Do I need a referral for my first appointment?

You do not need a referral from your medical doctor to book an appointment with a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractors are “primary contact” healthcare providers who can provide you with a diagnosis and recommend treatment. Simply call the clinic and you will typically be able to book a visit within a few days. 

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

Chiropractors seek out abnormal spinal motion or a lack of motion, which is causing interference in the nervous system, and deliver chiropractic adjustments to these areas. An adjustment is a gentle, hands-on technique aimed at improving nerve function, increasing joint mobility, and decreasing inflammation and pain. Your chiropractor may also use a variety of adjunctive techniques to treat your condition, including soft-tissue therapy and exercise prescription.

Are your services covered by insurance?

Yes. If you have an extended health care plan through your private or group insurance plan, you may be eligible for all or part of your treatment to be reimbursed. Our clinic care coordinator will gladly provide a receipt for you to submit to your insurance company in order to receive your benefits. Please check with your individual health care benefits package or customer representative for details. Chiropractic care is also covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the RCMP, and those involved in motor vehicle accidents.

I have my first appointment with the chiropractor. Will I get an adjustment?

The purpose of the first visit is for your chiropractor to get a full picture of your presenting complaint or health concern, as well as your current health status. After completing your intake forms, your chiropractor will ask questions about your complaint and health history. Then he or she will give you a complete examination, including a scan, physical and neurological examination, range-of-motion testing, and orthopedic testing appropriate to your individual condition. If necessary, your chiropractor will also send you for x-rays. This information will then be used to form a diagnosis, report of findings, and a course of care. If you require treatment other than chiropractic care, your chiropractor will also guide you to the appropriate health care professional. Your health is of primary concern to a chiropractor. Together, we can ensure you are able to lead as healthy a life as possible.

Will I have to fill out forms for my first visit?

You will be asked to complete basic health history forms prior to your initial consultation. They give your practitioner an important overview of your complaint and your current health. These forms can be found on our website. Alternatively, our client care coordinator can email you the link to fill out the form online. Once completed the forms will be automatically uploaded to our patient management software so that they can be reviewed by your chiropractor prior to your first visit.  When you arrive for your first visit, you will be given informed consent, which you should discuss with your practitioner prior to signing.

How often do I need to come for appointments?

This depends entirely on your current state of health and your goals. Your Chiropractor will recommend a frequency of appointments that will optimize both how you are feeling and how your body is functioning. It is not unusual for the recommended frequency to change over time, as you improve. To get the most out of your care, it is important to follow the recommendations of your practitioner. You will work with your practitioner, as partners, to make sure that you reach your health goals as quickly as possible.

How are Doctors of Chiropractic trained?

Today’s graduating Doctors of Chiropractic have studied at least seven years of postsecondary education. Just like medical or dental students, they must have a minimum of 3 years of undergraduate study before applying for admission to an accredited chiropractic college. To become a chiropractor, students must complete 4,500 hours of intense academic study over a 4-year period, which includes classroom learning in basic science (anatomy physiology, pathology, x-ray interpretation, biochemistry, and differential diagnosis), clinical science, and internship training (with an emphasis on hands-on practice). After graduation, every chiropractor in Canada must pass both written and practical national board examinations administered by the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (CCEB). In order for a chiropractor to be licensed in a particular province, they must pass a provincial board exam. Chiropractic is a self-governing profession, which means that doctors are bound to a professional code of ethics through national and provincial chiropractic licensing bodies, such as the Nova Scotia College of Chiropractors. This self-regulating and disciplinary process ensures that the public’s health concerns are the chiropractic profession’s highest priority.