As spine and neuromusculoskeletal (NMSK) system experts, chiropractors provide specialized expertise in treating the spine, muscles, nerves, and joints to improve mobility and alleviate pain.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, hands-on healthcare discipline focusing on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Chiropractors use manual manipulation and adjustments to restore proper alignment to the spine and other musculoskeletal structures, aiming to alleviate pain, improve function, and support the body’s ability to heal itself.
Chiropractors take a holistic approach to healthcare, considering the patient’s overall well-being and lifestyle factors in their treatment plans. Research has shown that chiropractic treatment is effective for various musculoskeletal conditions, and it is recognized as a valuable option within integrated healthcare approaches.
Your Journey to Better Health: If you’re seeking natural, non-invasive care for musculoskeletal issues, chiropractic care may be a beneficial option for you. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or striving to improve your overall well-being, Chiropractors are here to support you on your journey to better health.
SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS
Chiropractic care is considered safe by a trained and licensed professional. Doctors of Chiropractic are evidence-based medical practitioners who receive a rigorous education through a national or internationally accredited chiropractic university program. In Nova Scotia, all chiropractors must pass national Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board Knowledge-Based and Clinical Competency Examinations before becoming eligible for licensing.
CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT
The main form of treatment chiropractors deliver is called an adjustment. These are non-invasive procedures consisting of a precise directed movement to help relieve pain, and discomfort and restore range of motion to help improve patients’ quality of life.
Our goals are to:
- Improve function
- Increase mobility
- Increase comfort
- Increase quality of life
- Enhance and improve performance
Chiropractors are professionally and extensively trained to safely perform the following treatments:
- Diagnostics – ultrasound and x-ray
- Soft tissue therapy – such as massage or trigger point therapies
- Adjunctive therapies – eg. applying heat or ice to an affected area
- Myofascial release techniques – eg. active release therapy, Graston
- Manual manipulation to increase mobility – including joint and tissue mobilization and/or spinal manipulation
- Additional Modalities – including acupuncture, dry needling, shockwave, electric stimulation, and laser treatments.
When you visit a chiropractor, they may also:
- Recommend exercises as part of your treatment plan
- Offer ergonomic or lifestyle coaching.
- Give you information about nutrition and a healthy diet
- Give you information about general health and well-being
Chiropractic care is one facet of an individual’s total overall healthcare plan. When you work with a chiropractor, you’ll gain a better understanding of your body, addressing areas of your spine that could improve in function, comfort, mobility, and strength, and lead you towards a healthy lifestyle. Chiropractors are part of your overall health care team, along with other healthcare professionals, such as your primary care physician, dentist and pharmacist.
We want to help you stay active and get back to what’s important in your life!
BENEFITS OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Chiropractors work with the natural healing ability of the body to help you feel and function better. Some of the more common reasons people may initially seek out a chiropractor may include pain relief, injuries due to sports or car accidents, or those seeking better posture, mobility, or performance in many areas of life.
Pain management: Chiropractic care offers a drug-free approach to managing pain, addressing the root cause of discomfort rather than simply masking symptoms.
Improved mobility and function: By correcting misalignments and imbalances, chiropractic adjustments can enhance joint mobility and overall physical function.
Enhanced well-being: Many patients report feeling more energetic, less stressed, and better overall after receiving chiropractic care.
Holistic approach: Chiropractors consider the interconnectedness of the body systems and the impact of lifestyle on health, providing comprehensive care that goes beyond symptom management.
CHIROPRACTIC REGULATION
What does being “regulated” mean?
In Nova Scotia, Chiropractic practitioners and practices are overseeen by a provincially legislated regulatory and licensing authority, just like other healthcare professions such as medicine, nursing, and dentistry .
Healthcare regulatory bodies set and enforce criteria for entry to practice, standards of practice, codes of ethics, and continuing education requirements to ensure practitioners provide safe, effective, and ethical care to their patients. By upholding these regulations, each regulatory body works to protect the public and maintain the integrity and professionalism of the profession it governs.
The Nova Scotia College of Chiropractors has the obligation under the government legislation (Chiropractic ACT and Regulated Health Professions Act), to ensure chiropractic practitioners:
- are educated and trained to national standards
- practice within a defined scope of practice
- adhere to strict Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
- hold liability protection/coverage
- to meet continuing competency standards
- are accountable to a regulatory organization
- are accountable for maintaining accurate patient records
To obtain a license to practice Chiropractic in Nova Scotia or for more information please visit the Nova Scotia College of Chiropractors www.chiropractors.ns.ca.
For more information on the complaints process and how to file a complaint, visit COMPLAINTS PROCESS