WHAT IS A CHIROPRACTOR?
A Chiropractor is a doctor of complementary and alternative health care that focuses on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic is a drug-free non-surgical approach to health care. Chiropractors use manual therapy including spinal adjustments and soft-tissue manipulation as well as prescription of exercises and lifestyle counseling to treat a wide range of health problems.
Chiropractors are the 3rd largest group of health care providers in North America after medical doctors and dentists.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN TREATMENT?
Your treatment depends on the problem you have. Dr. Ali utilizes mostly joint manipulation and soft tissue therapy as treatment modalities. Joint manipulation, or adjustment, involves a gentle specific movement to the involved joint. A joint may be restricted or “locked up” and therefore not allowing for normal movement and biomechanics. An adjustment applies a controlled force to such a joint to normalize its movement and alignment. This treatment also stimulates joint receptors which inhibit pain signals from firing and allowing muscles around the joint to relax. An adjustment can also break up scar tissue that forms around joints which can cause wear and tear.
Dr. Ali specializes in soft tissue therapy using movement to actively release scar tissue and myofascial adhesions that have accumulated due to repetitive strain injuries, overuse, and sports injuries/motor vehicle accidents. Such adhesions and scar tissue can affect muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. The treatment feels like a combination of deep tissue massage with stretching movements repeated several times to release adhesions and tension.
Dr. Ali also uses strengthening exercises and therapeutic stretching to complement in-office treatment. In addition, custom orthotics or other devices may be prescribed.
WHAT IS THE CRACKING SOUND?
The cracking sound when a joint is adjusted is release of gas pressure in the joint. There is gas dissolved in the fluid inside joints and when the pressure is altered by stretching it, gas bubbles are released. It is the same thing that happens when you open a can of pop.
The purpose of an adjustment is not to make a joint ‘crack’ but rather to normalize the movement and alignment of the joint. The occasional ‘crack’ that occurs is more just a side effect of treatment that many patients welcome.
DOES TREATMENT HURT?
The adjustments do not usually cause any discomfort. In fact most patients enjoy the relief of tension that occurs almost immediately. Soft tissue therapy with movement may cause some discomfort similar to getting deep tissue massage but the treatment is addressed depending on the individual. Many patients request a more gentle approach which we offer.
DO I HAVE TO GET CRACKED OR ARE THERE OTHER OPTIONS?
Treatment is addressed according to the individual. If joint adjustments may be beneficial it will be recommended, however if a patient is uncomfortable with it then a treatment plan will be catered to his/her needs. Often Dr. Ali will utilize gentle joint mobilization instead of dynamic adjustments.
IS IT SAFE?
Chiropractic care is a safe drug-free non-surgical approach to health care. It is extremely safe with the only side effects being occasional soreness.
In comparison to drugs or surgery look at these stats:
- Every year over 200,000 people die in the US due to medical mistakes.
- 12,000 deaths per year die due to unnecessary surgery
- 7000 deaths per year due to medication errors in hospitals
- 20,000 deaths per year due to other errors in hospitals
- 106,000 deaths per year due to infections in hospitals
- 100,000 deaths per year due to negative effects of drugs
- Do you ever take over the counter pain killers? Have you seen the list of potential side effects and complications?
WILL IT GET BETTER IF I JUST LEAVE IT ALONE?
Some things may become less painful over time if you leave them alone, on the other hand, the pain and the condition may get worse. It is always good to get checked out though to see if the problem requires treatment or rest or ice, etc.
I HEARD YOU HAVE TO KEEP GOING BACK FOR TREATMENT
The way this myth started was with people who only felt better if they got treated. When the effects wore off they wanted to return for more treatment. If someone comes in with pain in the neck and shoulders due to sitting at a desk all day and they get treated, they do get better. However if they go back to their bad postural habits at work; if they don’t stretch as we recommend; or if they have an inactive lifestyle then the problem may return.
Generally patients fall into one of two categories: The first are those who suffer an injury playing sports or in a motor vehicle accident. These patients generally have a set treatment plan and when the condition improves they no longer require any further treatment. The second group are those with chronic conditions such as neck/shoulder tension and low back pain due to poor postural habits, desk jobs, excessive driving or lifting and other occupational or lifestyle strains. These patients often improve with treatment only to see their condition recur in the future due to the above factors. They often benefit from ongoing maintenance and preventative care that is customized to their specific needs.
DO MANY PEOPLE GO TO A CHIROPRACTOR?
At any given time about 10-20% of the population see a chiropractor.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHIROPRACTORS, MASSAGE THERAPISTS AND PHYSIOTHERAPISTS?
Chiropractors work closely with physiotherapists and massage therapists to treat many of the same problems. Chiropractors have more training to properly diagnose and recommend treatment plans. Often a patient may be referred to a massage therapist or physiotherapist depending on the nature of the problem. Dr. Ali utilizes joint manipulation and soft tissue therapy that is unique while a physiotherapist may use electrical modalities and exercise rehab and a massage therapist will focus on myofascial release.
It is important to have a proper diagnosis to ensure that a problem receives the appropriate treatment. For example, if a 50 year old man comes in with back pain, it could be caused by muscles and joints, or it could be prostate cancer, an abdominal aneurysm, or a spinal infection. A 45 year old female with sharp headaches on one temple could be having a migraine or could be getting temporal arteritis which could lead to blindness if not treated quickly with medications. It is a chiropractors responsibility to screen patients and recommend the appropriate treatment or further evaluation if needed.
Massage therapists have 3 years of training, and physiotherapists about 4-6 years. Chiropractors have 7-8 years of intense training.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Initial assessment and treatment costs $80 and if further treatments are required they cost $50. The first visit is about 45min and subsequent sessions are 10-15min. The cost is covered if you have extended health benefits. There are student rates available and MSP, ICBC and WCB are all accepted.
WHAT IS THE AGE RANGE OF PEOPLE TREATED?
We treat patients of all ages except for those under 3 years of age. Children under the age of 10 may be co-treated with the cooperation of a pediatrician or family doctor.
About Us
At Peak Performance we take a functional approach to restore proper biomechanics and enhance your ability to enjoy all of your activities without pain. We work to improve joint motion and use soft tissue techniques to maximize the effectiveness of treatments. We use a multi-disciplinary team approach for the most effective and efficient patient care. By working with medical doctors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, personal trainers and acupuncturists, we are able to address your concern in our clinic or refer you to the appropriate practitioner.