Chiropractors are concerned with the overall health and wellness of the spinal and nervous systems. These medical professionals utilize hands-on spinal manipulation therapies to promote joint flexibility and alleviate pain.
Most patients seeking this treatment do so to relieve back pain caused due to an accident, sports injury or muscle strain. The overall goals of this rehabilitative technique are threefold;
- to provide pain relief
- to restore functional independence and mobility
- to prevent future injury
What does a chiropractor do?
Chiropractors are often likened to physiotherapists and similar healthcare practitioners, however, certain unique approaches they use set them apart. During the initial consultation, you will fill out a medical questionnaire that essentially details your health history. Following which, the chiropractor will have you explain the current pain symptoms you are living with.
A basic physical exam will also be a part of the first visit which involves a series of tests like motion checks, palpations, reflex testing, and muscle strength comparisons.
The primary portion of chiropractic treatments is the “adjustment”. These are basically therapeutic manipulation tactics that use controlled forces, leverages, directions, amplitudes, and velocities as they pertain to certain joints. Simply put, the chiropractor attempts to open up the joint to increase their flexibility.
Adjustments are commonly made to areas such as the spine, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and shoulders depending on your unique condition.
Will your chiropractor be qualified?
At Premier Care Physiotherapy, you can be assured that your doctor is fully trained and qualified to treat even the most sophisticated spinal and neurological issues.
Chiropractors are required to take two years of basic science and two years of clinical science when in training. While some of the skills and knowledge required to become a chiropractor are imparted in a college, most of them are learned on the job through years of experience. Individuals interested in chiropractics must first and foremost believe in the principles of this philosophy.
Chiropractors in Canada are licensed based on the province and territory in which they practice. Chiropractors complete their education from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto. They must obtain their licensure from the Canadian Chiropractic Regulation Board that requires the completion of a 12-month clinical internship.
These regulations are in place to protect the public, ensure high standards of practice, safe disciplinary techniques, and utmost quality assurance.
What happens if you go to an unqualified chiropractor?
We cannot stress enough the importance of going to a licensed and credible chiropractor. If spinal adjustments are performed by a person who isn’t properly trained to deliver such care, the risks may include worsening of the pain, herniated discs, nerve compressions, osteoporosis, numbness in the limbs and bone abnormalities.
Premier Care Physiotherapy has the most accomplished and licensed medical practitioners on the team. These individuals have decades of experience under their belt and practice under the strictest codes of medical safety.
Thousands of patients have been rehabilitated from their pain at the hands of our doctors. When you approach our clinic, we are committed to pushing for a safe and effective recovery.
What conditions can a chiropractor treat?
Chiropractors diagnose and treat a surprising range of musculoskeletal, nerve and spinal disorders among other things;
- Back pain and strains
- Car accident injuries
- Chronic muscle pain
- Herniated discs
- Migraine headaches
- Neck pain
- Sciatica
- Sports injuries
- Coccydynia (a pain in the tailbone)
- Whiplash
- Degenerative disc disease (onset usually occurs with aging)
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
Who is chiropractic care meant for?
Chiropractic care is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels who are experiencing any of the above disorders. Chiropractic care is completely safe for children and because their skeletal system is still developing, the doctor will only administer a light pressure to get the right therapeutic outcome. In fact, such timely spinal checkups could save them needless pain in the future!
What are the benefits of chiropractic treatments?
When you approach a licensed and experienced chiropractor, the benefits are manifold, not to mention well-documented;
- It is a safe and effective treatment for acute pain disorders and sudden injuries
- It is proven to boost the patient’s immunity and overall energy levels
- It can greatly enhance digestion
- In some cases, it is also proven to lower blood pressure
- Treatments enable the patient to breathe better by reducing lung inflammations
- It has immense success in assisting with a healthier pregnancy
- Leads to improved athletic performances
Do chiropractic treatments hurt?
Chiropractic care is a safe and non-invasive technique that doesn’t involve medicines or surgery. Chiropractic adjustments, when performed by a licensed professional, do not hurt. However, adjustments that are made to specific spinal joints may give you a sore sensation when under pressure.
If you are unable to endure the manual adjustment, don’t be afraid to communicate that to your chiropractor. They will resort to mild or non-force approaches instead. Such non-manual tactics may include;
- heat or ice pack applications
- electrical stimulations
- orthotic support
- rehabilitative treatments
- diet and weight loss regimes
- similar lifestyle suggestions
How long does it take for chiropractic treatments to work?
As with any medical treatment, it’s tricky to establish a precise treatment timeline as this drastically varies from one patient to the next. At Premier Care, our chiropractors leave no stone unturned to help you feel better in as few treatments as possible.
They also recommend lifestyle, ergonomic, posture, orthotics and diet changes that will greatly improve your health and well being. Typically, in the absence of a worsening of symptoms, a chiropractic program should be about 2 times per week for a duration for 2-4 weeks. After which, you will be required to attend a re-evaluation at some future point to ensure that there is no risk of a relapse of your symptoms.
Is a chiropractor or physiotherapist better?
Although these two professions overlap, there are stark differences. Chiropractors, much like physiotherapists, treat musculoskeletal and joint disorders to improve your strength. In turn, these carefully curated exercises return you to your natural range of motion.
The main difference is that a chiropractor will use manipulation exercises whereas a physiotherapist will use mobilization exercises.
A chiropractor uses their hands to shift the joints in the spine. They also adjust limbs that display indications of limited movement. The primary goal of the treatment is to enable you to move freely.
Chiropractors treat acute lower back and neck pain, sciatica, tension headaches, vertigo, and joint disorders.
A physiotherapist uses massage tactics, electrical therapy and exercises to restore function. They treat arthritis, joint swelling, strain injuries, neck pain, ligament/cartilage/tendon damage, and sports injuries.
Does insurance cover chiropractic care?
Most health insurance plans cover chiropractic care, however, the specifics such as the number of visits allowed, referrals, the amount covered will vary based on the patient’s health plan.
The Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) ensures that chiropractic services are accessible and affordable for all Canadians. Canadian funding for these treatments can be;
- Publicly funded (varies based on jurisdiction)
- Obtained from Extended Health Care Plans/Benefits
- Out-of-pocket
Are you experiencing back or neck pain that limits your daily life?
Premier Care Physiotherapy is the Leading Pain Relief Clinic in Richmond Hill!
It’s time to improve your quality of life!
The benefits of chiropractics are well-documented and are being accessed by millions of Canadians every year. You can experience tremendous relief from spinal, neurological and musculoskeletal disorders when you approach a licensed chiropractic clinic.
Our team of highly trained and dedicated pain relief practitioners is at your service. We abide by the strictest levels of medical safety and do everything in our power to ensure that you are comfortable during each and every session. Your chiropractor will draw up a customized plan to increase the success rate of your recovery.