What is chiropractic?
The word chiropractic has a Greek origin meaning ‘done by hand’. Chiropractors are primary health care professionals who specialize in manual adjustment of the spine and other joints of the body. The adjustment helps relieve pain and restore normal functioning to the spine, joints and supporting structures of the body, so individuals can enjoy their everyday activities again as quickly as possible.
What is a chiropractic adjustment/manipulation?
An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement applied manually or via an instrument (Activator) to a joint in the body. The goal of the adjustment is to help loosen the joints in order to restore proper movement and enhance function. When a joint is adjusted, a gas bubble escapes causing a popping noise which may or may not be heard. The adjustment is a highly controlled procedure and rarely causes discomfort. With this being said, the adjustment is highly adaptable and can be modified for specific patients ie. pregnant women, children or older individuals. Dr. Laura has received additional training with treating both the pregnant and pediatric populations.
When should I visit a chiropractor?
There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care, including; work and sports injuries, household chores or even the stress of daily living can cause aching joints and back problems. Even if you do not have painful symptoms, chiropractic care can help you maintain a healthy spine and joint function.
Here are some of the most common reasons why over 4 million Canadians visit a chiropractor each year:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headache
- Whiplash
- Strains and sprains from daily activities
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Work and sports-related injuries
- Arthritis
- Restricted movement in the back, shoulders, neck or limbs
- General health and well-being
What are some benefits of chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is a skilled discipline that can help a body return to optimal function and perform at its finest. A few examples of how chiropractic can help include;
- Improve movement in your neck, shoulders and back
- Improve your posture
- Provide relief from headaches, neck and back pain
- Help prevent work-related muscle and joint injuries
- Lead to enhanced athletic performance
- Improve your flexibility and range of motion
- Relieve pregnancy-related back pain
Do I need a referral to visit a Chiropractor?
No, a referral from a medical doctor is not necessary to visit a chiropractor. Chiropractors are legislated as primary healthcare professionals in every province in Canada. This means that patients can consult them directly. However, Dr. Laura is more than willing to communicate with your medical doctor with respect to your condition and improvements received with chiropractic care.
Do chiropractors only treat back pain?
No! Chiropractors are highly educated and extensively trained to assess, diagnosis, treat and prevent conditions of your spine, nervous system as well as any joint or muscle in your body. Disorders of the extremities such as frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel or plantar fasciitis, to name a few, can effectively be treated with chiropractic care.
What kind of education/training do chiropractors have?
Chiropractors are required to complete a minimum of three years of university before completing another four years at an accredited chiropractic facility. Dr. Laura obtained a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology before studying at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). The rigorous and comprehensive program at CMCC is built on an evidence based model of care in which chiropractors gain expert knowledge in spinal and musculoskeletal health emphasizing differential diagnosis, patient-centered care and research.
In addition to the academic program, chiropractic education requires hands-on clinical experience under the direct supervision of highly-qualified faculty. This experience includes clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and referral protocols.
Upon graduating from chiropractic college, you must then pass comprehensive national examinations administered by the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (CCEB) before qualifying to become licensed by the regulatory authority in their province of practice.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice which involves the insertion of extremely thin, solid needles in specific points on the body in order to produce a therapeutic response. Electrical stimulation may or may not be added to the treatment. Acupuncture produces many of its effects by stimulating nerve receptors on the skin and in muscles. Various substances are released that cause an increase of local blood flow, which in turn, encourages tissue healing.
Medical Acupuncture is acupuncture performed by health-care professionals with training in biomedical sciences (i.e. chiropractor, physician, physiotherapist). They will treat you after a conventional neuro-anatomical diagnosis has been made and could combine this treatment with other therapeutic approaches, as needed. In order to provide her patients with a variety of treatment options, Dr. Laura completed the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program at McMaster University.
How does Acupuncture work?
The contemporary scientific explanation of acupuncture is that needling certain points in the body stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the brain, spinal cord and muscles. These chemicals will modify an individual’s experience of pain, or they can trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and by promoting physical and emotional well-being.