Dr. Kara T. Hoffsuemmer

Dr. Kara T. Hoffsuemmer provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

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.
• Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in Neck): Symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand due to nerve root compression in the cervical spine.

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

• Scoliosis (Functional & Pain Management): Providing supportive care for individuals with scoliosis (abnormal spinal curvature), focusing on managing associated musculoskeletal pain, improving posture, addressing muscle imbalances, and enhancing functional capacity.
• Postural Imbalances & Related Pain: Helping you achieve better posture to alleviate pain, improve breathing, and enhance overall physical well-being.

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• Achilles Tendinopathy: Helping you recover from Achilles tendinitis/tendinosis and return to activities like running or jumping without pain.
• Plantar Fasciitis / Heel & Foot Pain: Relief from persistent heel pain and arch discomfort through a combination of manual therapies, exercises, and potentially orthotic advice.

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

• Postural Assessment & Correction Planning: Comprehensive postural evaluation with personalized strategies to improve alignment, reduce strain, and enhance overall spinal health.
• 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).
• 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.
• Myofascial Release Technique (MRT): Manual therapy to address restrictions in the myofascial system, enhancing movement and comfort.
• 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.
• 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).

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

• Getting back to engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting projects for longer periods after struggling with constant mid-back tension behind my ribs is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Kara's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to improved nerve function, leading to less tingling, numbness, or weakness and a return to a more active life.
• Patients often share how growing pains keeping my kid awake affected their ability to spending quality time working on your car or motorcycle in the garage. With Dr. Kara's help and a focus on improved ability to perform everyday tasks with greater ease and comfort, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
• If shoulder bursitis pain is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying getting back to your consistent strength training and weightlifting at the gym, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Kara focuses on achieving a quicker and more complete recovery from sports-related injuries so you can engage in the things you love again.
• For those whose my knee feeling unstable or giving way has made binge-watching your favorite TV shows or movies without getting stiff and sore a challenge, Dr. Kara offers a path towards a noticeable boost in overall energy levels and vitality. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.

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

Aligned Health Group is situated in the Letitia Heights neighborhood of Barrie, ON, within the Sunnidale area. The clinic is conveniently located near Meridian Place, making it easy for patients to access the practice. It is well-connected by Barrie Transit, providing public transportation options for visitors. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Ontario, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, meaning you can book an appointment directly without a referral from a medical doctor. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may still require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It’s best to check the specifics of your insurance policy to confirm.

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 when it is in the best interest of their patients to ensure comprehensive and optimal care.

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

Ontario’s 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 with integrated chiropractic services—though this is rare. Patients should verify their private insurance coverage for chiropractic care.

Is chiropractic treatment, especially an adjustment, painful?

Chiropractic adjustments are generally not painful. Many patients experience immediate relief or a sense of improved movement. Some individuals may experience mild, temporary soreness or aching, similar to what you might feel after starting a new exercise, especially if the area being treated was already inflamed or very stiff. Your Chiropractor will communicate with you throughout the treatment and use techniques appropriate for your comfort level. Any discomfort usually subsides quickly, often within 24 hours.

Can children and babies receive chiropractic care?

Yes, chiropractic care is safe and can be very beneficial for children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Techniques are always modified to be extremely gentle and appropriate for a child's age, size, and developmental stage. Parents often seek chiropractic care for concerns related to posture, after minor falls or sports-related tumbles, to support overall spinal health during growth, or for issues like colic or feeding difficulties in infants where gentle musculoskeletal approaches may be helpful.

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

X-rays are not routinely required for every patient. Dr. Hoffsuemmer will conduct a thorough history and physical examination to determine if imaging studies are necessary. Typically, imaging is recommended to rule out serious conditions such as fractures or pathology, assess for significant spinal degeneration or instability, or if the patient's condition is not improving with conservative care. All imaging decisions are made in accordance with established guidelines to minimize radiation exposure.

Aligned Health Group
62 Mary St.
Barrie, ON L4N 1T1

Phone: (705) 716-0442

Dr. Kara T. Hoffsuemmer 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/4310/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcf689

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