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Making sure you are well informed

Below are some enquiries you may have about Chiropractic. If your question is not answered here, please contact us at Courtyard Chiropractic directly and we will be happy to answer it.

Q. What is Informed Consent?

A. Prior to starting treatment, all health professionals are required by law to obtain informed consent to treatment from their patients. Patients must receive adequate and accurate information about treatment options, risks and benefits and treatment procedures to assist them in evaluating their health care choices. The chiropractic profession takes this responsibility seriously and has been a leader in obtaining informed consent. Dr. Gerber will thoroughly describe her findings, your treatment plan and the benefits and risks associated, before your treatment begins. Find out what else to expect on your initial visit>>

Q. What conditions do chiropractors treat?

A. Conditions include: restricted movement in back, shoulders, neck or limbs, stiffness, strains and sprains from daily activity, whiplash, back pain, sciatica, headache, migraine, work and sports-related injuries, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, Golfer’s/Tennis elbow, patello-femoral syndrome (knee pain), ilio-tibial band syndrome, hip pain, plantar fasciitis, foot pain, scoliosis care, pregnancy care, menstrual cramps, stretching & exercise advice, nutritional and weight loss coaching, WSIB injuries, Motor Vehicle Accident injuries, repetitive strain injuries, fallen arches, over-pronation, shin splints, wrist/hand pain, fibromyalgia, postural faults, ergonomic advice, postural and muscle imbalances.

Chiropractors are experts trained in the neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) system. They diagnose and treat disorders of the spine and other body parts by adjusting the spinal column or through other corrective techniques. Chiropractors provide conservative management of NMS disorders including, but not limited to, back, neck, limb and head pain. They also advise patients on corrective exercises, lifestyle and nutrition. Dr. Gerber tells her patients that she works from the tips of the toes to the top of the head, as long as the symptoms and diagnosis are NMS in origin.

Q. What are some of the benefits of chiropractic care?

A. Improved motion in your neck, shoulders, back and torso, better posture, relief from headaches, neck, back and limb pain, prevention and recovery from work or sports-related injuries, enhanced athletic performance, improved flexibility, relief of pregnancy-related symptoms, and correction of gait and foot problems. Other benefits relate to the proper function of your nervous system. Patients report better energy, sleep patterns, improved digestion, menstrual cramp alleviation, relief from symptoms associated with asthma, and a myriad of other “organ health” issues. Parents report improvement in colic, bedwetting, sleep, concentration and fast relief from back or neck issues for their children. Read more about Chiropractic care for kids.

Q. How should I prepare for my chiropractic visit?

A. Your chiropractor may be focussing on your back, neck, headache, or other aches and pains, and needs a complete picture of your health history and current health in order to provide the best plan for you. You may be asked about your personal and family medical history; major illnesses; surgeries or operations; medications you are taking; a description of your present condition; the steps you have taken to manage your condition; your diet and exercise; your sleeping habits, daily activities, work routine, stress level, and home life.

It is a good idea to wear comfortable clothes to the chiropractor, and you may be asked to change into a gown to perform some of these tests: blood pressure check, neurological tests (reflexes, strength, sensations), posture analysis, range of motion, and a hands-on evaluation (motion palpation) of how well your spine moves. These tests will identify restrictions and areas of improper motion or reduced function. Bring a copy of any X-ray or other health assessment reports (i.e. MRI, CT Scan) to give your chiropractor a more complete picture of your health. Learn about what to expect on your initial visit.

Q. How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?

A. Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during four intensive years of chiropractic education. The chiropractor typically uses his/her hands to move the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to reduce pain, and restore or enhance joint function. As an example, the chiropractor might take a specific contact on the upper back of the patient lying face down on the table. The patient may be instructed breath in and out, and the chiropractor would then create a gentle and specific thrust through the restricted area of the spine. Usually, immediate relief is felt. There are, of course, many different techniques and procedures of adjustment. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Interested in learning more about our treatment approach?

Q. Does chiropractic treatment require x-rays?

A. X-rays can play an important role in diagnosis and may be advised after your chiropractor takes a patient case history and conducts a physical examination. Doctors of chiropractic receive 360 hours of education in radiology covering a full range of topics from protection to X-ray interpretation and diagnosis. Governments in every province have recognized the training and competence of chiropractors to take and interpret X-rays and have granted them this right.

Q. Can chiropractic treatment provide a preventive function?

A. Clinical experience suggests that individuals with chronic conditions such as degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) or recurrent neck pain, back pain or headaches may experience less frequent and less severe symptoms when under regular chiropractic care. This also applies to individuals in highly stressful situations and those who experience repetitive physical and postural strain during daily activities. Whether ongoing chiropractic treatment can prevent back pain from occurring in the first place, or prevent a previous condition from re-occurring, requires further study.

Q. Will my symptoms get worse before they get better with an adjustment?

A. On occasion, symptoms can feel worse before they get better. The reason is that chiropractic care goes to the source of your condition. We are “stirring things up” and your chiropractor will advise you that for some people this may happen. You will always know how to manage your symptoms and how to best benefit from chiropractic care in order to minimize the chances of this occurring. Dr. Gerber tries to emphasize the difference between “hurt” and “harm”. You may temporarily hurt a little more, but your condition will be moving towards a better resolution.

Q. Can a chiropractor be my primary care provider if I was injured at work and am claiming with WSIB?

A. Yes. Most chiropractors are registered providers with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and can process functional abilities forms and bill WSIB for your treatments.

Q. Does my extended health coverage at work cover chiropractic care?

A. Most insurance plans do cover Chiropractic care, x-rays, custom made orthotics and registered massage therapy. It is best to call your insurance company directly and ask them what your coverage is. Insurers will only provide this information to the person who is insured. If you are having difficulty, we can help you to get these questions answered, on your initial visits while you are in the office. Consider investing in your most precious asset, even if your company‘s benefit plan doesn’t cover your care.

Find out first hand the benefits of our care, book a chiropractic examination or Free Consultation today!