FAQ
What problems can be helped by chiropractic?
Chiropractic can be used to treat a number of complaints, including:
- Sciatica
- Disc problems
- TMJ dysfunction
- Carpal tunnel
- Neck/back pain
- Stiffness, numbness, tingling
- Limited range of motion
- Shoulder, arm and wrist problems
- Hip, leg and foot pain
- Athletic injuries
- Whiplash
Chiropractors specialize in the manual adjustment of the vertebrae of the spine and other joints to help relieve pain and restore normal function. Chiropractors are also trained to prescribe a therapeutic treatment plan, including exercise and nutritional counselling, as well as recommend rehabilitation and injury prevention strategies. If you’re suffering from pain, stiffness or discomfort, chiropractic may be able to help you get back to your daily activities as quickly as possible.
What is Micro Alignment Therapy?
Micro Alignment Therapy is a type of chiropractic adjustment that uses small lever motions on specific joints to correct joint misalignments and improve function. It can be used on all joints in the spine and extremities, including the shoulders, elbows, knees, wrists, hips, ankles and cranium. Micro Alignment Therapy was developed by Canadian chiropractor Dr. Robert Young more than 40 years ago and has been revitalized by Dr. Barbara James, who has used it exclusively in her practice for the last 23 years.
Micro Alignment Therapy is suitable for patients of all ages. Results vary between patients, but
multiple treatments are usually required.
What happens at the first appointment?
New patients will be asked to complete a case history form, providing information on their health history and habits, as well as the current symptoms that have prompted their visit. This will be followed by a consultation with and examination by Dr. James. For patients who are found to have joint misalignments, Dr. James will explain how chiropractic may be able to help and will begin Micro Alignment Therapy to address the problem. At the second appointment, a full written report is provided and additional natural therapies and/or self-care may be recommended.
Is chiropractic safe?
Chiropractic treatment has been thoroughly assessed for its safety and effectiveness. According to the B.C. Chiropractic Association, spinal manipulation has been subject to at least six government inquiries around the world, including in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Sweden. These studies have all found chiropractic care to be both safe and effective. Many of our patients have benefitted from chiropractic care in the past, and choose to continue their care with Micro Alignment Therapy. Micro Alignment Therapy is safe for adults, children, the elderly, and pregnant and nursing mothers.
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
All new patients are assessed using the same consultation and examination procedures, but treatment is customized to meet each patient’s specific needs. All patients are adjusted using the Micro Alignment technique.
What does Micro Alignment Therapy feel like?
Micro Alignment Therapy emphasizes the use of small, slow and specific movements wherein the doctor uses hands-on therapy to correct individual joints. This is a localized therapy in which individual joints are addressed and the body remains stationary. Patients may hear a “click” – much like the sound of a light switch – when joints are realigned; many patients also experience a sense of relief and relaxation.
How will I feel after treatment?
Each person responds differently to Micro Alignment Therapy. Some patients experience some immediate relief of their symptoms, while others will not see improvement until they have had two or more adjustments. In general, the longer a patient’s joints have been misaligned, the more adjustments are required to provide relief. As with all manual therapies, occasional joint tenderness and inflammation may occur following treatment, but this may be treated simply with ice and rest.
Why do I need to come more than once?
Chiropractic is designed to restore normal joint and nerve function, allowing the body to begin the natural healing process. Because the process of body misalignment can occur over a long period of time, frequent treatment may be required to restore normal alignment and allow for healing in the joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons.
Chiropractic care also affects individuals differently, which means that each individual may also respond at a different rate depending on the severity of the problem and the patient’s general health. On your second appointment, Dr. James will make a personalized recommendation for treatment. This may include self-care activities to help stabilize realigned joints.
What if chiropractic treatment doesn’t help me?
Chiropractic care helps to restore the body’s natural ability to heal by promoting good joint alignment and proper nervous system function. As such, most people can benefit from chiropractic adjustment. Physical, mental/emotional and chemical stress can all contribute to misalignment in the body. Results vary between patients but multiple treatments are usually required.