Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a non-invasive, hands-on health care discipline that focuses on the neuro-musculoskeletal system.
What is a Chiropractor?
Doctors of Chiropractic are specifically trained to detect and correct problems in the spine, often before the patient is even aware they exist. Chiropractors provide diagnosis, treatment and preventive care for disorders related to the spine, pelvis, nervous system and joints.
Chiropractors use a combination of treatments, all of which are predicated on the specific needs of the individual patient.
After taking a complete history and diagnosing a patient, a chiropractor can develop and carry out a comprehensive treatment/management plan. They can also recommend therapeutic exercise and other non-invasive therapies, and may also provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counselling.
Are you seeking chiropractic treatment for pain relief? Find a clinic near you and book an appointment today.
Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment
Many people initially go to chiropractors hoping to find relief from back pain. However, chiropractors treat a broad range of complaints, from back and neck pain to headaches, arthritis and more.
Chiropractic differs from many other health care disciplines by shifting the focus from the superficial symptoms to their underlying cause. Moreover, people don’t need to have a specific complaint to benefit from a visit. Chiropractors also focus on on-going preventive and wellness care.
Chiropractic care is effective for people of all ages, from infants to the elderly.
Cost, Coverage and Payment Options
Chiropractic is covered by many health insurance plans but is not covered under provincially funded health coverage.
In cases of injury rehabilitation, Work Place Safety Insurance WSIB (ON), Worker’s Compensation Insurance and auto insurance may cover the cost of chiropractic.
pt Health services are covered by most healthcare insurance plans. Typically, these plans pay 80-100% of the fee for service.
At pt Health, we believe your health should come first. We take care of the paperwork so you can focus on getting better. In many cases, we offer direct insurance billing, saving you time and upfront costs.
Interested in trying chiropractic treatment for pain relief? Book an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Treatment
What can I expect if I see a chiropractor?
During your first visit, your chiropractor will take a detailed history to determine:
- Your individual health goals
- What problems you may be currently experiencing
- Whether chiropractic care is appropriate in your specific situation.
Typically, this is followed by a detailed physical exam which is tailored by the chiropractor to help determine the underlying causes of your particular complaints.
After the chiropractor has had a chance to evaluate their findings, they will give you a detailed report so that you completely understand your diagnosis and the treatment options that exist. This part of the process may occur in a second separate appointment and is typically followed by your first treatment when clinically indicated.
The first visit typically lasts 30-45 minutes with subsequent treatment visits conveniently lasting 10-15 minutes.
Can you benefit from chiropractic treatment if you’re pregnant?
Absolutely! Chiropractic therapy is an excellent drug free alternative to relieve spinal pressure and backache related to pregnancy.
In addition, studies show that those who take chiropractic treatment during their pregnancy decrease their labor time and require less pain control medication.
Is chiropractic treatment covered by health care providers?
Chiropractic care can be reimbursed or directly billed by private insurance, motor vehicle insurance, workers compensation, and most commercial healthcare policies.
No referral is needed to see a chiropractor.
How safe is chiropractic treatment?
It is extremely safe when compared to most other forms of healthcare, particularly treatments consisting of drugs or surgery.
If you have any concerns, ask your chiropractor about any risks associated with the specific treatments you are receiving.
How much education does a chiropractor have?
In Canada, chiropractors have an undergraduate degree and 4 years at an accredited chiropractic college. This is the same amount of time a medical doctor trains for, although the focus is on the biomechanical, rather than the biochemical.
In addition to their formal education, chiropractors in Canada have to pass rigorous national licensing examinations and complete continuing education hours annually.
What’s the popping sound during a chiropractic treatment session?
Chiropractic adjustments are high velocity, low amplitude mobilizations of spinal or other joints in very specific directions. While that may sound intimidating, when performed by a properly trained chiropractor they are extremely safe.
In addition, they are generally very comfortable. The adjustment usually causes an increase in volume in the joint (the desired effect).
The resulting drop in pressure inside the joint causes a gas bubble to appear. This is called a ‘cavitation’ and is the sound associated with the chiropractic adjustment or when someone ‘cracks’ their knuckles.
What are the phases of chiropractic care?
Symptoms are often relieved within the first few treatments. Once symptoms are controlled, many patients work to restore the function of their spine and joints to prevent re-injury as opposed to simply eliminating their pain.
These patients often require multiple treatments at a specific frequency over a recommended period of time in order to properly restore function. After this corrective phase of care, patients whose goals are met will often cease care.
Some patients seek chiropractic care for its wellness aspect. These patients tend to have repetitive behaviours/habits, poor postures or anatomical anomalies (e.g., scoliosis) for which chiropractic care helps maintain a higher state of function.
Chiropractors can also educate on strategies to promote independence. Our chiropractors are accessible to guide patients on the right pathway to healthy living.
Once I see a chiropractor, do I have to keep going?
No. Every patient has unique needs. The length of time they are in chiropractic care and the number of treatments required varies with each patient.
A patient’s treatment plan is individualized to their symptoms, functional impairments and activity restrictions and is focused around their goals.
Book A Chiropractic Appointment Today
Interested in trying chiropractic care for pain relief? Book an appointment today.