Dr. Gregory A. Johnston

Dr. Gregory A. Johnston provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Specific Populations & Injury Types

• Postpartum Musculoskeletal Issues: Rehabilitation focused on restoring pelvic and spinal alignment, core strength, and addressing pain after delivery.
• 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.

Back & Spine Conditions

• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction / Pain: Pain felt in the low back, buttock, or sometimes groin/leg, originating from inflammation or improper movement of the joints connecting the sacrum (base of the spine) to the pelvis.
• Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain): Management strategies, including gentle manual techniques and postural advice, to relieve discomfort associated with coccyx injuries or irritation.
• 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.
• 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.

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• TMJ / Jaw Pain (Temporomandibular Disorders - TMD): Addressing the biomechanical factors contributing to TMD, helping to alleviate muscle tension around the jaw and restore comfortable movement.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Specialized care for whiplash injuries, focusing on restoring neck mobility, reducing pain and inflammation, and addressing associated neurological symptoms.
• Tinnitus (Cervicogenic/Somatosensory): Management strategies for tinnitus when somatic (body-related) factors, particularly from the upper cervical spine or TMJ, are suspected contributors.
• Neck Pain (Acute & Chronic): Discomfort, stiffness, or aching in the neck, which can arise suddenly or develop over time, often impacting daily movement and potentially referring pain to the shoulders or arms.

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

• Sports Injury Management & Performance Optimization: Specialized chiropractic care for sports-related conditions and athletic enhancement.
• PNF Stretching (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation): Partner-assisted or self-administered PNF techniques to enhance muscle length and joint mobility.
• Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Exercises: Exercises based on the principles of DNS to improve movement quality and core stability.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Programs: Targeted training to build a strong and stable core, essential for back health and efficient movement.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided instruction on specific stretches and flexibility exercises to improve your range of motion, reduce muscle tightness, and enhance overall movement quality.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise programs including stretching, strengthening, and stabilization exercises designed to support your recovery, prevent re-injury, and improve overall function.

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

• Many individuals visit Dr. Gregory because they are tired of dealing with pain in the arch of my foot. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve a marked decrease in episodes of dizziness or vertigo, leading to greater confidence and get back to enjoying important activities like lifting your toddler without back pain.
• For those whose feeling like my lower back is locked up has made your martial arts training a challenge, Dr. Gregory offers a path towards feeling less 'locked up' or stiff after periods of sitting or inactivity. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
• Getting back to kayaking or canoeing on the lake after struggling with painful ribs when breathing deep or twisting is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Gregory's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to accomplishing physical goals they once thought were out of reach and a return to a more active life.
• Overcoming recovering from a work-related back/neck injury to achieve feeling more aligned and balanced in their posture and resume enjoying your competitive tennis matches on Saturday mornings again is a common success story at Dr. Gregory's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.

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

Dr. Johnston practices at Family Health Options, situated in a centrally located clinic in the heart of St. Thomas. The clinic is conveniently positioned in the central neighborhood, making it easily accessible for residents from across the area. It is close to various community services and pharmacies, allowing patients to combine their visits with other errands seamlessly. The clinic is accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring convenient transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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.

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

Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) generally does not cover chiropractic services in private clinics. Limited exceptions may exist for care delivered within certain community health programs or clinics. Patients are advised to check their private extended health plans for coverage, as many offer significant chiropractic benefits. It is recommended to verify with your insurance provider for specific 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. Johnston, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.

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/extended health insurance plans may require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specifics of your insurance policy.

What does a chiropractor mean by a 'subluxation' or 'joint restriction'?

A subluxation or joint restriction is a term used to describe a joint that is 'stuck' or not moving as it should. This can cause pain, stiffness, and interfere with the nerves that pass nearby. Chiropractors are trained to identify and correct these dysfunctions through adjustments.

Can children and babies receive chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care is safe and can be beneficial for children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Techniques are always modified to be extremely gentle and appropriate for a child's specific age, size, and developmental stage. Common reasons include concerns related to posture, after minor falls or sports-related tumbles, supporting spinal health during growth spurts, or addressing issues like colic or feeding difficulties in infants where gentle musculoskeletal approaches may be supportive.

Family Health Options
133 Curtis St.
St. Thomas, ON N5P 1J4

Phone: (519) 637-7778

Dr. Gregory A. Johnston 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/2270/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcec66

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