Medicine Hat, AB
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a referral to see a Chiropractor?
No, Chiropractors are primary contact health care professionals in all provinces of Canada. A patient does not need a referral to book an appointment and can consult him/her directly.
No, Chiropractors are primary contact health care professionals in all provinces of Canada. A patient does not need a referral to book an appointment and can consult him/her directly.
2. Is Chiropractic covered by Alberta Health Care?
No, Chiropractic is not covered by Alberta Health Care. However, the Workers Compensation Board and most employer and third party insurance plans cover Chiropractic services. Contact your insurance provider for coverage details and you can visit www.finance.alberta.ca for a complete and up-to-date alphabetical listing of Insurance Companies Operating in Alberta.
No, Chiropractic is not covered by Alberta Health Care. However, the Workers Compensation Board and most employer and third party insurance plans cover Chiropractic services. Contact your insurance provider for coverage details and you can visit www.finance.alberta.ca for a complete and up-to-date alphabetical listing of Insurance Companies Operating in Alberta.
3. Is chiropractic safe?
Chiropractic is a non-invasive, drug-free discipline meaning that the risks associated with it are very low. Adverse effects are very rare and your chiropractor will assess you individually for any risks before commencing treatment. It is a low risk therapy; complications arising from adjustment are rare. Research continues to support the safety and efficacy of Chiropractic treatment.
Chiropractic is a non-invasive, drug-free discipline meaning that the risks associated with it are very low. Adverse effects are very rare and your chiropractor will assess you individually for any risks before commencing treatment. It is a low risk therapy; complications arising from adjustment are rare. Research continues to support the safety and efficacy of Chiropractic treatment.
4. What type of education does a chiropractor have?
Chiropractors are trained as primary health care practitioners with an emphasis on diagnosing and treating neuromusculoskeletal conditions. To obtain a doctor of chiropractic degree you are required to have a minimum of 3 years post-graduate education with a further 4 years of study at a recognized chiropractic institute. There are two institutes in Canada; a French speaking one in Quebec and an English program at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. More than half of all Chiropractors practicing in Canada have graduated from either of these schools with the remainder studying in the USA or abroad.
Chiropractors are trained as primary health care practitioners with an emphasis on diagnosing and treating neuromusculoskeletal conditions. To obtain a doctor of chiropractic degree you are required to have a minimum of 3 years post-graduate education with a further 4 years of study at a recognized chiropractic institute. There are two institutes in Canada; a French speaking one in Quebec and an English program at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. More than half of all Chiropractors practicing in Canada have graduated from either of these schools with the remainder studying in the USA or abroad.
5. Will I have to remove my clothes for a chiropractic treatment?
Depending on the area being treated, it may be necessary to remove some clothing. We only remove clothes if necessary, and we provide gowns for patients to wear if needed. However, most treatments do not require removal of clothing.
Depending on the area being treated, it may be necessary to remove some clothing. We only remove clothes if necessary, and we provide gowns for patients to wear if needed. However, most treatments do not require removal of clothing.
6. What is the cracking sound?
Chiropractic treatment involves the manipulation of joints, with the goal of decreasing pain by improving movement and function within that joint. When a joint is adjusted (moved), there is a natural change in the internal pressure of that joint. This change results in the release of gas normally dissolved in the fluid which lubricates the joint. The release of this gas may produce a "crack" or "pop" sound similar to that produced when you open a can of soda.
Chiropractic treatment involves the manipulation of joints, with the goal of decreasing pain by improving movement and function within that joint. When a joint is adjusted (moved), there is a natural change in the internal pressure of that joint. This change results in the release of gas normally dissolved in the fluid which lubricates the joint. The release of this gas may produce a "crack" or "pop" sound similar to that produced when you open a can of soda.
7. What can I expect on my first visit?
Prior to meeting with the Chiropractor, you will be asked to complete a New Patient Intake Form. Using this form as a guide, you and the Chiropractor will discuss your health history in detail. This will be followed by a full physical examination. Your Chiropractor will then decide if further testing, such as x-rays or blood work, is required. You will then be presented with a report of findings, outlining your specific problem, treatment options, and prognosis. Questions are always welcome. Your first visit includes time to initiate treatment if you decide Chiropractic care is right for you. At the close of the visit, you will be given a few specific instructions to help make achieving your goal easier.
Prior to meeting with the Chiropractor, you will be asked to complete a New Patient Intake Form. Using this form as a guide, you and the Chiropractor will discuss your health history in detail. This will be followed by a full physical examination. Your Chiropractor will then decide if further testing, such as x-rays or blood work, is required. You will then be presented with a report of findings, outlining your specific problem, treatment options, and prognosis. Questions are always welcome. Your first visit includes time to initiate treatment if you decide Chiropractic care is right for you. At the close of the visit, you will be given a few specific instructions to help make achieving your goal easier.
8. How soon will I be better?
This is one of the most common questions we are asked. To provide you with realistic expectations, many factors affecting your recovery time must be taken into consideration, including:
This is one of the most common questions we are asked. To provide you with realistic expectations, many factors affecting your recovery time must be taken into consideration, including:
- Acute vs. chronic pain
- First episode or recurrent problem
- History of previous injuries
- General health
- General fitness level (strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health)
- Poor postural hygiene
- Lifestyle (work, diet, sleep)
- Patient comprehension and compliance with recommendations
- Kept appointments
- Stress (physical/mental/chemical)
- Family history
9. What is the risk with neck adjustment?
There is a rare risk of stroke or stroke-like symptoms associated with adjustment of the neck. Reports on the subject over the past 40 years present a range of estimates based on different research methodologies. However, all the published studies to date agree that the risk is extremely low. Overall, a ratio of one to two cases per one million neck adjustments represents a conservative and generally recognized estimate. A recent study in 2008 found that there is no increased risk for stroke to those visiting a Chiropractor compared with those visiting another primary care physician (Spine, 2008). There are many risk factors for stroke including blood clotting problems, hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, use of birth control pills, heart problems, and trauma such as sports injuries or blows to the head from accident. All carry a greater degree of risk than spinal adjustment.
There is a rare risk of stroke or stroke-like symptoms associated with adjustment of the neck. Reports on the subject over the past 40 years present a range of estimates based on different research methodologies. However, all the published studies to date agree that the risk is extremely low. Overall, a ratio of one to two cases per one million neck adjustments represents a conservative and generally recognized estimate. A recent study in 2008 found that there is no increased risk for stroke to those visiting a Chiropractor compared with those visiting another primary care physician (Spine, 2008). There are many risk factors for stroke including blood clotting problems, hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, use of birth control pills, heart problems, and trauma such as sports injuries or blows to the head from accident. All carry a greater degree of risk than spinal adjustment.
10. Do I have to have my neck adjusted?
After a thorough history and examination, your Chiropractor will discuss your treatment options with you. There are alternatives to neck adjustments that some people prefer. The risks associated with each type of treatment will also be discussed, allowing you to make an informed decision about your health care.
After a thorough history and examination, your Chiropractor will discuss your treatment options with you. There are alternatives to neck adjustments that some people prefer. The risks associated with each type of treatment will also be discussed, allowing you to make an informed decision about your health care.