FAQs

What is a Chiropractor?

A Chiropractor is a regulated health care professional who treats the disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. A Doctor of Chiropractic practices a drug-free, hands-on approach to health that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractic is a regulated health care profession in Canada. Chiropractors are specially trained to recommend rehabilitative exercises, nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling. A Chiropractor undergoes at least four years of professional study following an undergraduate university degree. Doctors of Chiropractic must also pass national and provincial board examinations. Chiropractors are one of only five classes of health care professionals in Ontario that are able to use the title Doctor, with its accompanying rights and obligations.

What is a Naturopathy?

Naturopathic medicine is a primary health care profession, which focuses on prevention and uses natural methods to promote healing. Naturopathic doctors examine, diagnose and treat patients with programs tailored to each individual and their health conditions. They use a combination of clinical nutrition, homeopathy, botanical (herbal) medicine, acupuncture, physical medicine, and lifestyle counseling, to stimulate the body's self-healing abilities. The treatment focuses on the underlying causes of illness rather than the symptoms, often eliminating or reducing the need for longterm medical care and prescription drugs.
Naturopathic medicine's focus on disease prevention, patient education, health maintenance and the natural treatment of diseases, resulting in cost-effective health care in the immediate and long term.

What is a Registered Massage Therapist?

Massage therapy is a regulated health profession in Ontario and as such, massage therapy should be performed by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). Registered Massage Therapy focuses on relieving painful muscle tension, improving circulation and increasing joint flexibility. Our Registered Massage Therapists use their skills to bring health to all of their patients.

What is a Homeopathy?

Homeopathy, or homeopathic medicine, is a medical philosophy and practice based on the idea that the body has the ability to heal itself. Homeopathy was founded in the late 1700s in Germany and has been widely practiced throughout Europe. Homeopathic medicine views symptoms of illness as normal responses of the body as it attempts to regain health. At Dr. Stana Djurdjevic & Associates, Homeopathic Medicine is practiced by the Naturopath and by the Homeopath.

Should I see a Chiropractor or a Doctor of Medicine?

Millions of Canadians rely on Chiropractic every year for conditions like acute low-back pain, neck pain and headaches. At Dr. Stana Djurdjevic & Associates we work closely with medical physicians to provide the best care for chiropractic patients. Eight out of ten Canadians will experience back pain at some point in their life, and at least one third of people in Ontario will have back pain at any given time. For many people, the pain can keep them away from work, school or even their day-to-day activities. If pain causes interruptions and restrictions in the activities of your daily life then you should consult a health care provider.

Should I see a Naturopath or a Doctor of Medicine?

Million of Canadians rely on Naturopathic care every year for common conditions like the common cold to more complex systemic diseases. At Dr. Stana Djurdjevic & Associates we work closely with medical physicians to provide the best care for our Naturopathic patients.

Does chiropractic care require a referral from an MD?

Chiropractors are legislated as primary contact health professionals in every province in Canada. This means that patients can consult them directly. No referral is needed.

Does Naturopathic Care require a referral from an MD?

Naturopaths are legislated as regulated health professionals and do not require a referral, patients can consult them directly.

Does Homeopathic Care Require a referral from an MD?

Homeopathic care does not require a referral, patients can consult the Homeopathic / Naturopathic Doctor directly.

Does Registered Massage Therapy require a referral from an MD?

Dr. Stana Djurdjevic & Associates do not require a Medical Prescription in order to offer you Registered Massage Therapy. However, third party payers, such as your extended health carrier through your employer, may require a prescription from your Medical Doctor, in order for our care to be reimbursed. It is usually required that you submit the original prescription in order to receive reimbursement. Please contact your Human Resources Office or your Extended Health Care Provider directly to find out what your policy requires.

What is involved in the first visit to a Chiropractor?

The initial Chiropractic assessment consists of a thorough health history and focused physical examination that helps the Chiropractor identify factors influencing a patient's health. The Chiropractor will then review therapies that may be used in the treatment plan. Chiropractic patients may ask their chiropractor any questions they have. A Chiropractic treatment is also performed on the first visit, unless further diagnostic tests are needed. The typical chiropractic initial assessment takes between 40 and 60 minutes.

What should I wear to the Initial assessment with the Chiropractor?

Patients should wear or bring with them comfortable clothing to change into. Depending on treatment and length of treatment, it is important to be comfortable and unrestricted by clothing.

Do I need X-rays?

The majority of Chiropractic patients who come to Dr. Stana Djurdjevic & Associates do not require x-rays to have their conditions treated effectively. X-rays are occasionally ordered by a Chiropractor in order to rule out serious conditions.

How long will my condition take to get better with Chiropractic Care?

Every case is different; however, Chiropractic patients typically notice an improvement after the first few treatments. The Chiropractor will assess progress and review the treatment plan during every patient visit.

Is Chiropractic treatment safe?

Yes. Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of muscle and joint complaints. Although Chiropractic treatment has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. The risks associated with Chiropractic Care, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following Chiropractic treatment.

How long is on-going treatment?

Following the initial exam, the Doctor or Therapist at Dr. Stana Djurdjevic & Associates will inform the patient of the extent of treatment recommended and how long it can be expected to last. The goal of the treating Doctor or Therapist is to resolve pain and reduce incidences of recurrence.

What should I wear & expect to my first Registered Massage Therapy Appointment?

Patients should dress comfortably. Depending on the part of the body that is being treated, the patient may need to undress to make this area accessible. Clean linens are provided, in a comfortable and private setting so that patient privacy is protected at all times. The patient may speak to the Registered Massage Therapist about any concerns that they may have.

What should I expect for my first visit with the Naturopathic Doctor or Homeopathic Doctor?

The initial visit can take anywhere up to 2 hours depending on the condition and in order to provide a thorough history and physical. The patient should dress comfortably and bring all relevant medical information, that pertains to their case to their first appointment.

Do Insurance plans cover services by Dr. Stana Djurdjevic & Associates?

Yes. The majority of Ontario workers have partial or full coverage for Chiropractic, Naturopathic, Acupuncture & Registered Massage Therapy in their workplace health plans. OHIP does not cover these services. The patient is provided a detailed itemized receipt listing the service provided, the accreditation of the Therapist, as well as payment details for reimbursement. We will be happy to answer any questions that the patient or the Insurance Company has.

Why do Dr. Stana Djurdjevic & Associates prescribe exercises?

One of the most crucial parts of a successful chiropractic treatment plan is what the patient does outside of the clinic. That is why exercise rehabilitation is a key element of treatment by a Chiropractor.

Why do we need to sign for Informed consent?

Prior to starting treatment with any Doctor or therapist at Dr. Stana Djurdjevic & Associates, all health professionals are required by law to obtain informed consent to treatment from their patients. Health care consumers must receive adequate and accurate information to assist them in evaluating their health care choices, and in balancing the relative risks of treatment options with the benefits. The Chiropractic, Naturopathic and Registered Massage Therapy professions take this responsibility seriously and have beenleaders in obtaining informed consent.