Frequently Asked Questions

Your first visit has three parts. First, Dr. Jeff sits down with you for a thorough consultation – he listens to your history, what’s been bothering you, how long it has been going on, and what you’ve already tried. Nothing is rushed. Second, he conducts a comprehensive examination that includes physical testing, range of motion assessment, orthopaedic and neurological testing, and a computerized INSiGHT Subluxation Station scan that gives us an objective picture of your nervous system function. Third, if it is appropriate to begin some initial treatment on that first visit, we will. You will leave with a clear understanding of what we found and what your options are.

Please allow up to one hour for your first appointment. Subsequent visits are considerably shorter and are designed to be efficient without ever feeling rushed.

Your complete first visit — including consultation, physical and computerized examination, is $59. If Chiropractic and/or Laser Treatment(s) are provided that same day: Chiropractic Treatment – $55, Laser Treatments – $60 per 30 minutes of laser time.

Comfortable, loose clothing is ideal — something that allows easy access to the area of concern. If your issue involves your lower back, hips, or legs, athletic pants or shorts work well. If it’s your neck or upper back, a loose top is helpful. Gowns and shorts can be provided if needed. We have private curtained treatment areas in the Laser suite for your comfort.

No. Chiropractors in Ontario are primary contact healthcare providers, which means you can make an appointment directly without a referral from your physician. You do not need to see your doctor first.

In most cases, yes – if it is clinically appropriate after your examination, Dr. Jeff will begin initial treatment on your first visit. There are situations where he may prefer to review your records or imaging first. He will always explain his reasoning, and you are always in control of your care decisions.

This is completely understandable and you are not alone. Please tell us when you book – or tell Dr. Jeff when you arrive. He has been practicing for over 40 years and has worked with many patients who were initially apprehensive. There is no pressure to do anything you are not comfortable with. Dr. Jeff will explain exactly what he is going to do before he does it, and your comfort is always the priority.

If you have any recent X-rays, MRI reports, CT scans, or relevant medical records, bring them – they give Dr. Jeff useful context. If you don’t have any of these, don’t worry. We can order digital X-rays through a local Medical Clinic if they are needed in your case. Bring your extended health insurance card if you plan to use your benefits for Dr. Jeff’s services. We can submit insurance benefit claims on your behalf with most companies.

Dr. Jeff Lustig opened his Peterborough practice – Active Chiropractic & Wellness Centre in 1988. We have been serving patients in Peterborough and the surrounding communities — including Lakefield, Kawartha Lakes, Norwood, and beyond — for over 38 years.

Several things, and we’ll be direct about them. First, Dr. Jeff holds a Certified Chiropractic Rehabilitation Doctor (C.C.R.D.) designation – a post-graduate credential focused on complex rehabilitation cases that relatively few chiropractors hold. Second, we operate three BioFlex laser therapy systems – the largest laser therapy facility in the Peterborough region, allowing us to treat multiple areas of the body in a single visit. Third, we use the INSiGHT Subluxation Station for computerized nervous system assessment, which gives us objective data rather than relying solely on subjective assessment. Fourth, we offer LifeWave X39 phototherapy as a complement to in-clinic care. Fifth, we use The Orthotic Group’s computerized Gait Scan Analysis as part of our comprehensive Orthotic Assessment. No other clinic in Peterborough offers this combination of technology and expertise.

Yes. Active Chiropractic & Wellness Centre is a focused solo practice, which means every appointment is with Dr. Jeff Lustig personally – not a rotating associate. Dr. Jeff knows your history, remembers your goals, and tracks your progress from your very first visit to your last. There are no handoffs and no starting over with someone new.

Yes. Chiropractic care is safe and effective for children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Pediatric adjustments are very gentle and quite different from adult adjustments. Many parents bring their children in for issues ranging from colic and ear infections in infants to sports performance or injuries and postural concerns in teenagers. If you have questions about whether chiropractic is appropriate for your child’s specific situation, call us and we’re happy to talk it through.

Absolutely — and seniors make up a meaningful and valued part of our patient community. Dr. Jeff’s C.C.R.D. designation specifically prepares him for the complex presentations that often come with age. Gentle chiropractic techniques, laser therapy, and rehabilitative care have helped many of our senior patients maintain independence, manage chronic pain, and stay active well into their later years. Dr. Jeff has post graduate study in the effective treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

Yes. We welcome patients from Lakefield, Kawartha Lakes, Norwood, Bridgenorth, Selwyn, as far south as Orono & Clarington and north to Bobcaygeon and Apsley communities. Many patients travel specifically to access our laser therapy and diagnostic technology, which is not available at most clinics in the region.

We offer appointment times designed to fit real schedules:

Monday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

This means we have early morning appointments before work, mid-morning for retirees and work-from-home professionals, late morning to 1:00 PM for the lunch crowd, and afternoon appointments for families after school and work on Mondays and Wednesdays.

As a focused solo practice, Dr. Jeff sees every patient personally. This schedule allows him to give each patient his complete, unhurried attention whether during the acute pain phase of care or beyond.

Call us at (705) 743-1661 and speak with Lesley, our receptionist. You can also use the appointment request form on our website at activechiroptbo.ca. Same-week appointments are often available, or call early for same-day possibilities.

For new patients, we typically have openings within the same week. If you have a specific day or time preference – an early morning before work, or a Wednesday afternoon – call ahead and Lesley will do her best to accommodate you.

Yes. We have free on-site parking directly at the clinic, and all nearby street parking is also free.

We ask that you give us as much notice as possible — ideally 24 hours — so we can offer your appointment time to another patient. Call us at (705) 743-1661. We completely understand that life happens.

Yes. We offer billing for most major extended health insurance plans, which means we submit the claim for you at the time of your visit. You pay us directly at the time of each visit or ask us about our Pre-Paid/Pre-Booked Savings Plans. Lesley is happy to help you understand your coverage before your first visit — just bring your insurance card.

Yes. We will direct bill for approved Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) cases.

Unfortunately, chiropractic care is not currently covered under OHIP in Ontario. However, most extended health benefit plans – including those offered through employers, unions, and private insurers – include chiropractic coverage and often separate coverage for Custom Foot Orthotics. You may also have coverage for services available through our in-clinic associates such as Massage Therapy and Psychotherapy. Check your plan documents or contact your insurance provider to confirm your specific coverage.

In most cases, yes. Because BioFlex laser therapy at our clinic is provided as part of Dr. Jeff’s chiropractic care, it typically falls under your chiropractic benefit. Coverage varies by plan. Lesley can help you clarify this before your first visit.

We accept cash, cheque, Visa, and Mastercard.

Most people think of chiropractors primarily for back pain — and while we do treat a great deal of back pain, our scope is considerably broader. At Active Chiropractic & Wellness Centre we regularly treat neck pain and stiffness, headaches and migraines, sciatica and leg pain, shoulder injuries, rotator cuff problems, hip and knee pain, sports injuries, motor vehicle accident injuries, work-related injuries, arthritis, spinal stenosis, disc herniations, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, postural problems, and more. If you’re not sure whether your condition is something we can help with, call us — we’ll tell you honestly.

Yes. Chiropractic adjustment is one of the most studied forms of healthcare in the world and has an excellent safety record. Dr. Jeff has been performing adjustments for over 40 years and tailors his techniques to each individual patient’s age, condition, and comfort level. He uses a range of techniques — including very gentle, low-force approaches for patients who prefer them.

The sound is caused by a rapid change in pressure within the joint, which releases dissolved gases from the joint fluid — similar to the sound when you crack your knuckles. It is not bones cracking against each other, and it does not indicate that anything is being broken or damaged. Many patients find the sound satisfying. If you find it unsettling, there are adjustment techniques that produce no sound at all — just let Dr. Jeff know.

This depends entirely on your condition, how long you’ve had it, your age, your general health, and your goals. After your examination, Dr. Jeff will give you a realistic recommendation and targets – not a vague “we’ll see how it goes,” but a specific plan with a clear time estimate, treatment plan, and measurable goals. He monitors your progress at each visit and adjusts the plan if needed. We are always honest with you about what to expect.

No – and we will never pressure you to continue care beyond what is clinically appropriate. Many patients choose to come in periodically for maintenance or wellness care because they find it keeps them functioning better between visits. Others complete a course of care for a specific symptom or condition and then return only when something comes up. The decision is always yours.

Dr. Jeff will tell you clearly and directly if and how he can help. In over 40 years of practice, accepting only patients he can effectively treat has been the foundation of the trust patients place in this clinic. If another practitioner, specialist, or approach is better suited to your situation, Dr. Jeff will say so and help point you in the right direction. You will be offered a plan that is genuinely in your best interest – the goal is to achieve the fastest and best results through the right treatment and schedule.

BioFlex laser therapy – also called photobiomodulation – uses specific wavelengths of light applied to damaged or inflamed tissue to stimulate healing at the cellular level. The light energy activates the mitochondria in your cells, accelerating tissue repair through DNA and protein synthesis, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain – not by masking the signal, but by addressing the underlying damage. It is painless, non-invasive, and has no known side effects.

BioFlex laser systems are effective for a wide range of conditions including back pain, sciatica, knee pain and osteoarthritis, shoulder injuries, rotator cuff tears, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, spinal stenosis, sports injuries, wound healing, shingles and nerve pain, headaches, and pre- and post-surgical recovery.

Every patient and condition is different. Clinical data from over 1,000 patients treated with the BioFlex system shows an average of approximately 10 treatments to resolve a condition. Some patients see significant improvement in as few as 3 sessions. More chronic or complex conditions may require 15 to 25. Dr. Jeff tracks your progress objectively and will give you an honest assessment after your first several treatments.

No. Laser therapy is completely painless. Most patients feel nothing at all, or perhaps a mild warmth or gentle tingling over the treatment area. Many patients fall asleep during treatment. There is no heat, no cutting, no vibration, and no discomfort.

Sessions typically run between 30 minutes and one hour, depending on the condition and the area being treated. We will always give you a realistic time and cost estimate before you begin.

30 min – $60
45 min – Often $90
60 min – $120

Cost is often covered under chiropractic benefits.

We are the largest laser therapy facility in the Peterborough region, operating three BioFlex systems. This means we can treat multiple patients simultaneously without unnecessary waiting, and — importantly for patients with complex or widespread conditions – we can treat three separate areas of your body in a single visit. For conditions like fibromyalgia, widespread arthritis, or multiple injury sites, this makes a significant difference in both efficiency and outcome.

BioFlex laser systems are used by some of the most demanding organizations in professional sport, including the Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays, and the Miami Heat, as well as the Canadian National Ballet Company. These organizations depend on rapid, effective recovery for world-class performers. We’re proud to bring that same standard of care to our patients in Peterborough.

The INSiGHT Subluxation Station is a computerized diagnostic system that measures nervous system function objectively. It uses three technologies: Thermography (which detects heat patterns along the spine indicating nerve stress), Surface ElectroMyography or sEMG (which measures the electrical activity of the muscles supporting your spine), and Heart Rate Variability (which assesses the balance of your autonomic nervous system). Together, these give us a complete, visual picture of how your nervous system is functioning – information that a physical examination alone cannot provide. We monitor your progress by periodically repeating initial testing for comparison.

Not at all. The scan is completely non-invasive. Sensors are gently placed along your spine and the readings are taken automatically. Most patients find it genuinely interesting to see their results displayed visually in real time.

Your nervous system controls everything – muscle tension, inflammation response, healing, and pain signals. When there is stress or interference in the nervous system, it shows up as patterns of dysfunction in the muscles and tissues around it. The INSiGHT scan allows us to see those patterns objectively, identify where the underlying stress is coming from, and measure your progress as care proceeds. It takes the guesswork out of your treatment plan.

LifeWave X39 is a wearable patented patch that uses the body’s own infrared energy to stimulate specific proteins associated with cellular repair, energy production, and tissue regeneration. It is non-transdermal – nothing enters the body through the skin. It works by reflecting specific wavelengths of light back into the tissue beneath the patch. Many of our patients use X39 between clinic visits to support and extend the results of their in-clinic care.

No. LifeWave X39 contains no drugs, chemicals, or supplements. Nothing is introduced into the body. It is a light-based technology that stimulates the body’s own cellular processes.

X39 is used by a wide range of patients – from those dealing with chronic pain and poor sleep to athletes looking to accelerate recovery and older adults interested in supporting healthy aging. Dr. Jeff will discuss whether X39 is appropriate for your specific situation during your consultation.

Yes. Whiplash and other motor vehicle accident injuries are among the most common conditions we treat. Even low-speed collisions can cause significant soft tissue damage that doesn’t show up on X-rays but creates lasting pain and dysfunction. Dr. Jeff has extensive experience assessing and treating MVA injuries, and our combination of chiropractic care, laser therapy, and rehabilitative treatment is particularly effective for these cases. Certified Chiropractic Rehabilitation Doctor (C.C.R.D).

In most cases, yes. Under Ontario’s auto insurance system, treatment for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident is covered under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS), regardless of who was at fault. We can help you understand the process and work with your insurance company. Call us as soon as possible after an accident – early treatment typically produces better outcomes. Under SABS regulations, you can directly choose your practitioner and do not need to be referred.

As soon as possible. Ideally within 24 to 72 hours of the accident, even if you feel relatively fine. Many MVA injuries – particularly whiplash – are not immediately painful because the adrenaline response masks symptoms. By the time the pain becomes obvious, the injury has often progressed. Early assessment means earlier treatment and a better recovery.

Yes. If you have questions about whether our care is right for your situation, Dr. Jeff is happy to speak with you before you commit to a full examination. Call us at (705) 743-1661 to arrange a brief complimentary phone or in-person consultation.

No — and this is one of the most persistent myths about chiropractic care. You are always in control of your care decisions. Dr. Jeff recommends what he believes is clinically appropriate, explains his reasoning, and respects your decision. Many patients choose periodic maintenance care because they feel better with it. Others complete a specific course of treatment and return only when needed. There is no obligation, no pressure, and no “forever” plan unless that’s genuinely what you choose.

Call us. Lesley is at the front desk during all clinic hours and will either answer your question directly or connect you with Dr. Jeff. We would rather you call with a question than delay care because something was unclear.

📞 (705) 743-1661
🌐 activechiroptbo.ca
📍 401 McDonnel St, Peterborough, ON

Active Chiropractic & Wellness Centre has been serving Peterborough, Lakefield, Kawartha Lakes, Norwood, and surrounding communities since 1988.