About
Dr. Philip J. McAllister is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at Forward Health in Guelph, 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. McAllister addresses a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, emphasizing spinal health and overall well-being. His approach is centered on promoting natural healing processes and improving quality of life for his patients, which include individuals of all ages—from infants to seniors.
He completed his Doctor of Chiropractic degree and has accumulated extensive clinical experience. Dr. McAllister is committed to ongoing professional development and staying current with evidence-based chiropractic practices. His dedication to continual learning ensures that his patients receive the most effective and safe care, grounded in the latest research and clinical guidelines.
Dr. McAllister’s practice philosophy revolves around providing individualized care plans tailored to each patient’s unique health goals and needs. He promotes non-invasive, natural healing methods and strives to restore optimal body function. He offers care in English, ensuring clear communication and patient understanding throughout the treatment process.
Dr. Philip J. McAllister provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions
- 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.
- Tinnitus (Cervicogenic/Somatosensory): Ringing or other noises in the ear that may be related to issues in the neck (cervical spine) or jaw (TMJ), which chiropractic care can sometimes influence.
- 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.
- Headaches (Cervicogenic, Tension-Type, Migraine Support): Pain in the head, often linked to neck issues (cervicogenic), muscle tension (tension-type), or as a component that chiropractic care can help manage in certain migraine cases by addressing musculoskeletal triggers.
Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Conservative Management): Non-surgical approaches to manage carpal tunnel symptoms, including wrist and nerve mobilization, ergonomic advice, and supportive therapies.
- 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.
General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions
- Scoliosis (Functional & Pain Management): Tailored exercise and manual therapy approaches to support individuals living with scoliosis.
- 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.
- 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.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. McAllister can assess your needs.
- Gonstead Technique: A highly specific and detailed approach to spinal analysis and adjustment.
- Activator Methods® Technique: Instrument-based adjustments for a specific and gentle approach to joint care.
- 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.
- Thompson Drop-Table Technique: Low-force adjustments facilitated by a segmented 'drop piece' table to enhance joint mobilization.
- Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT®): A gentle technique focusing on the relationship between the sacrum (base of the spine) and occiput (base of the skull), often using pelvic blocks and cranial work to restore nervous system function (practitioner certification dependent).
- Diversified Technique: Classic chiropractic adjustments characterized by precise, gentle thrusts to correct joint dysfunction.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. McAllister. 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 Forward Health, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. McAllister frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Dr. Philip frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by pain behind or around my kneecap. The common goal is a better understanding of their body and how to prevent future flare-ups, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, teaching your fitness classes, with greater comfort and ease.
- Dr. Philip understands how frustrating my posture just feeling 'off' and uncomfortable can be. By aiming for living with significantly less pain and greater freedom of movement, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like sitting through long, important meetings without fidgeting or back pain with renewed confidence.
- Getting back to advancing in your martial arts training and sparring sessions after struggling with that nerve pain down the back of my leg is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Philip's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to effectively managing chronic discomfort to enjoy daily life more fully and a return to a more active life.
- Many individuals visit Dr. Philip because they are tired of dealing with pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve seeing their child appear more comfortable, settled, and mobile and get back to enjoying important activities like feeling the freedom of long motorcycle rides on open roads.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. McAllister, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Dr. McAllister's practice at Forward Health is situated in the Kortright Hills and Hanlon Creek neighborhoods of Guelph, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Guelph, making it easily accessible for residents in the area. Patients can reach the clinic via Guelph Transit, which offers reliable public transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Generally, Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover chiropractic services provided in private clinics. There may be very limited exceptions, such as care delivered within certain community health programs or hospital settings, but these are rare. Patients are advised to check with their private extended health insurance plans for coverage details and reimbursement options.
- What are the typical phases of chiropractic care?
- We often think of care in stages. First, we want to get you out of pain (relief care). Then, we work on fixing the root cause of the problem and getting your body functioning better (corrective care). After that, some people choose to come in for occasional check-ups to keep things working well (maintenance or wellness care), similar to how you'd see a dentist for regular cleanings.
- What should I expect during my first chiropractic appointment?
- Your first visit typically involves a thorough consultation and examination. Your Chiropractor will discuss your detailed health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment goals. This is followed by a comprehensive physical examination, which may include postural analysis, spinal assessment, range of motion tests, orthopedic tests, and neurological screenings. Based on these findings, your Chiropractor will discuss a diagnosis and propose a personalized treatment plan. Often, some form of treatment or advice is provided during this initial session, if appropriate.
- What is that 'cracking' or 'popping' sound during an adjustment?
- The sound is a common and usually harmless phenomenon called joint cavitation. When a joint is gapped during an adjustment, the pressure inside decreases, allowing gases in the joint fluid to form a bubble, which then quickly collapses, creating the 'pop'. Many effective adjustments occur without any sound at all, and the absence of sound does not mean the adjustment was ineffective.
- Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a Chiropractor in ON?
- Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals in Ontario, meaning patients can book an appointment directly without a referral from a medical doctor. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients should verify their individual insurance policies for specific requirements.
- What are Forward Health's operating hours?
- Forward Health 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. Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM may also be available. Please contact the clinic at (519) 123-4567 or visit our website for the most current hours and practitioner availability.
Forward Health
1030 Gordon Steet, Suite 101
Guelph, ON N1G 4X5
Phone: (519) 766-3940
Dr. Philip J. McAllister 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/1610/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcec8a
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.