Dr. Mark M. Belisle is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Essex Chiropractic/Rehabilitation & Massage Therapy in Essex, 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. Belisle specializes in 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 personalized care, aiming to improve function, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life for each patient. Serving patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, Dr. Belisle adopts a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system to promote optimal health.
He completed his Doctor of Chiropractic from Logan University, where he gained extensive clinical experience and a solid foundation in evidence-based chiropractic practices. Dr. Belisle is dedicated to ongoing professional development, continually updating his skills to incorporate the latest techniques and research into his practice. His commitment to excellence ensures that patients receive safe, effective, and individualized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs and health goals.
Dr. Belisle’s practice philosophy centers on providing individualized care plans that are tailored to each patient's unique health goals and needs. He emphasizes a holistic approach to health, recognizing the vital connection between the spine, nervous system, and overall well-being. His goal is to empower patients through education about their conditions and proactive strategies for maintaining health. He is fluent in French and English, allowing him to effectively communicate with a diverse patient population and ensure understanding and comfort throughout the care process.
Dr. Mark M. Belisle provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
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.
- 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.
General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions
- Postural Imbalances & Related Pain: Helping you achieve better posture to alleviate pain, improve breathing, and enhance overall physical well-being.
- Bursitis (Various Regions): Inflammation of a bursa (a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints), causing localized pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling.
- Scoliosis (Functional & Pain Management): Tailored exercise and manual therapy approaches to support individuals living with scoliosis.
- Chronic Pain Syndromes (with Biomechanical Factors): A holistic approach to managing chronic pain by looking at the whole body's mechanics and nervous system function.
Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions
- Dizziness & Vertigo (Cervicogenic & BPPV Management): Assessment and treatment for dizziness originating from neck dysfunction, and management of BPPV symptoms using specific repositioning techniques where appropriate.
- Neck Pain (Acute & Chronic): Addressing the underlying causes of your neck pain, helping to alleviate muscle tension, improve joint function, and prevent future recurrences.
- Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Specialized care for whiplash injuries, focusing on restoring neck mobility, reducing pain and inflammation, and addressing associated neurological symptoms.
- Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in Neck): Relief for 'pinched nerve' symptoms in the arm through chiropractic care aimed at decompressing the affected nerve root in the neck and restoring function.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Belisle can assess your needs.
- Flexion-Distraction Therapy (e.g., Cox® Technic): A gentle, non-force adjusting procedure using a specialized table that flexes and distracts the spine, often effective for disc-related conditions and spinal stenosis.
- Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT®): A specialized method aimed at optimizing cerebrospinal fluid flow and neurological integrity through craniosacral adjustments.
- Thompson Drop-Table Technique: A gentle adjusting method using a specialized table with sections that drop slightly, allowing for precise adjustments with minimal force.
- Activator Methods® Technique: Precise and gentle corrections delivered with a handheld adjusting instrument.
- Gonstead Technique: A highly specific and detailed approach to spinal analysis and adjustment.
- Diversified Technique: Classic chiropractic adjustments characterized by precise, gentle thrusts to correct joint dysfunction.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Belisle. 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 Essex Chiropractic/Rehabilitation & Massage Therapy, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Belisle frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Overcoming tennis elbow pain making gripping hard to achieve more efficient and comfortable movement patterns during daily activities and resume strength training at the gym is a common success story at Dr. Mark's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
- Many individuals visit Dr. Mark because they are tired of dealing with arthritis in my knee making it ache constantly. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve maintaining their independence and an active lifestyle as they age and get back to enjoying important activities like your regular exercise routine at home.
- Dr. Mark frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by whiplash from a car accident. The common goal is feeling less 'locked up' or stiff after periods of sitting or inactivity, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, enjoying therapeutic horseback riding sessions, with greater comfort and ease.
- For those whose a frozen shoulder limiting my movement severely has made shooting hoops at the local court a challenge, Dr. Mark offers a path towards returning to their favorite sports and activities sooner and with more confidence. 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. Belisle, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Dr. Belisle's practice at Essex Chiropractic/Rehabilitation & Massage Therapy is situated in a well-located clinic in the central Essex neighborhood of Essex, ON. The clinic is conveniently accessible and positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to combine their chiropractic visits with other errands or appointments. The clinic is well-connected via local public transit routes, facilitating easy access for those using bus or other transit options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.
- 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, even if it is not legally necessary to see the Chiropractor. Patients are advised to check the specifics of their individual insurance policies.
- What should I expect during my first chiropractic appointment?
- During your initial chiropractic appointment, Dr. Belisle will 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, he 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.
- Can children and babies receive chiropractic care?
- Absolutely. 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 parents seek chiropractic care for their children include concerns related to posture, after minor falls or sports-related tumbles, supporting overall spinal health during growth spurts, or for issues like colic or feeding difficulties in infants where gentle musculoskeletal approaches may be supportive.
- What kind of clothing should I wear to my chiropractic appointment?
- It is best to wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing that allows for ease of movement. Athletic wear, leggings, comfortable pants, and a t-shirt are generally suitable. This allows Dr. Belisle to easily assess your posture and movement, and perform any necessary examinations or treatments. You may be asked to change into a gown for certain parts of the examination if needed.
- What does a chiropractor mean by a 'subluxation' or 'joint restriction'?
- In chiropractic, a 'vertebral subluxation' or 'joint restriction' (also sometimes called joint dysfunction) refers to a spinal or extremity joint that has lost its normal position or motion. This can irritate surrounding nerves, muscles, and tissues, potentially leading to pain, inflammation, reduced mobility, or other symptoms. The goal of a chiropractic adjustment is to correct these restrictions and restore proper joint function.
- 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 are very 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 in private practice. Patients are strongly advised to check with their private insurance providers for coverage details.
- What are the typical phases of chiropractic care?
- Typically, chiropractic care involves an initial phase aimed at relieving acute symptoms, followed by a rehabilitative phase to address underlying causes, improve function, and strengthen affected areas. Many patients then choose maintenance or wellness care, which involves periodic check-ups to sustain progress and prevent future issues. The exact plan is tailored to each individual’s needs and goals.
Essex Chiropractic/Rehabilitation & Massage Therapy
316 Talbot Street North Unit #7
Essex, ON N8M 2E1
Phone: (519) 776-7683
Dr. Mark M. Belisle 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/4330/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcf6d5
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.