Real Patient Success Stories
If you’re reading this blog, you want to know which is the best clinic in the Abbotsford area. At Newleaf Total Wellness Centre, we serve over 20,000 patient appointments per year. As we are a bustling facility, there may be times when we cannot serve our community. This could be due to a lack of services, scheduling conflicts, waitlists, or patients needing to attend a location closer to their home. In keeping with our philosophy of putting patient needs above all else, we researched and compiled a list for you. Our goal was to create a comparison based on pricing, practitioner availability, location(s), types of services offered, disciplines available, reviews, years in operation, direct billing to insurance companies, and more. If we are not the right resource for you, we hope this list will aid in finding one that is. So, grab a coffee and read on to find a health and wellness facility that best suits your needs.
1. Altus Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic
Altus Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic
Clinic Services and Pricing
Altus Chiropractic & Physiotherapy is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm.
Altus Chiropractic & Physiotherapy is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm. Nine practitioners offer services in chiropractic care, massage therapy, and physiotherapy.
While Altus Chiropractic & Physiotherapy provides limited services, the Abbotsford community has consistently voted it the best Chiropractic, Physiotherapy and Massage clinic in town. They do not advertise pricing on their website, making price comparisons impossible.
Altus direct bills for most insurance plans, including ICBC, WorkSafe BC and MSP.
Patient Resources and Practitioner Availability
The Altus Chiropractic & Physiotherapy website offers informational blogs and podcasts on different topics related to health and wellness featuring interviews with their practitioners. However, the company does not provide an online patient booking portal, so patients must call the clinic during business hours to book appointments.
Google Reviews and Ratings
Altus has a high rating on Google reviews, with an average rating of 4.9 stars out of 5.0 in 86 reviews. The positive reviews emphasize the staff’s welcoming nature and the practitioners’ skills.
2. Pacific North Wellness Clinic
Pacific North Wellness Clinic
Clinic Services and Pricing
Pacific North Wellness is open Monday to Friday. It offers competitive and transparent pricing compared to other multidisciplinary clinics in the area. Their rates for initial appointments range from $85 to $160. This facility has ten practitioners, offering a wide variety of services, including chiropractic care, physiotherapy, massage therapy, kinesiology, and athletic therapy. It also provides unique classes and services, including yoga, breastfeeding support, pelvic floor physiotherapy and facial stretching.
Pacific North Wellness offers direct billing to most major insurance companies, including ICBC; however, they do not take WorkSafe BC patients.
Patient Resources and Practitioner Availability
Pacific North Wellness provides information on each discipline and treatment offered, including what patients can expect during their visit. However, they do not have any other resources or blogs on their website for patients to get additional information.
Their online booking portal (Jane App) is user-friendly and easy to navigate, allowing patients to book appointments at any time, and practitioner schedules are clearly visible, with many available appointment times.
Google Reviews and Ratings
Pacific North Wellness has an excellent rating on Google (5 out of 5 stars in all 91 reviews), which speaks to its quality of care. Patients have left positive reviews, praising the facility’s cleanliness, professionalism, and friendly staff. It’s important to note that a clinic with so few reviews may not have had the chance to discover its weaknesses and make improvements.
3. The Apollo Clinic
The Apollo Clinic
Clinic Services and Pricing
The Apollo Clinic is open six days per week. It has two locations in the Fraser Valley, one in Abbotsford and the other in Chilliwack. It provides services in seven disciplines, including physiotherapy, kinesiology, chiropractic, registered massage therapy, occupational therapy, naturopathic medicine and registered clinical counselling.
Apollo Clinic’s pricing is mid-range in their industry and community, with initial appointments costing between $75 and $210 depending on the service. Apollo accepts direct billing services through most employer health benefit plans and ICBC. Apollo’s Chilliwack chiropractor is part of the WorkSafe BC provider network and can directly bill for his services.
Patient Resources and Practitioner Availability
The Apollo Clinic has no blogs, videos or other patient resources on its website. Like most other clinics in the area, Apollo uses the Jane App for online booking, making it easy and convenient to schedule appointments.
With 20 practitioners in Abbotsford alone, The Apollo Clinic has many open appointment slots, and same-day treatments are often available.
Google Reviews and Ratings
The Apollo Clinic has received 55 Google reviews on its Abbotsford location and 70 Google reviews on its Chilliwack location, with 4.5 and 4.8 stars, respectively. The therapist reviews are generally positive, with mixed feedback regarding the reception staff.
4. Opex Fitness
Opex Fitness
Clinic Services and Pricing
Opex Abbotsford is a multidisciplinary clinic and gym, open seven days per week, that treats a diverse range of issues but primarily focuses on fitness and exercise as a means to health and wellness. They have a team of over ten professionals working collectively on each patient’s treatment plan and fitness goals. Opex Abbotsford offers chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, kinesiology, and personal training services. However, it does not cover the full spectrum of healthcare that some patients may need.
Opex Abbotsford participates in direct billing to major insurance companies, including ICBC, and is a part of the WorkSafe BC Provider network. However, they do not list their prices on the website, making it impossible to compare to other Abbotsford clinics.
Patient Resources and Practitioner Availability
Patients can book, cancel or reschedule their appointments in real-time and receive reminders about upcoming appointments through Opex’s online booking portal, Jane. Personal training consultations are available seven days a week. Wellness appointments are also readily available, except for registered massage therapy. RMT appointments are full for three to four weeks out.
Opex Abbotsford’s website provides patients with educational blog resources that help motivate and guide them in their recovery or management of their health issues. However, the most recent blog dates back to 2021.
Google Reviews and Ratings
Opex Abbotsford has earned a 5-star rating from 171 Google reviews. The rave reviews testify to the clinic’s commitment to delivering top-notch services in a niche market.
5. The Healing Oak Clinic
The Healing Oak Clinic
Clinic Services and Pricing
The Healing Oak is a collective with two locations, one in Abbotsford and one in Chilliwack, offering patients seven days per week access to four different services, including manual osteopathy, registered massage therapy, naturopathy, and clinical counselling. Some patients may find the pricing for treatments a little high, as The Healing Oak is near the upper end compared to other local clinics, with initial appointments ranging in price from $125 to $180. They have not provided pricing information on their website for clinical counselling services.
Healing Oak directly bills most insurance companies, but each practitioner supports direct billing differently, so patients must not assume they can get direct billing and must check with the individual practitioner first. Additionally, this clinic does not directly bill WorkSafe BC or ICBC, so patients must pay for these services upfront and request reimbursement later.
Patient Resources and Practitioner Availability
The Healing Oak has an online booking portal (Jane App) where patients can schedule appointments and request changes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, specific practitioner hours can vary, and some are quite limited, so finding an appointment that meets your needs may be challenging.
The team at The Healing Oak produces several monthly informational blog posts, which are available on their website. However, we were unable to find any other patient resources.
Google Reviews and Ratings
The Healing Oak has received several positive reviews on Google and maintains a rating of 4.5 out of 34 reviews for the Abbotsford location and 4.8 stars out of 98 reviews for the Chilliwack location. Most negative reviews centre around the lack of reception staff and difficulties checking in for or rescheduling appointments.
Conclusion
It is our privilege and pleasure at Newleaf Total Wellness Centre to give our patients the resources they need for a healthy lifestyle. We also understand that we may not always be the right clinic for you. Ultimately, the decision of which clinic to choose depends on your unique healthcare needs, and we encourage you to research and ask questions before making a decision. We compiled this list of reputable Abbotsford-area multidisciplinary clinics so those looking for a good fit can decide whether they choose us or another option. We hope this blog post and its unbiased comparison data have been helpful in your journey to finding the best clinic for your needs.
For more information on Newleaf Total Wellness Centre’s services click here.
Check out the 2023 Community Votes winners here.
Written by: DeVera Nybo, MBA
Therapy Options Explained
When you’re in pain or dealing with an injury, you might wonder what type of treatment is right for you. Seeing a healthcare professional like a chiropractor, physiotherapist, or manual osteopath can help offer relief and support for optimal recovery. However, sometimes, it can be a bit confusing to choose which type of specialist to go to, as they all have different approaches and methods to help alleviate pain and discomfort. In this blog, we will help you understand the critical differences between chiropractic, physiotherapy, and manual osteopathy, as well as the benefits and limitations of each.
Chiropractic Care:
Dr. Andrew, DC
Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily through spinal adjustments. Through gentle manipulations, soft tissue therapy, and adjustments, chiropractors assist your body in healing itself and finding relief from discomfort.
The benefits of chiropractic treatment includes pain relief, improved range of motion, increased muscle strength, improved posture, and reduced stress. Chiropractic care can be especially beneficial for relieving back pain, neck pain, headaches, and sciatica. A chiropractor will also advise on lifestyle modifications to help support the effectiveness of the chiropractic treatments.
While chiropractors offer effective treatments, it’s important to consider a few factors. Spinal manipulation may carry a slight risk of adverse side effects. It’s extremely rare but possible to experience complications like worsening of a herniated disk or nerve compression. Additionally, some individuals may become reliant on regular visits to their chiropractor.
Chiropractic care may be right for you if …
- You suffer from chronic pain: Chiropractors can provide relief back pain, neck pain, and headaches and more. They focus on treating the source of the pain rather than just masking the symptoms.
- You want a natural approach to healing: Chiropractors use non-invasive, drug-free techniques that allow the body to heal naturally. Often, patients who want to avoid surgeries and medications prefer this approach.
- You want to improve your overall health: Chiropractic care is more than treating pain, it can also improve your overall health. Chiropractors can work with you to develop a wellness plan that includes nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle habits.
- You want to avoid surgery: For many patients, chiropractic care can provide a safe alternative. Chiropractors can treat an array of conditions that might otherwise require surgery.
- You want to improve your athletic performance: Many professional athletes trust chiropractic care to help them achieve peak performance. Chiropractic care can improve flexibility, reduce injuries, and enhance overall athletic performance.
Dr. Andrew, DC
Chiropractic care may not be right for you if …
- You have a serious medical condition: Chiropractic care is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have a serious medical condition, consult your doctor before seeking chiropractic care.
- You have a broken bone or fracture: Chiropractors do not treat broken bones or fractures. If you have a suspected fracture, you should seek medical attention immediately.
- You are pregnant: While chiropractic care is generally safe for pregnant women, choosing a chiropractor with experience treating them is crucial. You should also consult with your obstetrician before seeking chiropractic care.
- You have a herniated disc: Chiropractic treatment is effective for many back conditions, but it may not be appropriate for certain types of spinal injuries, such as a herniated disc. Your chiropractor can help you determine whether a chiropractic adjustment is the right treatment for your condition.
Physiotherapy:
Physiotherapy strives to help individuals regain movement and function after being affected by injury, illness, or disability. This is achieved through the use of different physical modalities, manipulation, mobilization, and exercises. Physiotherapy benefits include pain relief, improved joint mobility, muscle strength and function, balance and coordination, and increased endurance. Physiotherapy can be especially beneficial for sports injuries, musculoskeletal problems, neurological conditions, and post-operative rehabilitation.
It is important to note that physical therapy is not always a quick fix and may require weeks or even months to see noticeable results for some patients. The active nature of this form of rehabilitation necessitates patients’ active involvement, including doing exercises at home. A lack of commitment to these home exercises can prolong the rehabilitation process. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that physiotherapy has its limitations, particularly when addressing internal dysfunctions.
Physiotherapy may be right for you if …
Ed Middleton, PT
- You have an injury or condition that causes pain, stiffness, weakness, or limited mobility: Physiotherapists are experts in assessing and treating musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, such as back pain, arthritis, stroke, sports injuries, and post-surgical rehabilitation.
- You want to improve your physical performance or prevent injuries: Physical therapists can help athletes, dancers, and other active individuals fine-tune their bodies, optimize their movement patterns, and reduce their risk of getting hurt.
- You want to manage a chronic condition: If you have a lasting health challenge, such as diabetes, chronic pain, asthma, or heart disease, physical therapy can be a valuable part of your care team. Physiotherapists can help you learn self-management skills, cope with stress and fatigue, develop healthy habits, and enhance your quality of life.
- You want a non-invasive approach to healthcare: Many people prefer physiotherapy to other healthcare forms involving medication, injections, or surgery. Physical therapy is a natural and safe way to address health concerns without significant side effects or risks.
Physiotherapy may not be right for you if …
- You have a medical emergency or severe acute pain: If you have a life-threatening condition or sudden severe pain, you should seek immediate medical attention from a hospital or emergency department. Physiotherapy is not a substitute for urgent care; physical therapists do not provide medical diagnosis or emergency treatment.
- You have a condition or injury that requires specialized medical or surgical attention: In some cases, physiotherapy may not be able to replace or avoid surgical or medical interventions. For example, if you have a tumour, you may need surgery first and then physiotherapy to support your recovery.
- You have a personal or cultural preference for other forms of healthcare: Everyone has different beliefs, values, and preferences when it comes to healthcare. If you do not believe in holistic approaches like acupuncture, chiropractic, or naturopathy, physiotherapy may not align with you.
- You are not ready or motivated to participate in the treatment: Physiotherapy requires active participation from the patient to be effective. If you are unwilling or unprepared to engage in the treatment, such as attending appointments, doing exercises, following instructions, or communicating with your physiotherapist, you may not benefit as much as possible.
Cranial Sacral Therapy
Manual Osteopathy:
Manual osteopathy, on the other hand, focuses on the manual manipulation of the body’s musculoskeletal and visceral systems. Visceral manipulation is a hands-on therapy that targets the internal organs, addressing functional and structural imbalances within multiple body systems. Visceral manipulation can address dysfunctions caused by both physical and emotional factors.
The benefits of manual osteopathy include pain relief, improved range of motion, digestion, blood flow, organ function, sleep, and reduced stress. With its roots in indigenous medicine, bodywork and healing arts, manual osteopathy can be especially beneficial for conditions like chronic pain, digestive problems, irritable bowel syndrome, menstrual pain, bladder problems, anxiety, depression, migraine headaches, and hormonal imbalances.
Manual osteopathy also has limitations, such as long-term commitments due to gradual, gentle manipulations. Not all healthcare practitioners recognize it, and finding a practitioner who practices it in some areas can be challenging. Additionally, some health insurance plans do not cover or allow direct billing for manual osteopathy, which can lead to more significant out-of-pocket expenses for some patients.
Manual osteopathy may be right for you if …
- You experience chronic pain: Manual osteopathy is an effective method of pain relief for headaches, back pains, and neck pains. If you are tired of relying on medication to cope with your pain, manual osteopathy could be the solution.
- You prefer non-invasive treatments: Unlike invasive treatments like surgery or injections, manual osteopathy is a non-invasive therapy that involves hands-on techniques.
- You’re looking for a holistic treatment: Manual osteopathy focuses on the body as a whole. Therapists diagnose and treat the root cause of your problems, not just the symptoms.
- You want to improve your overall well-being: Manual osteopathy is known for balancing the body’s natural rhythm and facilitating the body’s capacity to self-heal.
Gagandeep Watts, MO
Manual osteopathy may not be right for you if …
- You’re facing a medical emergency: Manual osteopathy is not a substitute for emergency medical care. If you are facing a severe medical emergency, seek medical attention immediately.
- You have an acute illness: Manual osteopathy is ineffective for acute illnesses like flu, viral infections, and bacterial infections. In such cases, you may need to receive conventional medical care.
- You have broken bones: Manual osteopathy is not the correct treatment if you have broken or fractured bones. You will need to see an orthopedic surgeon for medical assistance.
- You are pregnant: It is necessary to speak with your doctor before undergoing treatment. Although manual osteopathy is generally safe, it is important to consult your doctor before considering it.
Conclusion:
Choosing the treatment that is right for you is important. Whether you decide on chiropractic care, physiotherapy, or manual osteopathy, each offers a unique approach to helping alleviate pain, restore function, and promote optimal health. The choice often comes down to personal preference and what type of issue you’re dealing with. It’s always a good idea to research and seek recommendations when choosing a healthcare professional to ensure they’re qualified, experienced and are right for you. A combination of these therapies may be beneficial for achieving optimal health and wellness.
Do you still have questions? Click here to book a free 15 minute consultation.
Written by: DeVera Nybo, MBA
