Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral from my medical doctor to see a chiropractor?
- No, you do not. But you may need one for certain health benefit policies. Please check with your benefit provider if you do.
How is a chiropractor different from a physiotherapist?
- There isn’t a huge difference between the two profession, when you compare treatment interventions. Chiropractors specialize in joint manipulation, especially with their hands and may or may not include exercise programs, or passive modalities with their care plans. In comparison, a physiotherapist will often use exercises with machines and/or other exercise tools as a way to treat, while focusing on therapeutic exercises and retraining your muscles and movement patterns. He/she may also use joint manipulation and mobilization.
- However, this is a very simple view of how these two professions vary as the better health care professionals in these fields actually do overlap in their skill set and subsequently their results. If you are not sure who you should work with, keep in mind that chiropractors specialize in the structural joints, nerves and muscles, while physiotherapists are great at developing and supervising your exercise program, while also addressing your structural dysfunctions. The two professions can collaborate well to help you achieve your goals.
What is not a chiropractic case?
- As a chiropractor, I can assess and treat a variety of neuromusculoskeletal conditions but there are cases that I do not treat, such as Shingles, Cancer, Psychological disorders, severe autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, etc. In these cases, referral to or co-management with other providers may be recommended.
- Upon completion of your initial exam and review of your medical history, if your case does not appear to qualify for chiropractic care or acupuncture treatment I will gladly refer you to someone who may be able to help.
Why would I need chiropractic care?
- Anyone who hasn’t had a spinal check up in the last six months (or ever) can benefit from a chiropractic evaluation and possibly treatment. Chiropractic care is growing in popularity because the results speak for themselves. Regular chiropractic treatments help keep you pain free, moving well, and feeling better overall, which allows you to function your best every day.
- Typically, I’ll begin seeing clients after an injury has occured and their treatment program goes from pain management to corrective care, and eventually maintenance care. This can also be thought of as going from an “overhaul” treatment plan to a “spinal tune up” style treatment.
Why would I benefit from contemporary medical acupuncture (CMA)?
- If you have acute, chronic, or persistent symptoms that haven’t responded to any other treatment you’ve tried, CMA may be the key to helping you. Acupuncture treatments can be done to target multiple parts of the body, such as muscles, nerves, joints, tendons, periosteum, ligaments, and fascia. Using the fundamentals of anatomy and biochemistry inherent in the body, acupuncture treatments are customized to maximize the body’s response to healing.
How many visits do I need?
- Upon your first assessment and subsequent visit it will be determined if you require multiple visits at a higher frequency or a few treatments spread over a longer time. In general, mild cases of musculoskeletal conditions require 4-6 visits, mild to moderate cases may require 6-12 visits and complex conditions with multiple areas of concern may require 12-20, or even more visits based on the symptoms presistence and your individual healing speed. If home care exercises are adhered to as prescribed, in combination with other lifestyle modifications, healing is progressive and expected sooner vs later.
Are these services covered by my health care benefits?
- Most services are covered by your benefits plan. Details of your plan are your responsibility as each policy varies and not all companies allow for direct billing. Please check with your policy provider if you need a medical doctor’s referral, have limits on your benefits per visit, by percentage, or per year. Chiropractic coverage includes medical acupuncture and does not need a medical referral, unlike prescription orthotic devices, custom braces, compression products or other therapeutic devices.
If you have questions that have not been answered here, please leave them in the comment box below, send them by email or book a consultation in the office closest to you. See locations for clinic details.
