Patient Education and Resources

Understanding your condition is part of getting better. This page brings together the patient information on the WellCare Medical website: plain-language guides to common problems, what to expect from each type of treatment, and practical advice for looking after yourself between visits. It is general information and does not replace an assessment by a health professional.

Back, neck and nerve pain

• Back pain and deep tissue massage for lower back pain
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Sciatica and leg pain
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Pinched nerves

Headaches, posture and tension

• Tension headaches and migraines
• Poor posture and muscle imbalances
• Chronic muscle tension and stress-related tension

Injuries

• Sports injuries and tendon and ligament injuries
• Repetitive strain injuries and work-related injuries
• Whiplash and car accident injuries
• Slip and fall injuries

Longer-term conditions and recovery

• Chronic pain, arthritis and fibromyalgia
• Recovery after surgery
• Balance and mobility problems
• Stroke and neurological conditions

The full list is on our conditions we treat, A to Z page.

• Physiotherapy uses exercise, hands-on treatment and education to restore movement and strength.
• Chiropractic treatment focuses on the joints of the spine and limbs, using adjustments, mobilization and exercise.
• Massage therapy treats muscles and soft tissue to relieve pain and tension.
• Acupuncture uses fine needles to reduce pain and muscle tightness.
• Custom orthotics support the feet to improve alignment and reduce strain.
• Assessments document an injury and its effects for treatment planning or insurance.

Many conditions respond best to a combination, and your clinician will explain which they recommend and why.

• Keep moving. For most back, neck and joint pain, gentle activity helps more than rest.
• Do your exercises little and often. A few minutes every day works better than a long session once a week.
• Pace yourself. Increase activity gradually, and break up long periods of sitting or standing.
• Use heat or cold for comfort. Either is fine for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, with a cloth between the pack and your skin.
• Look after your sleep. Pain is harder to manage when you are tired.
• Ask questions. If an exercise increases your pain or you are unsure how to do it, tell us at your next visit or call the clinic.

Call 911 or go to an emergency department for chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke (facial drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech), a sudden severe headache, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, sudden weakness in an arm or leg, or a serious injury. Our clinic does not provide emergency care.

Read what to bring and how intake forms work, check how direct billing works and see the insurance providers we bill directly. Answers to other common questions are on our FAQ page. You can also read about the clinic and what patients say in their reviews. When you are ready, book an appointment.