Dr. Mackenzie R. Thurston – Chiropractor | Bracebridge, ON

Dr. Mackenzie R. Thurston is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at Parkwood Chiropractic Centre in Bracebridge, ON, she is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) standards. With a compassionate approach, Dr. Thurston provides comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, focusing on spinal health and overall well-being. She believes in empowering her patients through education and personalized care to promote lasting health improvements. Serving the Bracebridge community, she strives to create a welcoming environment where patients of all ages feel valued and supported.

She completed her Doctor of Chiropractic from New York Chiropractic College. With clinical experience, she is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based chiropractic practices. Dr. Thurston stays current with the latest research and techniques to ensure her patients receive the most effective and safe treatments available. Her dedication to excellence is evident in her thorough assessments and tailored treatment plans designed to meet each patient’s unique needs.

Dr. Thurston’s practice philosophy centers on promoting natural, non-invasive healing and optimal body function. She provides individualized care plans tailored to each patient’s health goals and needs, helping the Bracebridge community achieve better health and vitality through chiropractic care. She offers care in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding with her patients, fostering a trusting and collaborative relationship.

Dr. Mackenzie R. Thurston provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• IT Band Syndrome: Treatment for IT band friction syndrome, focusing on releasing tension in the IT band and associated muscles, correcting biomechanics, and reducing inflammation.
• Ankle Sprains & Instability: Rehabilitation for acute ankle sprains and management of chronic ankle instability to restore strength, balance, and prevent recurrent injuries.

Back & Spine Conditions

• 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.
• 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): Helping to reduce tailbone pain and improve comfort during daily activities like sitting.
• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction / Pain: Restoring proper motion and stability to the SI joints to alleviate pain and improve pelvic biomechanics.

Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions

• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) of the Upper Limb: Relief for symptoms caused by overuse of the hands, wrists, and arms in work or daily activities.
• Tennis Elbow / Golfer's Elbow (Epicondylitis): Treatment for lateral or medial epicondylitis, focusing on reducing tendon strain, alleviating pain, and restoring grip strength.
• Nerve Entrapments (e.g., Thoracic Outlet, Cubital Tunnel): Conditions where nerves in the shoulder, arm, or elbow area become compressed or irritated, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand.

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

• Sports Injury Management & Performance Optimization: Specialized chiropractic care for sports-related conditions and athletic enhancement.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized stretching routines to alleviate stiffness and improve tissue extensibility.
• PNF Stretching (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation): Advanced stretching techniques that involve both stretching and contracting muscle groups to quickly achieve greater flexibility and range of motion.
• Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Exercises: Exercises based on the principles of DNS to improve movement quality and core stability.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A specific set of exercises designed by your chiropractor to help you recover faster and stay healthy.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Programs: Targeted training to build a strong and stable core, essential for back health and efficient movement.

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

• Imagine being able to participating in sailing regattas or leisurely boating activities without waking up with a stiff neck holding you back. Dr. Mackenzie works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as participating more fully in family life and social engagements without pain being a constant distraction, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.
• Dr. Mackenzie frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by painful elbow joint. The common goal is feeling less pain sensitivity in previously tender areas, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, playing recreational hockey with your team, with greater comfort and ease.
• For those whose feeling unbalanced and like one side is higher has made your weekly spin class a challenge, Dr. Mackenzie offers a path towards feeling more comfortable and supported throughout pregnancy. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
• Dr. Mackenzie understands how frustrating growing pains keeping my kid awake can be. By aiming for enhanced athletic performance due to improved biomechanics and reduced restrictions, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like gracefully ice skating with your family during the winter months with renewed confidence.

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

Dr. Thurston's practice at Parkwood Chiropractic Centre is situated in the central Bracebridge neighborhood of Bracebridge. The clinic is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access quality chiropractic care. It 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.

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, so it's advisable to check the specifics of your insurance policy.

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

Generally, OHIP does not cover chiropractic services in private clinics for most residents. 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. It is recommended to verify coverage with private insurance providers.

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 gentle and appropriate for each 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 spurts, or for issues like colic or feeding difficulties in infants, where gentle musculoskeletal approaches may be helpful.

How long do chiropractic appointments usually last?

The initial consultation, which includes a detailed history and examination, typically lasts around an hour. Follow-up appointments involving adjustments and therapies are usually 15-20 minutes, depending on your personalized treatment plan.

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

X-rays are not routinely required for every patient. Dr. Thurston will conduct a thorough history and physical examination to determine if imaging is necessary. Imaging is typically recommended to rule out serious conditions such as fractures or significant spinal pathology, or if your condition is not improving as expected. All imaging is performed following established guidelines to minimize radiation exposure.

Do chiropractors provide exercises or stretches?

Yes, most chiropractors incorporate rehabilitative exercises and stretches into their treatment plans to support adjustments, correct muscle imbalances, and empower patients to manage their health effectively.

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

A 'vertebral subluxation' or 'joint restriction' refers to a spinal or extremity joint that has lost its normal position or motion. This can irritate surrounding nerves and tissues, leading to pain, inflammation, or reduced mobility. The goal of chiropractic adjustments is to correct these restrictions and restore proper joint function.

Parkwood Chiropractic Centre
166A Manitoba Street
Bracebridge, ON P1L 2E2

Phone: (705) 646-8887

Dr. Mackenzie R. Thurston 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/6100/10/5a37e25a33579a67356589ac

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