As a Kitchener Rehabilitation clinic, one of our most popular service offerings is Chiropractic Care. And although it is one of our most commonly utilized services for patients seeking treatment for work-related injuries, motor vehicle accident injuries, sports-related injuries and more, we often still find that patients seem to know very little about this treatment option and the benefits it provides. That is why we’ve decided to dedicate this month’s Absolute Advice article to Chiropractic Care. Continue reading below for a complete overview of Chiropractic Care, what to expect, a list of symptoms treated by Chiropractic Care and more.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Simply put, Chiropractic Care is a hands-on health care treatment that focuses on healing the body through neuromusculoskeletal system adjustments— most often centred around the spine. Chiropractic Care is regulated and recognized by statute in North America, and it is estimated that upwards of 1.2 million patients depend on Chiropractic Care in Ontario alone. And as you may have guessed, Chiropractic Care is provided by a Chiropractor. These health care professionals must complete a four-year accredited Chiropractic program as well as an internship and a qualifying exam to officially become a Chiropractor and be licensed in the province of their choosing.
And contrary to what many people believe, a doctor’s referral is not necessary to receive Chiropractic treatment.
The History of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic Care dates back over 100 years to 1895, to be exact. This is when Chiropractic’s founder, Daniel David Palmer, is said to have adjusted the spine of a deaf janitor and restore his hearing. And although spinal manipulation was not unheard of in 1895 and Daniel David Palmer never claimed to be the first person to use manipulation to cure a disease, he did claim to be the first person to use specific leverage points to make calculated, pin-pointed adjustments.
Following his initial use of Chiropractic Care, Daniel David Palmer went on to found the Palmer School of Chiropractic (which is still operating today) which he used to teach his methods to the first licensed Chiropractors.
Fast forward to today, and Chiropractic Care continues to provide many patients with the treatment and adjustments they need to live an unhindered life. Much of the same theory and adjustments are still used, and there continue to be advancements in this age-old practice every day.
Symptoms Treated by Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic Care is a primary treatment for chronic conditions (most often centred around the spine), but it also provides many benefits to patients suffering from a number of other conditions and diseases. These include, but are not limited to:
- Work-related Injuries
- Sports-related Injuries
- General back pain
- Headaches
- Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
- Limited range of motion in the neck, back, shoulder and limbs
- Arthritis
- Inflammatory diseases
- Repetitive Strain Injuries
- And more
On top of being the primary treatment method for many of these conditions, Chiropractic Care can also be incorporated into treatment plans for other conditions and ailments. Ask your Chiropractor if Chiropractic Care can provide you with benefits and relief.
What to Expect During Your Initial Visit
During your first Chiropractic appointment, you’ll work one-on-one with a licensed Chiropractor to assess your situation and begin creating a treatment plan. Your Chiropractor will start by asking you many questions to get a better idea of your family’s health history as well as your lifestyle. These questions can include:
- When did you start having pain?
- What are the affected areas?
- Is there anything that makes the pain better?
- Anything that makes the pain worse?
- Have you visited a Chiropractor for adjustments before?
- What are your goals for after your Chiropractic treatments?
Your initial appointment will generally last between 45 and 60 minutes and will be the foundation of the rest of your Chiropractic rehabilitation. Once your Chiropractor has a better understanding of your condition, lifestyle and family health history, they will then work with you to develop your individual treatment plan and create goals for your condition moving forward.
What to Expect After Your First Visit
Once your initial assessment is complete, and a treatment plan has been created, your subsequent visits will reduce in duration and cost. Each visit, your Chiropractor will assess your progress, conduct the necessary adjustments and talk with you to understand what you are feeling and address any concerns or questions you may have. Chiropractic Care is not a one-time treatment, and it is crucial that patients continue to visit their Chiropractor to ensure they continue to live an unhindered lifestyle. Many patients will feel initial relief in the first few appointments, but it is the following appointments that work to reduce the pain and discomfort even further and keep it at bay indefinitely.
Patients may also be expected to complete homework as part of their treatment plan. This may include stretches and other simple movements.
We hope you now have a better understanding of Chiropractic Care and the relief and treatment it can provide. As a Kitchener rehabilitation clinic, we are invested in your long-term health and wellness, and if you remember nothing else from this article, we hope you remember that Chiropractic Care is not a one-time treatment. It is a long-term process, that if followed, can provide momentous relief to patients. If you’d like to learn more about our Chiropractic offerings, including pricing, click here. You can also click here to learn more about Dr. Karen Garner, our own licensed Chiropractor with many years of experience.