Dr. Leah Lawson, Chiropractor
6 William St P2A 1V1 Parry Sound, ON, Canada

Chiropractic care remains essential during stay-at-home initiatives. We are still open and here to help with your pain. All safety protocols and PPE remain in place. I have adjusted my hours slightly as we move into the new year. I look forward to continue to serve you! #barrie #collingwood #essentialservice #chiropractor #painrelief

Even with Ontario going into lockdown on Dec 26th, Chiropractors are considered an essential service and I will remain open for treatments! I am fully booked this week, but have availability in both Collingwood and Barrie next week! You can book online at www.drleahlawson.com

2020 was definitely full of challenges, in a lot of different ways. I also believe that it gave us an opportunity to be grateful for the things we have. I am so incredibly thankful for my family, my friends, my health, the beautiful outdoors, and my amazing patients! Thank you to all of you for making this last year as great as possible. I look forward to what 2021 brings!

As of Monday Dec 14, Simcoe Muskoka is considered in the red zone. However, chiropractors are able to continue with all treatments. I wanted to reassure you that all health and safety protocols are continuing at both Vitality Health and Bayside Wellness. You will continue to see: ... hand sanitation stations plexiglass at front desk active and passive screening proper PPE disinfecting is all surfaces See more

Wishing you and your family the happiest of holidays this season! However you are celebrating, I hope you find time for rest and relaxation. I will be back in the office Monday Dec 28th!

Winter wonderland December 1st seems fitting for our first significant snow fall in Simcoe County. Lots of wet, heavy snow is still falling, so here is your yearly reminder to shovel safely to avoid back, hip, shoulder, and knee pain! A few tips include:... push, don’t throw the snow bend your knees watch for ice #chiropractor #snow #snowfall #shovelingsnow #pain #injury #barrie #collingwood

I love having my patients’ backs! Happy Halloween

Winter is just around the corner! Can you spot my advertisement for the Sno Voyageurs Club??

Rehab Exercise Stretches The actual in-office treatment is only a small portion of your healing progress. The key to recovery, as well as preventing re-injury, is a tailored rehab program. I love prescribing specific stretches and exercises to my patients, so they they can get better, faster. This also empowers them to take control over their pain. ... Looking for an individualized treatment plan that includes an unique rehab program? Let’s chat about if my care is the right fit for you! #chiropractic #barrie #collingwood #rehab #stretches #exercises #treatmentplan #painrelief

Wow! What a beautiful day it is out there in Simcoe County! Try to take sometime to enjoy this sunshine today! Take a walk, hike, or run outside today. It is so important for your physical and mental health to get moving outside! And you can absorb some of the natural vitamin D before #barrie #collingwood #chiropractor #sunshine #fallsummer #physicalhealth #mentalhealth #getoutdoors

October 16 is World Spine Day! Get Back on Track safely! Your neck and back pain hasn’t stopped during these months. I can help you live the healthy, active life you want while protecting your safety. Individual treatment rooms, enhanced cleaning, and PPE are some of the ways we are helping you stay safe while attending your in-person treatments! please reach out with any questions or concerns! ... #worldspineday #backontrack #wsc #chiropractor #barrie #collingwood #painrelief

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we remember the more than 2,300,000 Canadians who have served throughout our nation’s history. #weremember

Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. Leah, Murph, and G!

Hiking is one of my favourite fall activities The cooler temperatures and Ontario’s beautiful colours make for the perfect combination for hiking. I also pair my hikes with compression socks from @iamlntk to make sure I have happy feet, knees, and low back once I’m done! The lumberjack style are my favourite right now! ... Did you know most benefits cover compression stockings? I can custom fit you for compression socks and help keep you pain free for all your favourite activities! #hiking #hikeontario #compressionsocks #barrie #collingwood #chiropractor #customfitting #painrelief

Dr. Leah is performing an adjustment for the thoracic spine. The thoracic spine is comprised of 12 vertebrae and connects with the cervical spine (neck) above, and the lumbar spine (low back) below! The 12 segments of the thoracic spine also anchors the rib cage (12 on each side), which protect the heart and lungs! When the movement of the joints of the thoracic spine become restricted, many people feel tightness or stiffness in between their shoulder blades, or even feel li...ke they can’t take a deep breath in. A simple adjustment in this area can help relieve pain and restore motion! #thoracicmobility #thoracicspine #shoulderbladepain #stiffness #tightmuscles #chiropractor #barrie #collingwood

Back to school! Although it may look a little different, I hope you all have a great first week back at school (whether that is in class, online, or homeschool!) Although it’s not officially fall yet, autumn is a great time to embrace change. I have a few changes in my schedule as we move forward into the fall season, but still lots of hours to help you move and live pain free! ... #backtoschool #fall2020 #barrie #collingwood #bookonline #chiropractor #painfree #cupping #acupuncture See more

Ankle sprain? Did you know I can treat that? An inversion sprain happens when you go over your ankle. You can have swelling, bruising, and pain. (Notice my bruising from my ankle sprain last summer). Soft tissue therapy, exercises, strengthening, and even adjustments can help speed up your recovery! #anklesprain #ATFL #barrie #chiropractor #adjustments #softtissue #collingwood

My #1 tip for preventing pain at your home office is moving every 30-50 minutes. Even a lap around the dining room table or a couple of stretches will help reduce injury!

Want to strengthen your core to support your spine? You may be doing more harm than good with these common exercises! Check out this blog by my friend Dr. Kirstie.

Working from home means a whole new set of challenges. Some employers are considering having employees work from home as a permeant solution. Setting up your home office properly will prevent injuries in the future. Reach out if you have any questions about setting up your home office properly!

Cupping therapy! Stiff, tight, and painful muscles? Regular massage or soft tissue work not helping? You may want to try cupping! Using a hand pump, the air is drawn out of the cup, lifting the soft tissue up. This helps increase blood flow, separating layers of muscle and fascia, and helps to decrease pain Interested in trying cupping? Want more information? Reach out to me and we can chat! #barrie #collingwood #chiropractor #cuppingtherapy #cupping #softtissue #bloodflow

We have had some great summer weather so far this year! Are you taking advantage of the sunshine and moving your office outside? Check out my tips on minimizing injury when using patio furniture as a workstation.

Sitting all day? Tight hips? Are you experiencing low back pain? This figure 4 stretch can be performed either seated or laying on your back. It will stretch tight hip external rotators and can help relieve some low back pain. Check out my videos on how to perform this stretch! (https://youtu.be/hTC1yXjF0b4) ... #chiropractor #barrie #collingwood #stretching #exercise #lowbackpain #SIpain #painrelief

I don’t usually recommend using a bed as a work station, since your body can’t be properly supported. However, sometimes it may be the only option. Here are some tips to minimize injury if you have to work on your bed for short periods!

Did you know that approximately 15-30% of low back pain cases are caused by SI dysfunction? The SI joint connects each side of your sacrum to your hip bones - so you have a left and right SI joint. They are usually palpable at the lower back dimples. The SI joint typically has little motion, but it’s small movements are important in translating forces between the leg and the back. ... SI dysfunction is usually caused by a hypomobility (decreased motion) in the joint. This can cause a sharp pain in the joint, as well as a referral of pain down the leg on the same side. Treatment usually consists of some soft tissue work of surrounding muscles and ligaments, adjustments, and a home stretching/strengthening program. Are you experiencing SI pain? DM me for more information! #chiropractor #sijoint #sidysfunction #sacroiliacjointdysfunction #painrelief #barrie #collingwood #cupping #acupuncture #stretches #health

Still using your dining room table as an office space? Check out these tips to minimize risk of injury!

Looking for some at home shoulder pain management? A TENs unit may be for you!

It’s hot out there this week! With temperatures feeling in the 40s this week with humidity, it’s important to remember sun safety. Stay hydrated - if you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated! ... Sun protection - wear a hat, stay in the shade, or wear sun protection Keep exercise to off peak times - either early in the morning or in the evening #summer #sunprotection #barrie #collingwood #chiropractor

Happy Canada Day! No matter the season, I enjoy exploring this beautiful country! (Although I am partial to summer ) Living in Simcoe County gives us the opportunity to explore the beauty of nature right at our doorstep. My favourite ways to explore include camping, hiking, and fishing. How do you enjoy our great outdoors? #canadaday #simcoecounty #barrie #collingwood #explore #outdoors

Subscribe to your calendar! Did you know that you can subscribe to your own personal bookings? Pressing this button once will automatically sync all your upcoming appointments with me at Vitality Health! No more having to manually enter your appointments in your calendar! #onlinebooking #subscribetocalendar #barrie #chiropractor #health #wellness #painrelief #cupping

I’ve been doing my exercises, and it’s helping! This is one of the best things I hear my patients say. Although I love the hands on manual therapy aspect of my job, exercise prescription is key to empower my patients to take control of their own pain management. I strive to give my patients the tools in order to continue their care at home and ultimately get better results with their treatments. I know sometimes once you leave the office you think what was that st...retch Dr. Leah showed me again? Was my knee suppose to be bent or straight? To help with refreshers at home, I have started to create a bank of videos demonstrating some of the most popular exercises and stretches I prescribe. You can check these out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDMWV-QrlNXB1FAuCXBfEng #chiropractor #stretches #exercises #painmanagement #painrelief #barrie #collingwood #cupping #acupuncture

It might look a little different - but it’s great to be back! All the protocols are in place to help keep both you and me safe! Online booking is live for both Vitality Health and Bayside Wellness. Still not sure about in person appointments? We are still offering virtual telehealth appointments to help with those aches and pains! ... #barrie #collingwood #chiropractor #reopening #localbusiness #health #painrelief #locallove #acupuncture #cupping #stretches #exercises

Looking for a yoga program that is designed especially for low back pain? Check out this program from my friend and colleague Dr. Kirstie Griffiths Chiropractic & Yoga! All online and move at your own pace - Chiropractor approved!

#blackouttuesday

I am so excited for my re-opening tomorrow! Please review the clinic procedures that was sent in the newsletter. They are all posted on my website, and I have provided an overview here for quick reference! See everyone soon! #chiropractor #barrie #collingwood #covid #safetyfirst #treatments

I was recording some new videos all day yesterday. By the last video someone was trying to tell me it was time to pay attention to him. You can count on G to help maintain that life-work balance! #g #dogsofinstagram #behindthescenes #barrie #collingwood #chiropractor #stretches #exercise #education

I am so excited to be gradually returning to practice starting June 1st! During these past few months, both of my clinics have been working extremely hard to implement all the changes necessary to return to practice safely - for both you (the patient) and for us as providers. All of these changes can be found on my website (link in bio). Please continue to be patient with us as we re-activate all of the online booking settings and send out extremely important e-newsle...tters outlining what to expect at the clinics moving forward. You should be receiving your newsletter within the next few days, and online booking will begin to be available within this timeframe as well. Please check out the new policies, book your appointments, and reach out with any questions or concerns Can’t wait to see all my amazing patients again! #chiropractor #reopening #barrie #collingwood #happydance #ppe #safety

Yesterday, the Ministry of Health announced that Health Care Professionals in Ontario can begin a GRADUAL return to work, provided they are compliant with operational requirements. We have been working diligently over the past few weeks to implement these requirements; aquire all the necessary equipment & PPE and properly train our staff and practitioners on our new extensive policies and procedures. As of last night, the chiropractic regulatory body gave the green l...ight! Keep an eye on our social media and your inboxes for all the details of our reopening! Thank you for your patience as our team finalizes our plan!

BioFreeze Sale All BioFreeze is currently on sale (while supplies last)! This is your chance to try this soothing menthol, paraben-free formula for long-lasting pain relief. Buy online at my store now https://drleahlawson.square.site ... Or message me for other options for purchasing! Free pick up or Barrie-area porch drop off available. Shipping is an additional fee. #biofreeze #painrelief #barrie #chiropractor #sale #supportlocalbusiness

Covid-19 Update! As you may know, phase 1 of Ontario reopening started today. However, regulated health professionals (including Chiropractors) are not included in this phase. We are working hard at both clinic locations to ensure we have procedures in place to make our offices a safe place for you once we are given the green light! For now, I am still offering telehealth virtual consultations, stretches and exercises on my YouTube channel, and can still see urgent cases in person on a case by case need. Please reach out to me personally with any questions or concerns you may have! #covid #barrie #collingwood #chiropractor #staysafestayhome

Now more than ever before we celebrate our nurses! I am truly thankful for all your hard work on the front lines. #thankyounurses! Tag your favourite local nurse to enter them into a draw for a prize pack! Submissions will close at 12pm EST Friday May 15, 2020! Winner will be announced on Facebook and Instagram. Please tag on original post! #internationalnursesday #barrie #health #frontline #thankyou #appreciationpost ... 1 winner will be randomly selected from combined tags in both Instagram and Facebook. Prize pack consists of performance compression socks (15-22 mmHg), Biofreeze gel, and essential oil blend roller (5ml).

Arch pain? Ankle pain? Knee pain? These all could be coming from your feet. Did you know your big toe has to extend in order to have good biomechanics when walking? Do you have trouble lifting your big toe up? Check out these self-mobilization and exercises to help with great toe extension! #greattoe #walking #running #painrelief #barrie #chiropractor #kneepain #plantarfasciitis

Need some at home pain relief? Feeling more pain since you can’t visit your manual health care provider? Check out this video on an at home TENs/EMS Unit (made by local Barrie company Lunatik Athletiks). Did you know most health benefit plans cover these units? I can provide local porch drop off for these units for pain relief at home! EMS~ Electrical Muscle Stimulation is designed to stimulate the muscles for the purpose of rehabilitation and strengthening. Its a tool that is recognized by sports scientists as a complementary technique for sports training. TENS~ Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, stimulates the nerves exclusively for the purpose of relieving pain both chronic and acute. This therapy is non-invasive and used by so many varied health care professionals.

Less in-person appointments means more time for online learning! I took the Basic Phlebology Compression Fitter Certification course by Barrie’s own @iamlntk . Now I am even more prepared to fit you for your custom fitted compression socks! Stay tuned for a video on how to use one of their new products - TENs/EMS machine!

Did you know that you have two main calf muscles? One that crosses your knee and one that doesn’t. Both of them join at the heel to form your Achilles’ tendon. If you are having calf, heel, or even arch of the foot pain, give both of these calf stretches a try! Full video link is below #calfpain #calfstretches #footpain #chiropractor #painrelief #barrie https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDMWV-QrlNXB1FAuCXBfEng/

Vitality Health has a new team member! Welcome Karen!

Did you know I’m offering virtual visits through both my clinics? I know it may seem strange that such a hands-on profession can offer virtual visits. However, using secure video, I can see what is concerning you, demonstrate stretches and exercises tailored to you, and most importantly you #stayhome and #staysafe. You can book these online anytime! Looking for some at home support? Check out my online store with free Barrie delivery! https://drleahlawson.square.site #barrie #onlinestore #helpathome #telehealth #virtualcare #chiropractor

Bayside Wellness is offering a free meditation session every Monday night! Check it out!

Do you find yourself hunched over a desk or device more? Are you experiencing an increase in neck pain and headaches? You might be developing upper crossed syndrome. Upper crossed syndrome is a term used to describe a common pattern in neck and shoulder posture. I often see this in patients who are desk workers, but also more commonly due to mobile device usage. This can cause neck and back tension, as well as headaches. Let’s dive into the name. Upper refers to the neck ...region (there is also a lower crossed syndrome). Crossed refers to the fact that the tight muscles are diagonal and the weak muscles are diagonal (see picture). Lastly syndrome means a group of symptoms that occur together. The tight muscles are the pectorals muscles and the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and suboccipitals. The weak (or lengthened) muscles are the deep neck flexors and rhomboids. In order to correct this. We stretch the tight muscles and strengthen the weak muscles. I have videos are for the following stretches and exercises: Pectorals door frame stretch: https://youtu.be/_7uY4YUYy34 Upper Trapezius and Levator Scapulae Stretch: https://youtu.be/pWi9qc9Uxn0 Chink Tucks (Stretch suboccipitals, activate deep neck flexors): https://youtu.be/XcguLRC_-gE #uppercrossedsyndrome #pain #headaches #stretches #exercise #chiropractor #barrie #collingwood

Emergency care visits are taken on a case-by-case basis.

Check out my article in Simcoe.com about setting up your home office properly!

Do you foam roll? Since lockdown, I have been running more, but also sitting more. Both of which can be hard on the muscles of the upper leg/hip. Tight quads, hamstrings, and gluts can lead to an increase in low back, hip, and knee pain. I like to foam roll before working out to warm up the muscles, but it can also be incorporated into your daily routine for some pain relief! #foamroller #kneepain #hippain #painrelief #chiropractor #barrie #collingwood

Are you finding that you are spending more time on devices now? Does that include a change in your work space ergonomics? Two of the areas that may be feeling sore are your wrists and elbows. Tennis or Golfers elbow can be a result of repetitive motions on devices and at home desks. For more info visit https://drleahlawson.com/tennis-vs-golfers-elbow/ and check out this video on how to do a stretch for those tight muscles causing pain https://youtu.be/xYEyozd1p_w #chiropractic #barrie #collingwood #covid19 #elbowpain #homeoffice

Happy Easter! Although it may look a bit different this year, I hope you and your family stay healthy and safe while celebrating Easter! #easter #family #friends #chiropractor #barrie #collingwood

Many patients are contacting me with increased headaches and neck pain. This is most likely due to increased screen time, poor home office ergonomics, and lack of treatment! The good news is that there are some stretches you can do at home to help decrease pain and stiffness. You can check out these stretches on my YouTube channel. https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCDMWV-QrlNXB1FAuCXBfEng #neckpain #chiropractor #stiffness #barrie #health #wellness

We miss you! We may not be able to physically treat our patients, but we want to support you! The Chiros at Bayside Wellness are working hard to bring you some resources that will help support you during these times of physical distancing! Stay tuned as we work to launch online programs to help relieve pain and discomfort in your muscles and joints. @baysidewellness21 #comingsoon #onlineprograming #onlinesupport #telehealth #chiropractor #health #wellness #covid #drjen #drleah #drandrea #drdale

Don't Stay on Your Couch! Join me and Wendi from @everydayessentials_life Live on Instagram on April 1st (tomorrow!) at 2pm! We'll be sharing valuable info on staying moving and how that impacts your health in our Essential Support Series, designed to support YOU through this time. Follow @drleahlawson and @everydayessentials_life... #essentialsupport #healthyfamilies #chiropractic #chiropractor #holistichealth #movementislife #motionislotion

Oh how our lives have changed drastically over the last week! Do you find yourself sitting more with social distancing? Working from home? Not exercising as much? If you find you are sitting more with less exercise, you may be experiencing an increase in low back pain. Interested to know why sitting can increase your low back pain? It might be related to your hip flexors! Check out the new blog on my website for more info - and details on how to stretch thos...e hip flexors! http://drleahlawson.com/hipflexors #socialdistancing #covd19 #barrie #chiropractor #lowbackpain #stretching #exercise #hipflexors #knowledgeispower

Due to closures, lots of patients are not receiving care they need to prevent musculoskeletal pain. Here is a great video by the Ontario Chiropractic Association demonstrating some Yoga exercises for back pain! Please reach out to me with any questions!

Happy first day of spring! Even with social distancing, it is important to nourish and move your body to ensure optimal health! Your body is meant to move, so here are some things you can do to help you stay active: go for a hike! Check out your local hiking spots take your dog for a walk practice some yoga (many local studios are providing online classes) try an at-home body weight program ... go for a run! Or start a walk-to-run program Please reach out with any questions or if you need suggestions for ways to get active! #springequinox #spring #chiropractor #health #wellness #active #healthyliving

Clinic Update: Effective immediately Bayside Wellness will be temporarily closed. The well being of our patients and staff is our top priority and we feel closi...ng the facility is the best way to ensure this. Please keep an eye on your emails, as we will be sending more information to those with upcoming appointments. We will also be updating our website as more information becomes available. Stay healthy, and wash you hands frequently.

Effective immediately, Chiropractic treatments at both Vitality Health and Bayside Wellness will be suspended until further notice. We will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis. Stay safe and healthy everyone!

With the latest information and imposed measures regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), we are encouraging our patients to follow the list of recommendations: -Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. -Please reschedule your appointment if you are not feeling well and present with symptoms of cold or fever (no fee will be imposed) -If you have travelled on a plane over the past 14 days please consider rescheduling your appointment or notify the clinic of suc...h travel. Dr. Leah Lawson works at two clinics (Bayside Wellness and Vitality Health), which are both taking additional measures to continue providing a safe and healthy space for your care. This includes: -Frequent use of medical/hospital grade virucidal disinfectant on all treatment surfaces, door knobs, chairs, front desk equipment etc. -Practitioners will continue hand washing and sanitization before and after each patient interaction.

Dr. Heather and Dr. Anna share their top tips on staying healthy this season!

Happy International Women’s day! The Ontario Chiropractic Association is featuring my amazing Collingwood clinic -Bayside Wellness! #IWD2020

Let’s Break the Ice (On RICE protocol) It’s February in Canada and it’s cold (freezing) outside. You step off where you think your front step should be, but since it is covered in snow, you end up missing the step and rolling your ankle. Past experience and habit tells you to ice that ankle, which is the last thing you want when it’s -20 outside, but more current research may suggest otherwise! The RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation) was first introduced ...in 1978 by Dr. Gabe Mirkin as a treatment for soft tissue injuries. The thought was that this protocol helped to reduce swelling and decrease recovery time. However, it now appears that ice and complete rest may actually delay healing. When tissues are damaged through trauma (rolling an ankle, exercising intensely, etc), your body heals itself through inflammation. Your immune system sends inflammatory (healing) cells to the damaged tissue which start to produce the protein insulin-like growth factor 1, which is required for issue repair. Applying ice to the damaged tissue actually decreases blood flow to the area, which prevents these healing cells from reaching the injured site. Not only could ice prevent these injured tissues from healing, but it could also damage the healthy surrounding issue by limiting blood flow, thus causing more damage on top of the original injury. Ice could also cause an opposite desired effect in swelling. When ice is applied over lymphatic tissue, those vessels become more permeable, and more fluid enters the interstitial space. This means that the swelling at the injured site will actually increase, not decrease. So what is the alternative? Movement. The only way to reduce swelling is by the lymphatic system. Since this is a passive system, they rely completely on muscle activation to move lymphatic fluid. My suggestion for an acute injury is pain-free active range of motion. That rolled ankle can be elevated, but instead of icing, try writing the alphabet with your toes as long as it is pain free. Start back into your physical activities as soon as you are able to without pain. Movement is what’s getting your body to recover faster - so leave those ice cubes for your drink! See more

Starting Monday our patient portal (online booking) will be different at Vitality Health (Barrie office). Keep an eye out for an updated link to our online booking. The best part about this change? Optional text (SMS) reminders! #vitalityhealth #barrie #chiropractor #onlinebooking #janeapp #cupping #graston #acupuncture #adjustments #motionislotion