What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a hands-on therapy that focuses on the health and function of the spine and nervous system. The spine acts as the body’s foundation which supports and protects our nervous system, and the nervous system controls every single cell in the body – allowing us to move, breath, eat, smile, and function day-to-day.
Chiropractic philosophy focuses on naturally improving the health of the nervous system by ensuring the spine, our foundation, is properly aligned and moving correctly. When the nervous system is healthy, we are healthier – both mind and body.
Who are Chiropractors?
Chiropractors are one of only seven classes of regulated health care professionals that are able to use the title ‘doctor’ in the province of Ontario. Prior to attending chiropractic college, chiropractors must have completed a minimum of three years of undergraduate university study. From there, chiropractors complete four years of study at an accredited Chiropractic College receiving more than 4200 hours of specialized clinical training. Upon completion of the chiropractic curriculum, eligible individuals write national licensing examinations in order to become fully licensed to practice.
What do Chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors practice primarily using their hands, providing diagnosis, treatment and preventive care for disorders related to the spine, pelvis, nervous system and joints. The following conditions are amenable to chiropractic care:
- Low back pain
- Midback Pain
- Neck Pain
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (Jaw pain)
- Whiplash
- Headaches & migraines
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Tennis Elbow
- Sprains & Strains
- Repetitive Strain Injuries
- Myofascial Pain Syndromes (widespread muscle pain)
- Rotator Cuff Tears
- Rib dysfunction
- Hip Pain
- Knee Pain
- Ankle sprains
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Foot Pain
- Digestive Issues
- Numbness & Tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle Spasms
Acute Chiropractic Care
‘Acute’ refers to a symptom you may be experiencing that is new or has come on over the course of days or weeks. An injury is considered to be acute when there is active inflammation causing pain, swelling, reduced range of motion, and loss of function.
During your initial visit to the clinic we will conduct a thorough health history and perform a comprehensive physical examination. Once we have ruled out the need for further evaluation, we will propose treatment plan specific to your condition.
The goal of acute care is to manage your pain and improve the mobility and function of the spine and/or extremities involved. If your symptoms do not begin to subside within the first 3-5 treatments, we may perform a re-evaluation, send you for x-rays or co-manage with your physician.
Wellness Chiropractic Care
Wellness care refers to the proactive maintenance of health by having routine chiropractic treatments to ensure proper mobility of the spine and joints of the extremities.
Acupuncture
Neurofunctional Acupuncture is a modern approach to the traditional Chinese method of acupuncture. In this model, acupuncture needles are inserted at specific points along a nerve path and/or into tight/tender musculature and are then stimulated with the use of gentle electricity at low frequency. This stimulates the nervous system in a way that relieves pain, elevates mood and improves blood flow to help heal peripheral tissues. Traditional acupuncture without the use of stimulation/electricity is also available.
Human Chiropractic FAQs
Do I need a referral from my Doctor to see a chiropractor?
While we will gladly collaborate with your primary care physician, no referral is needed to see a chiropractor or for insurance coverage of chiropractic care.
What is the popping/cracking sound heard during an adjustment?
Adjustments of the spine and/or extremities do not always produce a sound. When chiropractors adjust restricted joints, a vacuum of pressure is released which is sometimes heard as an audible ‘pop’ or ‘crack’.
Does the adjustment hurt?
Chiropractic adjustments typically do not hurt.
Is there such a thing as a pinched nerve?
Spinal nerves exit between the vertebral bones of the spine. When vertebrae are not moving properly this can irritate these nerves which can result in pain, muscle spasm, reduced range of motion, altered sensation, muscle weakness, and even altered organ function.
Seldomly do these spinal nerves actually become “pinched” by the vertebra themselves. More-often they become “irritated” by inflammation of the soft-tissues that surround the spinal joints. Cases which involve compression or “pinching” of nerves are usually caused by the intervertebral discs (IVD).
Custom Orthotics
Orthotics are custom made inserts that are worn in footwear to correct abnormal foot alignment and inefficient biomechanics to help improve shock absorption and postural alignment of the lower limb. Orthotics can help reduce pain felt in the feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back and can be an integral part of patient care for the management of foot pathologies and the associated musculoskeletal symptoms that can accompany abnormal foot function/biomechanics. *Please note that direct billing is not available for orthotics. If you have insurance coverage for custom orthotics, our chiropractors will provide the appropriate documentation necessary for you to be reimbursed by your insurance company.*
Shockwave
Shockwave therapy is a safe and innovative treatment option for chronic tendon, ligament and muscle pain. Shockwave therapy sends controlled acoustic and mechanical pressure waves deep into the tissue which helps to promote collagen synthesis and the healing of chronic soft tissue damage by forcing the body to send fresh blood flow to the injury. Tendons and ligaments have a limited blood supply, which is why when they become damaged they typically take significantly longer to heal compared to more vascular tissues. Fresh blood flow and enhanced circulation to chronic damage in a tendon/ligament promotes healing and tissue regeneration. Conditions that may benefit from shockwave include: plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, achilles tendinitis, patellar tendinitis, shin splints, IT Band Syndrome, hamstring tendinitis, trochanteric bursitis (hip pain), chronic lumbar myofascial pain, rotator cuff problems, tennis elbow, Golfers’ Elbow, trigger finger, chronic trigger points. *Available for existing patients only* If you are a new patient please book an initial examination.
Direct Billing
At Stockyard Chiropractors we are pleased to offer direct billing to over 30 different insurance companies for those with Extended Health Coverage. Simply bring your benefits card to your appointment or input your insurance information into your online patient profile beforehand and let us do the work for you.
Most health benefit packages include coverage for chiropractic care, however coverage varies from plan to plan and may not cover the full cost of your treatment. While we do our best to offer this service on a daily basis to all that qualify, we can not guarantee that direct billing will be available at the time of your appointment due to technical limitations, claim submissions protocol, and administrative restrictions. Please consult your plan administrator for coverage and eligibility details.
Please note that direct billing is not available for orthotics. If you have insurance coverage for custom orthotics, our chiropractors will provide the appropriate documentation necessary for you to be reimbursed by your insurance company.
Rates
Initial Chiropractic Examination & Treatment - $150.00 (HST incl.)
The initial exam involves a thorough health history, gait analysis, range of motion testing, and static and motion palpation of the spine and extremities. Treatment includes corrective chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, myofascial release, assisted-stretching, rehab exercise prescription and nutritional counselling when needed.
Subsequent Chiropractic Treatments - $70.00 (HST incl.)
Corrective chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue treatment, and assisted-stretching encompass the majority of subsequent appointments.