Dr. Sarah C. Johnston

Dr. Sarah C. Johnston provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Back & Spine Conditions

• Sciatica & Lumbar Radiculopathy (Radiating Leg Pain): Targeted treatment for conditions causing 'pinched nerve' sensations down the leg, helping to reduce pain and restore normal nerve function.
• Herniated, Protruded, or Bulging Discs (Symptomatic): Non-surgical approaches to manage symptoms associated with spinal disc injuries, focusing on reducing nerve irritation and promoting a healing environment.
• 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.
• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) / Spondylosis: Age-related 'wear and tear' changes in the spinal discs and joints that can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility. Spondylosis refers to general spinal degeneration.

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• Achilles Tendinopathy: Helping you recover from Achilles tendinitis/tendinosis and return to activities like running or jumping without pain.
• IT Band Syndrome: Helping athletes and active individuals overcome lateral knee pain related to a tight or irritated IT band.
• Knee Pain (Osteoarthritis, Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - Conservative): Aching, sharp pain, or instability in the knee, commonly resulting from cartilage degeneration (osteoarthritis), issues with how the kneecap tracks (patellofemoral pain syndrome), or certain types of meniscal (cartilage) injuries suitable for conservative care.
• Piriformis Syndrome / Deep Gluteal Pain: Pain in the buttock region, which can sometimes radiate down the leg mimicking sciatica, often caused by spasm or tightness of the piriformis muscle irritating the nearby sciatic nerve.

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.
• Geriatric Care (Mobility, Stiffness, Fall Prevention): Gentle chiropractic approaches tailored to help older adults manage age-related joint stiffness, improve mobility and balance, reduce osteoarthritis pain, and decrease the risk of falls.
• Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries (e.g., Whiplash, Back Strain): Helping you recover from the physical impact of a car accident with a tailored chiropractic care plan.

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

• Pediatric Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care tailored for babies and children, using very light and safe methods.
• Sports Injury Management & Performance Optimization: Specialized chiropractic care for sports-related conditions and athletic enhancement.
• Geriatric Chiropractic Care: Gentle adjustments and mobility exercises tailored for the aging spine and joints.
• Concussion Management & Rehabilitation: Assessment, management, and rehabilitation protocols for concussion, focusing on musculoskeletal components, cervicogenic dizziness, and a safe return to activity (requires specialized training).
• Webster Technique (for Pregnancy): Gentle chiropractic care tailored for pregnancy using the Webster Technique to promote pelvic balance.
• Prenatal & Postnatal Chiropractic Care: Modified, gentle chiropractic techniques tailored to address the unique musculoskeletal challenges faced during pregnancy (e.g., back pain, pelvic pain) and in the postpartum period.

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

• For those whose hip flexor tightness causing pain has made carrying groceries from the car a challenge, Dr. Sarah offers a path towards being able to lift everyday objects without the fear of pain or re-injury. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
• Many individuals visit Dr. Sarah because they are tired of dealing with a nagging sports injury that wasn't healing right. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve feeling like their body is functioning at its best, without the constant interference of pain and get back to enjoying important activities like your weekly soccer league game.
• Imagine being able to cooking and meal prepping for the week without a persistent knot between my shoulders holding you back. Dr. Sarah works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as getting back to work feeling more comfortable and productive, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.
• Getting back to dressing myself quickly and easily in the morning without any awkward movements after struggling with feeling 'jammed up' in my spine is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Sarah's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to experiencing a smoother and more comfortable postpartum recovery and a return to a more active life.

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

Located in the Lakeport area of St. Catharines, Dr. Johnston's chiropractic clinic is situated within the vibrant Lakeshore neighborhood. The clinic offers easy access to the Welland Canals Parkway Trail, making it convenient for patients who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic walks. The practice is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT), providing public transportation options for local patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

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 doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes, even though it is not legally necessary to see the Chiropractor. Patients are advised to check the specifics of their insurance policies.

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, which is rare for typical private practice. Patients should verify their private insurance coverage for details.

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 joint issues—chiropractic care may be very beneficial. Scheduling an initial consultation allows the Chiropractor to perform a thorough assessment, discuss your health goals, and determine whether chiropractic treatment or another approach is best suited for your condition.

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 at least three years of undergraduate university education followed by four years of intensive study at an accredited chiropractic college. Their training includes comprehensive coursework in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, and chiropractic-specific techniques. The education also involves extensive hands-on clinical internships. Graduates must pass demanding national and provincial licensing examinations to practice legally.

What are the typical phases of chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care often progresses through stages. Initially, the goal is relief care to alleviate pain. Then, corrective care aims to address the root cause and improve function. Finally, some patients opt for maintenance or wellness care, which involves periodic check-ups to sustain health, similar to routine dental visits.

What should I expect during my first chiropractic appointment?

During your first visit, the Chiropractor will review your medical history and perform a physical assessment focusing on your spine, posture, and movement. You can expect a discussion of findings, answers to your questions, and a recommended treatment plan. You may also receive your first adjustment or other therapies during this initial appointment.

147 Dalhousie Ave.
St. Catharines, ON L2N 4X6

Phone: (905) 980-4325

Dr. Sarah C. Johnston 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/3300/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcf257

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