Dr. Matthew R. Garofolo – Chiropractor | Etobicoke, ON

Dr. Matthew R. Garofolo is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at Hands on Health Family Chiropractic in Etobicoke, ON, he is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) standards. With a passion for helping his community achieve better health, Dr. Garofolo provides comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, focusing on spinal health and overall well-being. His approach is rooted in understanding each patient's unique needs, ensuring personalized care that promotes healing and vitality.
Dr. Garofolo's educational background includes earning his Doctor of Chiropractic from Parker University. He has accumulated extensive clinical experience and remains committed to ongoing professional development, integrating evidence-based practices into his treatments. His dedication to staying current with the latest advancements allows him to offer effective, safe, and innovative chiropractic solutions for his patients.
He believes in a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the connection between the spine, nervous system, and overall wellness. Dr. Garofolo strives to empower his patients with knowledge about their conditions and proactive strategies for maintaining long-term health. He offers care in English and is deeply involved in fostering a supportive, community-focused environment that helps individuals of all ages, from infants to seniors, improve their quality of life.

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

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

• Myofascial Pain Syndrome / Trigger Points: Identifying and treating muscular trigger points to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve range of motion.
• 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.
• 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.
• Chronic Pain Syndromes (with Biomechanical Factors): Addressing persistent pain where underlying joint dysfunction, muscle imbalance, nerve irritation, or altered movement patterns are identified as significant contributing factors.

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• Knee Pain (Osteoarthritis, Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - Conservative): Addressing biomechanical factors contributing to knee pain, helping to alleviate discomfort and improve your ability to walk, run, or climb stairs.
• IT Band Syndrome: Pain, typically on the outside of the knee or sometimes the hip, common in runners and cyclists, caused by friction and irritation of the iliotibial (IT) band.
• Plantar Fasciitis / Heel & Foot Pain: Relief from persistent heel pain and arch discomfort through a combination of manual therapies, exercises, and potentially orthotic advice.
• Hip Pain (Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinopathy): Chiropractic care focusing on improving hip joint mechanics, strengthening supporting muscles, and alleviating pain from conditions like osteoarthritis or trochanteric bursitis.

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• Neck Pain (Acute & Chronic): Discomfort, stiffness, or aching in the neck, which can arise suddenly or develop over time, often impacting daily movement and potentially referring pain to the shoulders or arms.
• Tinnitus (Cervicogenic/Somatosensory): Management strategies for tinnitus when somatic (body-related) factors, particularly from the upper cervical spine or TMJ, are suspected contributors.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Tailored rehabilitative exercises to address specific weaknesses, imbalances, or mobility restrictions.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Programs: Exercises focused on strengthening the deep muscles of your abdomen, back, and pelvis to provide better spinal support, improve posture, and reduce injury risk.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Improving your body's flexibility through targeted stretches for tight muscle groups.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Using targeted electrical stimulation to manage acute or chronic pain.
• Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Exercises: A rehabilitative approach based on developmental movement patterns to restore and stabilize locomotor function, often used for complex cases (practitioner certification dependent).
• PNF Stretching (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation): Partner-assisted or self-administered PNF techniques to enhance muscle length and joint mobility.

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

• Getting back to safely lifting and carrying heavy items at work or around the house after struggling with plantar fasciitis making walking miserable is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Matthew's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to a noticeable reduction in daily aches, allowing for more comfortable days and a return to a more active life.
• For those whose fibromyalgia pain, fatigue, and body-wide tenderness has made your morning walks with the dog a challenge, Dr. Matthew offers a path towards rediscovering the joy of hobbies without physical limitations. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
• Overcoming vertigo making the room spin when i lie down or get up to achieve a more positive outlook on their physical capabilities and future health and resume crushing your CrossFit WODs (Workout of the Day) again is a common success story at Dr. Matthew's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
• Imagine being able to performing all basic daily movements naturally, without constantly thinking about potential pain without worried about my child's posture holding you back. Dr. Matthew works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as experiencing significant relief from nagging lower back pain, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.

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

Hands on Health Family Chiropractic is situated in the central Etobicoke neighborhood of Etobicoke, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive healthcare in one visit. Easily reachable via local public transit routes, the clinic is committed to being accessible to all community members. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is chiropractic treatment, especially an adjustment, painful?

An adjustment itself is typically not painful. You might hear a 'pop' or 'crack', which is just gas being released from the joint, not bones cracking. Some people feel a bit sore the next day, like after a workout, but this is usually mild and temporary. Your Chiropractor will ensure you are as comfortable as possible.

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 delivered within a Community Health Centre or Family Health Team that has integrated chiropractic services, which is rare for typical private practice. It is important to check your private insurance coverage as well.

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

Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, meaning patients can book an appointment directly without a referral from a medical doctor. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may still require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy.

What should I expect during my first chiropractic appointment?

The first chiropractic session primarily involves assessment and understanding your needs. Dr. Garofolo will review your health history, perform physical tests, and work with you to develop a tailored treatment plan. If appropriate, treatment may begin during this visit, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Is it safe to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is generally considered safe and can be very effective for managing common musculoskeletal complaints such as back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and sciatica. Chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant women and often use modified adjustment techniques, specialized tables, or pillows to ensure comfort and safety. Some chiropractors, like Dr. Garofolo, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.

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 to ensure comprehensive care for their patients.

Hands on Health Family Chiropractic
4939 Dundas St. W.
Etobicoke, ON M9A 1B6

Phone: (416) 247-0069

Dr. Matthew R. Garofolo 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/3190/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fced6d

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