Chiropractic is a ‘hands on’ or manual treatment, used to improve the mobility of the joints in your body that have decreased or restricted movement. An area of altered biomechanics (how your bones, muscles and joints work together) may cause a reaction in the surrounding tissues which you feel as pain, or muscular spasm. Chiropractors use adjustments or specific manipulative techniques to correct spinal or extremity joint problems. Chiropractors also provide rehabilitative exercises and can advise you on other approaches such as lifestyle or dietary counseling. Chiropractic is drug-free and non-invasive (no surgery).

Depending on the diagnosis, the chiropractor will determine if treatment will involve chiropractic adjustments or other appropriate therapies. The goal of an adjustment is to restore normal function and motion to the joints, often relieving pain. The adjustment is a controlled and directed pressure applied with the chiropractor’s hands. 

Chiropractors treat many health conditions which affect today’s population including, but not limited to:

• • • Headaches
  • • Neck and back pain
  • • Muscular tension
  • • Work related injuries      
    
  • • Sprains/strains
  • • Tendonitis 
  • • Sports related injuries 
  • • Postural strain 
  • • Motor vehicle accident (MVA) cases 
    
  
  

Periodic check ups may be recommended to monitor a patient’s progress and determine if continued chiropractic care, or additional approaches to treatment are clinically indicated.

Yes, chiropractic care is very safe. It is a drugless, non-invasive approach in assisting one’s body to utilize inherent healing abilities. Millions of people safely receive chiropractic adjustments each day!

It is not necessary for a medical doctor to refer you to the clinic for treatment, though many of our patients are referred by their medical doctors or specialists. If you have private coverage, individual plans may vary according to this necessity. Though a referral is not usually necessary, occasionally we run into one being requested by the insurer.

This is called ‘cavitation’ and is actually the release of gases from the fluid found within the joint. It is not a cracking of the bones, but is similar to the sound heard when one ‘cracks’ their knuckles.

Contrary to popular belief, discs cannot actually slip out of their anatomical position. Discs are located between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers through the spine. Trauma or injury to a disc may occur which can lead to the inner gel-like portion of the disc to protrude, bulge or herniate through the tougher, outer fibrous layer. This can be quite painful and can cause either localized or generalized back pain, or depending upon the level, may cause pain into the arms or legs. This may occur if the disc puts pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots.

Injuries, falls, accidents, muscular strains and ligament sprains can change or alter how the joints of your body function, especially your spine. This in turn can affect the sensitive nerve tissues, the spinal cord or nerve roots. Compressive injuries, suggestive of a ‘pinched’ nerve are not common. More often, the nerve roots are irritated or inflamed due to spinal joint dysfunction. Compression of the nerve root may cause symptoms including pain, numbness, tingling and/or a burning sensation.

You first visit will involve a consultation (history and presenting complaints) and examination which can vary depending on your injury. A detailed history and examination are performed in order for the chiropractor to establish a clinical impression/diagnosis for your condition. It may be necessary for the chiropractor to order certain tests (i.e. x-rays) before advising chiropractic care or referring you to another health care professional. If chiropractic care is indicated, your chiropractor will explain a treatment schedule (frequency and duration of your care) which will be dependent on your condition and examination findings.

Many patients will begin to notice an improvement in their condition within the first few visits. Depending on the individual case, response time will obviously vary with respect to factors which could include age, physical fitness, the length of time one has been experiencing the problem, and the severity of the condition. Do not hesitate to ask your chiropractor what you should expect as far as responding to treatment. Remember – everyone is different.

Once your chiropractor has assessed your condition, he or she may recommend exercises to help increase your flexibility (length of your muscles) and increase your strength, with exercises specific to your particular case.

Chiropractic care has been shown to help restore normal joint motion in the neck and upper back and reduce muscular guarding and headaches often associated with the trauma of whiplash injuries. The joints of the neck are the most commonly injured structures in whiplash.

The education of a chiropractor requires a minimum prerequisite of three years of university followed by a four-year academic program. The curricula include courses such as anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, neuroscience, microbiology, general diagnosis, orthopaedics, neurology, biomechanics/kinesiology, radiology and manipulative techniques. As a result of this education, chiropractors are among the most qualified of all health care professionals in the care of neuromusculoskeletal conditions and are leaders in the field of manipulative therapy.

Nova Scotia’s provincial plan (MSI) does not cover your chiropractic care. However, most private insurance plans do contribute to the cost of care. If you have suffered the injury as a result of work, your treatments may be covered by the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) of Nova Scotia. Our clinic has chosen  not to be a WCB provider, so unfortunately if your claim is through WCB we are not able to accept your case and you will need to choose a different provider.. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident (MVA), Section B insurance often covers the fees associated with your care.

The clinic is able to direct bill many insurance plans through the BlueCross portal as well as TELUS Health portal. Some policies, however, will need to be paid up front and then submitted by the patient.

Massage is a general term used to describe the manipulation of soft and connective tissues. Swedish massage therapy aims to relax muscle tension, mobilize joints, correct imbalances and improve lymphatic and blood circulation.  Massage therapy can be used both to treat specific disease states, as well as providing emotional caring, comfort and an encouragement of patient empowerment and deeper self/body awareness. 

Massage therapy is considered part of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). And for Canadians one of the most popular! according to a survey by The Fraser Institute.

Some studies have shown the improvement in conditions such as stress, pain and muscle tension.

While more research is needed, other studies have found massage may also be helpful for the management of certain medical conditions such as:

• • Fibromyalgia
• • Headaches
• • Insomnia related to stress.
• • Temporomandibular joint pain (jaw pain)
• • Myofascia pain syndrome
• • Some sports injuries.
• • Osteoarthritis
• • Geriatric and Pediatric palliative care (included family caregivers)

Some results noted by the participants of those studies were:

• • The relaxation effect
• • Empowerment, with the improved ability of performing tasks of their daily life.
• • The palliative power of touch to ease the distress of patients and family members.
• • The accessibility of massage treatments when needed.

General benefits of massage include:  
 

• • Reduction of pain and stress 
• • Increased flexibility and muscle length
• • Increased immune system 
• • Increased circulation 
• • Decreased blood pressure 
• • Removal of extra-cellular waste & toxins, lymphatic drainage

•  • In your first appointment please arrive 10 minutes early in order to complete your Health History Form if you have not done so online.
• • The RMT will take you to the treatment room where you will discuss your health history, He/she will perform the assessment needed and suggest a safe and effective treatment plan to achieve your goals.
• • The Therapist  will leave the room to allow you to disrobe ( to your level of comfort.). While she/he washes her hands you can relax under the cozy linens.
• • The RMT will knock at the door prior to entering the room to ensure that you are ready.
• • You will be covered at all times. Just the part of your body being treated will be undraped. Your RMT will ask you periodically if the pressure is ok for you. Feel free to communicate any discomfort. The therapist will modify the treatment accordingly.
• • The RMT will let you know when the massage is completed. She/he will leave the room so you can get dressed. When you are ready, open the door so the Therapist can come in and suggest the homecare plan to help enhance the benefits you gain from the massage. 

 
Feel free to ask any questions that can help to achieve your goals.

In general, patients usually describe feeling very relaxed and relieved of daily aches and pains.  

However, there are times where a patient may require or request deep tissue massage. In this case, mild discomfort up to 72 hours is sometimes possible. This discomfort may feel similar to pain you would feel after a tough workout.   

Most times, after the discomfort subsides, patients note increased length and range of motion to tissues which were worked. We recommend drinking plenty of water and taking a warm empsom salt bath, as well as incorporating any home care exercises your therapist has provided to enhance the benefits of massage and decrease any possible post-massage discomfort.

To get the best possible outcomes from massage therapy, it is suggested that the body part which is being worked on be uncovered and direct contact between the therapist and the patient’s skin is applied. At any given time, only the part of the body being worked on is uncovered. All other areas of the body are securely “draped” or covered by sheets and a blanket for maximum comfort and privacy.

Though it often is best to work on fully uncovered body regions, if you do not feel comfortable being undressed, your therapist should be able to modify treatment techniques so that you will still be able to access care.  We work within the comfort level of our patients, always.

This is very patient specific. Some patients love to chat here and there through their treatment. Others prefer total silence to fully relax and unwind. It is completely up to you. Your therapist will take their cues from you: chatting if you’d like or remaining silent if you prefer total quiet.

If you do wish for silence, your massage therapist may need to interrupt occasionally for feedback on pressure or a new technique. You are also encouraged to give your own feedback on how things are feeling or ask any questions during treatment.

Many health care plans cover massage therapy. Direct billing is available for Medavie Bluecross and all insurers connected with the Telus Health portal.   

For other health care plans, receipts are easily issued to the patient so they may have their payment reimbursed. Some plans require a physician’s referral before treatment has begun. Be sure to check your policy requirements for this.  

Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints.

The treatment is clinically oriented to help to alleviate pain in acute situations such as strains and sprains, and in chronic conditions such as injuries due to muscle overuse, stress, etc.

Talk to your Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) about the health concern you would like to address. She/He will be able to tailor the  treatment according to your needs.

Our Registered Massage Therapists are active members of the Massage Therapist Association of Nova Scotia (MTANS). They follow the standards of practice equivalent to the College of Massage Therapy Ontario (CMTO). Their mandatory continued education credits makes them knowledgeable in a variety of techniques and modalities that may be used to achieve your goals (Please refer to the RMT bios. for additional information).

Some people may experience soreness, a little discomfort or localized tenderness after their treatment. Although the general  feeling is relaxation.

Keep an open communication with your therapist.

Pressure is perceived in different ways by people, your skilled RMT will modify the treatment according to your needs. Taking time to rest and drinking water to rehydrate are good tips to follow after your massage.

Depending on your needs the clinic offers:

30min.    60 min.  90 min.  Prenatal Treatments

Most patients choose the 60 minutes treatment to accomplish a full body massage.

Keep in mind that at the beginning and at the end of the treatment time will be allotted for discussing medical history, assessment and home care plan.

Yes, if you just want to experience massage therapy to relax. However, to have a longer term therapeutic effect one treatment may not be enough.

Take note: massage therapy is most beneficial in both acute and chronic conditions, when used over a series of treatments and then followed up with maintenance or preventive treatments. (Acute conditions are recent, occurring within a week to a month, and can be severe to mild but are sudden in onset. This could describe anything from car accidents to muscular sprains. Chronic conditions are present for several months or years.)