About
Dr. Stephen L. Friesen is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Hometown Chiropractic in Dryden, ON. He is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO). With a compassionate approach, Dr. Friesen focuses on understanding each patient’s unique needs and crafting personalized treatment plans to support their journey toward optimal health.
Dr. Friesen’s role as a chiropractor involves providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, with a particular emphasis on spinal health and overall well-being. He serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, helping them regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life through gentle and effective chiropractic techniques.
With a solid foundation in evidence-based practices, Dr. Friesen continually updates his skills through ongoing professional development. His goal is to empower his patients with knowledge and proactive strategies for maintaining long-term health. He offers care in English, ensuring clear communication and comfort for his diverse patient community.
Dr. Stephen L. Friesen provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions
- Fibromyalgia (Pain & Stiffness Management): Gentle techniques and supportive therapies aimed at reducing pain sensitivity and improving overall comfort for individuals with fibromyalgia.
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome / Trigger Points: Identifying and treating muscular trigger points to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve range of motion.
- 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.
- Postural Imbalances & Related Pain: Discomfort, muscle strain, and joint stress resulting from poor or sustained body alignment during daily activities like sitting, standing, or working.
Back & Spine Conditions
- Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain): Helping to reduce tailbone pain and improve comfort during daily activities like sitting.
- Mid-Back Pain (Thoracic Spine Pain / Interscapular Pain): Discomfort, aching, or stiffness in the area between the shoulder blades and below the neck, often related to posture, rib joint issues, or muscle strain in the thoracic spine.
- Sciatica & Lumbar Radiculopathy (Radiating Leg Pain): Management of sciatic nerve pain and other forms of radiating leg symptoms through chiropractic care aimed at relieving pressure on the affected nerve.
Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions
- Plantar Fasciitis / Heel & Foot Pain: Sharp pain in the heel or bottom of the foot, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest, due to inflammation or degeneration of the plantar fascia.
- Hip Pain (Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinopathy): Chiropractic care focusing on improving hip joint mechanics, strengthening supporting muscles, and alleviating pain from conditions like osteoarthritis or trochanteric bursitis.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Friesen can assess your needs.
- Trigger Point Therapy: Application of focused pressure to specific hyperirritable spots (trigger points) within muscles to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and restore normal muscle function.
- 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.
- Active Release Techniques (ART®): ART® for targeted relief of soft tissue injuries and repetitive strain conditions.
- Cross-Friction Massage: A specific deep transverse massage technique applied across affected tendons or ligaments to break down adhesions, reduce scar tissue, and promote an optimal healing environment.
- Graston Technique® / IASTM: Targeted therapy with tools like Graston® to address stubborn soft tissue problems.
- Myofascial Release Technique (MRT): Hands-on therapy focused on releasing tension and restrictions in muscles and their surrounding connective tissue (fascia) to improve mobility and reduce pain.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Friesen. 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 Hometown Chiropractic, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Friesen frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Experience the significant benefit of better tolerance for physical activity without experiencing significant post-activity pain if you're dealing with that pinched nerve feeling shooting down my arm/leg. Dr. Stephen helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like enjoying your brisk morning walks with the dog, no matter the weather through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
- If constant mid-back tension behind my ribs is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying tackling challenging long hikes in the mountains on weekends with friends, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Stephen focuses on achieving waking up feeling more rested and with less morning stiffness so you can engage in the things you love again.
- Dr. Stephen understands how frustrating painful elbow joint can be. By aiming for turning their head fully and comfortably again, making driving and daily tasks easier, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like long hikes in the mountains on weekends with renewed confidence.
- Getting back to going up and down stairs effortlessly after struggling with my jaw feeling 'off track' is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Stephen's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to moving more freely and easily throughout their entire body and a return to a more active life.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Friesen, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Hometown Chiropractic is situated in the heart of Dryden's central neighborhood, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. The clinic is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, providing a seamless experience for patients who may be combining their visit with other errands or appointments. It is accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring that those without private transportation can comfortably reach us. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- Is chiropractic treatment, especially an adjustment, painful?
- Most patients find chiropractic adjustments to be a comfortable procedure. The goal is to reduce pain and improve function. While there might be a brief moment of pressure, it's rarely painful. If your muscles are very tight or joints are inflamed, you might feel some temporary soreness afterwards, but your Chiropractor will discuss this with you and tailor the force and technique to your needs.
- Is there parking available at or near Hometown Chiropractic?
- Yes, there is free patient parking available directly in front of and behind our building. Additionally, metered street parking is readily available on surrounding streets, and paid parking options are available in nearby public lots.
- Do chiropractors only treat back pain?
- It's a common misconception that chiropractors only deal with back problems. In reality, we treat a broad array of conditions affecting the body's structure and function. If you have pain or dysfunction in any joint or muscle, from your jaw to your toes, a Chiropractor may be able to help.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in ON?
- Chiropractors in Ontario 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. Patients are advised to check the specifics of their insurance policy.
- What is chiropractic care and how can it help me?
- Essentially, chiropractic care helps your body move and function better. Your Chiropractor will assess your spine and other joints for restrictions or misalignments that might be causing pain or affecting your nervous system. Through precise adjustments and other treatments, they aim to improve your mobility, reduce pain, and enhance your overall well-being, allowing you to get back to your daily activities.
- 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. There are limited exceptions, such as care provided within certain Community Health Centres or Family Health Teams where chiropractic services are integrated, but these are rare. Most patients rely on private insurance to cover chiropractic treatments. It’s advisable to check your insurance plan for specific coverage details.
Hometown Chiropractic
48 Princess Street
Dryden, ON P8N 1C7
Phone: (807) 223-7768
Dr. Stephen L. Friesen 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/3240/10/595d5ea965a9f0df10fcf31e
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.