FAQ
- What information do you need before treatment begins? [Hide description]
- If you are a new patient, you can download the necessary information forms before your first visit
- What is Chiropractic? [Hide description]
- Chiropractic is a primary contact health care profession emphasizing differential diagnosis, patient-centered care and research, with expert knowledge in spine and neuromusculoskeletal health. Chiropractors use various diagnostic methods, including x-rays and orthopedic testing, to facilitate the diagnoses, treatment and prevention of disorders related to the spine, nervous system and joints, and will develop a comprehensive individual plan of management for each patient.
- Is Chiropractic effective? [Hide description]
- Yes. Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive approach to treating common musculoskeletal conditions, and complications arising from treatment are rare. Scientific evidence proving the effectiveness of chiropractic care for a variety of conditions is overwhelming. Over the past 20 years, many controlled and independent research studies have repeatedly shown that chiropractic care is safe and effective for treating low back pain, neck pain, headaches and other conditions relating to the musculoskeletal system.
- How can Chiropractic help me? [Hide description]
- Chiropractors use a drug-free manual approach to assess and treat patients with disorders related to the spine, extremities, and pelvis and their effects on the nervous system. Chiropractors specialize in treating all regions of the body, including shoulders, knees, ankles and wrists. Chiropractors can treat dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system with techniques such as joint manipulation, or adjustments (to help decrease pain and increase mobility), soft tissue techniques (to decrease scar tissue, and restore function), as well as prescribing strengthening, stretching and rehabilitation exercises to help restore function. Chiropractors can also give you strategies to help prevent future injuries, such as prescribing core strengthening exercises to help stabilize your spine and strengthen your abdominal muscles.
- How can I benefit from Chiropractic care? [Hide description]
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- Are you suffering from low back pain?
- Do your headaches never seem to go away?
- Have you been injured at work or suffer from repetitive strain injuries?
- Have you been injured in a car accident resulting in injuries, including whiplash?
- Are you active in sports, but after the game have stiff joints or shooting pains?
- Are you pregnant with an aching back?
- Do you suffer from fibromyalgia or other chronic pain conditions?
- Are you in your Golden years and having trouble enjoying retirement because those aches and pains are getting in the way?
- Are you concerned with the health of your whole body, and are looking for a different approach to health care?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should arrange a consultation with our chiropractor. Every day in Canada, over 120,000 people receive treatment from Doctors of Chiropractic. Your chiropractor is a doctor with over 7 years of university education in the art of hands-on healing. Chiropractors use a combination of treatments for your condition. They are specialists in using exact, gentle manipulations of your spine to make you feel great. Chiropractic treatment also includes diet and exercise programs and takes a holistic approach to help restore your body to its optimal health.
- What is Medical Acupuncture? [Hide description]
- Acupuncture has been used for centuries as a holistic
form of medicine. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the
effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of many conditions including
acute injuries, arthritis and headaches.
Medical Acupuncture is the biomedical adaptation of Chinese acupuncture methods, and is an effective and simple treatment approach based on current concepts of neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and pathophysiology. As in traditional acupuncture, Medical Acupuncture involves insertion of solid needles at relevant points on the body in combination with manual needle stimulation or electrical stimulation. Medical Acupuncture does not involve tongue or pulse diagnosis. Rather, a diagnosis is attained through thorough history taking and physical examination. Based on this process, anatomical points that are relevant to the condition are selected for needling.
Contemporary Medical Acupuncture is a scientific refinement for the treatment of pain conditions, as well as performance and sports injuries. Research is ongoing to demonstrate that acupuncture has the following effects:
- Decreases pain and inflammation
- Increases circulation and promotes tissue healing
- Increases range of motion
- Increases strength
- Promotes rehabilitation of the joints, nerves, muscles, and other soft tissues
- How does chiropractic work? [Hide description]
- Chiropractic is a highly skilled, safe and effective treatment. It is a hands-on treatment that treats the patient by addressing the cause of a problem, not the symptoms.
- How do we get joint restrictions? [Hide description]
- Sometimes the cause is physical. Physical causes include accidents, repetitive motions, improper lifting, slips and falls. Other causes of these restrictions include stress, tension or postural strains we place on our body every day. You may have tightness and restrictions accumulating and not even realize until you are suddenly in a lot of pain.
- What is an adjustment? [Hide description]
- Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that are not moving correctly. Some chiropractors use manual adjustments, others may use instruments, a special table or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine.
- Are chiropractic adjustments safe? [Hide description]
- Yes! Many studies have found that adjustments are not only remarkably safe, but can help to avoid drugs and risky surgery. Statistics show that adjustments are many times safer than taking over-the-counter pain medications. Your chiropractor can assess you thoroughly and let you know if chiropractic care is right for you.
- Are all patients adjusted the same way? [Hide description]
- No. Each patient's spine and plan of management is unique. Each patient's care is custom tailored for his or her age, condition and health. The number of adjustments varies with each patient and his or her individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within the first couple weeks of frequent visits. Visits will become less frequent as your spine stabilizes. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years. Many factors can affect the healing process: How long have you had the problem? Are you following your treatment plan? Are you getting proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Do you smoke?
- Can't I just adjust myself? [Hide description]
- No. Some people can make their joints "pop" but that is not an adjustment. Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint that is already too mobile to begin with due to weakened associated muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific movements that take years to master. Even your chiropractor must consult a colleague in order to benefit from chiropractic care.
- Will chiropractic adjustments make my spine too loose? [Hide description]
- No. Only the spinal joints that are locked up, or restricted, will receive adjustments. This will also help relax and heal the associated muscles and ligaments.
- Will the bones move too much? [Hide description]
- Highly unlikely. Chiropractic adjustments are delivered with the right amount of energy to the exact spot, at the right angle at the right time with the goal of restoring motion to a "stuck" joint. Years of training, practice and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and safe.
- What makes the sound during the adjustment? [Hide description]
- Lubricating fluid surrounds the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluid in the joint shifts. It is like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn't necessary for the therapeutic benefit of the adjustment.
- How long will I need chiropractic care? [Hide description]
- After patients get the relief they want, many choose to continue with some type of periodic care. These patients show up for regular visits despite having no pain. These visits can help support the final stages of healing and help detect and resolve new problems before they become serious.
- Do I have a slipped disc? [Hide description]
- Between each pair of spinal vertebrae is a disc. The fibrous outer ring holds in a jelly-like material. This soft center serves as a "ball bearing" for the movement of the joints. Because of the attachments of the disc to the bone above and below it, a disc can’t actually "slip"; however, a disc can bulge. It can also tear, herniate, thin, dry out and can collapse...but not slip.
- Do I have a pinched nerve? [Hide description]
- A pinched nerve is rare. It is far more likely that an adjacent bone of the spine stretches, rubs or irritates a nerve. This can lead to symptoms in the areas innervated by the nerve, such as when irritation of the nerve in the neck causes pain or tingling down the arm.
- Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery? [Hide description]
- Yes. Rest assured, your doctor of chiropractic will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above and below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
- Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care? [Hide description]
- Of course. When developing a care plan, your chiropractic doctor considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size, and condition.
- What if my policy doesn't cover chiropractic? [Hide description]
- Your health affects everything you do. It is your
most valuable possession. But it is up to each of us the value we place
on our health. It is convenient when an insurance company helps to pay
the bill, but we should not allow that to make the decision about our
health.
As chiropractors are concerned for your overall well-being, most treatment is accompanied by exercise, diet and other healthy living suggestions to help keep your body strong and healthy. If your chiropractor is unable to find or correct the cause of your specific problem, you will be referred to other specialists who may be able to help. Your health is your chiropractor's primary goal. If you have any additional questions, please talk to your chiropractor.
- What is autism? [Hide description]
- Autism is a complex developmental disorder that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is estimated to occur in 2 to 5 of every 1000 individuals. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. It exists on a continuum or "spectrum" (i.e., some children with autism have more challenges than others). The severity of autism is independent of a child's level of intellectual ability. The cause is unknown, but evidence points to physiological causes such as neurobiological abnormalities in certain areas of the brain.
- What are some characteristics of autism? [Hide description]
- Autism is characterized by deficits in communication and social interaction, and by restricted, repetitive, or stereotypic patterns of behaviour. Children with autism may have difficulty relating to people. They may engage in repetitive or unusual movements (rocking, hand-flapping), and self-injurious behaviour. Some have uncommon interests or attachments to objects, and have trouble with changes in routine. They may also have unusual responses within any, or all, of the five senses (hearing, sight, taste, smell, touch).
- How can autism be treated? [Hide description]
- It appears that many different factors can contribute to the developmental problems experienced by children with autism. Therefore, there are many different approaches that may be helpful. Currently there is no one treatment that has been accepted by everyone as "the one and only" approach to use. An intervention that has been found to be helpful for some children with autism includes Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI).
- What is IBI? [Hide description]
- IBI Therapy stands for Intensive Behavioural Intervention,
which is based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
This approach:
- Uses systematic behavioural teaching methods
- Has clearly defined strategies & goals
- Is individualized to the needs of each child
- Incorporates changes based upon direct measurement of each child's learning
- Teaches children one-on-one or in small groups
- What makes the program successful? [Hide description]
- In order for IBI programs to be successful they
should:
- Be intensive
- Begin early
- Involve parents in planning and treatment
- Be individualized
- Be delivered by qualified staff
- Take place in a variety of settings
- Involve integration with children who do not have autism
- Could I benefit from therapy? [Hide description]
- Ask yourself these questions:
- Am I dealing with an issue that is affecting my life?
- Am I making the same mistakes over and over again?
- Do I hear the same criticisms about myself but don't believe it to be true?
- Is the issue preventing me from engaging in my regular routine?
- Do I need to talk to someone?
- Am I having difficulty talking with family or friends?
- Do I need an objective person to listen and help sort it out?
- Do I need help understanding my diagnosis or my child's diagnosis?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, psychotherapy could provide a new means of dealing with the problems in your life.
- How often should I receive a massage? [Hide description]
- Ideally once a month for personal well being would be best. For athletic and active individuals, more frequent visits are recommended. Injuries or problems areas should be addressed on an individual basis.
- What is Shiatsu (Acupressure) Massage Therapy? [Hide description]
- Shiatsu is a Japanese healing therapy that was developed as a combination of Chinese Massage called Anma, key aspects of traditional Chinese Medicine and the theory of Shizuto Masunaga. The word Shiatsu can be translated as "finger pressure". During a session the therapist applies comfortable, sustained pressure to various parts of the body in order to help life energy or "chi/qi" flow properly. Qi flows along pathways referred to as Meridian lines. A Meridian line is worked on to aid blood flow, muscle tonus and posture. Shiatsu is applied using the thumbs, fingers, palms, forearms and elbows. The aim of Shiatsu is to trigger the body's own natural healing powers to help restore vitality and prevent disease by harmonizing the body, mind and spirit.
- What can I expect from my Shiatsu Massage treatment? [Hide description]
- Shiatsu and other Oriental therapies, like acupuncture, have very unique ways of looking at the body. In Shiatsu we do not diagnose a person but take the signs and symptoms of disease along with observations, your medical history and what is felt in the body during a treatment to put together a personalized pattern of how the condition came to be. In Zen Shiatsu theory every organ in the body has an energy pathway that runs along the torso, arms and legs. This gives the advantage of working to help any local discomfort but also balancing the energy of specific organs distally as well. You may remain fully clothed or under the sheet at all times. Verbal contact is kept with you at all times to ensure the pressure is comfortable for your needs.
- What can Shiatsu Massage therapy help treat? [Hide description]
- Digestive disorders such as constipation, acid reflux, bloating and feeling tired after eating.
- Musculoskeletal problems such as muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, low back pain, limited range of motion especially after injury, RSI's, arthritis and whiplash.
- Nervous system imbalances like anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, stress, headaches and sciatica.
- Circulatory problems such as cold hands and feet or always feeling cold.
- Women's health concerns, including PMS, cravings, cramps, irregularities in flow and timing, menopause signs as well as moodiness.
- What is Reiki? [Hide description]
- Reiki is a safe, gentle, non-invasive form of hands-on healing that increases energy, reduces pain, produces deep relaxation and a general feeling of well-being.
- What is a Reiki Treatment Like? [Hide description]
- You will remain fully clothed and will lie on your back with your eyes closed. You may fall asleep or drift in and out. My hands are held above your body with the exception of the back of your head, shoulders, knees and feet. Some people feel heat or cold coming from my hands. A sensation of tingling or muscle releases is also normal. You might see a lot of colour or have visualizations. Each clients experience is unique and can be different from treatment to treatment, all depending on what the body/mind/spirit needs at the time.
- What can I expect after the treatment? [Hide description]
- You should find yourself either very relaxed and feeling “lighter” or feeling re-energized. Whatever it is that you need, is what you will experience. Be sure to drink lots of water as Reiki is very detoxifying. You should sleep very well.
- How often should I have a treatment? [Hide description]
- This depends on the reason for your interest in Reiki. This is usually discussed with the practitioner based on the findings following the initial treatment.
- What are the benefits of Reiki? [Hide description]
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- Provides relief from stress, anxiety, and depression
- Promotes a state of total relaxation and peace
- Reduces or alleviates pains
- Supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself
- Accelerates physical healing of injuries
- Balances the energy system
- Brings deep and restful sleep
- Promotes emotional healing & mental wellbeing
- Assists the body in cleansing toxins
- Supports allopathic and holistic treatment
- Reduces side-effects from medications, chemotherapy, anesthesia
- Is Reiki a religious practice? [Hide description]
- No, there is no dogma attached to Reiki. You do not have to believe or subscribe to any form of religion to benefit from Reiki.