Approach
We Help People Regain and Maintain Their Health
When the body experiences trauma, such as an accident or surgery, or there is chronic overuse or lack of physical activity, then structural compensation, decreased flexibility, misalignments and weakness can result. This process causes the premature breakdown of our musculoskeletal system, making us susceptible to injury, declining performance and quality of life and prolonged recovery. Injuries, left untreated, can lead to further misalignment and negative adaptation to your body's healthy balance.
Once an initial thorough examination is performed a diagnosis is made. From this a treatment program is begun. After a few treatments a more detailed model of the biomechanics of the legs, pelvis and spine becomes clear.
With this model, together, the patient and chiropractor can identify achievable improvement goals and develop a wellness strategy to work towards those goals. Goals may include fewer symptoms like headaches and spinal pain or functional activities such as the ability to sit in the car, walk, or maximize athletic performance.
How do we do this?
Usually there needs to be some regularity of care initially to first arrive at a valid spinal model and then to have the necessary repetition to help the body unlearn unhealthy patterns and reinforce more beneficial movement and stability patterns. In effect we are regrooving the nervous system. This initial care period may last from 1 or 2 weeks up to several months depending on the specifics of each patient and the goals desired. (answer 2 (b) )
At all times the privacy and comfort of patients is a priority.
Our ultimate goal is to improve the health of the spine and nervous system
Methods Used:
Spinal Adjustments are specific directed forces applied to the joints of the body either by hand or a hand held instrument called an Activator. Spinal adjustments help to normalize joint movement and nerve flow to the tissues of the body. Proper spinal adjustments are foundational for the following methods to have optimum effect. Joints need to move well before they move more!
Soft tissue manipulation, direct application of manual force over a soft tissue's full range of motion to break up any soft tissue adhesions. Adhesions are fibrous materials that form between injured soft tissues and, once present, inhibit muscle function and can lead to further reduction in the normal range of motion.
Exercise and Postural Coaching involves the teaching of simple low tech strategies that will have a direct impact on a patient's specific spinal model.
We offer regular free 2 hour Spinal Stability Workshops (usually at the Kits Community Centre) on Saturday mornings to teach basic spinal mechanics and the latest evidenced based exercise strategies based on the work of Dr. Stuart McGill at the University of waterloo. Groups limited to 10 participants.
Successful achievement of wellnes goals is usually the product of a series of small things done right done in the right sequence and with the right timing.
Gait Analysis & Orthotic Therapy
Even a small functional problem in the feet can place uncomfortable stress on the body. For many people, pain may start from the ground up, so prescription orthotics can help.
We use visual and computerized pressure plate technology to diagnose dynamic foot issues. Orthotics are now available for most shoe styles and can also be obtained in a custom built sandal or shoe.
Many insurance policies help with the cost of orthotics and for those with no insurance we have a yearly clinic where can offer a supplier volume discount.