Dr Dez Stewart

BSc (Hons), DC — Chiropractor

Dr Desmond Stewart, known to many as Dez, was born and raised in St. Catharines, ON. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Brock University followed by his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 2021. He is currently a Trainer/CoOrdinator for the Ontario Player Development League with Ontario Soccer. Since September 2021, he’s enjoyed providing quality care for his community.

Dr Dez is a familiar face around the ProActive Centre. He was previously stationed behind the front desk and could sometimes be found helping athletes in the gym. He also completed half of his Chiropractic Internship program here, under the supervision of Drs Macpherson & Spencer-Yap. He has volunteered for a number of charity events and health campaigns, having previous experiences with the Rankin Run, Wise Guys, Regional Public Health programs and Unleash Your Potential among others.

Dr Dez is friendly, passionate, and hard-working. He is excited to use his knowledge to help patients and athletes achieve their health and fitness goals working alongside the ProActive Health Team.

FAQs with Dr Dez…

What are the most common reasons for which people come to see you?

 People come to see me for all types of muscle, joint, and nerve related issues. A common saying around the Centre is “from headaches to ankle sprains, and everything in between” and I see just that. If you MADE me choose, I would say the reason people visit me most is for their low back or neck. 

 What types of treatments/modalities do you provide?

 A wide variety! Education, rehabilitation planning, goal-setting and management, spinal manipulative therapy, soft tissue therapy, interferential current therapy, and ultrasound are the most common. I work with my patients to develop a plan that is a healthy blend of my experience, the best and most recent evidence available, and their own personal preferences. Stay tuned - Acupuncture coming later in 2022!

 What is one of your favourite conditions to treat? 

 If I can treat it, I enjoy it. Nothing beats helping someone with a problem and finding a solution. 

 Do you always need x-rays to see a chiro? When do they have to be done ahead of time?

 Not always. I find it’s best to do a thorough examination before I refer for x-rays. However, if you have a recent set on hand for an on-going issue, it’s always a good idea to bring them along or know where you got them. If you’d like to find out if they NEED to be done or if they’re right for you, come pop in for a chat!

 What's the most difficult part of a chiro treatment plan for patients? How do you help make that as easy as possible?

Patients may have difficulties with a couple things: 1) Listening to me drone on about how the anatomy and physiology details relate to their condition, or 2) getting into the routine of completing rehabilitative exercise. In terms of follow-through, I work with you as a patient to find activities that suit and interest you best. 

 How often do you see pregnant patients or children?

 All the time! Again, for a wide range of different complaints. Neck, low back, hips, knees, ankles, feet… the list goes on. 

What conditions do you find orthotics help with the best?

 Orthotics can be useful for a few different conditions, especially those affecting the lower limbs. I find they work best for ankle and foot complaints, such as recurrent ankle sprains or plantar fasciitis. 

 Can you describe your most common patient?

Anyone, and everyone. At this point I couldn’t even narrow-down my most common patient demographic. I try my best to treat everyone as an individual with a unique problem. 

 How many times do people typically see you?

Depending on your condition, you may see me 1-3 times per week in the early stages. As things improve, I try to space visits comfortably apart to make sure any exercises or lifestyle interventions we have implemented continue to work beneficially. Once you’re feeling yourself, you may opt to see me for a tune up every 1-3 months. Our goal is finding what works best to keep you healthy & active.

 What do you like best about being a Chiropractor ?

This one is easy: helping my patients achieve their goals and get them moving confidently again. I’ve learned to have a deep appreciation for the fist bump that follows a patient telling me they feel better. I used to see it all the time when working behind the desk, but I’ve got to say it’s just as nice being on the other side!