Chiropractic Q & A
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN OSTEOPATH AND A CHIROPRCTOR?
Osteopathy and chiropractic have significant overlap in their training and abilities.
Chiropractic is more recognized in Canada and has gained popularity due to its effectiveness for treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.
Osteopathy has gained popularity in Canada over the last 10 years, however it still requires further establishment and recognition from third party insurers. Both professions can help patients with their musculoskeletal pain using similar approaches.
Osteopathy vs Chiropractic: Finding the Right Practitioner for Your Needs
WHICH CHIROPRACTIC TECHNIQUE IS THE BEST?
Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other conditions.
Some of these common techniques include Diversified Technique, Activator Technique, Cox Flexion and Gonstead.
Some of these techniques such as Diversified are more popular and used more commonly.
Diversified and Activator are used more commonly amongst evidence based chiropractors with incredible results. Ultimately, the best technique depends on the patient presentation, chiropractor’s skill and knowledge and patient preference.
In case you want to read more about chiropractic methods:
Discover the Right Chiropractic Technique to Improve Your Mobility
DO CHIROPRACTORS TAKE X-RAYS?
All chiropractors are qualified to take and interpret x-rays for their patients for abnormalities or injuries. However, not all chiropractors take x-rays in their office as the majority of injuries seen in a chiropractic office can be determined with orthopedic testing and a thorough history taking and exposure to radiation is not warranted to determine treatment.
In cases where x-ray imaging is warranted and recommended, chiropractors can refer patients to radiology facilities through their medical provider and also help limit out of pocket costs for their patients.
IS CHIROPRACTIC PSEUDOSCIENCE?
Chiropractic has tons of research and evidence for many conditions that include low back pain, neck pain, headaches, osteo conditions and more.
The definition of pseudoscience is a collection of beliefs that have not been backed up by science and evidence.
Chiropractors have years of training behind them to diagnose and treat spinal conditions in order to better the quality of lives of those around them.
WHY KIDS NEED CHIROPRACTIC?
Children today lead very active lives, participating in multiple sports, playdates, and school activities. They often encounter falls and head bumps and spend significant time using technology like tablets and video games, promoting prolonged sitting and poor posture.
Proper posture and spinal alignment are crucial during childhood, as they lay the foundation for future growth and development. Misalignments in these formative years can persist into adulthood, causing muscle tension, headaches, backaches, and joint pain.
Chiropractic care during childhood plays a pivotal role in ensuring proper growth and development, promoting better posture, and reducing the likelihood of future discomfort and pain in adulthood.
Massage Therapy Q & A
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MASSAGE THERAPY?
There are different types of massage provided by individuals and clinics all over the world. Experiencing them would help you discover which type works best for your individual body.
Some of them are:
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Prenatal Massage
- Thai Massage
- Hot Stone
- etc
Read More: 13 Types of Massage Techniques Everyone Should Try
DOES MASSAGE THERAPY HELP PAIN?
Massage therapy can help pains and symptoms of spinal stenosis but they often need to be combined with other modalities such as chiropractic and physiotherapy for superior results or they can be temporary.
DOES MASSAGE THERAPY HELP SLEEP?
Massage therapy can help sleep quality as it induces a relaxed state for the mind. It is best to seek relaxation massages for specific sleep quality improvement.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF MASSAGE THERAPY?
Some minor swelling or bruising is possible. You may also experience an increase in soreness for 1-2 days post massage.
CAN A CHIROPRACTOR DO MASSAGE THERAPY?
Chiropractors are trained in a full-body muscular system and they often can use specific muscle release techniques to target the affected area; however, the traditional 1-hour long massage is best received from a massage therapist.
WHICH TYPE OF MASSAGE IS BEST FOR RELAXATION?
If you have ever gotten a massage before at the spa for relaxation purposes, chances are that you have experienced Swedish massage techniques.
This technique involves using a gliding lotion or massage oil with broad strokes to improve circulation and work out any tension areas in the body. Use of a gentle and calming environment, soothing smells and warmth all contribute to a relaxing massage experience, beneficial for the ease of mind and body.
WHICH MASSAGE IS BEST FOR BACK PAIN?
Massage types and styles can vary significantly. In general, Swedish massage which is a gentle technique that uses long strokes, kneading and circular movements may be the most popular type for treatment of back pain. This technique works on the superficial layers and can relieve tension and improve circulation.
For those with more tolerance to pressure, deep tissue massage may be more appropriate as it works on the deeper layers of the muscles and connective tissue. However, if back pain is acute, the best massage to start with is a Swedish massage.
WHAT IS INFANT MASSAGE?
Infant massage is a gentle therapy designed to help newborns adjust to life outside the womb, addressing physical and emotional birth trauma. It alleviates discomfort from childbirth injuries and eases stress, improving feeding, sleeping, and bonding, while promoting overall development and well-being.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INFANT MASSAGE?
Infant massage therapy have multiple health benefits including:
- Increased relaxation and self-soothing
- Enhanced brain and nervous system development
- Relief from gas, colic, and teething discomfort
- Better blood circulation and muscle relaxation
- Stimulation of digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems
Physiotherapy Q & A
CAN PHYSIOTHERAPISTS DO ADJUSTMENT?
Adjustments, specifically spinal adjustments is a technique that requires a thorough assessment and diagnosis, specifically and quickness. The modality is highly effective in alleviating joint pain and muscle pain when done with precision and with the correct delivery vector.
Spinal adjustment is a science and art at the same time and mastery of it requires practice and in depth training.
Depending on where the physiotherapist did their degree, they may or may not be introduced to performing spinal or extremity adjustments. Typically, exposure to this skill in the physiotherapy curriculum is short and further training is needed by the physiotherapist to develop the manual skills to perform these techniques.
If you are interested in learning more about physical thereapy, check out the following blog post:
Physiotherapy: Restoring, Maintaining, and Maximizing Your Physical Potential
Pregnancy (Prenatal & Postnatal) Q & A
WHAT CHIROPRACTIC TECHNIQUES CAN BE USED TO HELP WITH PREGNANCY?
Your pregnancy chiropractor can help with your pelvis, glute, and back tension throughout your pregnancy to help your body feel most comfortable as the uterus grows and the ligaments become lax.
Treatment often involves muscle tension release techniques, gentle hip, pelvis, and spinal mobilizations, and adjustments to ensure an optimal pelvis position for the delivery.
IS IT SAFE TO RECEIVE CHIROPRACTIC CARE WHILE PREGNANT?
It is very safe and even recommended to receive chiropractic adjustment while pregnant.
There are multiple benefits in seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy including:
- Enhancing Joint Mobility & Reducing Tension in the Lower Back
- Easing Discomfort Caused by Sciatica & Pregnancy
- Supporting the Body’s Ability to Reposition a Breech Baby
- Helping Shorten Labor & Make it Less Painful
We have prepared an article in regard to “Webster Technique in Pregnancy; Everything You Should Know“. Make sure you take a look.
DO I NEED TO TELL MY CHIROPRACTOR I'M PREGNANT?
It is absolutely essential to tell your chiropractor that you are pregnant.
Pregnancy is a unique experience, with its own challenges both mentally and physically. Being transparent with your treating chiropractor and other healthcare professionals is the best way to ensure you are receiving the most appropriate care for your needs and you eliminate miscommunication and misunderstandings during your treatment plan with your health care providers.
IS BACK PAIN NORMAL IN EARLY PREGNANCY?
In fact, low back pain is one of the most common complaints with pregnancy and is more common during the later stages with additional weight and postural changes.
IS IT SAFE TO EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY?
In most cases, exercise during pregnancy is safe and is beneficial for both the mother and the baby. It is important to consult your health care provider before starting or continuing an exercise program during pregnancy as individual factors can affect safety and type of exercises recommended.
Exercise and activity during pregnancy can help improve cardiovascular health, maintain a health weight, improve mood and energy levels. It can also prepare the body for labor and help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
Different exercises may be more appropriate based on individual factors, experience with exercise and the pregnancy itself. High impact activities or sports involving contact, risk of falling should be avoided as well as exercising in high humidity and high altitudes.
It is important to work with health care providers that can recommend safe pregnancy related exercises that work with your comfort level.
CAN YOU POP YOUR BACK WHEN PREGNANT?
When a woman is in her prenatal phase, many changes and new experiences are occurring to the body that may cause discomfort, usually back pain being a common symptom for most.
Some women find that popping their back provides short term relief from the pain and discomfort that they are experiencing.
Regardless, it is important to be careful when getting this kind of treatment while pregnant as the ligaments and joints are more flexible than your body may be used to.
Your body is more prone to injury if excessive force is applied due to a hormone that your body produces called Relaxin.
Generally, pregnant women are advised to take it easy on their body while carrying a child to avoid potential harm to themselves and their child.
When going through these changes and any symptoms you may be experiencing, communicating with a healthcare provider in regards to treatment methods is always a safe and effective way to manage the pain.
CAN BACK PAIN BE A SIGN OF PREGNANCY?
Back pain can be a sign of pregnancy, but it is not a definitive symptom. There are many other causes of back pain, such as muscle strain, poor posture, and arthritis.
In early pregnancy, back pain can be caused by the hormone relaxin, which loosens the ligaments in the pelvis to prepare for childbirth. This can put strain on the muscles of the back, leading to pain.
Other factors that can contribute to back pain during pregnancy include:
- Weight gain
- Changes in posture
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Poor exercise habits
Acupuncture Q & A
IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?
Acupuncture is considered relatively safe while pregnant when it is serviced by a Coquitlam Registered Acupuncturist who has experience and is trained in prenatal acupuncture.
This type of therapy may be beneficial if you are experiencing morning sickness, back pain, and anxiety.
Getting acupuncture treatments done may help construct the body for labor and delivery, in some cases even help turn a breech baby.
As much as acupuncture may help, there are certain points when this therapy should be avoided as it may stimulate contractions or other unfortunate effects.
Just like any other treatment, there are some risks with acupuncture during pregnancy such as bleeding or infection.
In conclusion, acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for pregnant women but do seek advice from a healthcare professional, alongside working with a acupuncturist who has experience and is qualified to work with pregnant women to best suit your needs.
Shockwave Therapy Q & A
WHAT DOES SHOCKWAVE THERAPY FEEL LIKE?
Feels like small zaps to the affected area, but it can be painful depending on the severity of your health condition and the intensity of the machine. Just ask your practitioner to reduce the intensity if the pain is too much to tolerate.
WHAT DOES SHOCKWAVE THERAPY DO?
Shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive approach to potentially improve tissue function and promote healing. This treatment uses high-energy sound waves targeted at specific areas of the body.
You should give a shot to our Coquitlam Shockwave Therapy service in order to gain the following health benefits:
- Go Pain Free
- Improve Your Blood Flow
- Break Down Your Scare Tissues
- Stimulate the Growth of Your Cells
DOES SHOCKWAVE THERAPY REALLY WORK?
Shockwave has a large amount of evidence supporting its effectiveness for various conditions such as tendinitis, frozen shoulder, and plantar fasciitis.
CAN SHOCKWAVE THERAPY CAUSE DAMAGE?
Risks are minimal with shockwaves. It is not recommended to be used on pregnant patients or patients who have cancer.
CAN I EXERCISE AFTER TREATMENTS?
Yes, you can!
About 12-24 hours is recommended to avoid heavy lifting and high-intensity aerobic exercise. Light stretching and daily movements are completely safe and even recommended to do after shockwave therapy to allow the muscles to healthy faster.
Cupping Therapy Q & A
HOW DOES CUPPING THERAPY WORK?
It releases tightness and tension from areas of the body with chronic tightness and lack of blood flow. It also helps with improved range of motion and reduction of pain. Not to mention it assists in skin glide between all the different layers underneath.
HOW LONG IS A TREATMENT?
Each treatment is usually between 10-30 minutes long depending on the practitioner and the type of cups used.
HOW OFTEN CAN I HAVE TREATMENTS?
You can use cupping therapy every day as long as there is no adverse skin sensitivity developing. The longer you keep a cup on, the more time is advisable between cupping therapy sessions to allow the area cupped to heal.
CAN TREATMENTS LEAVE SCARS?
Cupping can leave some red circles where the blood was being pulled to the surface. Different individuals have different times that their bodies can clear those dark circles. For some, it lasts a few hours and for others, it can last a few days.
CAN I SHOWER AFTER TREATMENTS?
Yes, there is no issue with showering afterward.
Active Release Technique (ART) Q & A
DO I NEED MY GENERAL PHYSICIAN'S REFERRAL TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
No you don’t!
Getting active release chiropractic technique doesn’t need a doctor’s referral.
CAN I DO ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUES ON MYSELF?
It is very hard to do this technique yourself since you need to be qualified to do it correctly. In addition, you can not relax fully when you are doing this to yourself so it is not as effective.
HOW LONG DOES ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE TAKE TO WORK?
The ART usually provides immediate relief and when repeated in multiple sessions, the results can accumulate. It is recommended to combine them with exercise therapy and chiropractic treatments for superior results.
Custom Foot Orthotics Q & A
WHAT ARE ORTHOTICS?
Custom foot orthotics are like shoe inserts or heel inserts. These custom insoles fit in the shoe of your choice to help with stabilizing of your joints, muscles and to correct gait when needed. They impact the biomechanics of walking by enhancing it to reduce the strain on tendons and ligaments.
Each kind of orthotics works best for a certain type of foot.
ARE CUSTOM ORTHOTICS WORTH IT?
Ask your chiropractor or physiotherapist if they think you need one based on your movement mechanics and the wear and tear of your older shoes.
HOW LONG DO CUSTOM ORTHOTICS LAST?
If worn daily, their lifetime is usually about 2-3 years. It also depends on the quality of the orthotics and how severe the condition of your feet is.
HOW MUCH DO CUSTOM ORTHOTICS COST?
The cost can range from CA$300-$600 depending on the type of orthotics you require.
WHERE TO GET CUSTOM ORTHOTICS?
Custom orthotics are best placed through your healthcare provider such as chiropractors or physiotherapists as they can assess your feet health and recommend the best product to suit your specific needs.
WHAT ARE THE 3 TYPES OF FEET?
Researchers have tried to explain feet by categorizing them into 3 subgroups.
- Planus
- Rectus
- Cavus
Planus feet refers to low arch (varus hindfoot and valgus forefoot).
Rectus (well aligned arches with proper alignment in hindfoot and forefoot).
Cavus (high arch with varus hindfoot and valgus forefoot.
Those with planus feet tend to overpronate and are associated with stiffness of their big toe and are at a higher risk for development of overuse injuries. Those with cavus feet are more likely to develop hammertoes and claw toe deformities.
WHAT ARE KINETIC ORTHOTICS?
Kinetic orthotics is a term that refers to custom-made shoe inserts or insoles that are designed to improve foot function and relieve pain by addressing issues related to the way an individual walks or runs.
These orthotics are typically made using advanced technology that allows them to move dynamically with the foot, providing support and cushioning where needed.
Kinetic orthotics may be prescribed by a podiatrist or other healthcare professional to treat a variety of foot and lower limb conditions, including plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and overpronation. They may also be used by athletes to improve performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Plantar Fasciitis Q & A
HOW DO YOU GET PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
Risk factors for plantar fasciitis is prolonged sitting without movement, use of improper shoes such as flip flops or prolonged use of high heels can also strain the connective tissue at the bottom of the feet.
Sudden increase in activity such as running or walking or sudden transition to sedentary lifestyle and prolonged immobility are also other risk factors for developing plantar fasciitis. Feet health is crucial and many people ignore their feet until it starts to become painful.
HOW TO HEAL PLANTAR FASCIITIS QUICKLY?
Plantar fasciitis treatment options are typically rest, use of Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs and icing. In addition, shockwave therapy and appropriate rehabilitation exercises have shown promising results in speeding up healing of plantar fasciitis quickly.
Pursuing professional treatment and guidance definitely works to improve the speed of healing compared to rest and “wait and see approach” and is recommended for those wanting a faster healing for plantar fasciitis.
We recommend booking your plantar fasciitis treatment session with our practitioners either bay calling our office or online through JaneApp.
Neck Pain Q & A
HOW TO DESCRIBE NECK PAIN?
When describing neck pain, key components to convey are the location of the pain, the onset of the pain, severity and frequency of the pain as well as if there is any associating headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting present as well.
You also want to describe if there is prior history of this neck pain, any weakness, numbness or tingling in your body as well as previous medical history.
All the components described above, when answered together, can paint a clear picture for your health care provider to better understand your type of neck pain and suggest best treatment approaches to help with your neck pain.
WHY DO I HAVE NECK PAIN WHEN I WAKE UP?
A sore neck when waking up is most commonly associated with sleeping position, type of pillow or mattress used or perhaps lack of sleep.
If your neck is in a compromised position for an extended period of time either due to poor sleeping habits or poor support from pillow or mattress, the joints and muscles can tighten up or compress, creating a sore neck.
Lack of sleep or restlessness also can contribute to a sore neck as sleep is critical for our muscle and cell recovery.
IS NECK PAIN A SIGN OF HEART ATTACK?
A heart attack usually presents with pain starting in the chest and radiates down the arm, usually on the left side.
Even so, pain may radiate to other areas of the body such as the neck, jaw, head, and mid back.
A heart attack presenting with pain just in the neck is uncommon, however it does not mean that it can’t ever happen.
Sciatica Q & A
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SEE A CHIROPRACTOR FOR SCIATICA?
The frequency of visiting your sciatica chiropractor will depend on the severity of your condition and the treatment plan developed by your practitioner. Most patients require 2-3 visits per week initially, with the frequency decreasing over time as symptoms improve.
In general, you should see your chiropractor as often as they recommend. If your sciatica is severe, you may need to see them more often at first. However, as your sciatica improvement signs start to show, you may be able to see your chiropractor less often.
Chiropractic care can be a safe and effective way to relieve sciatica pain. By following your chiropractor’s instructions and being patient, you can get the most out of your treatment and improve your overall health.
