or nerves—such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, or extremity joint problems—chiropractic care may be beneficial. Schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Driscoll to discuss your symptoms and health goals.

What kind of education and training do chiropractors in Canada receive?

Canadian chiropractors complete a rigorous post-secondary education, earning a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. This includes a minimum of three years of undergraduate studies followed by four years at an accredited chiropractic college. Their training covers anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, and chiropractic techniques. Graduates must pass national and provincial licensing examinations to practice legally.

PT Health
20 Pine St. North, unit C
Thorold, ON L2V 0A1

Phone: (905) 227-4119

Dr. Darcy M. Driscoll 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/2100/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fced4a

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