

Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions about our chiropractic care, clinical methods, appointment preparation, and fees.
QUESTIONS
Before a first visit
What should I wear to my first appointment?
We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely, such as gym trousers, leggings, sweatpants, or a soft cotton T-shirt. During the movement and posture examination, our clinicians will ask you to perform simple standing and seated movements so we can evaluate spinal mobility. If you are arriving directly from your office in business attire, we provide a private changing space in Suite 204 where you can change into more comfortable clothing before your appointment begins.
Do you take X-rays before adjusting?
No, we do not take routine X-rays in our clinic. Current clinical guidelines demonstrate that routine spinal imaging is rarely necessary for uncomplicated mechanical back pain, neck stiffness, or desk-related postural fatigue. We conduct a thorough physical examination and orthopaedic assessment during your sixty-minute first visit. Diagnostic imaging is only recommended when examination reveals specific neurological signs, trauma, or clinical red flags. In those rare situations, we promptly refer you to a medical physician or specialized imaging facility.
Do I need to sign up for a long prepaid package?
Absolutely not. We never ask our patients to commit to high-volume prepaid treatment packages, and we do not pressure anyone into long-term financial agreements. We offer a simple five-visit follow-up package for $340 CAD that provides a modest discount for patients undergoing an initial block of care, valid for four months. Beyond that, you are always free to pay on a visit-by-visit basis. We recommend appointment intervals based strictly on your individual recovery and clinical needs.
Can I claim visits under my extended health plan?
Yes. Most Canadian extended health insurance policies provide reimbursement coverage for licensed chiropractic care, registered massage therapy, and kinesiology sessions. After each visit, our reception team provides a comprehensive, itemized receipt containing your practitioner’s registration number, date of service, and exact treatment code. You can easily submit these receipts through your insurer’s online portal or mobile application for prompt direct reimbursement according to your policy limits.
What is the difference between a first visit and a follow-up?
Your first visit is a comprehensive sixty-minute appointment divided into four clear stages: fifteen minutes of discussion regarding your health history and work habits, fifteen minutes of postural and movement examination, twenty minutes for your initial adjustment if appropriate, and ten minutes to establish a personalized care plan. Follow-up appointments last thirty minutes and focus directly on evaluating your progress, performing targeted spinal adjustments, and fine-tuning your home exercises.
Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
Chiropractic adjustments are generally very gentle and should not cause sharp pain. Our practitioners use precise, controlled manual techniques tailored to your body type and comfort level. You may occasionally hear a light popping or clicking sound, which is simply the natural release of gas bubbles from within the synovial joint fluid. Most patients report an immediate sense of tension release and improved mobility. Some mild, temporary muscular soreness similar to starting a new exercise routine can occasionally occur.
How many visits will I need before I feel better?
Every individual responds differently based on how long their postural strain has been developing and how demanding their weekly desk routine remains. Many patients report initial symptom relief within two to four treatments. We typically suggest weekly thirty-minute appointments for three to four weeks to stabilize spinal joint mechanics and relieve muscle hypertonicity. After that initial phase, we re-evaluate your progress together and space appointments out to fortnightly or monthly maintenance visits depending on your preferences.
What happens if chiropractic care is not right for my condition?
We practice with clear clinical boundaries and believe strongly in collaborative healthcare. During your initial consultation, we conduct thorough orthopaedic and neurological screening tests. If your symptoms suggest underlying pathology, acute disc herniation with progressive nerve deficit, systemic inflammatory conditions, or other medical issues outside our scope of practice, we will inform you clearly. We will refer you directly to a family physician, medical specialist, or imaging clinic to ensure you receive the appropriate care.
How far in advance do I need to cancel or reschedule?
We require a minimum of twenty-four hours notice for all appointment cancellations or rescheduling requests. Because our practitioners reserve dedicated thirty-minute and sixty-minute time blocks for each patient, adequate notice allows us to offer open slots to individuals waiting for care. Cancellations made with less than twenty-four hours notice may be subject to a missed appointment fee. You can easily adjust your booking by calling our reception desk at +1 604 555 0142 or emailing hello@shisei.example.
Can I combine chiropractic adjustments with massage or movement coaching?
Yes, combining therapies is often an effective way to address persistent desk fatigue. While a chiropractic adjustment restores fluid movement to restricted spinal joints, registered massage therapy releases hypertonic muscle tissue, and kinesiology sessions build postural endurance and movement control. You can book forty-five-minute joint and soft-tissue treatments with our chiropractors, or schedule separate sessions with our registered massage therapist Lena Vogel or our kinesiologist Samuel Osei to support comprehensive, long-term spinal health.
Questions first? Call +1 604 555 0142 or write to hello@shisei.example. Reception is open six days a week.