About
Dr. Diana Gazalka is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at Damen Optimal Health in Strathroy, ON, she is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) standards. Her role involves providing comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, focusing on spinal health and overall well-being. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized care tailored to each individual's needs. With a compassionate approach, Dr. Gazalka emphasizes creating a comfortable environment where patients feel supported throughout their healing journey.
Dr. Gazalka completed her Doctor of Chiropractic from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. She has accumulated valuable clinical experience and is committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring her practice remains evidence-based and up-to-date. Her philosophy centers on empowering patients with knowledge about their health and encouraging proactive strategies for long-term wellness. She adopts a holistic view, understanding the vital connection between the spine, nervous system, and overall health, promoting natural, non-invasive healing methods. She offers care in English.
Dr. Diana Gazalka provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions
- Plantar Fasciitis / Heel & Foot Pain: Relief from persistent heel pain and arch discomfort through a combination of manual therapies, exercises, and potentially orthotic advice.
- 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.
- Ankle Sprains & Instability: Chiropractic care to support healing after an ankle sprain, including joint mobilization and proprioceptive exercises.
Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions
- Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Issues, Impingement, Bursitis): Chiropractic care aimed at improving shoulder mechanics, reducing pain, and restoring function for activities like lifting or reaching.
- Tennis Elbow / Golfer's Elbow (Epicondylitis): Addressing the underlying causes of elbow tendon pain through manual therapy, exercise, and activity modification advice.
- Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) of the Upper Limb: Relief for symptoms caused by overuse of the hands, wrists, and arms in work or daily activities.
Back & Spine Conditions
- Facet Joint Syndrome / Facet Pain: Treatment for facet joint irritation or 'locking,' aiming to restore normal joint mechanics and reduce associated pain and stiffness.
- 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).
- Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain): Management strategies, including gentle manual techniques and postural advice, to relieve discomfort associated with coccyx injuries or irritation.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Gazalka can assess your needs.
- Heat & Cryotherapy (Ice) Application: Applying therapeutic heat or cold to manage pain and inflammation as part of your treatment plan.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound: A non-invasive modality to accelerate the healing of soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (Cold Laser): Non-invasive light therapy to stimulate healing processes and provide pain relief.
- Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy: Gentle spinal traction to create negative pressure within discs, promoting healing.
- Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Using targeted electrical stimulation to manage acute or chronic pain.
- Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive treatment using acoustic waves to stimulate healing in chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendinopathies, and calcifications (if offered).
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Gazalka. 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 Damen Optimal Health, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Gazalka frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Dr. Diana frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by pain in the ball of my foot. The common goal is feeling a significant release of chronic tension and stress held in their body, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, playing actively with your young kids in the park again, with greater comfort and ease.
- Overcoming wrist pain from typing all day long to achieve being able to lift everyday objects without the fear of pain or re-injury and resume seriously training for a half-marathon/marathon, hitting your mileage goals is a common success story at Dr. Diana's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
- If sciatica flare-ups making walking hard is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying participating fully in your weekly adult soccer league game, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Diana focuses on achieving improved ability to perform everyday tasks with greater ease and comfort so you can engage in the things you love again.
- Imagine being able to effortlessly lifting your toddler without that familiar twinge in your back without foot pain making it hard to stand or walk for long holding you back. Dr. Diana works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as feeling more aligned and balanced in their posture, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Gazalka, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Dr. Gazalka's practice at Damen Optimal Health is situated in a central neighborhood of Strathroy, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care in a familiar environment. The facility is accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring that those relying on public transportation can reach us comfortably. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.
- 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 Chiropractor will discuss what's appropriate for your specific situation and goals.
- What is that 'cracking' or 'popping' sound during an adjustment?
- The 'cracking' or 'popping' sound, technically called a cavitation, is thought to be caused by the release of gas (mainly nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide) from the synovial fluid within a joint when it is stretched or moved quickly during an adjustment. It's similar to the sound made when you crack your knuckles. The sound itself is not the goal of the adjustment and is not indicative of whether the treatment was effective; the primary aim is to restore proper joint motion and relieve nerve pressure.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Generally, OHIP does not cover chiropractic services in private clinics for most of the population. 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, which is rare for typical private practice. Patients are advised to check their private insurance plans and coverage details for reimbursement options.
- Do Chiropractors work with other healthcare professionals?
- Yes, Chiropractors often believe in a collaborative approach to healthcare. We 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 our patients to ensure comprehensive and optimal care.
- What are Damen Optimal Health's operating hours?
- Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with some early morning or evening appointments available on select days. We may also offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Please call our office or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.
- 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.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in ON?
- 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 require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients should verify their individual insurance policies for specific requirements.
Damen Optimal Health
8 Front St. E.
Strathroy, ON N7G 1Y4
Phone: (519) 205-0329
Dr. Diana Gazalka 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/5080/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcf995
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.