Dr. Stephanie A. Harrison

Dr. Stephanie A. Harrison provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

• Chronic Pain Syndromes (with Biomechanical Factors): Helping individuals with long-standing pain find relief and improved function by addressing treatable biomechanical components.
• Muscle Strains & Ligament Sprains (Various Regions): Comprehensive care for acute muscle and ligament injuries, focusing on reducing inflammation, promoting optimal healing, and restoring strength and flexibility.

Specific Populations & Injury Types

• Pregnancy-Related Musculoskeletal Pain: Management of common musculoskeletal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as low back pain, pelvic girdle pain (including symphysis pubis dysfunction), sciatica, and rib pain, using safe and gentle techniques.
• 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.
• Postpartum Musculoskeletal Issues: Rehabilitation focused on restoring pelvic and spinal alignment, core strength, and addressing pain after delivery.

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• Dizziness & Vertigo (Cervicogenic & BPPV Management): Sensations of unsteadiness, spinning, or lightheadedness that can be related to neck problems (cervicogenic dizziness) or inner ear crystal displacement (BPPV, if trained in repositioning maneuvers).
• Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in Neck): Addressing the source of nerve irritation in your neck to alleviate radiating arm pain, pins and needles, or muscle weakness.
• 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.

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

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise programs including stretching, strengthening, and stabilization exercises designed to support your recovery, prevent re-injury, and improve overall function.
• Radiographic (X-ray) Imaging & Analysis: Utilizing X-ray imaging, if necessary, to get a clear picture of your spinal health and guide precise treatment.
• Postural Assessment & Correction Planning: Detailed analysis of your standing and sitting posture to identify imbalances and provide targeted advice and exercises for correction and pain prevention.
• Functional Movement Screening (e.g., FMS™, SFMA™): Movement pattern analysis to understand how your body functions during common activities and sports.
• Comprehensive Chiropractic Examination: Complete neuromusculoskeletal evaluation to identify biomechanical issues, nerve interferences, and areas of dysfunction.
• Surface Electromyography (sEMG) Scan: Non-invasive scanning technology used to measure electrical activity in muscles, helping to identify areas of abnormal muscle tone or imbalance along the spine (if offered).

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

• Dr. Stephanie understands how frustrating sharp pain around my rib cage can be. By aiming for enhanced athletic performance due to improved biomechanics and reduced restrictions, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like cycling with your local club with renewed confidence.
• Getting back to long hikes in the mountains on weekends after struggling with chronic pain from a previous accident is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Stephanie's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to achieving better posture and feeling more upright and confident and a return to a more active life.
• Dr. Stephanie frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by coccyx pain after a fall. The common goal is being able to actively keep up with their children or grandchildren, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, getting in and out of the car without wincing, with greater comfort and ease.
• Imagine being able to spending hours gardening and landscaping without pain the next day without trouble turning my head without pain holding you back. Dr. Stephanie works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as being able to sit for longer periods comfortably, whether for work or leisure, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.

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

Located in the Audley South, Duffins Bay neighborhood of Ajax, Durham Sport and Wellness offers convenient access for residents in the Durham region. The clinic is situated near Harwood Centre, making it easy to find and reach. It is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT), ensuring public transportation options are available for your convenience. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

We recommend wearing clothing that you can move comfortably in, such as gym attire or loose pants and a top. This helps with the physical examination and any active components of your treatment.

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. Harrison to perform a thorough assessment, discuss your health goals, and determine if chiropractic treatment or another approach is best suited to your needs.

Is chiropractic treatment, especially an adjustment, painful?

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

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. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation (adjustments), manual therapies, exercise, and lifestyle counseling to relieve pain, restore function, and support your body's natural healing ability. It can help with issues like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint problems in your arms or legs.

Is chiropractic care covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, OHIP generally does not cover chiropractic services in private clinics for most of the population. Some limited exceptions may exist if care is provided within a Community Health Centre or Family Health Team that has integrated chiropractic services, but this is rare. Most patients rely on private insurance for coverage. It is recommended to check your specific insurance plan for details.

Is it safe to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is generally considered safe and can be very effective for managing common musculoskeletal complaints such as back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and sciatica. Chiropractors are trained to work safely with pregnant women, using modified techniques and specialized tables or pillows to ensure comfort and safety for both mother and baby. Some chiropractors, like Dr. Harrison, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.

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

Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals in Ontario, meaning you 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. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy for specific requirements.

Durham Sport and Wellness
255 Salem Rd. South, Unit #6
Ajax, ON L1Z 0B1

Phone: (905) 683-1616

Dr. Stephanie A. Harrison 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/3990/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcf552

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