Ottawa · West Hunt Club Open Saturdays
(613) 226-8142
Merivale Chiropractic & Massage Clinic
New patient? Book online
Menu

Chiropractic care

Chiropractic care

Hands-on care focused on the spine, joints, nerves, and how your body moves.

Book an appointment All services

About chiropractic care

Chiropractic care is a regulated healthcare profession focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, with particular attention to the spine. At Merivale Clinic, every new patient begins with a thorough assessment that includes a health history, physical examination, and orthopedic and neurological testing. This assessment-first approach ensures that treatment is based on findings, not assumptions. Techniques used by our chiropractors include spinal adjustments (manual and instrument-assisted), joint mobilization, soft-tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercise prescription. Treatment is adapted to each patient's age, health status, comfort level, and goals. Whether you are dealing with acute pain from an injury, chronic discomfort from years of desk work, or simply want to maintain spinal health, care plans are individualized. Chiropractic care at the clinic is often coordinated with massage therapy, acupuncture, and other services available under the same roof, making it easy to receive multidisciplinary care without being referred elsewhere.

What to expect

  1. 1 A detailed discussion of your concern, health history, and goals
  2. 2 A physical assessment including range of motion, orthopedic tests, and palpation
  3. 3 An explanation of findings and a recommended care plan
  4. 4 Hands-on treatment tailored to your condition and comfort level
  5. 5 Self-care guidance including exercises, stretches, and ergonomic recommendations

In Ontario, chiropractors are primary contact practitioners, meaning no physician referral is needed to book. OHIP does not currently cover chiropractic care, but most extended health plans do. We provide receipts for insurance submission. If imaging or specialist referral is needed, your chiropractor can arrange it directly.

Common questions about chiropractic care

What does a chiropractor do?
A chiropractor assesses the spine, joints, and muscles using a health history, physical examination, and orthopedic tests. Treatment may include spinal adjustments, joint mobilization, soft-tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercises. The goal is to restore function, reduce pain, and support the body's ability to heal.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Chiropractic care is generally considered low-risk when provided by a licensed practitioner after appropriate screening. Techniques are adapted for age, health status, and comfort. Serious adverse events are rare. Risks and benefits are discussed during your assessment.
How often should I see a chiropractor?
Frequency depends on your condition, how long it has been present, and how you respond. Some patients start with two to three visits per week during the acute phase, tapering as improvement is seen. Maintenance visits are optional and based on your preference and goals.
Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?
Most people find adjustments comfortable. You may hear a popping sound, which is normal gas release from the joint capsule. Some temporary soreness is possible, especially on the first visit, similar to what you might feel after exercise. Techniques can be modified for comfort.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor in Ontario?
No. In Ontario, chiropractors are primary contact practitioners. You can book directly without a physician referral. If imaging or specialist referral is needed, your chiropractor can arrange it.
Does OHIP cover chiropractic care?
OHIP does not currently cover chiropractic care in Ontario. However, most extended health benefit plans through employers or private insurance do cover chiropractic visits. Coverage limits vary by plan. We provide receipts for insurance submission.

Explore other services

Massage therapy Registered massage therapy for muscles, tension, and soft-tissue rehabilitation. Acupuncture Fine-needle technique for pain management, headaches, and complementary care. Shockwave therapy Non-invasive acoustic-wave treatment for chronic tendon conditions and soft-tissue pain. Custom orthotics Custom-made foot orthotics for arch support, gait correction, and pain relief. CoreScore assessment Non-invasive nervous-system scanning used as part of a chiropractic assessment.
Book an appointment All services

Dr. Leo Lachowich

Chiropractor · D.C.

Chiropractic care, Shockwave therapy, Custom orthotics, CoreScore assessment

"For years I suffered with headaches and was told that in many cases this is a temporary condition," explains Dr. Leo Lachowich. "I heard testimonials on the radio how Dr. Johnson, a chiropractor, helped people with headaches and so I decided to see a chiropractor.

"It was a miracle. I'll never forget that first adjustment. It was as if a huge weight was suddenly lifted from my shoulders. That's when I decided I wanted to be a chiropractor."

Dr. Leo Lachowich began his pre-chiropractic education at the University of Ottawa, where he studied the basic sciences such as inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology, along with basic physiology and anatomy courses.

After completing his studies there, he was accepted to Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto. During his four years at CMCC, courses included biochemistry, a major emphasis on anatomy and human physiology, x-ray, diagnosis, chiropractic adjusting techniques, and patient care in the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic Public Clinic. Dr. Lachowich returned to the Ottawa area to establish his practice after graduating in 1980.

"We love to see a patient's first experience," Dr. Lachowich said. "I still remember the wonderful feeling I had when I went to the chiropractor for the first time. It's my prerogative to create a wonderful experience for our patients. We explain everything in advance, answer questions and attempt to over-communicate. Patients appreciate that."

Dr. Leo Lachowich and his wife Maria have one child, Tatyana, who also graduated from the University of Ottawa and the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, and who now practices alongside her father.

Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich

Chiropractor · D.C., B.Sc. (Hons)

Chiropractic care, Acupuncture, Shockwave therapy, Custom orthotics, CoreScore assessment

Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich is a board-certified chiropractor in the province of Ontario with a special interest in working with families. She is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, provides acupuncture, cupping, gua sha and orthotics as adjunctive therapies, and is a traditionally trained yoga teacher. Dr. Tatyana is the founder of Urban Panda Health and Wellness, a company created to help decrease chemical, physical and emotional stressors in the lives of families through health seminars, yoga classes and stress reduction workshops.

Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich graduated Cum Laude from the University of Ottawa in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree with a focus in Human Kinetics. She then went on to complete her Doctor of Chiropractic degree at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Before graduating with her doctorate in 2009 she was awarded two clinical internships at Anishnawbe Health Center and South Riverdale Community Health Center in Toronto.

Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich has a very personal reason for deciding to dedicate her life to helping families through chiropractic care. After a traumatic birth, she would not sleep, cried constantly and refused any source of nourishment. Like in many births, forceps and suction were used to help in the delivery process. This caused trauma to her neck and head. Desperate for a way to help Tatyana, her mother took her to a chiropractor. It was on this visit that tight muscles and a blocked cervical joint were located in her neck. It was after a chiropractic adjustment that she was able to latch and sleep through the night.

Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich offers a wide range of treatment styles including Diversified, Koren Specific Technique, Thompson, cupping, muscle release therapy and instrument-assisted soft tissue treatment. She is also certified in Webster's technique, is licensed to perform acupuncture and can dispense custom-made orthotics.

As a two-time GTO award recipient, Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich is passionate about giving back to the community. She is often asked to lecture at corporate and group wellness events and summits on topics including ergonomics, preventing injuries, proper motor development for children, peri- and postnatal wellness, and tips to improve overall health.

After spending many years teaching cycling and spinning to athletes as well as training as a competitive swimmer and Ironman, Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich has taken a step back to focus on her practice and family. She spends her time hiking, biking and enjoying the great outdoors with her son, husband and dog.