Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic Treatment
What is Chiropractic Treatment?
Chiropractic is a non-invasive, hands-on health care discipline that focuses on the neuro-musculoskeletal system.
What is a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors practice a manual approach. Doctors of Chiropractic are specifically trained to detect and correct problems in the spine, often before the patient is even aware they exist.
Chiropractors provide diagnosis, treatment and preventive care for disorders related to the spine, pelvis, nervous system and joints.
Chiropractors use a combination of treatments, all of which are predicated on the specific needs of the individual patient.
After taking a complete history and diagnosing a patient, a chiropractor can develop and carry out a comprehensive treatment/management plan.
They can also recommend therapeutic exercise and other non-invasive therapies, and may also provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counselling.
Are you seeking chiropractic treatment for pain relief? Find a clinic near you and book an appointment today.
Cost, Coverage and Payment Options
pt Health services are covered by most health care plans.
Typically, these plans pay 80-100% fee for service. If you have a dental plan, chances are you also have coverage for many of the services and products we offer at pt Health.
pt Health also accepts auto insurance and Work Safety Insurance Board (WSIB/WCB).
In some cases, we also accept Veterans Affairs and Medicare, such as:
- OHIP (Ontario)
- Alberta Health Care
- Medical Service Plan MSP (British Columbia)
Not sure if you’ve got coverage with one of these government plans? We can help you find out. Just call us toll free at 1-866-586-0184.
At pt Health we believe your health should come first. We take care of the paperwork so you can focus on getting better, plus we offer direct insurance billing, saving you time and up front costs.
Interested in trying chiropractic treatment for pain relief? Book an appointment today.
Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment
Most often, people initially go to chiropractors hoping to find relief from back pain.
However, chiropractors treat a broad range of complaints, from back and neck pain to headaches, arthritis and more.
Chiropractic differs from many other health care disciplines by shifting the focus from the superficial symptoms to their underlying cause.
Moreover, people don’t need to have a specific complaint to benefit from a visit. Chiropractors also focus on on-going preventive and wellness care.
Chiropractic care is effective for people of all ages, from infants to the elderly.
Interested in trying chiropractic treatment for pain relief? Book an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Treatment
What can I expect if I see a chiropractor?
On your first visit, your chiropractor will take a detailed history to determine:
- Your individual health goals
- What problems you may be currently experiencing
- Whether chiropractic care is appropriate in your specific situation.
Typically, this is followed by a detailed physical exam which is tailored by the chiropractor to help determine the underlying causes of your particular complaints.
After the chiropractor has had a chance to evaluate his findings, he or she will give you a detailed report so that you completely understand your diagnosis and the treatment options that exist.
This part of the process may occur in a second separate appointment and is typically followed by your first treatment when clinically indicated.
The first visit typically lasts 30-45 minutes with subsequent treatment visits conveniently lasting 10-15 minutes.
Can pregnant women benefit from chiropractic treatment?
Absolutely! Chiropractic therapy is an excellent drug free alternative to relieve spinal pressure and backache related to pregnancy.
In addition, studies show that pregnant women who take chiropractic treatment decrease their labor time and require less pain control medication.
Is chiropractic treatment covered by health care providers?
Chiropractic care can be reimbursed or directly billed by Private Insurance, Motor Vehicle Insurance, Workers Compensation, and most commercial health care policies.
No referral is necessary to see a chiropractor.
How long does each physiotherapy appointment last?
The first appointment usually takes about an hour for a full assessment.
Subsequent treatments can be shorter or longer depending upon the condition and the treatment required. Subsequent physiotherapy treatments can be twenty to thirty minutes in length.
How safe is chiropractic treatment?
It is extremely safe when compared to most other forms of healthcare, particularly treatments consisting of drugs or surgery.
If you have any concerns just ask your chiropractor about any risks associated with the specific treatments you are receiving.
How much education does a chiropractor have?
In Canada, chiropractors have an undergraduate degree and 4 years at an accredited chiropractic college.
This is the same amount of time a medical doctor trains for, although the focus is on the biomechanical, rather than the biochemical.
In addition to their formal education, chiropractors in Canada have to pass rigorous national licensing examinations and complete continuing education hours annually.
What’s the popping sound during a chiropractic treatment session?
Chiropractic adjustments are high velocity, low amplitude mobilizations of spinal or other joints in very specific directions.
While that may sound intimidating, when performed by a properly trained chiropractor they are extremely safe.
In addition, they are generally very comfortable. The adjustment usually causes an increase in volume in the joint (the desired effect).
The resulting drop in pressure inside the joint causes a gas bubble to appear. This is called a ‘cavitation’ and is the sound associated with the chiropractic adjustment or when someone ‘cracks’ their knuckles.
What are the phases of chiropractic care?
Symptoms are often relieved within the first few treatments.
Once symptoms are controlled, many patients work to restore function of their spine and joints to prevent re-injury as opposed to simply eliminating their pain.
These patients often require multiple treatments at a specific frequency over a recommended period of time in order to properly restore function. After this corrective phase of care, patients whose goals are met will often cease care.
Some patients seek chiropractic care for its wellness aspect. These patients tend to have repetitive behaviours/habits, poor postures or anatomical anomalies (e.g., scoliosis) for which chiropractic care helps maintain a higher state of function.
Chiropractors can also educate on strategies to promote independence. Our chiropractors are accessible to guide patients on the right pathway to healthy living.
Once I see a chiropractor, do I have to keep going?
No. Every patient has unique needs.
The length of time they are in chiropractic care and the number of treatments required varies with each patient.
A patient’s treatment plan is individualized to their symptoms, functional impairments and activity restrictions and is focused around their goals.
Book A Chiropractic Appointment Today
Interested in trying chiropractic care for pain relief? Book an appointment today.