This blog will serve as my annual reflection on how I have continued to modify my Kanata clinic to best suit my patients. Year after year, I learn more, see more patients, and try my best to apply this experience to improving the next year of care.

Check it out, let me know if you have questions, and reach out if you think you might want to learn more.

The first chiropractic appointment

I’ve had my fair share of patients come to my Ottawa office expecting a two minute conversation and a back crack. That is totally fair, but it’s not really my style.

This initial appointment is my time to act as detective and seek out the factors that may be influencing my patient’s wellness. We use this info to create an effective plan for better health.

For some people we delve into the exact details of how they fell when their dog twisted the leash around their legs. For other patients, we may talk about how their pain is worse when they have high stress periods at work. Each patient is different, so our conversation and our treatment plan will reflect that.

First appointments are usually between 45-60 minutes. By taking the time to have a proper conversation and assessment, we can reach our goals much quicker.

The chiropractic assessment in depth

First, we unravel the various factors that may be holding patients back from achieving their goals. These can include lifestyle, injury history, posture, how the accident occurred, occupation demands and many other factors.

Next, we perform a physical exam and use these findings to tailor a plan that will target functional issues and address the root cause of their joint pain, nerve symptoms and/or muscle tension.

Our physical exam may reveal dysfunction that could impact longterm physical wellness, and we may choose to address this in our treatment plan.

Additional testing

There is always time for patients to ask questions and learn more about how and why we treat the way we do.

We can refer patients for X-rays or additional testing if a fracture or underlying disease is suspected.

The chiropractic treatment

Once we have a good handle on what our goals are, what factors have influenced symptoms, and what barriers may be stopping us from achieving our goals we can begin treatment.

There are a ton of options for treatment. This variety is great: it’s like going to a restaurant and having a huge menu of awesome sounding food to pick from.

The downside to this variety is that it can sometimes be overwhelming. Part of my role is to guide patients to the treatment approach that will help them reach their goals quickly.

For some people, we will take a self-management approach that is mostly reliant on rehab and education with occasional check-ins to modify the plan.

For other patients, it is a hands-on approach that might incorporate soft tissue therapy, spinal and joint adjusting, and maybe acupuncture.

Most of my patients opt for a combination of self-management (exercise/education) and hands-on (soft tissue, adjusting etc).

Wellness treatments are often scheduled ahead of time and include a check-in on health, hands-on care, and a plan with goals to accomplish before the next appointment.

Final thoughts

In my years of practice I have treated patients suffering from sore joints in every region of the body, headaches, jaw pain, hip replacements and ACL repairs. My patients have come from every walk of life:

• Garbagemen with sore backs

• Desk workers with tight shoulders and stiff necks

• New moms achy from breastfeeding (and barely sleeping)

• Elderly patients struggling with osteoarthritis

• Pickleball enthusiasts with sore knees and shoulders

• Athletes with acute joint injuries and training issues

• Police officers sore from sitting in the car or persuing their suspect

No two patients have ever been the same, and treatment has changed accordingly.

This flexibility in treatment allows me to tailor my approach to the individual instead of smashing them over the head with a rigid approach.

One of the best things about being a chiropractor is making the time and using my education to meet my patients where they are at and help them achieve their goals.

I am excited for some big changes in 2024 and to continue learning, growing, and helping my patients smash their wellness goals.

If you’re ready to take more control over your health, book an initial appointment online today. If you have questions, please book a complimentary introductory call online.