Chiropractic Doctors

My Background -Sports and first experience with DC -Dalhousie –Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology –Varsity Swim Team –Job shadowing –Volunteering 2

What is Chiropractic? -Greek ‘done by hand’ -Neuromusculoskeletal experts -Emphasize a holistic approach to health care and wellness (treat whole body; not just symptoms) -One of the 5 profession that can be termed ‘doctor’ -No referral needed

Chiropractic Belief - Body is self-healing. Restrictions within joints can alter the function of muscles and nerves surrounding that joint leading to dysfunction and end result of pain (ache, numbness, tingling, weakness) - Muscle, ligament and joint injuries often occur as a result of long-term biomechanical dysfunction, sometimes from past injuries and can also make the area more susceptible to future injury. 4

Chiropractic Belief -An adjustment can restore proper motion in the joints, which relieves tension on the nerves and muscles and allows your body to speed the healing process -Regular adjustments can help to prevent injuries, speed injury recovery, increase range of motion, improve balance/coordination, etc. 5

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Conditions: - Back/Neck pain - Sports Injuries - Extremity pain - TMJ associated discomfort - Headaches - Repetitive strain injuries (like carpal tunnel) -Whiplash - Sprains and strains

A Typical Visit Initial Assessment Advanced diagnostic testing (if required) Diagnosis Treatment Referral if necessary

Postural Assessment Shoulder Levels Hip Levels Head position Feet 9

Referral Patterns Dermatome (spinal nerve and skin) Myotome (spinal nerve and muscle) Visceral (organ and skin) Trigger point referral 10

Treatments -Treatment focuses are primarily those done by adjusting/manipulating/mobilizing the spinal column or other joints

Spinal Manipulation/Adjustment - The sound an adjustment makes is called a cavitation and is only space being created within the joint causing gasses to be released from the joint capsule, which creates the popping or cracking noise

Treatments Con’t -Counseling -Nutrition -Ergonomics -Specific exercises -Lifestyle management - Additional focus on muscular/fascial work, rehab, kinesiotaping, graston, etc. -Modalities (IFC, Laser, Ultrasound) 13

Education Competent. Confident. Successful. Only one English speaking school in Canada Minimum of 3 years of undergraduate university training Residency programs are available

CMCC Students Students from across Canada, the United States, Europe and around the world Diverse educational background No specific pre-requisite courses

Recommended Courses High school courses: –Biology –Chemistry –Physics –Physical education –Calculus University programs: –Biology –Kinesiology –Physical education University courses: –Kinetics –Physiology –Biology –Biochemistry

Studying Chiropractic Four years full-time study –Years 1 to 3 – Modular system –Years 4 - Internship 4,500 hour program Program courses include –Chiropractic theory –Anatomy –Radiology

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Future Prospects - Commonly self-employed or independent contractors - Chiropractors work with health practitioners from other fields (MD’s, PT’s, massage therapists, osteopath, naturopaths)

Chiro vs Physio 4yr Doctorate program vs 2yr Masters program PT weekend courses in manipulation vs 4yr program DC more in-depth orthopedic testing and anatomy through cadaver lab dissection Refer to physio and vice versa. 20

Chiro Associations NSCC – Nova Scotia College of Chiropractors CCA – Canadian Chiropractic Association CCPA – Canadian Chiropractic Protective Agency 21

More Information? Please feel free to contact me with any questions Dr. Sasha Zevenhuizen Coastal Sports and Wellness Bedford, NS 22