What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a hands-on, non-surgical, drug-free option for alternative medicine that safely and effectively helps to relieve pain and discomfort arising from muscles, bones or joints in order to improve your body’s overall function. It is suitable for people of all ages and physical ability.

Chiropractic care has been scientifically proven to be effective for neck pain, back pain and some types of headaches/migraines; as well as strains and sprains of your shoulders, hips, knees, ankles and any other joint in your body!

Chiropractors complete 8 years of higher education in order to assess, diagnose and treat conditions that are related to the spine, musculoskeletal system and nervous system.

What can I expect?



Chiropractic care at Atlas Physiotherapy & Health will address your health concerns so we can help you get back to living the active, pain-free lifestyle you want.

At your first appointment, we will listen to your concerns and start with a detailed medical history to understand your symptoms and other factors that may be affecting your recovery such as your lifestyle habits, other health conditions and previous injuries.

Afterwards, a physical examination to assess what’s causing your discomfort, how you move and how strong you are will be performed in order to develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your health goals.

A typical treatment plan aims to decrease pain and tension, build strength and flexibility and prevent future injuries. Treatment plans will be customized to suit your comfort level. For subsequent sessions, we will check in with you to see how things are going and make adjustments as needed.

Treatment plans may include one or more of the following:

  • Soft tissue therapy: Similar to a massage, the goal is to relax tight muscles and relieve spasms that may be generating pain.
  • Joint mobilization and adjustments: An adjustment is a hands-on treatment technique with a therapeutic goal to reduce pain and discomfort and increase range of motion. The chiropractor will use their hands to complete the adjustment. You may hear a “pop” which is a release of gas in your joints and is not painful or harmful.
  • Exercises and stretches: Exercises will be prescribed to you as “homework” to do in between treatment sessions in order to restore mobility and strengthen muscles to help you see progress faster!
  • Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at certain points in your body with the goal of relieving pain, tension and promote overall well-being.
  • Referrals: Referrals to other healthcare practitioners (for example: your family doctor, massage therapists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, naturopaths etc.) as necessary.
  • Advice: Advice as needed for your concern and may include ergonomics, biomechanics, nutrition, physical activity, pain management, stress-relief and/or general health.
  • Other: Don’t see something you’re looking for? Ask us!

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Is Chiropractic Therapy covered by insurance?

Most extended health benefit plans include coverage for a Chiropractor’s services. However, please verify your coverage details, including if a doctor’s referral is required, with your insurance provider as every plan is unique. 

Chiropractic Therapy may also be covered by your automobile insurance if you have been injured in an automobile accident.

We offer direct billing with most insurance companies.

 
 

Does insurance cover chiropractic?

Insurance generally covers chiropractic care. However, it may depend on the specific insurance provider and plan. Some plans offer reimbursement for chiropractic care, while others do not. You will need to clarify with your insurance company directly to determine whether your plan covers chiropractic care and what your out-of-pocket expenses will be.

How much are chiropractic sessions?

Several factors determine the rate of chiropractic therapy. The initial chiropractor's assessment fee is $120. Follow-up visits might cost between $90 and $120 per session, depending on the type and length of the treatment session.

Does your clinic provide direct billings to insurance?

Yes, our office accepts direct billing with most insurance companies.

Do I need a physician's referral to visit a chiropractor?

Patients do not need a referral to see a chiropractor. Chiropractors are recognized as primary contact health care providers so that patients can consult them directly.

Are chiropractic services suitable for children?

Chiropractic care is effective for children. Children are more likely than adults to experience injuries during physical activity and sports. These injuries can result in pain and stiffness, which may cause discomfort in the back and neck. A chiropractor will customize a treatment plan for each patient so that they can tailor gentle and safe therapy for kids.

Why does a joint make a popping sound when it is adjusted?

Adjusting a joint to relieve pressure can cause the release of gas bubbles, which results in a popping sound. The same effect occurs when your knuckles are "cracked." The noise is created by a shift in pressure within the joint, which causes the expulsion of gas bubbles. There typically is no pain involved.

How are chiropractors educated and trained?

The education of a chiropractor is a rigorous and extensive process. After completing four years of university, chiropractors attend four years of chiropractic school. The next step is to take extensive qualification examinations to be licensed in Canada. They are then considered licensed healthcare practitioners.