What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a primary health care discipline and profession that emphasizes diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system including the spine and the extremities. The significant effects of these disorders on general health and quality of life are the prime focus of a chiropractic doctor.Chiropractors pioneered the holistic approach to health care that is now so widely seen in North America.
Doctors Van Der Mark and Slater are trained to develop and carry out a comprehensive treatment /management plan for your musculoskeletal health problem.
What Do Chiropractors Do?
Chiropractic care works with the natural ability of the body to heal itself and does not include the use of drugs or surgery.
Your chiropractic care at our office may include some or all of the following natural, evidence based, techniques:
- manipulation of the spine and/or other joints,
- soft tissue therapy (massage, ART, stretching),
- laser therapy,
- electrotherapy,
- ultrasound therapy,
- heat therapy,
- traction therapy,
- therapeutic exercise,
- dietary and lifestyle counseling.
Your treatment regimen may include a GAIT examination to evaluate the affect of abnormal walking patterns on your musculoskeletal health. Orthotics may be recommended by Doctors Van Der Mark or Slater in order to correct any abnormalities which may be playing a role in your health concern.
Your plan of management may also include a referral for medical tests/x-rays or a referral to another complementary health care provider. Our office team includes massage therapists and a doctor of Chinese medicine and acupuncture.
When Should I See A Chiropractor?
There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care at our office. Workplace injuries, car accidents, sports injuries, repetitive injuries (ex. from house-hold chores, computer posture etc.). Even the stress of daily living can cause painful joint and spinal problems. Even if you do not have painful symptoms, chiropractic care can help you maintain a healthy spine and joint function.
The most common reasons that patients have seen Doctors Van Der Mark or Slater for care are:
- Lower back pain (including leg pain),
- Upper back pain (between the shoulder blades),
- Neck pain and stiffness,
- Headaches (migraine, tension, cervicogenic),
- Whiplash and whiplash associated disorders,
- Strains-sprains from daily activities (any joint in the body),
- Repetitive strain injuries (wrist, elbow, shoulder),
- Work and sports-related injuries,
- Arthritis,
- Restricted movement (stiffness) in the back, shoulders, neck, or limbs.
We can treat any musculoskeletal complaint in the entire body from the feet, to knees, hips, elbows, hands, wrists, shoulders, TMJ, spine, pelvis, and ALL the muscles in between.
How Will Chiropractic Care Help Me?
Benefits of chiropractic care at our office include:
- Improved movement in your neck, shoulders, back, and torso,
- Better posture,
- Relief from headaches, neck, and back pain,
- Prevention of work-related muscle and joint injuries,
- Enhanced athletic performance,
- Improved flexibility,
- Relief of pregnancy-related back ache,
- Correction of gait and foot problems.
Pointing clients in the right direction towards a healthy, pain free, and productive lifestyle is important to us. Treating most conditions is the easy part, it’s following through with the decision to get a problem taken care of that is the hard part and is the essential role that you play in your own care.
Chiropractic Facts
- Chiropractic doctors complete a minimum of seven years university level education including a 12 month clinical internship,
- Chiropractic is the third largest primary health care profession in Canada,
- Over 4.5 million Canadians utilize chiropractic treatment every year,
- A medical referral is not necessary to see a chiropractor,
- Chiropractors, medical doctors, dentists, psychologists, and optometrists have the legislative right and obligation to communicate a diagnosis and to use the title “Doctor”,
- Most employee health plans provide coverage for chiropractic treatment,
- In the western world 85% of people will be disabled by back pain at some point in their lives.