Dr. Michael E. Merner

Dr. Michael E. Merner provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

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.
• Achilles Tendinopathy: Pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling in the Achilles tendon (the large tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone), often resulting from overuse or improper biomechanics.
• Hip Pain (Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinopathy): Discomfort in or around the hip joint, often due to wear-and-tear arthritis (osteoarthritis), inflammation of bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint), or tendon issues like gluteal tendinopathy.
• 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.

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.
• Spondylolisthesis (Lower Grades): A condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, potentially causing back pain, leg pain, or nerve compression (conservative management for lower grades).
• Mid-Back Pain (Thoracic Spine Pain / Interscapular Pain): Addressing the causes of thoracic spine pain, including joint dysfunction and muscular imbalances, to improve comfort and mobility.
• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction / Pain: Restoring proper motion and stability to the SI joints to alleviate pain and improve pelvic biomechanics.

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

• Scoliosis (Functional & Pain Management): Tailored exercise and manual therapy approaches to support individuals living with scoliosis.
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome / Trigger Points: Identifying and treating muscular trigger points to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve range of motion.

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

• Myofascial Release Technique (MRT): Targeted soft tissue work to alleviate muscle tightness, break down adhesions, and restore fascial integrity.
• 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).
• Cross-Friction Massage: Targeted deep tissue massage to improve the mobility and healing of injured ligaments and tendons.
• Comprehensive Chiropractic Examination: A thorough assessment including health history, postural analysis, spinal alignment checks, range of motion testing, orthopedic and neurological tests to determine the cause of your concern.
• Active Release Techniques (ART®): A patented, movement-based soft tissue system designed to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves by breaking down scar tissue and adhesions (practitioner certification dependent).
• Trigger Point Therapy: Direct manual pressure to release 'knots' in muscles that can cause local and referred pain.

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

• Many individuals visit Dr. Michael because they are tired of dealing with an old injury flaring up again. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve a noticeable boost in overall energy levels and vitality and get back to enjoying important activities like operating machinery or tools with precision, safely and efficiently.
• Patients often share how pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy affected their ability to advancing in your martial arts training and sparring sessions. With Dr. Michael's help and a focus on feeling more aligned and balanced in their posture, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
• Dr. Michael understands how frustrating my jaw feeling 'off track' can be. By aiming for feeling less pain sensitivity in previously tender areas, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like resuming your regular early morning jogging routine around the neighborhood with renewed confidence.
• Overcoming that nagging ache in my lower back to achieve a noticeable reduction in daily aches, allowing for more comfortable days and resume deepening your yoga and Pilates practice with improved flexibility and strength is a common success story at Dr. Michael's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.

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

Dr. Merner's practice at Complete Chiropractic Centre is situated in the vibrant South Central Windsor neighborhood of Windsor. The clinic is conveniently located near the WFCU Centre (Arena) and is easily accessible via Transit Windsor, making it simple for patients to reach their appointments. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 individuals. There may be very limited exceptions, such as care delivered within specific government programs, Community Health Centres, or Family Health Teams that have integrated chiropractic services, but these are rare. Patients are strongly advised to verify coverage with their private insurance plans and check with OHIP for any specific eligibility.

What are the typical phases of chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care typically progresses through three main phases: 1. **Initial Intensive/Relief Care:** Focuses on reducing pain, inflammation, and discomfort, often with more frequent visits. 2. **Corrective/Rehabilitative Care:** Aims to correct underlying joint dysfunction, improve muscle strength and flexibility, and restore normal movement, with decreasing visit frequency. 3. **Wellness/Maintenance Care (Optional):** For ongoing support, prevention, and overall health maintenance, with periodic visits as needed. Your Chiropractor will tailor the plan to your specific needs and goals.

What kind of education and training do chiropractors in Canada receive?

Chiropractors in Canada complete a rigorous post-secondary Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree program, which typically requires at least three years of undergraduate university education followed by four years of intensive study at an accredited chiropractic college. The program covers comprehensive training in basic sciences like anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, and biomechanics, as well as clinical sciences including diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, and differential diagnosis. It also includes extensive hands-on clinical internships. Graduates must pass demanding national and provincial licensing examinations to practice legally.

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—such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, or extremity joint issues—chiropractic care can be highly beneficial. It is recommended to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Merner, who can perform a thorough assessment, discuss your health goals, and determine whether chiropractic treatment is suitable or if another approach may be more appropriate for your condition.

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

No, in Ontario, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, meaning you can book an appointment directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may still require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy for specific requirements.

Is chiropractic treatment, especially an adjustment, painful?

Most patients find chiropractic adjustments to be a comfortable and gentle procedure. While there may be a brief moment of pressure or a popping sensation, it is rarely painful. If your muscles are tight or joints inflamed, you might experience some temporary soreness afterward, but your Chiropractor will tailor the force to your comfort level and needs.

What is Complete Chiropractic Centre's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that life happens! To accommodate all patients, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Appointments missed or canceled with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make changes.

Complete Chiropractic Centre
4100 Tecumseh Rd. E.
Windsor, ON N8W 1J8

Phone: (519) 252-1001

Dr. Michael E. Merner 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/4980/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcf935

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