NEW HAMBURG CHIROPRACTIC CARE

ATHLETES, WORKERS AND CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Not being able to participate in sport, recreational, and essential work activities can dramatically affect an individual's quality of life. Chiropractors have the knowledge and expertise to provide individuals with an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for complaints of the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, tendons, nerves and bones). Whether it be treatment of a specific condition, guiding someone toward a safe return to activity, or implementing strategies to prevent future recurrences, chiropractic care can play an important role in keeping people active and injury free.

CHILDREN AND CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Learning to walk, riding a bicycle, and other childhood activities can cause structural problems. Just as you would not wait to bring your child to a dentist until they have their first cavity, it is not wise to wait until your child develops symptoms of structural problems before considering a preventative approach to structural health. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify those problems and help avoid chronic complaints later in life. Naturally, chiropractic procedures, including examination and treatment are modified for children, offering them an enjoyable, safe, and therapeutic experience.

ADULTS AND CHIROPRACTIC CARE
The accumulation of structural stresses over the years, both large and small can result in symptoms. Often these symptoms come on gradually without any apparent cause. Symptoms always have a cause, and this is usually an end point where the body actually tells us that something is wrong. The absence of symptoms does not necessarily indicate that we are healthy. This is why many chiropractic patients throughout the years have taken a proactive role in their health and benefited from maintenance or preventative chiropractic care. This maintenance and preventative approach to structural health keeps individuals as mobile as possible, and eases the effects of aging as the years pass.

SENIORS AND CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Aging is a natural and normal process, and as time passes there are structural changes that occur. The wear and tear of the years begins to present with reduced joint motion and flexibility, which is why pain and stiffness are two of the most frequent complaints in older individuals. Integrated chiropractic treatment at the New Hamburg Wellness Centre has helped many seniors realize that pain and stiffness does not have to be a fact of life.

PREGNANCY AND CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Chiropractic care during pregnancy can be of great benefit to deal with musculoskeletal complaints arising from a women's changing center of gravity, and hormonal changes which will make joint structures, namely ligaments, more flexible. These physical changes put increased stress and pressure on weight-bearing joints, spinal discs, muscles and nerves. Chiropractic care helps ensure optimal biomechanical functioning, allowing females great relief during the term of their pregnancy.

• MEDICAL HISTORY
  A thorough medical history is taken which documents an individual's specific concern, duration, location, and severity of symptoms, and relieving and aggravating factors. Additional health information required by the doctor may include general health questions concerning past episodes of the complaint, past surgeries and illnesses, medication use, family history of illness, systems review and a review of general health status.


• PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
  Standard physical, postural, palpatory, orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic tests are performed to determine the cause(s) of your problem. X-rays may also be ordered to help formulate a diagnosis.


• DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS
  The doctor will communicate a diagnosis and prognosis to the patient, and let them know if their complaint is one that can benefit from chiropractic care. In the event that the complaint will not benefit from chiropractic care, a referral will be made to the appropriate health care discipline.


• TREATMENT
  For all complaints that may benefit from chiropractic care, a proposed treatment plan is communicated to the patient, including type of treatment and duration. Factors taken into consideration when developing a treatment plan for a particular individual include age, sex, severity and duration of complaint, genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors, physical health and fitness, and any other co-conditions. In addition, factors relating to patient concerns and preferences are also taken into account, because patients always have a choice as to the type of care they wish to receive. Any proposed treatment plan requires a signed informed consent by the patient.

• Q: What exactly do chiropractors do?
  A: Doctors of chiropractic are primary health care professionals. They provide diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, tendons, nerves and bones). Chiropractic care focuses on natural and holistic treatment interventions without the use of surgery or drugs to restore normal movement patterns and relieve pain. Treatment interventions may consist of adjustments/mobilizations or physical therapy such as medical acupuncture, electrotherapy, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercises. If your complaint is not something that would respond favorably to chiropractic care, a referral is made to the appropriate health professional.


• Q: What is a chiropractic adjustment?
  A: A chiropractic adjustment is just one mode of therapy utilized by chiropractors (but not with every patient). This chiropractic procedure uses controlled force and leverage with precise direction and speed to a specific joint to restore normal motion and function relieving muscle spasm, pain, and nerve irritation. A chiropractic adjustment can be delivered by hand or by a special hand-held instrument called an activator.
  
  
• Q: Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
  A: Chiropractic adjustment techniques have been researched extensively and are among the safest of all health care interventions. Complications are rare and side-effects, such as temporary soreness, are usually minor. Most patients find chiropractic adjustments restore joint range of motion and relieve pain and discomfort. Our chiropractors are well-trained to determine if your problem will respond to chiropractic adjustments or if another treatment option is more appropriate. They are trained to use other treatment options to address your specific circumstance.   Our chiropractors will discuss all potential side effects and any risks along with the benefits of the care you receive. If your chiropractor diagnoses a problem that would be better treated by another health care professional, he or she will make an appropriate referral.
  
  
• Q: Do I have to receive an adjustment if I come for chiropractic care?
  A: No. Some people are uncomfortable with the idea of having an adjustment, while for others, this may not be the most effective means of addressing their condition. This is why the chiropractors at our centre offer alternative therapies to address health complaints. No treatment option will ever be performed which the patient is uncomfortable with or has not consented to.
  
  
• Q: How often do I have to come for chiropractic care?
  A: The frequency and duration of visits will depend on your therapeutic goals. Just like medical doctors prescribe medication for a particular condition, doctors of chiropractic prescribe a set number of treatments that they believe will help achieve your therapeutic goals. It is unlikely that your problem will be resolved in just one visit, so we ask that you give us sufficient opportunity to work with you. Our practitioners recommend care that is backed by standard clinical practice guidelines and the best available scientific research.
  
  
  
• Q: Do I need a medical referral for chiropractic care?
  A: No. Chiropractors are legislated as primary contact health professionals in every province in Canada. There is no referral necessary to access chiropractic care, and our centre always welcomes new patients. Same day appointments are usually made available for emergencies during office hours.
  
  
• Q: Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
  A: Yes. If you have Extended Health Care (EHC) insurance you may be eligible for all or part of your treatment to be reimbursed. Your employer, human resource representative, or union will be able to provide information as to the details of your coverage for chiropractic care under your EHC plan. Your chiropractic receipts may also be applied as a tax deduction where applicable. Chiropractic care is also covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) for occupational injuries, and by your automobile insurance in the event of a motor vehicle accident (MVA).

Click here to download chiropractic new patient forms.

In Ontario, chiropractic education is offered through the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto. This educational program is fully accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education of Canada (CCEC), which has adopted standards similar to those of the Council on Chiropractic Education in the United States, an entity recognized by the United States Department of Education. The faculty at CMCC has diverse backgrounds and offers students a wide range of expertise. Faculty comes from such disciplines as biological sciences, pathology, medicine and psychology, as well as chiropractic. Some of the courses in the CMCC program include:

Anatomy, biochemistry, neuroanatomy, physiology, neurology, embryology, histology, pathology, immunology, microbiology, clinical biomechanics, neuroscience, nutrition, orthopedics, radiology (biophysics and protection, x-ray interpretation and diagnosis), and clinical sciences specifically relating to diagnosis.

HOW IS CHIROPRACTIC REGULATED?

In Ontario, chiropractic has been governed by provincial statute since 1925. Currently, it is regulated by the Chiropractic Act (1991), which is administered by the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO), created in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) (1991).

The College of Chiropractors of Ontario is responsible for protecting the public, standards of practice, disciplinary issues, quality assurance, and maintenance of competency. The CCO also recognizes five chiropractic specialties which include:

• Physical and Occupational Rehabilitation - FCCPOR(C)
• Chiropractic Sciences - FCCS(C)
• Sports Sciences - RCCSS(S)
• Orthopedics - FCCO(C)
• Radiology - CCR(C)

Additional chiropractic resources and information can be found at:

• The Ontario Chiropractic Association www.chiropractic.on.ca
• The Canadian Chiropractic Association www.ccachiro.org