What is a Chiropractor and why should I see one?

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Chiropractic is a regulated-health profession in Canada under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and one of seven professions designated to use the honorific of doctor. Chiropractors are able to assess, diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal* conditions using non-invasive, drug-free therapies, which typically encompass different forms of manual therapy (using hands or other tools) including but not limited to, spinal manipulation.

 

A chiropractor must undergo at least seven years of postsecondary education, including completion of a four-year doctor of chiropractic program from an accredited institution. Chiropractors must also complete a three-part licensing examination in Canada and be registered with the respective provincial regulatory authority in the province they practice. Chiropractors have extensive training in the areas of human anatomy and biomechanics, rehabilitation, nutrition, diagnosis, physical assessment and diagnostic imaging. They are fully equipped to guide you through your journey to optimal health and appreciate when and how to include other health care professionals in your care.

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Chiropractors are also considered primary contact health care providers, meaning no referral is required to access care.

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*neuromusculoskeletal refers to the system that allows our body to move. Anything relating to nerves, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and fascia

 

What makes you different from physio or another physical health professional?

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Great question! I think there is a lot of confusion around who to see for what. ​Honestly, there is not necessarily a hard and fast rule anymore on when to see what type of practitioner because there is a lot of overlap in how the professions practice. Generally, the best way to figure it out is through a consult with the practitioner and/or in consulting with friends and family as to who they have found success with.

 

Clients would describe my approach to resemble that of a past physio they've worked it, in that I usually include a variety of manual therapy tools in my hands-on treatment and almost always incorporate an exercise component. What may be an added bonus, though, is the in-depth education and understanding us chiropractors have of the spine and the nervous system, afforded by our rigorous four year curriculum. 

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I’ve already seen Chiropractors and didn’t really find it helpful or long-lasting. Why should I come see you?

 

The first thing to know is not all chiropractors are created equal.

 

The second thing is, there are different methods and techniques to managing a problem. Some practitioners may employ a one-size-fits-all approach to care. While this can work for some, it may not have been the right approach for you. I pride myself in creating the best solution for you and challenging the conventional approach to a problem, especially if that approach wasn't getting you anywhere!

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Check here to see how others would describe my approach:

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What should I wear to an appointment?

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Please come in or with loose, comfortable clothing that you can move around in. We usually need skin exposure at the area we are assessing, so no turtlenecks for neck pain and no jeans for knee pain.

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What does a first visit entail?

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In the first visit, I'm getting to know you and what brings you in. We'll delve into a thorough health history and physical assessment. I will debrief you on my thoughts and present a plan for us to address your goals of seeking out care. We will usually have time in that visit to initiate our treatment plan, whether that involves hands-on care, hands-off care or both. There are situations where we may not have time for treatment in the first visit, usually if a problem I'm presented with is more complex and our assessment requires more time. 

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What does a treatment plan or follow-up look like?

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Once we meet and figure out what's going on and what your goals are, we'll come up with a plan that aligns with what's best for you. Usually, when I start working with someone, we meet more consistently and frequently. This helps me understand if the input I'm providing to your body is the right input for you. Once we iron these things out, we can usually taper down our visit to a cadence that makes sense for your goals and the progression or maintenance work we need to provide. 

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What are your fees?

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Please head over to my booking page to see the most up-to-date fee schedule. Click here

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Do you direct bill?

I do not. I will provide you with a detailed invoice after our visit and it will have everything you need to submit to your insurer. 

 

I only have a couple hundred in insurance coverage for chiro. Will that be enough?

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Sadly, your insurance company does not have your best interests in mind when they determine how much coverage you get for a provider. The better way to think about these expenditures is as an investment. An investment in your musculoskeletal health. I know, it's tough for us Ontarians to dish out money for health care but our system is built to prioritize urgent care. We have to develop an appreciation for the value in maintaining and improving the health of our muscles and joints. It's my job to—hopefully—demonstrate that value to you.  

 

I don’t have anything wrong right now, would it still make sense to come in?

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Totally! We can do some our best work when you're feeling good and not currently injured or in a flare-up. One of my favourite parts of the job is auditing movement and figuring out what kinds of things we can optimize to ensure you stay healthy and resilient. 

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Still have questions? Click below to book a complimentary consult!