Frequently Asked Questions

What do Chiropractors do?

• Chiropractors are primary health care providers that assess, diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions through non-invasive and non-pharmacological methods. Their therapies include spinal manipulation therapy (adjustments), soft tissue therapy, active rehabilitation, nutritional counselling, postural training and more.

What is the musculoskeletal system?

• Chiropractors focus on treating conditions of the musculoskeletal system. This system refers to the muscles and bones of our body that support our movement and function and the ligaments, tendons, joints and nerves that relate to them. Chiropractors assess and treat conditions related to these structures in a thorough and non-invasive manner.

What is an adjustment?

• An adjustment (or manipulation therapy) is a specialized manual therapy championed by chiropractors. It involves isolating a specific joint in the spine or extremities that is restricted in its full motion, gapping the joint to its restricted end range and applying a high velocity, low amplitude thrust. This helps to restore or improve restricted range of motion, reduce pain, reduce muscle spasm and improve blood flow to the area. 

What is the popping sound that I hear during an adjustment?

• During an adjustment, a joint is brought to its restricted end range. This causes the joint to gap. Joints are surrounded by a capsule and within the capsule there is synovial fluid which lubricates the joint. When the joint is gapped, this causes the capsule to stretch slightly and creates a negative pressure within the joint. As a result, gas is released from the synovial fluid and a "pop" is occasionally heard. This sound does not happen with every adjustment and does not NEED to happen for an adjustment to be successful.

What should I expect at my first appointment?

• An initial appointment is generally one hour in length. It will consist of:
  • Completion of patient intake forms
  • Complete health history
  • Focused physical examination of the chief complaint. This may include inspection, postural and gait assessment, range of motion testing, neurological examination, orthopaedic or special tests, functional movement screening, and palpation of the structures involved.
  • Report of Findings: A review of the findings from the history and physical examination along with the working diagnosis will be communicated to you. This will be followed by the proposed plan of management including alternatives to treatment, benefits/risks, goals and the expected prognosis. This portion of the visit is aimed towards educating you in order to ensure that you have a complete understanding of your diagnosis and plan of management. As well as, we will discuss the options available to you so that you are able to make a fully informed decision regarding your health care.
• Treatment may be commenced, if time allows.
• You should wear clothing that is not restricting, such as track pants, a T-shirt or shorts.

I thought Chiropractors only fix backs?

• The chiropractic profession began with backs and the spine. Through its development it is has become a highly skilled and evidence-based profession that trains musculoskeletal experts to assess, diagnose and treat conditions regarding the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, as well as nerves of the spine and extremities. 

Do I need a referral?

• Nope! Chiropractors are primary health care providers and a referral is not necessary before going to see one. However; some third party payers do occasionally require a medical doctor referral to see certain health care professionals. If you are unsure or questioning, check with your health insurance provider.

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Contact:
Phone: 902-867-1888 ​| Fax: 902-867-2052
​Email: [email protected]

Clinic Hours
Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday - 9:00am-8:00pm
Friday - 9:00am-5:00pm

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Analyze. Educate. Integrate.