Chiropractic

Chiropractor

Dr. Tracy Reimer, B.Sc., D.C.
Dr. James Bortolotto, D.C. F.C.C.P.O.R.(c)

About

Doctors of Chiropractic are primary care practitioners who are experts in conservative management of the skeletal, muscle and nervous systems of the human body.  They receive extensive, specialized training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders.  The primary method of treatment, called an adjustment, involves gentle manipulation of joint misalignments aimed at restoring proper biomechanical function and mobility, which also helps to relieve pain.

Chiropractic is natural, hands-on healthcare that focuses on the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself, without the use of drugs or surgery. It is based on the premise that the nervous system coordinates all of the body's functions and that misalignment or imbalance in joints or muscles in an area will adversely affect the function of that area.  If the imbalance creates nerve pressure it can cause problems not only in the local area, but also at some distance from it.  If left uncorrected, this dysfunction can lead to chronic problems and chronic pain.  Chiropractic care is not limited to the spine or low back as many believe, but includes treatment of the entire body and a wide variety of conditions.

The chiropractic adjustment is a non-invasive procedure using precise directed motion to bring back proper movement and balance to a painful or misaligned joint.  Adjustments can address pain, and reduce muscle spasms and inflammation, so that you are able to return to normal activities as soon as possible.  There are many different techniques for delivering an adjustment, but they are considered safe and effective, and can be modified or customized to each individual and situation.  Once the pain is managed, chiropractic care can help stabilize, maintain and increase strength and flexibility.  Chiropractor care is also preventative and can recommend options to prevent reoccurrence so people can lead healthy, active lives. In addition, chiropractic is patient-centered care and Doctors of Chiropractic work in cooperation with other health care practitioners when in the best interest of the patient.

Chiropractors in Canada are highly educated.  They must complete at least seven years of post-secondary education, which includes a four-year academic program at an accredited chiropractic college/university.  Most chiropractors in Canada have completed a Bachelor’s degree before completing their Doctor of Chiropractic degree which gives them a total of eight years of post-secondary education.  During the third and fourth years of chiropractic training, they must treat patients in a supervised clinic setting as part of their practicum.  Upon completion of the doctorate program, graduates must pass national and provincial Clinical Competency Examinations in order to be licensed to practice.  In addition, they are required to complete continuing education courses and seminars on a yearly basis to maintain professional competency.

Conditions Treated by Chiropractic:

The following conditions are only a sample of the various issues that can benefit from therapy. This list is in no way exhaustive and is also not a guarantee that they will resolve completely with treatment.

Low back pain
Intervertebral disc problems
Sciatica
Spinal degeneration
Arthritis
Bursitis
Scoliosis/Postural issues
Neck pain
Headaches
Repetitive stress injury

Whiplash
Jaw pain
TMJ dysfunction
Upper back pain
Shoulder pain
Rotator Cuff Syndrome
Tennis elbow/Golfer’s elbow
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Joint sprains/strains
Tendonitis

Hip pain
Knee pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Achilles Tendonitis
Pinched nerve pain
Muscle spasms
Fibromyalgia
Pregnancy related pain

For More Info...

Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors
http://albertachiro.com

Canadian Chiropractic Association
http://chiropractic.ca