top of page
Chiropractic Overview

About chiropractic care

 

 

Chiropractic is a non-invasive, hands-on healthcare discipline that focuses on the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Chiropractic doctors are covered by almost all insurance companies, and a referral from a general practitioner doctor should not be required before treatment.

​Chiropractors provide diagnosis, treatment and preventive care for disorders related to the nervous system, spine, pelvis and joints. ​They use a combination of treatments, all of which are based on the specific needs of the individual patient.

Chiropractic is a regulated health profession, recognized by statute in all Canadian provinces and American states, as well as other international jurisdictions. A large portion of the population rely on chiropractic care every year to help them live healthy, active lives.

Types of ailments commonly treated

 

For many conditions, such as back and neck pain, chiropractic care is frequently the primary method of treatment. Where other conditions exist, it may complement or support medical treatment by relieving the musculoskeletal and nervous system aspects associated with the condition.

​Chiropractic care may also be used to provide symptomatic relief for patients with chronic condition. Based on feedback, chiropractic treatment has been shown to improve the general well-being of the patient. There are several reasons why many seek chiropractic care:

  • Pain

  • Pregnancy (Pre and Postnatal care)

  • Newborns, babies, toddlers and children

  • Any stage of human development and/or degeneration

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Whiplash

  • Digestion

  • Pre and post surgical care

  • Joint dysfunction

  • Arthritis

  • Strains and sprains

  • Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

  • Limited range of motion in any area of the body

  • Work and sports injuries and performance enhancement

  • General health and well-being   

Ottawachiropractor.png

What to expect

 

After taking a complete history, performing an exam and diagnosing a patient, your chiropractor will assess, develop and carry out a comprehensive treatment/management plan.

Your chiropractor will address your chief complaints, while assessing and treating you from head to toe. The focus of your assessment will be on your spine, joints, muscles, and nervous system, seeking a complete picture of your health history and overall current health, in order to provide the best possible treatment for you.

They also may recommend therapeutic exercise and other non-invasive therapies, as well as provide exercise, nutritional, dietary and healthy lifestyle counselling, as appropriate. Take the time to discuss with your chiropractor the treatment plan that’s best for you.

Chiropractic What to Expect
Chiropractic First Visi

The first visit

 

Set aside at least 30 minutes for your first visit; future visits typically last 5 to 15 minutes. This time limit may vary from chiropractor to chiropractor and is affected by the type of treatment you require.

Bring any x-rays or radiology reports you may already have. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for your visit, especially for the purposes of the following tests:

  • Orthopaedic Testing (moving body into different positions to find problems)

  • A test of your reflexes, strength, and sensations

  • An analysis of your posture

  • An x-ray of your spine

  • An analysis of your movement - your chiropractor will observe how you walk, turn, bend or lift things, as well as

  • How your body moves in the affected area

  • A hands-on evaluation of how well your spine moves, identifying restrictions and areas of improper motion

 

You may be asked the following:

  • Personal and family medical history

  • Major illnesses

  • Surgeries or operations

  • Medications

  • A description of your present condition, as well as steps you have taken to manage your condition

  • Diet and exercise routines

  • Sleeping habits, daily activities, work routines, stress levels, etc.

  • Overall goals

Couple Running
Father and Daughter Having Breakfast
Working Coffee
Chiropractic Stages of Care

These assessments give your chiropractor a better picture of your complete health. They will make a diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment based on your specific case findings. A report of findings will be performed on your second visit to explain these findings and your treatment options. The first visit is for assessment only, not for treatment.


Stages of Care

Your chiropractor will discuss a schedule of care, which will depend on your specific circumstances. For some people chiropractic treatment is like a regular tune-up, to help deal with the daily wear and tear of life. For others, it’s simply an effective treatment when pain or discomfort strikes. You choose how far along the stages of care you wish to benefit from based on your situation and goals for optimal health.

1) Relief/crisis care:

Provides relief of immediate pain, restricted mobility, and discomfort. Depending on the diagnosis, your age, physical condition, how long you have had the current complaint, and previous injuries, a few or several visits over a relatively short period of time may be necessary.

 

2) Corrective care:

Treats conditions that are more severe, recurring or have existed with or without pain for some time. These may require a longer, more complex period of care. Once the severity of your condition has decreased through relief care, corrective care helps to restore normal function to your spine, muscles, supporting tissues, and the nerves affected by them.

 

3) Strengthening and stability care:

Helps Once corrective care is obtained and conditions are normalized, the next stage focuses on strengthening and stabilizing the body. This will help prevent conditions from occurring all together or less frequently in the future.

 

4) Maintenance care: 

This next stage maintains and improves upon the benefits of the previous levels of care. Chiropractors are trained to detect conditions in their early stages, often before you feel pain or reduced mobility. Continuing to work with your chiropractor and having periodic spinal check-ups and treatments will help maintain optimal musculoskeletal and nervous system health. Your chiropractor will work with you to find a maintenance schedule that suits your condition, health care goals, and lifestyle.

 

5) Wellness care:

Your treatment from the chiropractor, regardless of the stage of care, will often include exercise, nutrition, and other healthy living suggestions to help keep you healthy and strong.

 

This phase is all about expanding your goals, with the focus on your future health you wish to achieve - from being able to walk up a flight of stairs, to playing and keeping up with the grandkids.

It is the most exciting level to achieve; the path to optimal health is in your capable hands.

bottom of page