About
Dr. Lucas J. Szczepanik is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Wagner Chiropractic Health & Wellness Centre in Strathroy, ON. He is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO). Dr. Szczepanik specializes in delivering comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, with a focus on spinal health and overall well-being. His approach emphasizes natural healing methods and individualized care, ensuring each patient receives tailored treatment plans that address their specific health concerns.
Serving patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, Dr. Szczepanik adopts a gentle yet effective approach suited to each stage of life. Whether helping a newborn with postural concerns, assisting a young athlete recover from sports injuries, or supporting an older adult managing chronic pain, his care philosophy centers on promoting optimal function and health. With a thorough understanding of biomechanics and musculoskeletal health, Dr. Szczepanik is dedicated to fostering long-term health improvements and enhancing quality of life through evidence-based chiropractic practices.
He completed his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University. With extensive clinical experience, Dr. Szczepanik is committed to ongoing professional development, integrating the latest research and techniques into his practice. He believes in promoting natural, non-invasive healing and offers care in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding with his patients.
Dr. Lucas J. Szczepanik provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Back & Spine Conditions
- Rib Pain / Intercostal Neuralgia / Costochondritis: Care for conditions like costochondritis or rib subluxations, aiming to restore proper rib mechanics and alleviate chest wall or mid-back discomfort.
- Low Back Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic): A common ailment causing pain, muscle tension, or stiffness in the lower back, ranging from a dull ache to sharp, debilitating pain, impacting daily activities.
- Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain): Pain and tenderness at the very bottom of the spine (coccyx or tailbone), often aggravated by sitting or direct pressure.
- Spinal Stenosis (Cervical or Lumbar - Symptomatic): Conservative management options for symptomatic spinal stenosis, aiming to reduce nerve compression and improve mobility and comfort.
Specific Populations & Injury Types
- Pediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions (e.g., Growing Pains, Postural Concerns): Gentle chiropractic care for infants, children, and adolescents, focusing on issues like non-specific growing pains, postural imbalances, recovery from minor sports injuries, or concerns related to spinal development, using age-appropriate techniques.
- Postpartum Musculoskeletal Issues: Rehabilitation focused on restoring pelvic and spinal alignment, core strength, and addressing pain after delivery.
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.
- Headaches (Cervicogenic, Tension-Type, Migraine Support): Pain in the head, often linked to neck issues (cervicogenic), muscle tension (tension-type), or as a component that chiropractic care can help manage in certain migraine cases by addressing musculoskeletal triggers.
- Tinnitus (Cervicogenic/Somatosensory): Management strategies for tinnitus when somatic (body-related) factors, particularly from the upper cervical spine or TMJ, are suspected contributors.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Szczepanik can assess your needs.
- Graston Technique® / IASTM: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) using specially designed stainless steel tools to detect and treat fascial restrictions, scar tissue, and chronic inflammation (practitioner certification dependent).
- Myofascial Release Technique (MRT): Hands-on therapy focused on releasing tension and restrictions in muscles and their surrounding connective tissue (fascia) to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Cross-Friction Massage: Targeted deep tissue massage to improve the mobility and healing of injured ligaments and tendons.
- Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Using targeted electrical stimulation to manage acute or chronic pain.
- Active Release Techniques (ART®): Specialized manual therapy combining precise pressure with active patient movements to resolve soft tissue restrictions.
- Trigger Point Therapy: Application of focused pressure to specific hyperirritable spots (trigger points) within muscles to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and restore normal muscle function.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Szczepanik. 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 Wagner Chiropractic Health & Wellness Centre, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Szczepanik frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Many individuals visit Dr. Lucas because they are tired of dealing with that pinched nerve feeling shooting down my arm/leg. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve experiencing a smoother and more comfortable postpartum recovery and get back to enjoying important activities like going on peaceful fishing or challenging hunting trips.
- For those whose a slipped disc issue causing agony has made getting back to your consistent strength training and weightlifting at the gym a challenge, Dr. Lucas 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.
- Dr. Lucas frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by repetitive strain injury in my arm/wrist. The common goal is regaining functional strength in previously weak or injured areas, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, horseback riding, with greater comfort and ease.
- Getting back to actively coaching your kid's soccer/hockey/baseball team from the sidelines after struggling with overall body soreness that doesn't go away is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Lucas's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control and a return to a more active life.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Szczepanik, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Wagner Chiropractic Health & Wellness Centre is situated in the 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 setting. The practice is accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring convenient transportation options for all visitors. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- Do chiropractors provide exercises or stretches?
- Yes, exercises and stretches are an integral part of many chiropractic treatment strategies. Your Chiropractor will likely show you specific movements to do at home to help speed up your recovery, maintain your progress, and prevent the problem from returning.
- 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.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in ON?
- In Ontario, 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 still require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients should check the specifics of their individual insurance policies.
- What should I expect during my first chiropractic appointment?
- The first chiropractic session is primarily about assessment and understanding your needs. Your Chiropractor will ask about your health background and perform various physical tests. The aim is to identify the cause of your problem so a tailored treatment plan can be created with you. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, and if indicated, treatment may begin on this first visit.
- How can I tell if chiropractic care is right for me?
- If you are experiencing pain, stiffness, or dysfunction related to your spine, muscles, joints, or nerves—particularly issues like back pain, neck pain, headaches, or extremity joint problems—chiropractic care may be very beneficial. Scheduling an initial consultation allows Dr. Szczepanik to perform a thorough assessment and discuss your health goals to determine if chiropractic is suitable for your condition.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Ontario's Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) generally does not cover chiropractic services performed in private clinics. There may be 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, but this is rare. Patients are advised to verify their private insurance coverage for chiropractic care, as many plans offer substantial benefits.
Wagner Chiropractic Health & Wellness Centre
25 Centre Street West
Strathroy, ON N7G 1T5
Phone: (519) 245-0946
Dr. Lucas J. Szczepanik 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/3910/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcf4de
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.