Chiropractors play an essential role in keeping us moving and pain-free, but their contributions go far beyond that. They are dedicated partners in our journey toward better health and wellness.
In this post, we’ll dive into what chiropractic care truly involves, the extensive training chiropractors undergo, and the many ways they support our overall well-being. We’ll also help you understand why chiropractors are such valued allies in maintaining your musculoskeletal health.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is about restoring and maintaining your body’s natural motion. Chiropractors offer non-invasive, holistic treatment plans, including exercises and lifestyle advice to help you feel your best. They are there for you through every stage of life, supporting your health and helping you get back to motion.
Chiropractic Treatment Goals
Acute and Chronic Care
- Reduce pain
- Reduce muscle spasms and inflammation
- Improve flexibility
- Restore function and increase range of motion
- Create individualized treatment plans
- Facilitate return to daily activities
Rehabilitation
- Increase strength
- Maintain and enhance flexibility
- Stabilize conditions to prevent further issues
Prevention
- Correct and improve postural habits
- Implement ergonomic modifications
- Minimize recurrence of pain
- Provide lifestyle and nutritional guidance
Holistic Care
Your chiropractor will suggest exercises and lifestyle changes tailored to your needs, including stretches and physical movement recommendations. They can refer you for diagnostic imaging and medical specialists when needed. As you grow and change, chiropractors focus on improving mobility and alleviating pain to help you maintain an active lifestyle.
Chiropractors support you every step of the way. If you are dealing with acute or chronic pain, a chiropractor may be able to help. No referral is needed to visit a chiropractor.
How Do You Become a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors undergo extensive training to be able to provide the care that they do. To become a chiropractor in Alberta, you must complete a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, which typically requires eight years of higher education:
Undergraduate Education: This involves a bachelor’s degree focusing on sciences like biology, chemistry, and physics.
Chiropractic College: The D.C. program spans four years and includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and clinical training. Students engage in hands-on practice, learning to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions.
Many chiropractors also pursue additional certifications to expand their expertise and provide more comprehensive care. For instance, Calgary chiropractors, Dr. Brett Lypchuk and Dr. Katie Edgecombe are certified in acupuncture, which enhances his ability to treat conditions like chronic pain, migraines, and stress. Additional training enables chiropractors to integrate multiple therapeutic approaches, providing tailored and effective treatment plans for each patient.
In Alberta, chiropractors must also be registered with the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA) to practice professionally. This ensures they meet the standards and regulations required to provide safe and effective care.
What Does Being Regulated Mean?
The College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA) ensures that the public receives high quality care from chiropractors practicing in Alberta. Under the Health Professions Act (HPA), the CCOA ensures that chiropractors:
- Complete mandatory registration and meet stringent educational and training standards.
- Practice within a defined scope of practice, adhering to rigorous Standards of Practice and a Code of Ethics.
- Hold liability protection and coverage to ensure accountability.
- Meet continuing competency standards to maintain and update their skills.
- Accountable to a regulatory body overseeing their professional conduct and practice.
In Alberta, the HPA governs chiropractic care, ensuring that all regulated healthcare providers, including chiropractors, meet high standards of education, training, and practice. The CCOA administers these regulatory requirements, confirming the professional qualifications of chiropractors. This ensures that when you visit a chiropractor, you receive care that is safe and effective, delivered by a professional who meets the rigorous standards required for all healthcare providers in Alberta.
The Diverse Roles of Chiropractors
Occupational Health
Chiropractors help prevent and treat work-related injuries. They provide ergonomic advice to improve workplace setups, reducing strain and the risk of injury for employees. They also work closely with the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) to support injured workers in their recovery and return to work.
Athletic Injuries
Many athletes rely on chiropractors to keep them in top shape. Chiropractors treat sports injuries, help with recovery, and provide strategies to prevent future injuries, ensuring athletes can perform at their best.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
After a car accident, chiropractors are often involved in the treatment and rehabilitation process. They address issues like whiplash and other musculoskeletal injuries, helping patients recover and regain normal function.
Orthopedics
In orthopedic care, chiropractors address issues related to bones, muscles, and joints. They provide non-invasive treatments that can help with conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and other musculoskeletal problems.
Rehabilitation
After an injury or surgery, chiropractors assist in rehabilitation. They create personalized exercise and therapy plans to restore strength, flexibility, and function.
Geriatrics
For older adults, chiropractors provide care that addresses age-related conditions. They help manage chronic pain, improve mobility and improve seniors’ quality of life.
Pediatrics
Chiropractors also work with children, helping manage health conditions. They use gentle techniques suited for young patients to support healthy development.
Prenatal Care
Chiropractors offer specialized care for pregnant women, helping to manage pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy. They use gentle techniques to support the health and well-being of both the mother and the developing baby, addressing issues like back pain, pelvic alignment, and overall comfort.
Your Path to Wellness Starts Here
If you’re struggling with pain or discomfort, a chiropractor may be able to help. With their extensive education and training, our Calgary chiropractors can help you achieve a more balanced, pain-free life.
Book an assessment to see how chiropractic care can make a difference in your life.
