Our goal at Chipperfield Chiropractic & Wellness Centre is to assist our patients with pain relief/management and to elevate the overall wellbeing of our patients by providing care and knowledge wherever possible. 

What are the Health Benefits of Chiropractic Care?

Adjustment/Manipulation Definition:

Chiropractic care isn’t just about your spine. It involves the nervous system and every part of your body. The overall goal of chiropractic care is to improve musculoskeletal health, which impacts your daily function and quality of life. Chiropractic care can help;

• Sciatica: The definition of sciatica ‘refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg’ (Mayo Clinic). Chiropractic treatment can help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve that causes sciatica discomfort. Studies show that patients seeking chiropractic treatment reduced the number of days they experienced pain as well as a reduction in the severity of the pain.

• Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a condition where there is an abnormal curvature of the spine. This can cause pain, abnormal posture, a reduction in your range of motion, and even trouble breathing. Chiropractic treatment combined with physical therapy could help treat and prevent the progression of scoliosis.

• Women & Pregnancy: Your body goes through changes during pregnancy that impact the nervous system. Weight increases in the body during pregnancy loosen the pelvis ligaments, placing increased pressure on your spine. Regular chiropractic treatment can help reduce the pressure on your spine.

Did you know Chiropractors can treat Children and Students?

It’s important to have children checked since infancy and childhood are times of such rapid growth and development. Children and Students face many challenges to their spinal health with sitting for long periods of time at school, bending over homework and electronics, or even sports and activities. Having your child seek chiropractic treatment may prevent future injuries, benefits of seeing a chiropractor includes, preventing scoliosis, improving sleep quality, encouraging healthy living, and more.

In Canada, Chiropractors Must:

• Complete at least seven years of post-secondary education, including a four-year academic program at an accredited chiropractic college

• Treat patients in a supervised clinic setting during their final two years of education

Additionally, to be a chiropractor in Alberta, doctors must:

• Pass a national clinical competency examination

• Maintain professional competency through approved seminars and courses

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Who is a Chiropractor and What do they do?

Doctors of chiropractic (chiropractors) are spine and musculoskeletal (MSK) system experts specifically trained to diagnose the underlying cause, treat and recommend options to relieve pain, restore mobility and prevent reoccurrence so people can lead healthy active lives.

The MSK system is comprised of:

• Bones

• Muscles

• Cartilage

• Tendons

• Joints

• Connective Tissues

• Nervous System

As experts in spine and MSK health, chiropractors can also:

• Recommend exercises

• Give you information about nutrition and a healthy diet

• Give you information about general health and staying as healthy as possible

Why Do You See a Chiropractor?

Some of the common conditions people see a chiropractor for include:

• Conditions of the Spine and Extremities

• Back and Neck Pain

• Headaches and Migraines

• Auto & Workplace Injuries (MVA & WCB)

• Sprains and Strains

• General Health and Wellbeing
  

What to Expect at Your First Appointment:

When coming to the office for your first visit you will be asked to fill out paperwork and our receptionist will create a file for you.

All chiropractic patients will experience an initial assessment before treatment. You will be asked to share information about your health, such as any injury or surgery, medications you are taking, and family health history. You will be asked to tie your hair up if it is past shoulder length and we ask that you wear a tank top/muscle shirt or you may be asked to wear a gown.

The first appointment is scheduled for an hour and takes longer than the following visits because a physical assessment will be conducted based on the reason for your visit. The assessment might include posture, range of motion, reflexes, and other orthopedic and neurological tests. You may also be sent for x-rays.

Following the physical assessment, the Doctor will discuss your diagnosis and treatment plan. The care you receive in the office is based on your overall wellness. Because of this, you will be given a care plan that best fits you and your lifestyle. The Doctor may recommend exercises, stretching, or other lifestyle adjustments that you can utilize outside of the office for at-home care.

Once the initial consultation is completed and the Doctor has completed the assessment and has explained the diagnosis and recommendations for you, the initial adjustment and treatment will begin.

What are the Health Benefits of Massage Therapy?

Many people are turning to Massage Therapy to benefit from both physical and emotional health benefits. Even today, it is considered a great remedy for relieving stress, muscle soreness and for treating sports injuries. However, most people are unaware of the many benefits massage provides.

• Improve Immune System; Research studies have found that massage increases white blood cells in the body, which are responsible for fighting diseases. Massage can naturally boost the activity level of the natural ‘killer cells’ of the body to improve the immune system.

• Reduce Stress, Anxiety & Ease Symptoms of Depression; Massage therapy can be an effective treatment by elevating neurotransmitters associated with lowering anxiety and decreasing hormones associated with increasing anxiety. Research indicates that massage can improve mood and reduce depression in those living with chronic pain, cancer patients, and pregnant women.

• Help Fibromyalgia Pain; Massage Therapy can be a beneficial part of an integrative treatment plan for those who suffer with fibromyalgia syndrome. Fibromyalgia syndrome is a group of signs and symptoms that include chronic pain in muscles, tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues. Studies show that massage therapy can reduce pain, reduce tender points, improve quality of sleep, decrease stiffness and more. More information below.

MASSAGE THERAPY

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy consists primarily of hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically, the muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints for the purpose of optimizing health.

Massage therapy treatment has a therapeutic effect on the body and optimizes health and well-being by acting on the muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems. Physical function can be developed, maintained, and improved; and physical dysfunction and pain and the effects of stress can be relieved or prevented through the use of Massage Therapy.

Modern massage techniques can be traced back to the 1700s and the development of Swedish massage. This technique of massage is very gentle and is often used to promote relaxation, improve blood flow, and relieve muscle tension. The therapist uses long, gliding strokes and kneading and tapping techniques on the top layer of muscles in the direction of blood flow to the heart. This may also include moving the joints gently to improve the range of motion. Other massage techniques that your massage therapist may use include, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Prenatal Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Aromatherapy Massage, Reflexology Massage, and more.

Why Do You See a Massage Therapist?

Since there are several massage health benefits, it can be used to improve a variety of conditions, the most common are;

• Back / Neck Pain

• TMJ Disorders

• Sports / Exercise Injuries

• Athletic Performance

• Arthritis

• Sleeping Problems

• Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

All massage patients will experience an initial assessment before treatment. You will be asked to share information about your health, such as any injury or surgery, medications you are taking, and family health history. You will be asked to tie your hair up if it is past shoulder length and you may be asked to wear a gown.

ACUPUNCTURE

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is a complete medical system with its own theoretical foundation, diagnosis methods, treatment principles and modalities, and standards of competence and practice. The practice of acupuncture involves inserting ultra-fine needles into the defined specific acupuncture points on meridians of the body. Acupuncture maybe used together with moxibustion, cupping, and other treatment methods.

TCM acupuncture has been used to treat nausea, trauma, insomnia, addiction, fatigue, stress, mental health, menstruation, pregnancy and infertility, erectile dysfunction, hypothyroidism, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, tendonitis, TMJ, sciatica, knee pain, tennis elbow, just to name a few. Acupuncture is widely accepted for its natural curative effects, wide range of indications, simple and safe practice.

When Do You See an Acupuncturist?

Acupuncture is used to relieve pain, such as low back pain, or to manage chronic pain from headaches to back problems. There is some evidence that acupuncture may help to treat pain. Acupuncture has been also known to help with

• Myofascial Pain

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Asthma

• Immune System

• Sports Injuries

• Pregnancy Discomfort

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

All acupuncture patients will experience an initial assessment before treatment. You will be asked to share information about your health, such as any injury or surgery, medications you are taking, and family health history. You will be asked to tie your hair up if it is past shoulder length and you may be asked to wear a gown.