Question 1

What is chiropractic care?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic is a regulated healthcare profession. Chiropractic care focuses on your spine, muscles, joints and nervous system in a patient-centred, non-invasive, hands-on way. 
Chiropractors work with you to achieve your goals, whether reducing pain, getting back to work and play, improving athletic performance, or improving quality of life. Chiropractors also collaborate with other professionals as part of your healthcare team. Communication between professionals improves your quality of care and maximizes your results.

Question 2

What conditions can chiropractic care help me with?

Accepted Answer

You can feel confident that you are in good hands when seeing a chiropractor for neck pain, back pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal conditions. These are the strengths of chiropractic care. 
Other common conditions treated by chiropractors include: shoulder pain, hip pain, patellofemoral pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinitis, golfers and tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, sprains and strains.

Question 3

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a highly skilled manual procedure usually done by hand, during which a quick controlled force is applied to a joint, guiding it through a range of motion.  An adjustment can reduce pain and restore or enhance joint function – so you can quickly resume your active lifestyle. An adjustment is a comfortable procedure that rarely causes discomfort. Your chiropractor can adapt the procedure to meet your specific needs.

Question 4

Does everyone need an adjustment?

Accepted Answer

No, adjustments are only considered if they will benefit your health and help you recover from your injury or condition. The decision to include adjustments in your treatment plan would only be made after a thorough clinical assessment and discussion between you and your chiropractor. This discussion should include the benefits, risks and alternatives to adjustments and consider your personal preferences. If an adjustment is not recommended or wanted, your chiropractor will offer alternative treatments or refer you to an appropriate health care provider.

Question 5

Are there any risks with chiropractic care?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic is one of the safest therapies for neck pain, back pain, and other muscle, joint or nervous system conditions. Each case is different, and your chiropractor will discuss any risks before starting treatment. Side effects such as temporary soreness are rare, usually mild and short-lived. There are always risks associated with manual therapies. We significantly reduce these risks by completing a comprehensive assessment before starting treatment and regularly re-evaluating your progress.

Question 6

When should I see a chiropractor?

Accepted Answer

I find that most people will come in to see me when something starts bothering them so much that it prevents them from doing what they love or need to do for work. While this is undoubtedly a time to see the chiropractor, it is far better to come in before it gets to that point. The best strategy is to identify the problem and its causes early so we can deal with it before it stops you from enjoying your activities. You do not need to be in pain to see a chiropractor. Many people see chiropractors to reduce the risk of injury and improve mobility, flexibility, and quality of life.

Question 7

What can I expect during a chiropractic session?

Accepted Answer

Your first session with a chiropractor is usually a 60-minute comprehensive assessment, including a history and physical examination. The chiropractor will order X-rays or refer you to your family doctor for further diagnostic tests if required. Once we have a diagnosis, we will discuss your management plan and what treatments and strategies we will use to achieve your goals. Follow-up sessions focus on treatment, including exercises, advice and education. The chiropractor with ask you a few brief questions to evaluate your progress at the start of each follow-up. Follow-up sessions are usually 30 minutes but can range from 20-45 minutes depending on the treatment techniques provided, and we discuss this before booking.

Question 8

How many chiropractic sessions will I need to see results?

Accepted Answer

Many variables will affect how quickly you will see results with chiropractic care. For a typical case of low back pain, an appropriate initial treatment plan is often six sessions over the next 3-6 weeks. It is common to see results within just a few sessions, and often results can be seen within a treatment session.

Question 9

Is it true that once I see a chiropractor, I’ll have to go forever?

Accepted Answer

No! This is a myth. A good chiropractor will regularly evaluate your progress to ensure you are getting better. You should always know why any healthcare provider is asking you to come back in. If you are ever unsure, it is time to have that discussion with your healthcare provider!

Question 10

Do chiropractors work together with other medical professionals?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractors are essential members of your healthcare team. Chiropractors collaborate with medical doctors, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, massage therapists, and others to help you manage your condition and achieve your goals.

Question 11

What kind of training and qualifications do chiropractors have?

Accepted Answer

In Ontario, most complete an undergraduate degree before entering the four-year accredited chiropractic program at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). CMCC is a leader in evidence-based chiropractic education, including over 4500 hours of study. Students who graduate from CMCC earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. To practice in Ontario, graduates must then pass the licensing examinations, including written and practical portions and a legislation and ethics examination.

You can find information on any chiropractor licensed in Ontario by searching the public register at the College of Chiropractors of Ontario website (cco.on.ca)

Question 12

Do you accept insurance, and how does insurance coverage for chiropractic care work?

Accepted Answer

OHIP does not cover chiropractic care, but most private or workplace plans do. Every insurance plan is different, so check your policy to determine how much coverage you have. Some plans cover 100% of each session up to an annual maximum, while others cover a portion. For example, you may have $600 for chiropractic care, but it will only pay 80% of each session, leaving you to pay the remaining 20%. Both of my locations accept and can direct bill most private insurance plans.

Question 13

What is acupuncture and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is a gentle technique using fine needles to stimulate nerves in the skin and muscles to have various effects on the body. Acupuncture works mainly at the local tissue (the skin and muscles) and the spinal cord. It will also have general effects on the body.
At the local level, it can relieve pain, inactivate myofascial trigger points (muscle knots), aid tissue healing by increasing blood flow, and help reduce muscle tension. At the spinal cord level, it can further reduce pain. Generally, acupuncture can positively affect mood and emotion, an essential factor in those with chronic pain. Acupuncture can also provide a strong relaxation effect.

Question 14

What is acupuncture used for?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture can help treat various conditions depending on the type of practitioner providing it. As a chiropractor, I use acupuncture to complement my other techniques in treating conditions related to the muscles, joints and nerves. I commonly use acupuncture to help reduce pain, treat myofascial trigger points (muscle knots), decreased muscle/tissue tension, and improve function. Acupuncture is also effective in helping treat muscle pain, osteoarthritis pain, neck and low back pain, sciatica, golfers and tennis elbow.

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