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| CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE, Q & A |
TRADITIONAL CHIROPRACTIC HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY
Chiropractic celebrated its 115th birthday in 2010, yet its roots extend to the beginning of recorded history. From Hypocrites (The Father of Medicine) and Galen (The Prince of Physicians) to the 19th century bonesetters in the British Isles, many individuals throughout history have recognized the importance of the spine as related to overall health.
Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.) was the first physician to link spinal misalignments with ill health. His students were advised to “get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases.”
Crude types of spinal adjustments continued all over the world until Daniel David Palmer (born in Ontario, Canada in 1845) discovered the value in specific spinal adjustments. D.D. Palmer coined the term “chiropractic” from the Greek words “chiro” meaning “hand” and “practic” meaning “practice”, for a literal translation of “practice by hand”. Traditional chiropractic philosophy recognizes that the body has inherent recuperative powers (innate). It also recognizes the relationship between the musculoskeletal structures of the body, and the nervous system (consisting of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and special sensory organs), which controls the entire body.
Throughout the years, the chiropractic profession has continued to evolve due to the growing demand for increased accountability and the use of procedures, protocols, and treatment interventions that are evidence based (backed by scientific research), with clear and quantifiable outcome measures. Chiropractic training involves a minimum of three years undergraduate university education, followed by another four years of intensive training at an accredited chiropractic college. Specialized post-graduate training has enabled the chiropractors of today to offer their patients more choices as to treatment options available through chiropractic care.
Chiropractic is well recognized within the health care system. Chiropractic care is covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) for occupational injuries, by automobile insurance in the event of a motor vehicle accident (MVA) injury, and by many Extended Health Care (EHC) plans. A medical referral is not necessary to access chiropractic care.
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CHIROPRACTIC QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
- Q: What exactly do chiropractors do?
A: Doctors of chiropractic are primary health care professionals. They provide diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, tendons, nerves and bones). Chiropractic care focuses on natural and holistic treatment interventions without the use of surgery or drugs to restore normal movement patterns and relieve pain. Treatment interventions may consist of adjustments/mobilizations or physical therapy such as acupuncture, electrotherapy, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercises. If your complaint is not something that would respond favorably to chiropractic care, a referral is made to the appropriate health professional.
- Q: What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A: A chiropractic adjustment is just one mode of therapy utilized by chiropractors (but not with every patient). This chiropractic procedure uses controlled force and leverage with precise direction and speed to a specific joint to restore normal motion and function relieving muscle spasm, pain, and nerve irritation. A chiropractic adjustment can be delivered by hand or by a special hand-held instrument called an activator.
- Q: Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
A: Chiropractic adjustment techniques have been researched extensively and are among the safest of all health care interventions. Complications are rare and side-effects, such as temporary soreness, are usually minor. Most patients find chiropractic adjustments restore joint range of motion and relieve pain and discomfort. Our chiropractors are well-trained to determine if your problem will respond to chiropractic adjustments or if another treatment option is more appropriate.
- Q: Do I have to receive an adjustment if I come for chiropractic care?
A: No. Some people are uncomfortable with the idea of having an adjustment, while for others, this may not be the most effective means of addressing their condition. This is why the chiropractors at our centre offer alternative therapies to address health complaints. No treatment option will ever be performed which the patient is uncomfortable with or has not consented to.
- Q: How often do I have to come for chiropractic care?
A: The frequency and duration of visits will depend on your therapeutic goals. Just like medical doctors prescribe medication for a particular condition, doctors of chiropractic prescribe a set number of treatments that they believe will help achieve your therapeutic goals. It is unlikely that your problem will be resolved in just one visit, so we ask that you give us sufficient opportunity to work with you. Our centre offers different phases of care. Visit the types of care section of our website for more information.
- Q: Do I need a medical referral for chiropractic care?
A: No. Chiropractors are legislated as primary contact health professionals in every province in Canada. There is no referral necessary to access chiropractic care, and our centre always welcomes new patients. Same day appointments are usually made available for emergencies during office hours.
- Q: Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
A: Yes. If you have Extended Health Care (EHC) insurance you may be eligible for all or part of your treatment to be reimbursed. Your employer, human resource representative, or union will be able to provide information as to the details of your coverage for chiropractic care under your EHC plan. Your chiropractic receipts may also be applied as a tax deduction where applicable. Chiropractic care is also covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) for occupational injuries, and by your automobile insurance in the event of a motor vehicle accident (MVA).
Click here to download chiropractic new patient forms.
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