Chiropractic Doctors
My Background
- Sports and first experience with DC- Dalhousie
– Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology– Varsity Swim Team– Job shadowing – Volunteering
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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.
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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.
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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
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Referral Patterns
Referral Patterns•Dermatome (spinal nerve and skin)•Myotome (spinal nerve and muscle)•Visceral (organ and skin)•Trigger point referral
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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)
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EducationCompetent. 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.
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Chiro Associations
• NSCC – Nova Scotia College of Chiropractors• CCA – Canadian Chiropractic Association• CCPA – Canadian Chiropractic Protective
Agency
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More Information?
• Please feel free to contact me with any questions
Dr. Sasha Zevenhuizen
Coastal Sports and Wellness
Bedford, NS
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