Diversified Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a non-invasive, hands-on health care discipline that focuses on disorders of, and the function of, the neuromusculoskeletal system. Your chiropractor provides diagnoses, treatment and preventative care for acute and chronic disorders related to the joints and soft tissues of the spine, pelvis, and extremities as well as the nervous system.
At Vitality, we recognize the benefit of patient-directed care – we don’t assume your priorities on your behalf. This means we will work with you to achieve your specific goals, whether this be guiding you through just the initial phase of an acute injury to supporting you with ongoing preventative care and guidance.
Vitality chiropractors use a combination of treatment modalities, depending on the specific needs of the individual patient and their clinical presentation. After taking a complete history and performing a thorough physical exam, your chiropractor will communicate the diagnosis, develop a comprehensive treatment plan, recommend therapeutic exercises and other non-invasive therapies, and may provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counselling. Recognizing what falls outside the chiropractic scope of practice is another essential skill your chiropractor holds, promptly making the appropriate referrals when indicated.
WHAT IS A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT?
Chiropractors are trained to recognize if a joint has decreased motion or is ‘restricted,’ which can lead to dysfunctional movement patterns and eventual injury. When joint restrictions have been identified, the chiropractor will often apply a gentle, manual force to the area of limited motion. This helps to restore normal, healthy joint function and reduces associated tissue dysfunction.
There are many different adjusting techniques in the world of Chiropractic. The chiropractors at Vitality are thoroughly trained in a variety of techniques, including both manual and instrument adjusting. Diversified technique simply means that the doctor employs a variety of adjusting procedures to restore joint motion dependent on the patient’s condition and/or preferences.
For example, with Thompson Technique, the chiropractic adjustment is performed on a table in which the supporting cushions drop an inch or two when a thrust is applied to the spine. This is an effective way in ensuring a gentle adjustment for the patient.
Instrument adjustments are an even more gentle way to precisely perform an adjustment delivering a light-force, high-frequency impulse to aid in restoring joint motion.
Additionally, our chiropractors recognize that problems don’t strictly begin and end at the level of the joint and thus routinely employ myofascial techniques such as Active Release Techniques® (or ART®) as well as Graston Technique®.
CHIROPRACTIC EDUCATION
After completing their undergraduate university degree (minimum 3 years), a Doctor of Chiropractic must undergo an additional four years of professional degree education. Before entering practice, chiropractors must pass rigorous national and provincial board examinations. Furthermore, chiropractors are expected to stay informed with respect to the current literature and clinical best practices by fulfilling mandatory yearly continuing education credits.
