Dr. Rhys M. Shaughnessy

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

Specific Populations & Injury Types

• Sports Injuries (Acute & Overuse): Comprehensive care for athletes of all levels, including accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and targeted rehabilitation to ensure a safe and timely return to sport and prevent re-injury.
• Pediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions (e.g., Growing Pains, Postural Concerns): Supporting healthy growth and addressing common childhood musculoskeletal complaints through safe and modified chiropractic approaches.

Back & Spine Conditions

• Spondylolisthesis (Lower Grades): Supportive care to address symptoms related to vertebral slippage, helping to maintain an active lifestyle.
• Spinal Stenosis (Cervical or Lumbar - Symptomatic): Conservative management options for symptomatic spinal stenosis, aiming to reduce nerve compression and improve mobility and comfort.
• Rib Pain / Intercostal Neuralgia / Costochondritis: Management of sharp, stabbing, or aching pain associated with rib joints or the muscles and nerves between the ribs.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

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.

• Heat & Cryotherapy (Ice) Application: Strategic use of heat packs to relax muscles and increase blood flow, or cold packs/ice to reduce swelling, inflammation, and acute pain.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound: A non-invasive modality to accelerate the healing of soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains.
• Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy: Gentle spinal traction to create negative pressure within discs, promoting healing.
• Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration and pain reduction in persistent injuries.
• 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.
• 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.

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:

• Dr. Rhys frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by pain in the ball of my foot. The common goal is better tolerance for physical activity without experiencing significant post-activity pain, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, basic daily movements without thinking about pain, with greater comfort and ease.
• Patients often share how numbness and tingling in my hands, especially at night affected their ability to skiing/snowboarding all day on the slopes. With Dr. Rhys's help and a focus on feeling empowered with the knowledge and tools to maintain their spinal health, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
• For those whose elbow tendonitis from overuse has made standing and walking comfortably while attending concerts and live events a challenge, Dr. Rhys offers a path towards effectively managing chronic discomfort to enjoy daily life more fully. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
• Imagine being able to challenging myself with rock climbing, both indoors and on real rock faces without a slipped disc issue causing agony holding you back. Dr. Rhys works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as achieving better posture and feeling more upright and confident, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.

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 modern 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 access comprehensive healthcare in one visit. The location is well-served by local public transit routes, ensuring ease of transportation for patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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. Some limited exceptions may exist if care is delivered within specific government-funded programs or in certain community health settings, but these are uncommon for typical private practice. Patients are advised to check their private insurance plans for comprehensive coverage.

Is chiropractic treatment, especially an adjustment, painful?

An adjustment itself is typically not painful. You might hear a 'pop' or 'crack', which is just gas being released from the joint, not bones cracking. Some people feel a bit sore the next day, similar to after a workout, but this is usually mild and temporary. Dr. Shaughnessy ensures patient comfort during all procedures.

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 usually requires at least three years of undergraduate university education followed by four years of intensive study at an accredited chiropractic college. The program includes comprehensive training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, differential diagnosis, and chiropractic-specific techniques. Graduates must pass demanding national and provincial licensing examinations before they can practice.

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), manual therapies, exercise, and lifestyle counseling to relieve pain, restore function, and support the body's natural healing ability. It is effective for issues like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint problems.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my chiropractic appointment?

It’s best to wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing that allows ease of movement. Athletic wear, leggings, comfortable pants, and a t-shirt are recommended. This helps your Chiropractor assess posture and perform necessary examinations or treatments. You may be asked to change into a gown for certain parts of the examination if needed.

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

In all provinces including Ontario, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, meaning you 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. It is advisable to check the specifics of your insurance policy.

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

Phone: (705) 327-7463

Dr. Rhys M. 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/7180/10/63a5c3abbe6fc906d5f1c814

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