| CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE, Q & A |
TRADITIONAL CHIROPRACTIC HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY
Chiropractic celebrated its 110th birthday in 2005, 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". B.J. Palmer (D.D.'s son) later developed the philosophy, art and science of chiropractic. Today, chiropractic has come a long way from its establishment in 1895, yet much of chiropractic's roots and philosophical beliefs from the early years of D.D. and B.J. Palmer can still be found in chiropractic philosophy today. Chiropractic 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. Due to the close proximity of the bony spinal column to the spinal cord and adjacent spinal nerves, spinal misalignments are thought to influence, positively or negatively, the functions of many biological processes.
Spinal misalignments are thought to interfere with signals coming to and from the nervous system, therefore not allowing the body or "innate" to function optimally. Traditional chiropractic theory states that gentle and specific chiropractic adjustments by hand or a special hand-held instrument called an activator correct spinal misalignments, therefore removing nervous system interference.
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. Contemporary chiropractic philosophy and practice extends beyond just spinal care. It has a strong scientific base, which is reflected in the educational process. Chiropractic students undergo a rigorous course of study similar to that of other health professionals. Chiropractic training involves a minimum of three years undergraduate university education, followed by another four years of intensive academic and clinical education at an accredited chiropractic college. Students complete many courses in the health sciences, with the requirement of writing national and provincial examinations for licensure, and earning the title of doctor. Specialized post-graduate training has enabled chiropractors to offer their patients more choices as to treatment options available through chiropractic care.
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DR. PAPA'S PHILOSOPHY ON CHIROPRACTIC
Dr. Papa's philosophy on chiropractic care embraces contemporary science and modern therapeutic treatment options without ignoring the roots of chiropractic. Dr. Papa has additional post-graduate training in
Rehabilitative Exercise and Physical Therapy,
Graston Soft Tissue Therapy,
Active Release Techniques (ART),
medical acupuncture, and
custom orthotic therapy.
As a result, the scope of Dr. Papa's chiropractic care is not limited to only treating spinal complaints.
Dr. Papa believes that chiropractors are well trained and positioned to declare themselves musculoskeletal experts when it comes to assessing, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the joints, muscles, tendons, bones, and nervous system by natural methods. Dr. Papa strongly encourages open communication with his patients and welcomes any questions or concerns they may have in regards to their care. He endeavors to always offer his patients a choice as to the type of care they want to receive, balancing patient wishes and concerns with what is therapeutically most beneficial for them.
Dr. Papa's patients have access to many treatment options, which include:
Whether it is acute/corrective care to address a specific problem, or preventative wellness care to address health concerns before they manifest into more serious problems, the New Hamburg Wellness Centre continues to be an innovative leader in the field of chiropractic care.
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CHIROPRACTIC QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH DR. PAPA
- Q: What exactly do chiropractors do?
A: Doctors of chiropractic are primary health care professionals. They assess, diagnose, and treat disorders of joints, muscles, and nerves. Chiropractic treatments focus on body mechanics and restoring normal movement patterns. Over time, poor posture, and unbalanced joint motion from mechanical stress or injury causes breakdown, dysfunction, arthritis and pain. Chiropractic care focuses on natural and holistic treatment interventions without the use of surgery or drugs to restore normal movement patterns and relieve pain.
- Q: What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A: A chiropractic adjustment is a chiropractic procedure that 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: Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?
A: Chiropractic adjustments are among the safest of all health care interventions. Most patients find chiropractic adjustments make them feel great, restore full joint range of motion, and relieve pain and discomfort. Occasionally, a chiropractic adjustment may cause temporary discomfort before relief is felt.
- Q: Do I have to receive an adjustment if I see Dr. Papa 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 Dr. Papa offers alternative therapies to address structural 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. Your condition will not respond to treatment if you do not receive treatment. 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 primary health care providers. 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 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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