Slip-and-Fall Injury Assessment and Care in Toronto
A slip or fall can leave you with pain, stiffness, or difficulty completing everyday activities. Core Wellness Centre offers assessment and care for appropriate muscle, joint, and movement concerns at our St. Clair West clinic.
Dr. Kris Dorken, DC, provides the initial clinic assessment. He will review your symptoms, health history, and the circumstances of your fall before discussing suitable next steps. These may include chiropractic care, an appointment with another clinic practitioner, or referral for medical assessment.
When to Seek Medical Attention After a Fall
Some injuries require medical assessment before clinic treatment.
Call 911 or seek emergency care if you suspect a serious injury, or if you experience loss of consciousness, difficulty staying awake, a seizure, or new difficulty speaking or walking after hitting your head.
Back pain with new bladder or bowel changes, numbness around the groin or buttocks, or weakness or numbness in both legs also requires emergency assessment.
Seek prompt medical advice for severe or worsening pain, inability to bear weight, a visibly deformed limb, or symptoms after a head injury. If you hit your head and take blood-thinning medication, seek urgent medical advice.
Do not use online booking or website enquiries for emergency assistance.
Concerns We May Assess After a Fall
Following medical evaluation where needed, clinic assessment may be appropriate for:
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Back or neck pain.
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Muscle soreness or stiffness.
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Shoulder, hip, knee, or ankle discomfort.
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Restricted movement.
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Difficulty walking, reaching, lifting, or sitting.
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Difficulty returning to usual activities.
These symptoms do not identify a particular injury on their own. Your assessment helps determine whether care at the clinic is appropriate or whether you need further investigation.
Your Initial Assessment With Dr. Kris
Dr. Kris Dorken, DC, will ask about how and when you fell, your symptoms, relevant health conditions, medications, and any medical care you have already received.
He will complete a chiropractic examination appropriate to your presentation and explain his findings. If there are concerns about a fracture, head injury, or another condition requiring medical care, he will recommend an appropriate referral.
Imaging is not part of every assessment. When clinically indicated, Dr. Kris will discuss the reason for imaging or further investigation.
Dr. Kris Dorken, DC, is registered as a chiropractor in Ontario and is a member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario.
Care Options Based on Your Needs
Your recommendations depend on your assessment findings, health history, goals, and preferences. You do not automatically need multiple services or a particular treatment technique.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for selected muscle, joint, and related movement concerns following a fall.
Depending on your findings, recommendations may include activity guidance, personalized exercises, soft-tissue techniques, joint mobilization, or manual or Activator-assisted adjustments when clinically appropriate.
Dr. Kris will explain proposed care, expected benefits, relevant risks, and available alternatives before obtaining your informed consent.
Learn About Chiropractic Care in Toronto
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy may help address movement and functional difficulties following an injury.
If physiotherapy is recommended, your physiotherapist will complete their own assessment and discuss suitable care. This may include education, exercises, activity adjustments, and hands-on techniques when appropriate.
Goals may include improving movement, building strength, and supporting a gradual return to everyday activities.
Learn About Physiotherapy on St. Clair West
Other Clinic Services
Another service, such as registered massage therapy, may be considered when appropriate to your findings and stage of recovery.
The treating practitioner will assess your needs, explain recommendations, and obtain your consent. Where more than one practitioner is involved, they may coordinate relevant information with your consent.
Returning to Everyday Activities
Your practitioner may discuss ways to adjust activities while you recover, such as pacing tasks, modifying lifting, or gradually increasing movement.
Exercise recommendations will reflect your abilities and assessment findings. Ask how to perform them, how to progress, and what to do if symptoms worsen.
Your response to care will guide further recommendations. Recovery times vary, and treatment does not guarantee a particular outcome.
Preparing for Your Appointment
When booking, explain that your concern follows a slip or fall.
Bring or have available:
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The date and circumstances of the fall.
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A description of your symptoms and activities you find difficult.
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Relevant medical reports or imaging reports, if available.
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A list of medications and relevant health conditions.
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Details of previous treatment.
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Insurance or claim information, where applicable.
Tell the clinic if you have already received medical advice or restrictions on activity.
Insurance and Workplace Falls
Your extended health plan may cover eligible chiropractic care, physiotherapy, or registered massage therapy. Coverage limits, referral requirements, and eligible practitioners vary.
If your fall happened at work, contact the clinic to confirm whether it can provide appropriate care and assist with applicable WSIB requirements. Claim eligibility and approval are separate from clinical recommendations.
Direct billing may be available for selected services and insurers. Confirm fees, coverage, and any personal payment responsibility before treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I see a chiropractor or seek medical care after a fall?
Seek medical care first if you suspect a serious injury or have symptoms requiring urgent assessment. For appropriate muscle, joint, or movement concerns, a chiropractic assessment can help determine suitable next steps, including referral when needed.
Can chiropractic care help with back pain after a fall?
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for some causes of back pain after a fall. An assessment is needed before recommending treatment, particularly when there may be a fracture or another injury requiring medical care.
Will I need an X-ray?
Not everyone needs an X-ray. Your practitioner will consider your history and examination findings before recommending imaging or referral. X-rays do not show every type of injury.
Can I receive physiotherapy after my initial clinic assessment?
If physiotherapy is appropriate, you can discuss an appointment with a clinic physiotherapist. The physiotherapist will complete their own assessment and explain their recommendations before care begins.
How many appointments will I need?
There is no fixed number that suits everyone. Recommendations depend on your findings, goals, and response to care. Your practitioner will review progress and discuss whether to continue, change, or conclude treatment.
Will my insurance cover care following a fall?
Coverage depends on your policy, the service, and any applicable claim requirements. Check with your insurer and confirm the clinic’s billing arrangements before your appointment.
Visit Our St. Clair West Clinic
Core Wellness Centre is located at 726 St Clair Ave W, York, ON M6C 1B3, serving Toronto’s St. Clair West neighbourhood.
Contact the clinic to ask about an initial assessment following a slip or fall.
Book an Initial Assessment
Call (416) 479-8311
Email: info@corewellnesscentre.ca