Chiropractic
FEEL BETTER. MOVE BETTER. LIVE BETTER.
Doctors of chiropractic treat the whole body with safe, natural methods. We work the muscles for more effective adjustments, but for those looking for a gentler method (non-popping/cracking) we use light force Activator and other techniques.
The main form of treatment chiropractors deliver is called an adjustment – a non-invasive procedure consisting of a precise directed movement to help relieve pain and discomfort, and restore range of motion. Sometimes chiropractors will also use other therapies like massage, heat, laser and ultrasound.
A chiropractor does not prescribe drugs or perform surgery, but may make a referral to medical specialists for such treatment when appropriate.
In addition to adjustments, chiropractors also counsel patients regarding nutrition, lifestyle and exercise.
Your auto insurance covers you for a minimum of 10 chiropractic treatments for minor injuries under the Alberta Diagnostic Treatment Protocols Regulation.
Chiropractic treatment for minor injuries is billed directly to your insurance company. You do not have to submit receipts for reimbursement.
Make sure you tell your chiropractor that you were injured in a car accident so they will fill out the forms to have your treatment costs covered.
In addition, every Albertan is entitled to $750 of chiropractic care coverage for more serious injuries (under Section B), but access to these benefits varies based on your auto policy.
In Canada, doctors of chiropractic must complete a minimum of seven years of post-secondary education, which includes a four-year academic program at an accredited chiropractic college. In addition to classroom hours, students spend over 600 hours treating patients in a supervised clinic setting during their final two years of education.
To be a chiropractor in Alberta, doctors must successfully pass national board exams and maintain professional competency through approved seminars and courses.
Did you know?
Only health care providers who are regulated under Alberta’s Health Professions Act – such as chiropractors – are legally permitted to call themselves doctors.
Being regulated means that chiropractors in Alberta must obey all legislative requirements set by the government for all health care providers. Other health care providers that are regulated include nurses, dentists, medical doctors and optometrists.
In Alberta, the Health Professions Act ensures all regulated health care providers:
- are educated and trained properly
- practice within a defined scope of practice
- adhere to strict standards of practice
- hold liability protection/coverage
- meet competency standards
- are accountable to a regulatory organization
The Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors (ACAC) is entrusted with enforcing the requirements set by government for all chiropractors. To be a chiropractor in Alberta, you must be a member, in good standing, with the ACAC.
We are licensed by the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors.
The Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors is dedicated to regulating the chiropractic profession in a manner that supports quality care and upholds public trust; as well as furthering awareness and understanding of the benefits of chiropractic care among Albertans.
For more information visit: www.albertachiro.com
More than 25 years of research about the safety and efficacy of chiropractic treatment prove that chiropractic is effective and beneficial to patients for the treatment of back and neck related conditions.
Because chiropractic is non-invasive, the risk of a serious adverse effect is extremely low. While most people feel a sense of relief, it is possible that following a chiropractic treatment you may experience mild soreness that should go away quickly. Before you have a chiropractic treatment, ask to discuss any concerns you have with your chiropractor. If you have any lasting effects or concerns, talk to your chiropractor.
Chiropractic is a health discipline firmly grounded in science and endorsed by research. Researchers, both within and outside the chiropractic profession, are actively involved in studying the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic treatment.
The growing body of evidence continues to prove the value of chiropractic with consistently high marks for clinical effectiveness, cost efficiency and patient satisfaction.
People see a chiropractor for:
- Back and neck pain
- Headaches, including migraines
- Whiplash and car accident injuries
- Strains and sprains from day-to-day tasks to sports injuries
- Workplace injuries (see our WCB information)
- General health and well-being
- People who also suffer work, auto or sports injuries often seek pain relief and healing from a chiropractor.
Most satisfying treatment for back pain.
In the Consumer Reports 2009 Survey: Chiropractic received top marks as the most satisfying treatment for back pain.
All chiropractic patients will experience an initial assessment before treatment. You will be asked to share information about your health, such as any injury or surgery, medications you are taking and family health history.
The first visit will take longer than following visits, because a physical assessment will be conducted based on the reason for your visit. The assessment might include posture, range of motion, reflexes, and other orthopaedic and neurologic tests. You may also be sent for x-rays.
Following the physical assessment, we will talk with you about your diagnosis and treatment plan before you receive treatment/an adjustment. This might happen on the first visit, but most likely you will be asked to make a second appointment so that we can fully consider your needs and develop your treatment plan.
If you have any questions about anything during your treatment, always ask.