Healing Hands Family Chiropractic & Massage Centre
Dr. Steven H. Caplan, D.C.
Human Chiropractic
Animal Chiropractic
What does a chiropractor do?
A chiropractor corrects vertebral subluxations. (Click here to find out what a vertebral subluxation is.) When a vertebral subluxation (misalignment) is present, the nerves exiting the spinal column are compressed causing interference to the nervous system. When the nervous system is compromised by vertebral subluxations, a loss of health (pain, numbness, indigestion, weakened immune system) can result.
How does a chiropractor correct vertebral subluxations?
Chiropractors correct vertebral subluxations with a "spinal adjustment." A spinal adjustment is a small thrust directed to the misaligned vertebra which painlessly moves the vertebra back into its proper position. An adjustment may be given with the chiropractor's hands (a manual adjustment) or with a small mechanical device called an Activator. Manual and Activator adjustments are equally effective in restoring the health of your joints, muscles and nerves, resulting in normal movement, pain relief and a better functioning nervous system, and are safe for patients of all ages.
Dr. Caplan demonstrating a manual adjustment: Dr. Caplan demonstrating an Activator adjustment:
Can chiropractic help me?
Most people know that chiropractors can help alleviate back pain, neck pain and headaches. Chiropractors often are able to help with many other conditions such as dizzyness and vertigo, digestive problems, infantile colic, asthma, otitis media (ear infection), fibromyalgia, bedwetting, fatigue and migraines. All of these problems may be caused by interference to the nervous system by vertebral subluxations.
Depending upon examination findings and previous chiropractic experience, you may or may not receive a spinal adjustment on your first visit. If you are in severe pain there will be some form of treatment on the first visit to provide pain relief.
Will I need x-rays?
Again, this depends on examination findings and previous chiropractic experience, as well as your previous health history. Chiropractors often do require x-rays to confirm a diagnosis and to rule out other potential complicating factors.
How long does an adjustment take?
Your first visit will take approximately 45 minutes and includes a full health history, physical examination and x-rays if required. Subsequent visits last approximately 10-15 minutes.
Do I require a referral from my family doctor?
No! Even though OHIP no longer covers chiropractic care, chiropractors are primary care providers and a referral is not necessary.
Does an adjustment hurt? I don't want my back cracked!
An adjustment usually does not hurt. Because of inflamed and strained muscles, joints and tendons, sometimes the adjustment hurts for just a few seconds. Afterwards, you will feel less pain.
There are different types of adjustments - you don't need to have your spine "cracked" (which is actually just the sound of gases being released within the joint - NOT bones cracking against each other).
How long will it take me to get better?
The length of time to get better is different for everybody. After reviewing your examination and x-ray findings, and depending upon your diagnosis and response to the first 2 or 3 adjustments a Treatment Plan will be recommended for you.
Has your pet:
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Had problems getting up and down?
Competed in athletic events?
Been anesthetized for surgery?
Experienced any reoccurring conditions such as vomiting, respriatory or urinary infections, diarrhea or constipation?
Is your pet over 7 years of age?
Had behavioral or mood changes?
If you answered YES to even one of these questions then chiropractic may help your pet.
Why animal chiropractic?
Like humans, an animal chiropractic examination includes evaluating the patient's history, intended use/athletiscism, health state and prior x-rays and tests. As well, a neurological exam, stance and gait analysis and motion and static palpation are performed.
Chiropractic care can help animals with:
Neck, back, leg and tail pain,
Muscle spasm and nerve problems,
Injuries from slips, falls and accidents,
Jaw or TMJ problems, difficulty chewing,
Event or sports injuries,
Post-surgical care,
Bowel, bladder, and internal medicine disorders,
Maintenance of joint and spinal health,
Healing/helping with chronic internal medicine disorders,
Lameness,
Trouble getting up and down,
Seizures or neurological problems,
Geriatric household pet,
Behaviour or mood change,
In horses, head shy, cinchy, reluctance to pick up a lead or go in one direction, pulling one way or hair colour or pattern change along the body,
Chronic health problems that do not resolve as expected,
Signs of navicular disease or laminitis.
All species of animals benefit.
Horse, dog and cat patients benefit most frequently, however, zoo animals, exotics, wildlife and reptiles can all benefit from chiropractic care.
Certification:
Dr. Dana Lowe is an American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) certified animal chiropractor. AVCA certification is awarded to licensed doctors of chiropractic and/or veterinary medicine who have graduated from a postgraduate program in animal chiropractic accredited by the Animal Chiropractic Accreditation Commission (ACAC) of the AVCA, and passed both the written comprehensive and clinical competency examinations offered by the Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission (ACCC) of the AVCA. All doctors certified by the AVCA must complete continuing education hours to maintain their certification.
