Dr. Melissa A. Morocco is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Niagara Orthopaedic Institute in Niagara Falls, 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). With a focus on comprehensive assessment and treatment, Dr. Morocco addresses a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, emphasizing spinal health and overall well-being. Her approach is rooted in understanding each patient’s unique needs, fostering a supportive environment where individuals of all ages—ranging from infants to seniors—feel cared for and empowered in their health journey.
Dr. Morocco completed her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from New York Chiropractic College. She brings a wealth of clinical experience and a passion for ongoing professional development, ensuring her practice is grounded in evidence-based chiropractic techniques. Her commitment to continuous learning allows her to stay current with the latest advancements, providing her patients with safe and effective treatment options tailored to their specific conditions and goals.
Her practice philosophy revolves around empowering patients with knowledge about their health and promoting proactive strategies for long-term wellness. Dr. Morocco adopts a holistic approach, recognizing the intricate connection between the spine, nervous system, and overall health. She offers care in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding with her diverse patient community.
Dr. Melissa A. Morocco provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Back & Spine Conditions
- Low Back Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic): Effective treatment for various types of low back pain, whether it's a recent injury or a persistent problem, focusing on pain relief and functional restoration.
- Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain): Management strategies, including gentle manual techniques and postural advice, to relieve discomfort associated with coccyx injuries or irritation.
Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions
- Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Issues, Impingement, Bursitis): Discomfort, weakness, or limited movement in the shoulder, commonly from injury or inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, impingement of structures within the shoulder joint, or bursitis.
- 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): Pain and tenderness around the elbow joint due to overuse and inflammation of tendons, typically on the outer (tennis elbow) or inner (golfer's elbow) side of the elbow.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Gentle mobilization and specific exercises to help improve movement and reduce pain for those suffering from a frozen shoulder.
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.
- Plantar Fasciitis / Heel & Foot Pain: Sharp pain in the heel or bottom of the foot, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest, due to inflammation or degeneration of the plantar fascia.
- Hip Pain (Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinopathy): Addressing common causes of hip pain, including joint degeneration, bursitis, or tendon irritation, to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
- Piriformis Syndrome / Deep Gluteal Pain: Treatment for deep gluteal pain or piriformis syndrome, involving techniques to release the piriformis muscle and alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Morocco can assess your needs.
- Core Stability & Strengthening Programs: Targeted training to build a strong and stable core, essential for back health and efficient movement.
- PNF Stretching (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation): Partner-assisted or self-administered PNF techniques to enhance muscle length and joint mobility.
- 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).
- Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise programs including stretching, strengthening, and stabilization exercises designed to support your recovery, prevent re-injury, and improve overall function.
- Comprehensive Chiropractic Examination: Complete neuromusculoskeletal evaluation to identify biomechanical issues, nerve interferences, and areas of dysfunction.
- Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided instruction on specific stretches and flexibility exercises to improve your range of motion, reduce muscle tightness, and enhance overall movement quality.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Morocco. 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 Niagara Orthopaedic Institute, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Morocco frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Imagine being able to feeling the freedom of long motorcycle rides on open roads without trouble turning my head without pain holding you back. Dr. Melissa works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as finding that headaches are far less frequent and intense, improving focus and mood, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.
- Overcoming shoulder bursitis pain to achieve moving more freely and easily throughout their entire body and resume painting or sculpting in your studio is a common success story at Dr. Melissa's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
- For those whose trouble opening my mouth wide without pain has made gardening for hours on end a challenge, Dr. Melissa offers a path towards a better understanding of their body and how to prevent future flare-ups. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
- Dr. Melissa understands how frustrating pain on the outside of my hip (bursitis maybe?) can be. By aiming for maintaining their independence and an active lifestyle as they age, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like actively volunteering for various roles in your local community with renewed confidence.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Morocco, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Dr. Morocco's practice is situated at the Niagara Orthopaedic Institute in Niagara Falls, ON, located within the vibrant Clifton Hill Tourist Area in the Fallsview neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near Casino Niagara and is easily accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our facility is wheelchair accessible, and street parking along with nearby paid parking lots provide convenient options for visitors seeking care. This accessible location ensures that patients from the community and visitors alike can receive expert chiropractic services in a welcoming environment.
- Can children and babies receive chiropractic care?
- Absolutely. Chiropractic care is safe and can be highly beneficial for children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Techniques are always modified to be extremely gentle and appropriate for a child's age, size, and developmental stage. Many parents 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 supportive.
- 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 that often arise due to hormonal changes and shifting biomechanics. Chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant women and use modified adjustment techniques along with specialized tables or pillows to ensure comfort and safety for both mother and baby. Some chiropractors, like Dr. Morocco, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- In Ontario, OHIP generally does not cover chiropractic services provided in private clinics for most residents. 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, but these are rare. Patients are advised to check their private health insurance plans for coverage details.
- What should I expect during my first chiropractic appointment?
- The first appointment primarily involves assessment and understanding your health concerns. Dr. Morocco will ask about your medical history and perform physical tests to identify the root cause of your issues. A personalized treatment plan will be developed collaboratively, and treatment may begin on this initial visit if appropriate. This session is an opportunity to ask questions and learn how chiropractic care can support your health goals.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in ON?
- No. Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals in Ontario, meaning you can book an appointment directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral from a medical doctor for reimbursement purposes. It's advisable to check your insurance policy to confirm any specific requirements.
Niagara Orthopaedic Institute
6387 Morrison Street
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7H1
Phone: (905) 371-1939
Dr. Melissa A. Morocco 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/4920/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcf8fe
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.