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- Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
- Does my insurance cover chiropractic?
- What education does a chiropractor have?
- How do I know when I have completed my treatment?
- What makes the "cracking" noise during an adjustment?
- Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
- What does an ART treatment feel like?
- Is chiropractic treatment based on evidence?
- Do chiropractors refer patients to other doctors?
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Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
No. Just call our office to make an appointment, no referral is necessary for chiropractic care. If you are interested in massage therapy most insurance plans will need a medical referral. Check your insurance plan to be sure.
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Does my insurance cover chiropractic?
Provincial health coverage does not cover chiropractic services, however, the majority of private health insurance plans do. The specific amount of coverage will vary depending on your plan, so check with your insurance carrier to know for sure.
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What education does a chiropractor have?
Chiropractors are doctors who specialize in problems of muscles, joints, and nerves of the body. Chiropractors are educated in basic training in the biological and health sciences, receive specialized training in the chiropractic discipline, incluing extensive clinical training. Becoming a chiropractor in Canada requires a minimum of 6 years of post-secondary education including no less than 4500 hours of classroom and clinical instruction at an institution approved by the Council on Chiropractic Education Canada.
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How do I know when I have completed my treatment?
Upon your initial examination, the doctor will do a number of tests to help determine what is wrong (see What To Expect for more information). In addition to helping to form a diagnosis, these tests will also be used to help determine progress. For example, if on initial examination for a low back complaint a certain test reveals one of the hip muscles is tight, then the correction of this test will then become a treatment outcome. Once this test (and any others that are identified as being problematic and related to your condition) are normalized then we will know that treatment is complete.
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What makes the "cracking noise during an adjustment?
It is not uncommon to hear a pop or click when performing a chiropractic adjustment. This noise is actually gas escaping from the joints. As two bones come together to form a joint, there is fluid between the bones which acts as a lubricant and allows for smooth motion of the joint. This fluid contains dissolved gases. As a joint becomes tight and does not move properly the pressure will build up in the joint. An adjustment releases the pressure in the joint and by doing so will also release the gases within the joint, which creates a popping sound. It is similar to opening a champagne bottle. As the pressure is released gas escapes and makes a pop. The same thing also happens when someone cracks their knuckles.
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Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
In the majority of cases an adjustment is painless. In fact, most patients will feel an immediate relief with an adjustment. In some cases - such as following a recent injury - the muscles and ligaments around the joint may be painful and inflamed. When this happens any pressure on the area will provide some discomfort, including an adjustment. If the area is too tender or sensitive to tolerate the pressure from a chiropractic adjustment we will use other techniques such a gentle mobilizations or soft tissue therapies to help facilitate healing and de-sensitize the area so an adjustment will be more tolerable in subsequent visits
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What does an ART treatment feel like?
The first couple of treatments sessions can often be slightly uncomfortable due to the breaking and removal of adhesions, although the practitioner will never work outside your level of tolerance. This discomfort subsides with the completion of the treatment session, and the ART clinician will work within your comfort level to minimize any soreness. Most patients report the treatment as feeling like a "good hurt"
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Is chiropractic treatment based on evidence?
Yes. Chiropractic treatment is firmly based on science, both in terms of safety and effectiveness. There have been at least six formal government inquiries into chiropractic worldwide over the last 25 years and all have agreed that chiropractic care is safe and effective. In addition, there have been countless scientific clinical studies that have supported chiropractic treatment.
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Do chiropractors refer patients to other doctors?
Like other doctors, chiropractors belong to a large and growing network of health care professionals. Our doctors are well educated in recognizing risk factors and signs of serious disease. The goal of your initial visit and examination is to determine what is causing your pain/condition, and to determine if your condition is appropriate for chiropractic care. If we feel that your condition is not a chiropractic case, or would be better treated by a medical doctor or other healthcare provider we will refer you to where you need to go.
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