About
Dr. Raymond Makortoff is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at Mount Sentinel Chiropractic Corporation in Castlegar, BC, Raymond is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC) standards. He approaches each patient with compassion and a genuine desire to improve their health and well-being, fostering a warm and welcoming environment in his community-focused practice. His goal is to help individuals of all ages achieve optimal movement and vitality through personalized chiropractic care.
Dr. Makortoff's focus encompasses a wide range of health concerns, with a special interest in managing sports injuries and enhancing athletic performance for individuals of all activity levels. He also addresses headaches and TMJ (jaw) dysfunction through targeted chiropractic approaches. As part of his comprehensive family wellness philosophy, Dr. Makortoff provides care for members across different life stages, including pregnancy and senior care, recognizing the unique needs of each patient. He strives to empower his patients with knowledge and strategies to maintain their health long-term.
With a solid background in evidence-based practices, Dr. Raymond Makortoff completed his Doctor of Chiropractic degree and has accumulated valuable clinical experience. He is dedicated to ongoing professional development, ensuring his treatment methods are current and effective. His expertise includes sports injury rehabilitation, headache and TMJ disorder management, family chiropractic care, and postural correction and ergonomics. Dr. Makortoff offers care in English, and his practice is rooted in a philosophy of empowering patients through individualized treatment plans tailored to their specific health goals and needs.
Dr. Raymond Makortoff 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.
- Neck Pain (Acute & Chronic): Addressing the underlying causes of your neck pain, helping to alleviate muscle tension, improve joint function, and prevent future recurrences.
- 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.
General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions
- Tendinitis / Tendinopathy (Various Regions): Inflammation, irritation, or degeneration of a tendon (the tough fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones), leading to pain and tenderness near a joint, often from overuse or repetitive stress.
- Scoliosis (Functional & Pain Management): Chiropractic strategies to help alleviate discomfort and improve spinal mechanics in cases of functional scoliosis or pain related to structural scoliosis.
- Muscle Strains & Ligament Sprains (Various Regions): Helping you recover from common injuries like a pulled hamstring, twisted ankle, or strained back muscle.
- Postural Imbalances & Related Pain: Assessment and correction of postural habits that contribute to neck, back, shoulder pain, or headaches, including ergonomic advice.
Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions
- Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Issues, Impingement, Bursitis): Chiropractic care aimed at improving shoulder mechanics, reducing pain, and restoring function for activities like lifting or reaching.
- 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.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Makortoff can assess your needs.
- Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Rehabilitation: Helping you recover from MVA-related injuries with a tailored treatment plan.
- Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription: Biomechanical assessment of your feet and gait, followed by casting or scanning for custom-made foot orthotics to address foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back pain related to foot mechanics.
- Sports Injury Management & Performance Optimization: Comprehensive care for athletes including diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries, with strategies to enhance performance and prevent future injuries.
- Kinesiology Taping / Athletic Taping: Taping for pain relief, joint stability, and enhanced proprioception during activity.
- Concussion Management & Rehabilitation: Supporting recovery from concussion through targeted therapies and guided return-to-play/learn strategies.
- Nutritional & Lifestyle Counselling: Holistic advice to empower you to make positive changes for better health.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Makortoff. 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 British Columbia (CCBC).
At Mount Sentinel Chiropractic Corporation, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Makortoff frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- For those whose my posture just feeling 'off' and uncomfortable has made seriously training for a half-marathon/marathon, hitting your mileage goals a challenge, Dr. Raymond offers a path towards experiencing significant relief from nagging lower back pain. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
- If feeling like the tin man needing oil is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying standing and walking comfortably while attending concerts and live events, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Raymond focuses on achieving better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control so you can engage in the things you love again.
- Overcoming pain in the ball of my foot to achieve effectively managing chronic discomfort to enjoy daily life more fully and resume horseback riding is a common success story at Dr. Raymond's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
- Patients often share how a rib feeling like it's out of place affected their ability to getting a full night's restful sleep. With Dr. Raymond's help and a focus on experiencing a smoother and more comfortable postpartum recovery, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Makortoff, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Mount Sentinel Chiropractic Corporation, where Dr. Raymond Makortoff practices, is situated in the heart of Castlegar in a modern, welcoming clinic located in the central neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive care in one place. It is accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring that those who rely on public transportation can reach us with ease. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- 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—particularly issues like back pain, neck pain, headaches, or extremity joint problems—chiropractic care may be very beneficial. Scheduling an initial consultation allows Dr. Raymond Makortoff to perform a thorough assessment, discuss your health goals, and determine if chiropractic treatment is suitable or if another approach might better address your specific condition.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- In British Columbia, MSP provides limited coverage for chiropractic services, often through supplementary benefits for eligible individuals, such as those on Premium Assistance. Most patients will have a co-payment, and coverage is typically limited to a certain number of visits per year. It is important to verify your specific eligibility and coverage details directly with MSP and consult your private insurance provider for additional benefits.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in BC?
- No. Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, and patients can book an appointment directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients should check their insurance policy details to confirm.
- What are Mount Sentinel Chiropractic Corporation's operating hours?
- Mount Sentinel Chiropractic Corporation 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.
- Does Mount Sentinel Chiropractic Corporation offer direct billing to private insurance companies?
- Yes, our clinic offers direct billing to most major private insurance providers such as Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, and Green Shield. Patients are advised to bring their insurance card and confirm their coverage with their insurer, as plans and benefit amounts vary. Any co-payments or amounts not covered are the patient's responsibility.
- How long do chiropractic appointments usually last?
- The initial appointment generally lasts about an hour, including a full assessment. Follow-up treatments are typically 15 to 20 minutes, with your Chiropractor advising on the appropriate duration based on your needs.
- Is chiropractic treatment, especially an adjustment, painful?
- Most patients find chiropractic adjustments to be comfortable. The goal is to reduce pain and improve function. While there may be a brief sensation of pressure, it is rarely painful. Your Chiropractor will tailor the force and technique to your comfort and needs, and any temporary soreness usually resolves quickly.
Mount Sentinel Chiropractic Corporation
2041 Columbia Avenue
Castlegar, BC V1N 2W9
Phone: (250) 472-7400
Dr. Raymond Makortoff is regulated by the Health Professions Act in BC and is a member of the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC).
Verify registration with the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC): https://find.bcchiro.com/code/find.php?doctor=10369
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.