Chiropractic
Chiropractic is one of the oldest and one of the largest regulated health professions in Canada since 1934.  It has been considered a science and profession since the turn of the century (1901).  It is now considered a primary health care profession dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the neuro-musculoskeletal system-this is anything to do with muscles, bones and joints and how they all work together.  We use our hands to manipulate joints (the adjustment), apply deep tissue pressure for trigger points and stretch tight muscles, amongst other things. An adjustment is a treament procedure applied to a misaligned or locked joint to correct its position and its ability for movement.  Correcting the joint in this way frees its motion as well as overall spinal motion which then reduces associated muscle tension and removes any nerve interference.  We may also use therapies such as ultra sound or exercise prescriptions to aid your treatment.  

We advise and promote general wellness and good health through exercise, stretching, postural correction and natural healthy means.  Results may vary from patient to patient.

Many controlled and independent research studies have shown that chiropractic care is safe and effective for treating low back pain, neck pain, headaches and other conditions relating to the spine.  Please see link to research on bcchiro.com here for specific references to this research.

On your first visit to one of our chiropractors you can expect a full case history and physical exam, diagnosis (what’s wrong with you), a treatment plan (what can you do about it) a prognosis (how long will it take).

Some of the specific things we treat in our office:

Chiropractic for Pregnant Women
The muscle strains and back pain of pregnancy are very real and can be more than just a nuisance. The body undergoes enormous changes and often means large postural adaptations which can lead to aches and pains. The average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds, combined with the increased stress placed on the body by the baby, can sometimes result in severe discomfort. Studies have found that about half of all expectant mothers will experience some low back pain during pregnancy especially in the last trimester when the baby’s head presses down on a woman’s back, legs and buttocks, putting pressure on her sciatic nerve.

During pregnancy a woman’s centre of gravity shifts forward and displaces her weight which increases stress on her joints.  As the baby grows this effect worsens and the curvature of her lower back is increased placing extra stress on the disks in the lumbar spine.  This in turn causes the upper back to compensate and increase in curvature.  Your body naturally compensates by producing hormones that help loosen the ligaments attached to your pelvic bones.  We strive to return the pelvic structures to balance which in turn reduces stress and pain and to optimize the baby’s position before and during labour.

Chiropractic care is a safe alternative to over the counter or prescription drugs for back pain. There have been many studies on chiropractic and the pregnant woman that have found no risk to either mother or fetus.

Before becoming pregnant a chiropractor can also help to detect any existing imbalances in your pelvis or elsewhere that may increase you discomfort during and after pregnancy. After pregnancy your chiropractor can help to ensure you’re stretched out joints and loosened ligaments get back to their normal pre pregnancy alignment. We recommend monthly alignments before, during and after pregnancy.

If you’re not sure if a doctor of chiropractic can help you, call our office and ask to talk to one of our chiropractors.
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Orthotics

Orthotics are custom-made insoles designed to fit into your shoes. They are stiff and firm enough to maintain the structure and arches in your feet.  As we age, our arches and joints in our feet begin to loosen and flatten; they lose their springiness and begin to break down (commonly called fallen arches). With 26 bones, 22 muscles and over 100 ligaments your feet are engineering miracles. They are the foundation for our entire body.  We prescribe orthotics for knee pain, chronic low back pain and for many other feet or ankle problems. We also suggest them for those who are on their feet a lot for work or other standing activities and especially for runners, walkers or those who wear steel toed boots.  After a full examination (entire body) and history the Chiropractor will perform a gait analysis and assess the feet and ankles weight bearing and non weight bearing. If you require orthotics your feet are then placed in a casting for an imprint and sent to be produced.

Many health plans cover one pair of orthotics per year.
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Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is one of the oldest healing arts. It is defined as the application of various therapies to the muscular structure and the other soft tissues of the human body. Basically the therapist will rub, press or manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body with varying degrees of pressure.  It is intended to reduce stress and fatigue while improving the circulation.  It can be used both preventatively and restoratively.  There are many techniques utilized: some for reducing pain, or for aiding in the rehabilitation after a sports injury, to reduce stress, to increase relaxation or for general anti anxiety and general wellness.

Many extended health plans cover massage therapy.
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Laser Therapy
What is it?
Low intensity laser therapy is a safe, effective, painless therapy with no side effects.  Dr. Fred Kahn, MD has completed 16 years of scientific research and treated over one million people successfully.  It is non-invasive, non-toxic and easily applied. There are no known adverse effects.

How does it work?
The laser supplies the treatment area with billions of photons. The body tissues absorb these photons and convert them to chemical energy which is then used by the body to begin tissue repair by regenerating the tissue and by stimulating the cells in the area.  It starts the healing process at the cellular level.

Short Term Effects            

• Production of beta endorphins (morphine like substance produced by cells in the body that inhibit pain-our own natural pain killers)
• Production of cortical (the precursor of cortisone, which helps the body combat the stress and trauma of an injury or disease process.)

Long Term Effects/Cumulative Effect

• Increase in ATP (adenosine Phosphate) which improves cellular metabolism
• Enhances DNA replication, with more cell division more damaged cells are replaced
• Regulates cell membranes for more efficient cellular metabolism
• Stimulates protein synthesis providing the building blocks for new cell production
• Elevates levels of serotonin and acetylcholine facilitating nerve transmission
• Vasodilation-improves arterial circulation and tissue oxygenation
• Angiogenesis development of new arteries and capillaries

Additional Benefits

• Stimulation of the immune system
• Lymphatic drainage improved
• Increase in production of growth hormone
• Accelerates the body’s natural healing process.

What types of things will it help?

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Epicondylitis (elbow pain)
• Repetitive stress syndrome
• Rotator cuff injury (shoulder pain)
• Ligament or tendon tears
• Fractures with soft tissue injuries
• Bulging and herniated discs
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Bone spurs
• Spinal stenosis
• Peripheral nerve damage
• Gout
• Radiculopathy
• Fibromyalgia
• Knee pain

In general, laser therapy’s benefits:

• Decreases pain
• Decreases inflammation & swelling
• Increases tissue healing
• Increases joint mobility

Treatments
The recommended treatments will be established by your Doctor of Chiropractic, however commonly at least 6 visits are required.  Results may vary from patient to patient.

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Contraindications

• Very few
• Not for pregnant women or not over a tattoo.

For more info or for testimonials, go to www.bioflexlaser.com.

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