Edmonton Chiropractor – Understanding the Good Effects of Chiropractic Care

March 1, 2011/in Chiropractic /by Kent Ferguson

Understanding the Good Effects of Chiropractic Care

Thousands of individuals have reported more manageable and pain-free lives because of the many advantages of chiropractic care. You will find that the alternative treatment is one of the best ways save money, get well and avoid drastic measures like surgery and heavy drugs. Here are some of the known benefits of chiropractic care that will help you decide.

Reducing Pain

Chiropractic care is very popular for relieving problems and pain in the neck and back. The joints can benefit as well from treatment, so people suffering from arthritis for several years can get better for life, without having to resort to strong medications and surgery. Pain relief is provided for all areas of the body.

There is reduction of pain in the back, knees, feet and legs, since spinal pressure is lowered significantly. Stiff areas also become better, with less muscle spasms in various regions. You will find that you are able to move better. Range of motion can increase and you get to have better coordination to assist in activities of daily living. The person experiences increased energy as well.

Enhanced Healing

Many individuals who have been in accidents or are recovering from serious illnesses get to experience faster healing processes because of chiropractic care. The body begins to heal as it should because pressure is relieved throughout. Relief from chiropractic care is sometimes very quick, with some patients getting benefits immediately after their first session. The doctor has the ability to realign limbs and joints, thereby giving you fast relief.

It is quite normal to experience some slight pain or discomfort during your first few sessions, since the body may have been too stress or unconditioned for such as long time. The doctor may be able to tell you when to expect feeling more comfortable about treatment. Chiropractics can treat a variety of conditions and illnesses, and can also be used as a supplementary treatment to enhance the healing process.

Affordability

Chiropractic is one of the most cost-effective ways to heal faster and get rid of stiffness and pain in the joints and muscles. There are several agencies that immediately require you to undergo drastic treatment measures that cost thousands of dollars.

In chiropractic treatment, the prices vary but there is frequently no need to invest heavily in equipment or medications, since sessions and therapies are all you need.

Over time, the costs may lower as your body requires less treatment. Long treatment courses may also give you the benefit of lower overall costs. A lot of professionals accept payment plans and insurance while those that only accept cash may be willing to give you special discounts.

Less Risk

When investing in chiropractic care, you do not need to worry about painful treatments like surgery and steroid courses that usually leave you inactive for several weeks or months at a time. The risks in chiropractic care are very low.
If you get a qualified professional, you can be sure that treatment courses are efficient and effective. The treatment course also can last only for a few sessions, depending on your response to treatment and your current condition.

Edmonton Chiropractor – Types of Chiropractic Care For Various Health Needs

February 15, 2011/in Chiropractic /by Kent Ferguson

Types of Chiropractic Care For Various Health Needs

What is Involved in Chiropractic Care?

There are a wide variety of chiropractic care suited for all types of ailments or medical condition. It can be used to address general health care or treat specific types of condition. Therefore, chiropractic care also has its own share of specialized branches just like any areas of medical profession. In cases wherein misalignment (termed as subluxations in chiropractic industry) is detected, chiropractors perform mild adjustments to provide relief for patients on the area where the misalignment was found.

In terms of the treatment approaches, there are three main ones that chiropractors focus on.

Stage #1: Relief Chiropractic

This type of chiropractic care is done on patients who suffer from any form of pain or discomfort, regardless of cause. The purpose of this treatment is to provide immediate relief from any undesirable sensation. The length of treatment period largely vary according to the extent of the damage acquired by the patient and how it can be corrected.

Stage #2: Corrective Chiropractic

This is a more advanced type of chiropractic care. It is performed on patients who suffered from spinal problems over a long period of time and have developed into a more complicated condition that have been neglected of proper treatment. For corrective chiropractic care, the process usually extends on a long term treatment. The length in itself is determined by the extent of the damage and how the patient responds to the treatment given.

Stage #3: Maintenance Chiropractic

As the name implies, this type of chiropractic care is intended to sustain any form of treatment already administered to a patient with spine problems. In some cases, chiropractic treatment are continued even after the initial treatments have proven successful. The idea behind this type of chiropractic care is to prevent the possibility of the condition’s recurrence, especially in the case of your spine.

Importance of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that helps one achieve overall health. It focuses on an internal healing system that addresses any spinal problems that cause interference on the activities of your nerves and cells. This explains the growing popularity of chiropractic care for its focus on attaining the normal functions of the body.

As for your different health needs, there are different types of chiropractic care available. Hence, initial consultation with a chiropractor is necessary to evaluate the extent of the damage and what specific chiropractic treatment to correct them. By restoring your body’s normal functions, you are enabling your body to naturally heal.

Also, it helps prevent further damage caused by the presence of such dysfunction in your health system. As soon as you start feeling any abnormalities in your body, seek the help of a nearby chiropractor to prevent the worsening of your condition and improve overall health.

Edmonton Chiropractor – Common Myths on Chiropractic Care

February 1, 2011/in Chiropractic /by Kent Ferguson

Common Myths on Chiropractic Care in Edmonton

Some people are still scared of trying alternative treatments, particular chiropractic care, because of misconceptions and myths. Here are some common myths you might have heard about chiropractic care:

Myth: Chiropractic is Painful

Chiropractic is generally painless. A lot of patients immediately feel relieved and relaxed after treatments. Some even describe the procedure and experience similarly to getting a massage. Patients that have long been struggling with neck pain and back pain may feel some discomfort, but their visits become more relaxing and comfortable over time.

Most adult patients look forward to chiropractic treatments. Chiropractic treatment on kids and infants are also generally pain-free, although children may feel apprehension and fright at first.

A session may last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the condition treated and the affected areas. Patients will feel discomfort or mild pain depending on the severity of the condition, as well as their personal tolerance for pain.

Myth: Chiropractic is Dangerous

Chiropractic is very safe. Chiropractic adjustments are considered to be one of the safest therapies for neck and back pain and problems. The risk for developing severe complications from spinal manipulation is actually rare. Spinal manipulation is encouraged by most doctors, before patients are recommended to undergo surgery. The alternative treatment is also considered as an initial option before taking strong drugs like steroids and antidepressants.

Myth: Chiropractors are Less Capable Compared to Medical Doctors

Chiropractors actually go through very strict and demanding training and education. These courses are very similar to the ones taken by medical doctor, except for subjects like surgery and pharmacology. Chiropractors are required to study for 2 to 4 years first as an undergraduate, before completing 4 to 5 years of academic studies at a chiropractic college.

The qualified professionals are then well-equipped in subjects such as pathology, radiology, biomechanics, differential diagnosis, physiology, chiropractic adjustive techniques and other health concerns. There are also State and National Board Examinations to ensure qualification. Continuing education is required for all practitioners too.

Myth: Chiropractic is Pricey

Chiropractic is considered to be both effective and cost-effective. Chiropractic can be vastly more affordable compared to undergoing major medical interventions like surgery and getting on long term drug taking programs. Chiropractic care patients discovered that they have significantly reduced their expenses for inpatient visits, health care programs and medications.

Evaluation sessions are also quick and cheap. Patients may only need to visit their chiropractors a few times every year or so, depending on the development in the condition. Once patients have successfully gone through a treatment program, they will be given an option to continue being treated or to go for periodic visits.

Preventive programs are also available to help people get rid of back, spine and neck problems before major interventions are required.

Edmonton Chiropractor – Common Misconceptions on Chiropractic Care

January 15, 2011/in Chiropractic /by Kent Ferguson

Common Misconceptions on Chiropractic Care in Edmonton

Despite continued research efforts by health experts to unravel more about chiropractic care, there are still many who fail to understand aspects of this treatment method. Lack of information automatically results to the formation of myths and misconceptions.

Here are common misconceptions on chiropractic care and the truth behind them:

Myth #1: Chiropractic Care Benefits Are All Placebo!

There are just too many studies that have now proven that chiropractic are treatment is effective and not just a placebo effect. A placebo effect is the belief that the benefits one experiences from a particular treatment are only psychological in nature and not actually “real.”

What anyone needs to know about chiropractic care is that it is a therapy that is focused on your body’s muscoskeletal system. Therefore, it addresses problems that are associated with those parts of your body to improve functions. The Big Idea behind chiropractic care is to restore the body’s natural ability to heal and retain normal function. Even a casual search of Google will yield dozens of case studies proving the healing benefits of chiropractic treatment.

Myth #2: Chiropractic Care is Dangerous!

This is one of the most widespread form of chiropractic care misconception. Many fear to undergo it because they believe it can damage the body and expose them to more serious risks or illness. Worse thing is, some people still think that chiropractors are not licensed doctors.

First and foremost, chiropractic is a professional healthcare field and chiropractic doctors (or chiropractors) are also considered medical professionals. There are degrees offered for chiropractic, which is an alternative medicine recognized in the medical field, and often requires rigorous educational training.

It employs adjustment procedures that help restore mobility or function on certain areas of the body such as the backbone, spine, neck, among others. Often, chiropractic care is coupled with relaxation techniques and nutrition plans for a more effective result.

It is pretty much unanimously agreed that chiropractic treatment is safer than the risks associated with taking prescription pain killers, the risk of addiction to these medications, and most certainly the risks are dramatically less than surgery complications.

Myth #3: Chiropractic Treatment Hurts!

Chiropractors who perform adjustments on patient have undergone years of training and clinical experience. Therefore, there is no need to fear any form of pain that you can experience during adjustment. In rare cases, a certain amount of discomfort might happen but it is hardly substantial enough to result into any feeling of pain and is nothing compared to the recovery associated with surgery. Since the treatment is manually applied, there are several factors that could potentially alter the sensations experienced along with the treatment procedure. In short, chiropractic treatment does not hurt.

Myth #4: There Are Negative Side Effects

In connection to what’s discussed above, you must not fear any serious side effects from chiropractic adjustments. There are some who believe that chiropractic care could result to stroke or even as far as death.

On the contrary, chiropractic care is recognized in the medical field as one of the safest form of healthcare. This also explains why more and more people are turning to this method of treatment as compared to the more dangerous surgeries or drug interventions.

Myth #5: Chiropractic is Expensive

Chiropractic has been studied and been found to be one of the most affordable options for treating back pain compared to the cost of medications and surgery. I read somewhere that chiropractic treatment costs 90% less than a typical back surgery.

Edmonton Chiropractor – How to choose a Chiropractor?

January 2, 2011/in Chiropractic /by Kent Ferguson

Choosing An Edmonton Chiropractor For Optimum Chiropractic Care

Do you want to benefit from the rehabilitative capabilities of this form of alternative medicine? For patients, it is important to know the proper guidelines of choosing a chiropractor to find someone who is a good “fit” with you.

What Are 5 Things You Should Look For?

1. Respect for the Patients Time!

It is so frustrating to show up on time for a schedule appointment only to wait… and wait… and wait… for the doctor. This situation is unacceptable in my opinion.

Sure, things go wrong and live interjects its unexpected ups and downs at times. In such cases, I always inform the patient that I am running late and give them the option to reschedule. However more important to me is to minimize this situation from happening in the first place! So when you choose a chiropractor, make sure you are dealing with someone who values their patients time as much as their own.

In this day and age in which we are all so pressed for time, it’s nice knowing your chiropractor respects your time.

2. Respect for the Patients Well Being!

If something is clearly wrong and needs fixing, make sure you are dealing with a practitioner who will tell it to you straight. I once visited a dentist who had found something wrong with my teeth but seemed too timid to just tell me the extent of the problem. I’d rather know so I can understand my options!

I promise to respect your well being when you come in to my clinic, which means a detailed exam so we can understand the extent of your problem. Then I’m going to tell it to you straight and leave it up to you to decide how you wish to proceed. Run, not walk, from any practitioner who won’t shoot straight with you in plain English.

When it comes to your pain, you need solutions and straight talk. That’s the secret to getting you better fast.

3. Recommendations and Referrals!

In an ideal world, a recommendation from a friend or family member is helpful place to start your search for a good chiropractor. (This isn’t always possible, I realize.) Second best is ask your doctor if he has patient reviews or letters of recommendation. Often these will be posted on his or her website.

4. The Warning Signs!

On top of knowing what qualities to look for in a chiropractor, here are a few danger signs that you should warn you to avoid a chiropractor if s/he exhibits them:

* Avoid chiropractors who require you to sign a long-term treatment contract. Although chiropractic care is relatively safe, you have no reason to be tied up to a particular chiropractor for any long-term treatment unless your condition requires for it.
* Avoid chiropractors who discourage you to opt for other preventive treatments outside of chiropractic care, such as acupuncture or massage. A qualified doctor who is concerned about your health and recuperation must be open to the best possible means of treating your disease or condition.
* Doctor is making claims that even you believe is not feasible at all or or who employ scare tactics to convince the patient to agree on a treatment plan.

These are usually some tell-tale signs of a chiropractor who is less concerned about the patient’s welfare and is only aiming to attain monetary benefits.

5. Speed Of Service!

When I first opened my clinic, I used to spend waaaaaaay too much time with new patients. I used to think that time spent with a patient equated to “good service in the eyes of my patients. Boy was I wrong! It wasn’t until a patient said to me nicely: “You know, if you wouldn’t mind speeding things up, I might actually come in more often.”

I finally understood that just like no one likes to wait longer than necessary at a Bank or to order your Starbucks, likewise people wish to get in and out of their doctors office in a timely fashion. This is what I strive for, whenever possible, and my patients have told me repeatedly that they appreciate such efforts.

In summary, those are the 5 things to look for when choosing a chiropractor! If you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.