Things to Know About Going to a Chiropractor

Understanding what to expect from a trip to the chiropractor is vital, because of the number of practice styles seen in Burlington and across Canada.

The provincial associations that govern chiropractors outline the standards that guide how chiropractors should practice according to their chiropractic experience and education. Enforcing best practices is tough, especially since livelihood has been evolving so quickly in the last two decades. 

The unfortunate reality is that not each chiropractor stays up-to-date with the current research relevant to their field.

Whether they are chiropractic specialists or not, a registered chiropractor has received rigorous training and is competent in various clinical procedures. For the rest of the conversation, I will focus on what to expect from a visit to a chiropractor that conducts an evidence-informed practice.

Therapies Used by Chiropractors

In the treatment perspective, the notion of knowing what to expect from a visit breaks down. The reason for this is that each patient and the criticism they present with is different. Learn more about chiropractic treatment right here.

Are You a Bad Experience with a Chiropractor?

The simple truth is there are many chiropractors out there who resort to some “less comprehensive” form of practice.

First, let me say that there are clinical scenarios where spinal manipulative

Treatment (aka “adjustment”…. .aka “crack”) quickly and efficiently resolves the issue.

But in those circumstances, there is a range of different items that a chiropractor may (and should) do to you that are in your best interest.

Maybe the chiropractor may prescribe therapeutic exercise which will allow you to prevent or self-manage this condition later on?

Maybe you will find a modifiable lifestyle or occupational factors that predispose you to this specific condition which you might want to know about?

Perhaps the self-management plans that You’re currently using are actually, making matters worse?

Or, maybe that chronic hip problem you’re neglecting all these years is actually contributing to your recurrent bouts of low-back pain and needs to be addressed also.

My Recommendations for Finding a Good Chiropractor

The unfortunate truth is that just like in almost any healthcare profession, you will discover good clinicians and some that are not so good.

Do you know a person who can suggest a chiropractor in Burlington?

Does the chiropractor possess an online biography that you can see to educate yourself on their way of neuromusculoskeletal (NMSK) healthcare?

Was the chiropractor thorough and comprehensive during your first visit?

And of course, don’t be afraid to inquire the chiropractor about any questions that you may have, whatever they may be. Do not hold back!

As a suggestion, I suggest looking for practitioners that take the time to respond to your queries and are detailed in their approach. Additionally, a thought-out strategy of care should be discussed and achievable goals outlined.

The Chiropractor Should Be Comprehensive and Focus on Functional Goals

The NMSK system is our “movement system” and it involves muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. The majority of the time NMSK accidents have more than 1 component that has to be addressed.

The professional should be able to communicate precisely where they suspect the injury to be, whether other tissues might be impacted as a result of the injury, and a planned approach to address all these problems.

They Ought to Prescribe Exercise

I can’t emphasize how crucial exercise is if we are referring to pain at the “movement system”.

A treatment strategy following an MSK injury that doesn’t consist of therapeutic exercise is the equivalent of a rehab program following a heart attack that does not consist of cardiovascular exercise! Even two years ago this might have been acceptable. But, according to the understanding we have now, this would not make any sense! Looking for good physiotherapy Burlington? Find out more here.

If I was forced to use only ONE curative modality on all my future patients, it’d be exercise….hands down!

Establishing ideal movement and tissue durability following an injury is essential in healing and injury prevention. This can only be done using a particular exercise that adapts the cells and trains movement. Emphasis on the perfect exercise program is crucial and should never be taken lightly.