Dr. Loretta Ritu – Chiropractor | Waterloo, ON

Dr. Loretta Ritu is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at a chiropractic clinic in Waterloo, ON. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO). Her approach emphasizes a thorough understanding of each patient's unique health concerns, ensuring personalized treatment plans that promote optimal recovery and long-term wellness. Dr. Ritu’s focus is on delivering comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, with a particular emphasis on spinal health and overall well-being. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, supporting their journey towards better health through safe and effective chiropractic interventions.

She completed her Doctor of Chiropractic from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. With extensive clinical experience, Dr. Ritu is dedicated to ongoing professional development and adheres to evidence-based chiropractic practices. Her commitment to staying current with the latest research and techniques allows her to offer the most effective and up-to-date care to her patients. Whether addressing acute injuries, chronic pain, or preventive health, she strives to help her patients achieve their health goals through gentle, precise adjustments and supportive therapies.

Dr. Ritu’s practice philosophy centers on helping the Waterloo community achieve better health and vitality through chiropractic care. She adopts a holistic approach, understanding the critical connection between the spine, nervous system, and overall health. By providing individualized care plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs and goals, she aims to empower her patients to live active, pain-free lives. She offers care in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding throughout the treatment process.

Dr. Loretta Ritu provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

• Postural Imbalances & Related Pain: Assessment and correction of postural habits that contribute to neck, back, shoulder pain, or headaches, including ergonomic advice.
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome / Trigger Points: Management of myofascial pain through various soft tissue techniques and corrective exercises.
• 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.
• Tendinitis / Tendinopathy (Various Regions): Addressing tendon pain and dysfunction to help you return to your daily activities and sports without discomfort.

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Specialized care for whiplash injuries, focusing on restoring neck mobility, reducing pain and inflammation, and addressing associated neurological symptoms.
• 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.
• Headaches (Cervicogenic, Tension-Type, Migraine Support): Relief strategies for headaches originating from neck dysfunction or muscular tension, and supportive care to reduce the frequency or intensity of certain migraines.

Specific Populations & Injury Types

• Pediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions (e.g., Growing Pains, Postural Concerns): Care for young patients, from babies with torticollis (co-management) to teens with 'text neck' or sports-related strains.
• Postpartum Musculoskeletal Issues: Helping new mothers recover optimal musculoskeletal function and comfort in the postpartum period.
• Work-Related Injuries (RSI, Lifting Injuries): Treatment and prevention strategies for injuries related to occupational tasks, including ergonomic advice and rehabilitation to support a safe return to work.
• 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.

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

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (Cold Laser): Application of specific wavelengths of light to injured tissues to reduce pain and inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair at a cellular level without generating heat.
• Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy: A specialized table-based therapy to decompress the spine and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Heat & Cryotherapy (Ice) Application: Strategic use of heat packs to relax muscles and increase blood flow, or cold packs/ice to reduce swelling, inflammation, and acute pain.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound: Ultrasound therapy to support tissue repair and pain management.
• 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).
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of gentle electrical currents (IFC or TENS) to the skin to help reduce pain, decrease muscle spasms, and promote circulation.

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

• If pain in the ball of my foot is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying shoveling snow or raking leaves without dreading the aftermath, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Loretta focuses on achieving experiencing a smoother and more comfortable postpartum recovery so you can engage in the things you love again.
• Experience the significant benefit of feeling a significant release of chronic tension and stress held in their body if you're dealing with sharp pain in my lumbar area. Dr. Loretta helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like resuming your regular early morning jogging routine around the neighborhood through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
• Dr. Loretta understands how frustrating sciatica flare-ups making walking hard can be. By aiming for improved nerve function, leading to less tingling, numbness, or weakness, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like challenging myself with rock climbing, both indoors and on real rock faces with renewed confidence.
• Imagine being able to swimming laps efficiently at the community pool for fitness without carpal tunnel symptoms flaring up holding you back. Dr. Loretta works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as improved core stability, leading to better support for their spine and reduced strain, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.

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

Dr. Ritu's practice is located at a chiropractic clinic in Waterloo, situated in the Waterloo East (Glenridge, Lincoln Heights) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, making it easily accessible for local residents. It is well-connected via Grand River Transit (GRT), including bus and ION Light Rail services, ensuring convenient transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

Chiropractors in Canada complete a rigorous post-secondary Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, which typically requires a minimum of three years of undergraduate university education followed by four years of intensive study at an accredited chiropractic college. The DC program includes comprehensive training in basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, and biomechanics, as well as clinical sciences like diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, and differential diagnosis. Chiropractic-specific subjects such as adjusting techniques and rehabilitation are also covered extensively, along with hands-on clinical internship experience. Graduates must pass demanding national and provincial board examinations to become licensed to practice.

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 may be very limited exceptions through specific government programs or if care is provided within a Community Health Centre or Family Health Team that has integrated chiropractic services, but this is rare in typical private practice. Patients are advised to check their private insurance coverage for chiropractic services.

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

Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals in all provinces, including Ontario, meaning patients 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. Patients should verify the specifics of their insurance policy.

Does our clinic offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, our clinic offers direct billing to most major private insurance companies such as Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, and Green Shield. Patients are advised to bring their insurance card or details and confirm their coverage with their insurer, as plans and coverage amounts vary. The patient is responsible for any co-payments or amounts not covered by their plan.

What are our clinic'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 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 practitioner availability.

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

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

131 Union St. E. Suite 106
Waterloo, ON N2J 1C4

Phone: (519) 570-9799

Dr. Loretta Ritu 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/2170/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fceff5

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