WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT?
Here is your step-by-step guide:
- Detailed assessment of your primary complaint and body mechanics
- A conversation about treatment options
- Treatment inclusive of manual therapy, exercises and education to participate in the rehabilitation process
- If the complaint is found not suitable for chiropractic care, referral to an appropriate healthcare provider
Modalities may include any of the following:
- Spinal and extremity adjusting
- Muscle release & soft tissue therapy
- Trigger point therapy
- Functional integrated acupuncture
- Exercise rehabilitation
- Home exercise plans
Modalities Explained
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CHIROPRACTIC IN GENERALChiropractic is a regulated health care profession focusing on the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Chiropractors develop advanced knowledge in anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, and rehabilitation to assess, diagnosis and treat relevant conditions. A variety of modalities are used in chiropractic care, including: spinal and extremity adjusting, muscle release & soft tissue therapy, trigger point therapy, functional integrated acupuncture, exercise rehabilitation, and more.
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SPINAL AND EXTREMITY ADJUSTINGA chiropractic adjustment, also referred to as spinal manipulation therapy (SMT), is a technique that releases joint restrictions to restore maximal, pain-free movement. The clinician applies a dynamic thrust, controlling velocity, magnitude and direction, near the physiological end range of a joint. The gapping of the joint creates a fluid cavitation that can sometimes result in a ‘pop’ or ‘crack’ sound.
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MUSCLE RELEASE & SOFT TISSUE THERAPYThese techniques isolate muscles and surrounding soft tissue targeting function. By applying compression and tension, a temporary attachment point is created to stretch a muscle as it is taken through its range of motion. Varying placement and pressure throughout a muscle can assist with tension, adhesion and fascial release.
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TRIGGER POINT THERAPYA myofascial trigger point refers to an area on the body that is sensitive to pressure. It is commonly referred to as a muscle ‘knot’ and can present as a deep dull nagging ache. It can radiate and present elsewhere in the body (referred pain). Applying specific and direct pressure aims to improve blood flow, stretch taut muscles and release the surrounding fascia.
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FUNCTIONAL INTEGRATED ACUPUNCTUREFunctional integrated acupuncture (FIA) is a combination of dry needling modalities used to manage pain and sport injuries safely and effectively. FIA targets anatomical structures that can cause musculoskeletal disorders. Emphasis is placed on knowledge of anatomy and physiology as well as the interplay between soft tissue, joint biomechanics and nervous system function.
Thin filament needles are specifically inserted into target areas. They may be left for seconds or minutes depending on the condition. This causes an increase in blood flow to the area (faster healing time), decreases tension and decreases sensitivity due to neuromodulation.
FAI differs from Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, as the goal is to restore the Qi or the bodies energy flow through various pathways in the body known as meridian points.
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EXERCISE REHABILITATIONA series of stretch, strengthening and conditioning protocols specifically tailored to your injury and treatment goals. This may include a variety of exercises focusing on endurance, balance, resistance, flexibility and/or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) to restore correct movement, build strength and protect against recurring injury.
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HOME EXERCISE PLANSThe active portion of care that plays a key role in symptom progression. At home exercises compound passive care provided to obtain the best treatment results and promote a sustained healthy lifestyle.
No cracks? No problem
We know that not everyone is a fan of adjustments.
Back At It’s Chiropractor offers a treatment without.
We offer muscle release and soft tissue therapy
We can incorporate other modalities during a treatment that do not include adjustments, such as trigger point therapy
We direct bill for most insurance plans & these modalities are covered
frequently asked questions
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WHAT IS A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT?A chiropractic adjustment is a high velocity, low amplitude thrust through a joint. This helps break down what the ‘crack’ sound is. The therapeutic value of treatment is not dependent on the audible sound heard. Motion can be put through a joint by means of mobilization and/or manipulation with or without the ‘popping’ sound accompanying the treatment. An adjustment is one of many tools that can be used to achieve positive treatment outcomes. This video helps break down what the “crack” sound is:
Although chiropractors have extensive training in spinal and extremity adjusting, its application depends on clinical guidelines and the client’s preference.
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WHAT CAN A CHIROPRACTIC TREAT?There are a wide range of issues that chiropractors are trained to treat. Areas of the body they work on can include head and neck, shoulders, wrists, hands, the spine, lower extremities, and more. Conditions can include headaches/migraines, whiplash, vertigo, bursitis, tendonitis, rotator cuff injuries, nerve injuries, carpal tunnel, degenerative disc disease, disc herniation or bulge, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, stenosis, joint pain, sports injuries and much more.
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WHAT TYPE OF EDUCATION DOES A CHIROPRACTOR HAVE?Chiropractors obtain an undergraduate degree and then complete a rigorous four-year Doctor of Chiropractic program. They must pass three board exams set by the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board. Only then can a practitioner register to be licensed by the province. In Alberta, a chiropractor must be in good standing with The College of Chiropractors of Alberta, a member of the Chiropractic Association of Alberta, Canadian Chiropractic Association and Canadian Chiropractic Protective Association.
MEET YOUR CHIROPRACTOR
Dr. Rachel Tompa completed her Honours Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Toronto with a double major and minor in human biology, environmental studies and immunology. She then completed the four-year Doctor of Chiropractic program at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. While in Toronto, Dr. Rachel gained extensive clinical experience and skills in addition to obtaining her Functional Integrated Acupuncture certification.
STYLE OF TREATMENT
As a primary care physician, Dr. Rachel provides evidence-based, specialized treatment plans addressing the source of a patient’s concern. She takes a tailored patient-centred approach and enjoys spending the time needed with people, rather than rushing through a session quickly. She has a special interest in sport rehabilitation and chronic pain and her goal is to get individuals back to doing what they love, with pain-free treatment.
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