chiropractic 101

 
 

WHat is chiropractic?

By Dr. Chantal Joseph, Chiropractor

Chiropractors don’t just adjust your back! We are primary healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, including concerns with your muscles, joints, ligaments, and nervous system.

After performing a thorough assessment, we create a personalized treatment plan to help reduce pain, improve function, prevent future injuries, and enhance your overall quality of life. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or simply looking to stay healthy and active, our goal is to help you feel your best and move with ease.

WHat does treatment look like?

Chiropractic care isn't just about spinal adjustments—it's about using a variety of treatment options to address your unique needs and help you recover effectively. While spinal adjustments are one part of chiropractic care, we also offer a range of other treatments to support you.

Depending on your condition, we may include:

  • Exercise & Rehabilitation to strengthen and support your recovery (my favourite)

  • Education & Reassurance to help you understand your body and your treatment plan

  • Lifestyle Modifications to address small habits that can be contributing and to help prevent future issues/ promote long-term health

  • Acupuncture for pain relief

  • Modalities such as shockwave or electrical stimulation for targeted relief

  • Soft Tissue Therapy & Myofascial Release to relieve muscle tightness and tension

  • Joint Mobilizations to improve mobility and function

  • Spinal Adjustments to decrease pressure in the joints and improve range of motion

Each treatment is carefully chosen based on your specific needs, the latest evidence, my clinical experience, and your preferences. Some treatments may be more effective than others depending on your condition, and our goal is always to provide the most suitable approach to help you recover safely and quickly.

When Should You See a Chiropractor?

Chiropractors can help with a wide range of conditions, and the truth is, we don't just treat the spine. We specialize in diagnosing and treating injuries to the entire body. You might consider seeing a chiropractor if you’re dealing with:

  • New or chronic injuries affecting muscles, joints, ligaments, or nerves

  • Pain management to help you get through your day and improve function

  • Injury prevention and rehabilitation

  • Improving overall performance and mobility

  • Building confidence in your body’s ability to do what you love

What to Expect on Your First Visit

At your first chiropractic appointment, we take a thorough approach to ensure we fully understand your needs and create a personalized plan for you. Here’s what the process looks like:

History: We’ll start by talking about what brought you in. This includes discussing your injury, any pain you're experiencing, and your overall health history. This helps us understand the bigger picture of your health.

Physical Assessment: We’ll have you perform some movements and physical tests in order to pinpoint what might be causing your discomfort or limitations.

Diagnosis: After gathering all the information, we’ll discuss our findings with you. We will explain what was found in the history/physical and will develop a treatment plan that works best for your situation.

Treatment: The real work begins! Using a range of tailored tools and techniques mentioned above, we’ll start addressing your concerns to help you feel better right from the start.

Let's Do This!

As healthcare practitioners our mission is simple: to help you get back to doing what you love—pain-free and with confidence. Whether you're an athlete, a busy professional, or just looking to stay healthy, we’re here to support your journey. See you in Clinic!

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