Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a non-invasive, conservative, hands-on healthcare discipline that centers on the neuromusculoskeletal system. Chiropractors are doctors who are musculoskeletal experts that provide assessment, diagnosis, and management of conditions relating to the nerves, muscles, tendons, joints, and bones of your body.
Did you know that chiropractors are often thought of as being synonymous with adjustments or spinal manipulation, but in reality, we do much more than adjust? Soft tissue therapy, various manual techniques (ART, Graston, cupping therapy, guasha, shockwave therapy, etc.), acupuncture, nutritional and lifestyle counselling, gentle joint mobilizations, ergonomic evaluation, stretching, and therapeutic exercise are all important aspects of my chiropractic practice. Adjustments are performed only if safe and indicated for the patient, with the patient's explicit consent.
After taking a thorough history, performing orthopaedic exams and functional testing, I will provide a medical diagnosis, present you with a report of findings, discuss options for treatment, and develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Treatment with me is comprehensive, which means it includes any of the modalities that I offer, so long as time allows.
Kindly wear or bring comfortable / loose clothing to your appointment, which will allow me to assess and treat your area(s) of complaint.
As a clinical expert in sports injuries, human biomechanics, soft tissue therapy, joint manipulation, rehabilitation and performance, treatment with me might include any combination of the following physical therapies (i.e. as a chiropractor, I do more than just adjust!):
Acupuncture is a practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves inserting specialized thin needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain, promote healing, and stimulate the nervous system. Did you know that acupuncture can help manage pain, sports injuries, infertility, digestive issues, stress, insomnia, and anxiety? Acupuncture is not only useful for pain management and accelerated healing, but it also enhances healthy nerve and muscle function. It also helps to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and ensure that the acupuncture meridians in the body are healthy and unrestricted.
Active Release Technique® (ART) is a non-invasive soft tissue system and movement based treatment technique that precisely locates and quickly resolves problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Soft tissue injuries can be the result of acute, sudden onset injuries or chronic, repetitive strain injuries. Our bodies are intelligent and adapt to stressful conditions and traumas by compensating for weak body parts by activating other muscles or joints, or producing protective scar tissue in areas of injury or aberrant movement. ART helps to identify these aberrations in tissue texture, tension, and movement, treating the root cause of the condition by combining precise touch with specific patient movements to restore proper function and relieve pain.
Cupping therapy promotes health and healing by loosening tight muscles and connective tissue, releasing fascial adhesions, scar tissue, removing stagnation, and promoting healthy circulation and lymphatic flow. Cupping is an ancient medication that works by using silicone, plastic, or glass cups and a small vacuum to create a negative pressure through creating a gentle suction on the surface of the body. Cups can be left on a stationary point for a short time, or glided over the body part to facilitate soft tissue release and joint mobilization. Suction created with cupping therapy can reach deep into the soft tissues and joints of the body, effectively treating structures up to 4 inches under the skin’s surface, depending on the body part(s) being treated.
Graston Technique® is an innovative and proven approach used to diagnose and treat connective tissue dysfunction and injuries. Graston uses medical-grade, stainless-steel instruments specially designed to detect and treat areas exhibiting soft-tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. This remarkable procedure allows the clinician to detect and treat areas of scar tissue and fascial restrictions in muscles, tendons and ligaments that can lead to pain and dysfunction. This decreases overall treatment time, enhances faster rehabilitation / recovery and resolves conditions once thought to be permanent.
Manual therapy is a hands-on physical therapy technique that is crucial for treating musculoskeletal disorders, including scar tissue, fascial adhesions, and joint restrictions caused by injuries or overuse that lead to reduced mobility, pain, and inflammation. It involves the application of gentle but specific forces to joints or soft tissues to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore function. Manual therapy is integral to enhancing injury recovery and athletic performance by reducing pain and inflammation, shortening healing times, restoring tissue and joint health, helping to achieve optimal physical function.
Therapeutic exercise and training is an excellent opportunity to stay injury-free and improve your performance with the support of a trained specialist. I believe that exercise is not just about moving, but about moving well, pain-free and efficiently. Once underlying issues are addressed, exercise can be performed safely and properly, all with the goal of preventing injury while becoming stronger, more fit, and having fun. Training may also include therapeutic exercises, stretching and postural rehab.
Other Services: Custom Orthotics, Compression Socks and Stockings, Bracing, Shockwave Therapy (Oakville location only)
Arthritis and Degenerative Joint Disease Related Issues
Achilles Tendinopathy
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Fascial Restrictions / Stiffness
Foot Injuries / Ankle Sprains
Frozen Shoulder
Hamstring / Hip Flexor Strains
Headaches + Migraines
Hip Pain
IT Band Syndrome
Knee Pain
Ligament Sprains
Muscle Strains (Muscle Injury)
Muscle Tension + Stiffness
Neck and Back Pain
Nerve Injuries
Nerve Entrapments + Impingements
Overuse / Repetitive Strain Injuries
Plantar Fasciitis + Foot Pain
Post-fracture / Surgical Recovery
Postural Issues
Pregnancy Related Aches + Pains
Pregnancy Wellness Care
Prenatal Chiropractic
Postpartum Recovery
Rib pain
Running Injuries
Scars / Scar Tissue
Sciatica / Leg Pain
Scoliosis
Shin Pain / Shin Splints
Shoulder + Rotator Cuff Injuries
Sports Injuries
Stiffness / Lack of Mobility
Tendon Injuries
Tennis / Golfer’s Elbow
Trigger points (“knots”)
Wellness Support + Healthy Aging
Wrist + Hand Injuries
Meet Dr. Katie
I believe in evidence-informed, scientific, “Western” medicine, but with an “Eastern” spin. I am different from your traditional chiropractor and typical acupuncturist – I understand the importance of treating the body functionally and as a whole, ensuring I examine your entire kinetic chain, not just the area that appears to be causing the discomfort / issue. With a rehab-based, holistic practice that focuses on restoring function, correcting problematic motor patterns and underlying issues, I provide evidence-informed care tailored specifically to your unique needs, no “cookie-cutter” type treatments here!
Client Love
“Dr. Katie's exceptional care and expertise have been instrumental in my swift recovery from a left leg nerve injury. Her kindness, professionalism, and vast knowledge of techniques have made a significant difference in my healing journey over the past few months. Not only is she a skilled practitioner, but she's also a compassionate friend who prioritizes her patients' well-being above all else. I highly recommend Dr. Katie to anyone seeking personalized and effective treatment. Thank you, Dr. Katie, for your unwavering support and dedication to your patients' health!”
-L.X.
“Before I met Dr. Katie Au, I was desperately attending appointments on a weekly basis with 3 other practitioners, each with different competencies, in order to get relief. I’m a very active person both business-wise and athletically. It was incredibly important to me to regain the life I had previously been enjoying. Over the past year+, I have come to realize how very important Dr. Katie’s tremendous skillset and body of knowledge has helped me. I can’t thank her enough for her kindness, guidance, advice, reassurance, patience and most importantly the relief she has given me. She truly is very highly skilled in her field and a resource you absolutely need to have on your team working with you.”
-L.B.
“Hands down the best chiropractor I’ve ever been to! I’ve been to 6 different chiropractors over the past ten years because of moving between cities but Dr. Katie Au has really made a huge, lasting difference in my physical health. She genuinely cares about her patient’s well being and goes above and beyond her chiropractic training to provide all around care with acupuncture, active release like techniques, and perfect fitting orthotics. I’ve been seeing chiropractors for ten years because of chronic neck/upper back pain and tension headaches. For the first time since being treated by Dr. Katie, I only get neck pain and headaches every few months or so. She’s also been able to help with soft tissue injuries of my shoulder and knee. Highly recommended to give her a try!”
- R.D.
“Dr. Katie has been looking after my fitness, chiropractic, and injury rehab needs for over ten years. I hope to remain working with her for at least another ten! She is highly trained, skilled and delightful to be with. Katie has built an outstanding personal training practice and is herself, continually dedicated to growing those skills and services.”
-Mike D.
“I've said it before and I'll say it again. Absolutely the best acupuncture and chiropractic treatment I have ever received. Dr. Katie Au is not only professional and sociable, she is hands down the future of this industry. She is both knowledgable and humble. Reasonably priced and honestly, best bang for your buck. My back problems have been solved, but I would go back just to work out if I had the time!”
-R.T.
“Dr. Au is phenomenal! She was kind and extremely knowledgEable and helpful with my injury. My back feels great and it's all because of Dr. Au. Highly recommend.”
-Lexi R.
“Katie is a brilliant and kind Doctor, who took the time to listen to my concerns, make me feel heard, and made sure I was comfortable. Highly recommend her for your chiropractic, sports and acupuncture needs!”
-Emma D.
“Dr. Katie is very patient and knowledgeable. She answered all my questions (I had a lot!), explained what factors could be contributing to my knee pain and provided exercises to prevent further injury. Those exercises have definitely helped. Thanks Dr. Katie!”
- T.D.
“Dr. Au's knowledge, expertise, personality, professionalism and friendly demeanor are just a few of the reasons I am proud to call her my colleague and friend. They are also reasons why I have no hesitation in referring friends, family and patients to her, for I know they will be in good hands. Thanks Dr. Au,, for helping make the GTA a healthier place to live!”
“Dr. Katie is the best chiropractor I have ever experienced. She is extremely knowledgeable and friendly, plus She is also open late on Tuesday and Thursdays so I don’t have to take any time off work and she also does online booking! Highly recommend!”
- S.M.
“Dr. Katie Au is the most gifted, caring chiropractor and acupuncture practitioner I have ever had the privilege of being treated by. She healed me of chronic pain and I have recommended her to many people, who rave about her abilities.”
– P.A
“I had never been to a chiropractor before and was a little tentative about the idea of someone cracking my body in anyway but when I had a shoulder injury and needed help I went to this clinic and was pleasantly surprised! Dr. Katie was friendly and open, and explained everything that she was doing and made me feel immediately comfortable and relaxed. She asks you many questions as she works to make sure that she understands the problem fully but she does it in a very personable manner. I highly Dr. Katie for anyone who is a little nervous about the idea of a chiropractor because she is open and friendly and will be sure that you are comfortable before performing anything on you. You can truly trust her with your health and know that she cares about your whole well-being and provides many services (Chiropractic, Active Release Technique, Graston, Acupuncture) in one.”
– K.M.
“Dr. Katie has been wonderful in treating my neck and back pain. She did a great job explaining why I was having the pain and exactly how she was going to treat it. She is very friendly and professional. My pain has been greatly reduced and I continue to see her to get adjustments to keep me feeling great!
– D.Z.”
“Excellent caring and professional doctor to assist and help with getting her patients to their maximum health. Great follow up.”
– Pat. B.
“I’ve been going to see Dr. Au for my back pain and arm injury for the past while and she has been able to help me immensely. I am quite happy with the services and friendly environment. Highly recommend Dr. Katie for acupuncture as well as injury rehabilitation and chiropractic treatments!”
– Christopher Y.
“I was very nervous about going to just any chiropractor but decided to book an appointment here because Dr. Katie could also just do muscle work if I needed it, but in the end I fell in love with the chiropractic adjustment! She is extremely friendly and professional, and immediately inspires trust. Dr. Katie is also extremely knowledgeable and explains everything in the treatment and tells you how to prevent future injuries. This was a very well-rounded experience as the chiropractor strives to reduce your pain, but also improve your overall health and helps you take care of your body.”
– S.P.
“I injured my knee mid April 2014 during a run and could barely put weight on it. I researched several clinics and chose Dr. Katie after reading the reviews on her site. Initially I saw Dr. Katie’s physiotherapist who identified an issue with my IT Band and a patella tracking issue, who suggested a few glute and hip exercises and a short time later, I started seeing Dr. Au who added weekly Graston treatments. Dr. Au thought it would take about 8 weeks for me to run pain free and she was spot on. I successfully completed a short run and didn’t feel a thing! For anyone with knee pain, or requiring injury rehabilitation or chiropractic, I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Katie, absolutely amazing treatment!”
– J.G.
“Dr. Katie Au was referred to me for Active Release Technique when I had tennis elbow and her treatments have been terrific in curing my pain. Seven months later I was hit with sciatica which was horrid. Thanks to Dr. Katie I am pain free and feeling great. I have also been set up with at home with an exercise routine to build up my strength and prevent sciatica from returning. Thanks for all your help!”
– Jennifer F.
“My family and I have been Dr. Katie's patients for the last five years. We feel very fortunate to be taken care of by such a dedicated medical professional. If you are looking for somebody who loves her job, truly cares about her patients and their well-being and continues to upgrade her skills, then look no further! From the start, Dr. Katie treated us as a chiropractor, then became our personal trainer and, in the last year or so, has added acupuncture to her set of skills. From our first meeting with Dr. Katie, we have become her loyal patients and hope to continue to work with her in the future.”
– N.K.
“Dr. Katie is very knowledgeable, thorough, and just as eager to see me recover as I am. She even squeezed me in for a bunch of rush Active Release and chiropractic appointments so we could determine what was wrong with me before an event. I would definitely recommend her.”
– Amanda S.
“After having chiropractic treatment in many different practices, I have finally landed as a regular patient at this clinic. Dr. Katie does excellent manual therapy and has treated me for a variety of injuries. She is extremely knowledgeable, professional and very thorough. She takes time with each appointment and is very serious about my care. I recommend her to all of my family and friends.”
– Michelle T.
“Dr. Katie Au is awesome! She listens and understands what your needs are. One thing I really like about her is that she is very receptive to feedback. She takes copious notes and then discusses what she thinks is right for you, then moves forward with treatment. She focuses on the parts of my anatomy that hurt the most.”
– Elaine S.
“I just want to let you know how much I appreciate everything that Dr. Katie Au has done for me since I started seeing her a couple of years ago. She has really taken the time to get to know me as a client and to customize her treatments for me with functional goals in mind. Every time I see Katie she has a smile on her face and is warm and welcoming. It has been a pleasure having her provide chiropractic care for me and make a difference in my life.”
– Matt H., City of Toronto Firefighter
“I’ve been seeing Dr Katie Au for Lower back pain that has been haunting me now for just over 2 years. Since Dr. Katie Au has been treating me, I can truly say that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Her knowledge and her understanding of my injury and the treatment that is required for it, has lead to a drastic improvement in my back and mobility.”
– N.T., City of Vaughan Firefighter
“After two years of appointments at sports medicine clinics, podiatrists, chiropractors, and all manner of treatments, I had given up hope that my bilateral plantar fasciitis would ever go away. After my first Graston appointment with Dr. Katie Au I felt a reduction of the pain. I lead a life of pain-free mobility thanks to wonderful Dr. Au.”
– A.P.
“I have worked with Dr. Katie Au for approximately 11 years. I have also worked with numerous other trainers, all of whom I think were very good. Katie, however , is outstanding. As a trainer, a chiropractor & all round person she stands head & shoulders above the rest. Apart from her intellect & technical skills she stands out because she really does care. Others profess to but Katie really cares. It manifests itself in her skillsets & her attentiveness. Whether treating an injury, setting & achieving goals or being a genuine & delightful person, Katie excels. She has also managed to instill these qualities in her team & hopefully I will continue benefiting from their professionalism for many more years.”
– Michael D.
“I have been to see Dr. Katie Au several times now. Initially, I went in to have her treat my foot. I had strained it wearing improper shoes (flip flops!) and I couldn’t put any pressure on it without experiencing a tremendous amount of pain. Dr. Au was able to provide me with relief in the very first visit and after two consecutive visits, my foot was fully healed. She also provided me with custom orthotics as a preventative and corrective measure to wear in ‘sensible’ shoes. I have since gone to see her for neck pain and with her gentle, effective and professional approach, I have experienced tremendous relief in just two visits. I will be going in to see her on a more regular basis to prevent further problems. Dr Au provides stellar active release therapy – something I have always responded very well to. She has a magic touch. She also uses other modalities that have been very helpful, including adjustments when warranted. I would recommend Dr. Au to all of my friends and family members when in need of pain relief and for ongoing health care. She is a very talented and compassionate doctor – one of the best in her field.”
– Lori D.
“Best place to get looked after for both effective, painless acupuncture, and safe, gentle chiropractic adjustments! The best personalized treatment and care you can find in the city.”
– Danny D.
“Dr. Katie has been my go-to doctor for all my alternative health care needs. She is knowledgeable and friendly, and provides everything I need to get me feeling better, including Active Release Technique, Graston, Chiropractic, and Personal Training! Dr. Katie gets to know you on a personal level and sincerely cares about your well being. Dr. Katie has been stellar over the past three years. Thank you!”
– Chris S.
“I’ve been coming to see Dr. Katie Au for a number of years for Active Release Technique and Graston treatments, and she’s always helped me get back up and running whenever I’ve had a sports related injury. She really gets to know her patients and most importantly, she takes the time to listen to what our concerns are. I highly recommend Dr. Katie!”
– Vicky L.
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