Dr. Michael J. Shaughnessy – Chiropractor | Orillia, ON

Dr. Michael J. Shaughnessy is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at Orillia Chiropractic in Orillia, ON, he is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) standards. With a focus on providing comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment, Dr. Shaughnessy addresses a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, emphasizing spinal health and overall well-being. His approach is compassionate and personalized, ensuring each patient feels valued and understood as they work towards better health.

He completed his Doctor of Chiropractic from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. With extensive clinical experience, Dr. Shaughnessy is committed to ongoing professional development and adheres to evidence-based chiropractic practices. His training and dedication ensure that patients receive safe, effective, and current treatment options tailored to their unique needs.

Dr. Shaughnessy believes in a holistic approach to health, understanding the connection between the spine, nervous system, and overall well-being. He provides care for patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, always aiming to empower individuals to achieve their health goals. He offers care in English, ensuring clear communication and a supportive environment for his diverse patient community.

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

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• Headaches (Cervicogenic, Tension-Type, Migraine Support): Relief strategies for headaches originating from neck dysfunction or muscular tension, and supportive care to reduce the frequency or intensity of certain migraines.
• TMJ / Jaw Pain (Temporomandibular Disorders - TMD): Addressing the biomechanical factors contributing to TMD, helping to alleviate muscle tension around the jaw and restore comfortable movement.
• Dizziness & Vertigo (Cervicogenic & BPPV Management): Helping you find relief from certain types of dizziness and vertigo by addressing underlying musculoskeletal or vestibular (inner ear) causes.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of symptoms including neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness following a sudden acceleration-deceleration injury, typically from a car accident.

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• 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: Addressing buttock and leg pain that may be related to muscular tightness deep in the gluteal region.
• Achilles Tendinopathy: Helping you recover from Achilles tendinitis/tendinosis and return to activities like running or jumping without pain.

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

• Fibromyalgia (Pain & Stiffness Management): As part of a multidisciplinary approach, chiropractic care can help manage the widespread musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, fatigue, and tender points associated with fibromyalgia.
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome / Trigger Points: Management of myofascial pain through various soft tissue techniques and corrective exercises.

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

• Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive treatment using acoustic waves to stimulate healing in chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendinopathies, and calcifications (if offered).
• Therapeutic Ultrasound: A non-invasive modality to accelerate the healing of soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (Cold Laser): Application of specific wavelengths of light to injured tissues to reduce pain and inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair at a cellular level without generating heat.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of gentle electrical currents (IFC or TENS) to the skin to help reduce pain, decrease muscle spasms, and promote circulation.
• Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy: Motorized traction therapy that gently stretches the spine, relieving pressure on intervertebral discs and nerves, often used for herniated discs and sciatica.
• Heat & Cryotherapy (Ice) Application: Applying therapeutic heat or cold to manage pain and inflammation as part of your treatment plan.

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

• Patients often share how neck pain and stiffness after the accident affected their ability to going on peaceful fishing or challenging hunting trips. 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.
• Overcoming pulled muscles from lifting something heavy to achieve being able to actively keep up with their children or grandchildren and resume dressing myself quickly and easily in the morning without any awkward movements is a common success story at Dr. Michael's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
• Imagine being able to dancing at weddings and social events without painful ribs when breathing deep or twisting holding you back. Dr. Michael works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as a greater sense of control over their symptoms and physical well-being, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.
• Many individuals visit Dr. Michael because they are tired of dealing with migraines that seemed linked to my neck stiffness. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve living with significantly less pain and greater freedom of movement and get back to enjoying important activities like gracefully ice skating with your family during the winter months.

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

Dr. Shaughnessy's practice at Orillia Chiropractic is situated in a welcoming clinic located in the heart of the central Orillia neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to integrate their visits into their daily routines. Accessibility is a priority, with the clinic readily reachable via local public transit routes. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

Chiropractors in Canada complete a rigorous post-secondary Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, which typically requires a minimum of three years of undergraduate university education followed by four years of intensive study at an accredited chiropractic college. The program includes comprehensive training in basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, and biomechanics, as well as clinical sciences like diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, and differential diagnosis. Chiropractic-specific subjects like adjusting techniques and rehabilitation are also integral. The education involves extensive hands-on clinical internship experience, and graduates must pass demanding national and provincial board examinations to become licensed practitioners.

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

No, 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 referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check the specifics of their individual insurance policies.

What is that 'cracking' or 'popping' sound during an adjustment?

This sound is a common and usually harmless phenomenon called joint cavitation. When a joint is gapped during an adjustment, the pressure inside decreases, allowing dissolved gases in the joint fluid to form a bubble that quickly collapses, creating the 'pop'. It does not mean bones are cracking, and many effective adjustments occur without any sound at all.

What are Orillia Chiropractic's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with some early morning or evening appointments available on select days. We may also offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Please call our office or check our website for the most current hours and practitioner availability.

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, but this is rare for typical private practice. Patients should verify coverage with their private insurance plans and check for any updates or changes in policy.

What is chiropractic care and how can it help me?

Chiropractic is a healthcare profession focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system, primarily the spine, and their effects on overall health. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation (adjustments) and other manual therapies, along with exercise and lifestyle counseling, to relieve pain, restore function, and support the body's natural healing ability. It can help with issues like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint problems in the arms or legs.

Is chiropractic treatment, especially an adjustment, painful?

Chiropractic adjustments are generally not painful. Many patients experience immediate relief or an improved sense of movement. Some may experience mild, temporary soreness or aching, similar to after starting a new exercise. Your Chiropractor will communicate throughout and tailor techniques for your comfort. Any discomfort usually subsides quickly, often within 24 hours.

Orillia Chiropractic
37 Westmount Drive North
Orillia, ON L3V 6B9

Phone: (705) 327-7463

Dr. Michael J. Shaughnessy 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/1770/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcee0c

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