About
Dr. Dusko Surla is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at Surla Chiropractic & Rehab in Stoney Creek, ON, he 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, Dr. Surla addresses a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, emphasizing spinal health and overall well-being. His approach is holistic, aiming to enhance each patient's quality of life through personalized care plans. Serving patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, he strives to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported on their health journey.
He completed his Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic - West. With extensive clinical experience, Dr. Surla is dedicated to ongoing professional development and applying evidence-based chiropractic practices. This commitment ensures that his patients benefit from the latest techniques and research, fostering optimal health outcomes. His expertise enables him to tailor treatments that are both effective and gentle, respecting each individual's unique needs and conditions.
He is passionate about empowering patients with knowledge about their health and proactive strategies for long-term wellness. Dr. Surla believes that education is key to sustained improvements and works closely with his patients to develop lifestyle modifications and habits that support their recovery and ongoing health. He is fluent in Croatian, English, and Serbian, allowing him to communicate effectively with diverse community members and foster a welcoming, inclusive environment in his practice.
Dr. Dusko Surla provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Specific Populations & Injury Types
- 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.
- Geriatric Care (Mobility, Stiffness, Fall Prevention): Supporting active aging by addressing the specific musculoskeletal needs of seniors, enhancing their comfort and independence.
General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions
- Bursitis (Various Regions): Inflammation of a bursa (a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints), causing localized pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling.
- Tendinitis / Tendinopathy (Various Regions): Addressing tendon pain and dysfunction to help you return to your daily activities and sports without discomfort.
Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions
- Ankle Sprains & Instability: Pain, swelling, and potential ongoing weakness or giving way in the ankle due to stretching or tearing of ankle ligaments, often from a twist or roll.
- Achilles Tendinopathy: Management of Achilles tendon pain and dysfunction through targeted therapies to promote healing, improve tendon load tolerance, and address contributing factors.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Surla can assess your needs.
- Postural Assessment & Correction Planning: Detailed analysis of your standing and sitting posture to identify imbalances and provide targeted advice and exercises for correction and pain prevention.
- 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.
- 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.
- Surface Electromyography (sEMG) Scan: Utilizing sEMG to objectively assess muscle function and patterns of tension around your spine.
- Functional Movement Screening (e.g., FMS™, SFMA™): Utilizing screens like FMS™ or SFMA™ to analyze your movement quality and pinpoint areas contributing to pain or predisposing you to injury (practitioner certification dependent).
- Radiographic (X-ray) Imaging & Analysis: On-site or referral for X-rays when clinically indicated to assess spinal structure, identify underlying conditions, or rule out pathology, adhering to diagnostic imaging guidelines.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Surla. 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 Surla Chiropractic & Rehab, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Surla frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Dr. Dusko understands how frustrating that runner's knee grinding feeling can be. By aiming for relying less on pain medication and more on their body's natural healing, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like achieving a full night's deep, restful, and uninterrupted sleep with renewed confidence.
- Overcoming sore jaw muscles, especially in the morning to achieve improved coordination for both simple and complex tasks and resume coaching your kid's sports team is a common success story at Dr. Dusko's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
- Experience the significant benefit of improved nerve function, leading to less tingling, numbness, or weakness if you're dealing with sore hips, especially when lying on my side at night. Dr. Dusko helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like playing with your kids in the park through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
- If slouching causing that upper back pain is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying leisurely walking around the mall or large shopping centers for hours, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Dusko focuses on achieving being able to actively keep up with their children or grandchildren so you can engage in the things you love again.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Surla, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Surla Chiropractic & Rehab is located in the heart of the central Stoney Creek neighborhood, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. The practice is situated within a modern clinic that is conveniently near local community services, pharmacies, and public transit routes. Whether you are coming from nearby neighborhoods or surrounding areas, you will find it straightforward to reach us. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.
- 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. Surla, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.
- 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. Some limited exceptions may exist through specific government programs or if care is delivered within a Community Health Centre or Family Health Team that has integrated chiropractic services, but these are rare. Patients are advised to check with their private extended health insurance plans for coverage details.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in ON?
- No, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, allowing patients to book directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes, so it is advisable to verify your policy.
- What kind of clothing should I wear to my chiropractic appointment?
- It’s best to wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing that allows for ease of movement. Athletic wear, leggings, comfortable pants, and a t-shirt are generally recommended. This facilitates easy assessment and treatment. You may be asked to change into a gown for certain examinations or procedures.
- How long do chiropractic appointments usually last?
- Plan for about an hour for your first visit, which includes a full assessment. Follow-up treatments are typically shorter, often 15 to 20 minutes. Your Chiropractor will advise on the appropriate duration based on your specific needs.
- 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 to ensure comprehensive patient care.
- Is chiropractic treatment, especially an adjustment, painful?
- An adjustment is typically not painful. You might hear a 'pop' or 'crack,' which is just gas being released from the joint, not bones cracking. Some people may feel mild soreness afterward, similar to post-exercise sensations, but this is usually temporary. Your Chiropractor will do everything to ensure your comfort during the treatment.
Surla Chiropractic & Rehab
4 Mountain Ave. S., Suite 200
Stoney Creek, ON L8G 2V4
Phone: (905) 664-0999
Dr. Dusko Surla 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/2250/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fced9e
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.