Allow your body to heal itself through the proper alignment of the musculoskeletal structure.

Chiropractic Treatment

Dr. McIntyre and Dr. McDowall are the owners and clinic directors of Burlington Sports Therapy.

They often use chiropractic spinal adjustments as a treatment method, but it really depends on the presenting condition. Your experience at Burlington Sports Therapy will begin with an initial examination. Following this, Dr. McIntyre or Dr. McDowall will discuss with you the nature or your condition and whether or not spinal adjustments would be beneficial. They will also discuss with you the risks and benefits of this approach. Should chiropractic adjustments not suit your comfort level, they will suggest to you other treatment options.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What do Chiropractors do?

Chiropractors diagnose and treat injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system. That means, they treat injuries to the spine, pelvis, joints and muscles of the body. In a nutshell, they treat various physical injuries. It is a misconception that chiropractors only treat the spine. Chiropractors use various therapeutic modalities. The most common form of treatment provided by chiropractors involves manual therapy to the joints and soft tissues. An integral component of chiropractic care is the examination and diagnosis that occurs prior to treatment. Chiropractors are trained doctors with the specific ability to diagnose conditions related to the spine, pelvis, extremity joints and the nervous system.

Are they real doctors?

Chiropractors are regulated primary health care professionals. There are only five classes of health care professionals in Ontario that are able to use the title Doctor with its accompanying rights and obligations; Chiropractors are one of them. Chiropractors in Burlington Ontario have completed a minimum of seven years post-secondary full-time education.

What is their education?

Chiropractic education in Canada is offered at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto, and at l’Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) in Quebec. Chiropractic students undergo a rigorous course of study similar to that of medical doctors and entrance requirements are also similar to that of medical students.

Prior to being eligible for admission into Chiropractic College, students are required to complete a minimum of three years of university. The vast majority of chiropractic students have completed a four year University degree before entering Chiropractic College. The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College curriculum consists of four years of full-time study, including a 12-month clinical internship.

Most Chiropractic curriculums include courses in anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, neurology, embryology, principles of chiropractic, radiology, immunology, microbiology, pathology, nutrition, and clinical sciences specifically relating to diagnosis.

Perhaps what really distinguishes Chiropractic education from most other health disciplines is the intensive training in Radiology. This area of study covers a range of topics from radiation biophysics and protection to clinical X-ray interpretation and diagnosis.

Radiology training in Chiropractic College consists of more than 360 contact hours followed by application during clinical internship. Chiropractic education also involves extensive hands-on clinical training under the supervision of highly-qualified faculty. This training includes clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and referral protocols. The faculty members at both Canadian Chiropractic Colleges have diverse, highly qualified backgrounds. Faculty come from such disciplines as biological sciences, pathology, medicine and psychology as well as chiropractic.

The two Canadian Chiropractic Colleges have also formed relationships – both formal and informal – with various Universities in Canada.

If you are in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding areas and are in need of Chiropractic Treatment, contact Burlington Sports Therapy today.

What is chiropractic treatment?

Chiropractic adjustment is perhaps the most common type of treatment provided by chiropractors. Most of the chiropractors in Burlington provide this service. A chiropractic adjustment is a non-invasive procedure performed with the chiropractors hands. It is also known as spinal manipulative therapy. A chiropractic adjustment is a very controlled procedure delivered by a skilled practitioner who has been extensively trained over the course of the four year chiropractic college curriculum. Adjustment is normally performed on spinal joints or the joints of the extremities. The main objective of a chiropractic adjustment is to reduce pain and improvement movement for patients. In addition to joint tightness, the muscles and tendons are often improved as a result of chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic care has been extensively researched. It has consistently shown that it is one of the most effective ways to treat musculoskeletal injuries.

What are the benefits?

Back pain, neck pain, headache, whiplash, strains and sprains, repetitive strain injury (RSI), work and sports injuries, arthritis, limited range of motion in the back, shoulder, neck or limbs and for general health and well-being are some of the reasons Canadians seek chiropractic care on a daily basis. If you feel stiff and “tight”, Chiropractic care can improve movement in your neck, shoulders, back and torso. Your posture can be improved with Chiropractic care, and you can relieve the pain associated with headaches, back pain, neck pain, work-related injuries and reduced flexibility. Pregnancy related back pain and gait related foot pain can also be corrected with Chiropractic care.

Are chiropractic adjustments safe?

Chiropractic adjustment has been established as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of various conditions. It is common to resolve neck and back pain through Chiropractic adjustments. The majority of patients experience immediate relief after chiropractic treatment. Adverse effects associated with chiropractic adjustment are typically minor and short-lived. Although Chiropractic adjustments have an excellent safety record, your chiropractor should discuss with you the potential risks and how they apply to your physical condition. In fact, all health professionals are required by law to obtain informed consent prior to treating patients. The chiropractic profession has been a leader in the process of informed consent and the profession takes this responsibility very seriously. Ontario’s chiropractors (including Chiropractors in Burlington) are required in their Standards of Practice to obtain written informed consent prior to treating a patient.

What role do x-rays play?

Following your health history and examination, your Chiropractor may determine that X-rays are necessary to properly diagnose your condition. Chiropractors receive 360 hours of rigorous education in radiology covering a full range of topics related to radiology. These courses include X-ray interpretation, diagnosis and protection. Governments in each Canadian province recognize the training and competence of chiropractors to take and interpret X-rays and have granted them this right.

What is flexion-distraction?

One of the spinal mobilization approaches used by our chiropractors at Burlington Sports Therapy is called flexion-distraction, using what is called a Cox table. Although there is an actual “Cox Method” to treatment, we just use the table as our tool for encouraging lumbar mobility. When using this table, the patient lies on their stomach while the practitioner holds the lumbar spine and pivots the bottom end of the table from side to side and up and down. The purpose is to improve the patient’s lumbar mobility without using a high-velocity thrust. Perhaps an easy way to understand the purpose, the flexion-distraction table allows the practitioner to gently encourage motion at each level of the lower back so that the patient’s spine moves more like an accordion and less like a door hinge.

Chiropractic or sports medicine?

Many athletes use chiropractic care. At major sporting events like the Olympics, Chiropractors are an integral part of the core medical team. Additionally, professional sports organizations usually have a Chiropractor as part of the health team for players.

Chiropractic treatment is often used to improve muscle and joint conditioning, which has an obvious effect on athletic performance. Chiropractic treatment helps to fine-tune athletes. It assists their muscle and joint function and can help reduce long term wear and tear on the muscles and joints. Chiropractic treatment can prevent injuries and speed up recovery time. Although most people select chiropractic care to treat their injuries, many athletes choose chiropractic to improve athletic performance. The treatment approach may be similar in both of these cases; a treatment plan should be outlined for every patient.

In the case of professional and elite athletes, chiropractors often work in conjunction with other health care professionals including medical doctors, sports medicine doctors, massage therapists, physiotherapists, acupuncturists and athletic therapists. At Burlington Sports Therapy our Burlington Chiropractors often collaborate with various nearby health professionals. If you are in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding areas and are looking for Chiropractic Treatment, call our office today.

What do Chiropractors do?

Chiropractors diagnose and treat injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system. That means, they treat injuries to the spine, pelvis, joints and muscles of the body. In a nutshell, they treat various physical injuries. It is a misconception that chiropractors only treat the spine. Chiropractors use various therapeutic modalities. The most common form of treatment provided by chiropractors involves manual therapy to the joints and soft tissues. An integral component of chiropractic care is the examination and diagnosis that occurs prior to treatment. Chiropractors are trained doctors with the specific ability to diagnose conditions related to the spine, pelvis, extremity joints and the nervous system.

Are they real doctors?

Chiropractors are regulated primary health care professionals. There are only five classes of health care professionals in Ontario that are able to use the title Doctor with its accompanying rights and obligations; Chiropractors are one of them. Chiropractors in Burlington Ontario have completed a minimum of seven years post-secondary full-time education.

What is their education?

Chiropractic education in Canada is offered at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto, and at l’Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) in Quebec. Chiropractic students undergo a rigorous course of study similar to that of medical doctors and entrance requirements are also similar to that of medical students.

Prior to being eligible for admission into Chiropractic College, students are required to complete a minimum of three years of university. The vast majority of chiropractic students have completed a four year University degree before entering Chiropractic College. The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College curriculum consists of four years of full-time study, including a 12-month clinical internship.

Most Chiropractic curriculums include courses in anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, neurology, embryology, principles of chiropractic, radiology, immunology, microbiology, pathology, nutrition, and clinical sciences specifically relating to diagnosis.

Perhaps what really distinguishes Chiropractic education from most other health disciplines is the intensive training in Radiology. This area of study covers a range of topics from radiation biophysics and protection to clinical X-ray interpretation and diagnosis.

Radiology training in Chiropractic College consists of more than 360 contact hours followed by application during clinical internship. Chiropractic education also involves extensive hands-on clinical training under the supervision of highly-qualified faculty. This training includes clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and referral protocols. The faculty members at both Canadian Chiropractic Colleges have diverse, highly qualified backgrounds. Faculty come from such disciplines as biological sciences, pathology, medicine and psychology as well as chiropractic.

The two Canadian Chiropractic Colleges have also formed relationships – both formal and informal – with various Universities in Canada.

What is chiropractic treatment?

Chiropractic adjustment is perhaps the most common type of treatment provided by chiropractors. Most of the chiropractors in Burlington provide this service. A chiropractic adjustment is a non-invasive procedure performed with the chiropractors hands. It is also known as spinal manipulative therapy. A chiropractic adjustment is a very controlled procedure delivered by a skilled practitioner who has been extensively trained over the course of the four year chiropractic college curriculum. Adjustment is normally performed on spinal joints or the joints of the extremities. The main objective of a chiropractic adjustment is to reduce pain and improvement movement for patients. In addition to joint tightness, the muscles and tendons are often improved as a result of chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic care has been extensively researched. It has consistently shown that it is one of the most effective ways to treat musculoskeletal injuries.

What are the benefits?

Back pain, neck pain, headache, whiplash, strains and sprains, repetitive strain injury (RSI), work and sports injuries, arthritis, limited range of motion in the back, shoulder, neck or limbs and for general health and well-being are some of the reasons Canadians seek chiropractic care on a daily basis. If you feel stiff and “tight”, Chiropractic care can improve movement in your neck, shoulders, back and torso. Your posture can be improved with Chiropractic care, and you can relieve the pain associated with headaches, back pain, neck pain, work-related injuries and reduced flexibility. Pregnancy related back pain and gait related foot pain can also be corrected with Chiropractic care.

Are chiropractic adjustments safe?

Chiropractic adjustment has been established as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of various conditions. It is common to resolve neck and back pain through Chiropractic adjustments. The majority of patients experience immediate relief after chiropractic treatment. Adverse effects associated with chiropractic adjustment are typically minor and short-lived. Although Chiropractic adjustments have an excellent safety record, your chiropractor should discuss with you the potential risks and how they apply to your physical condition. In fact, all health professionals are required by law to obtain informed consent prior to treating patients. The chiropractic profession has been a leader in the process of informed consent and the profession takes this responsibility very seriously. Ontario’s chiropractors (including Chiropractors in Burlington) are required in their Standards of Practice to obtain written informed consent prior to treating a patient.

What role do x-rays play?

Following your health history and examination, your Chiropractor may determine that X-rays are necessary to properly diagnose your condition. Chiropractors receive 360 hours of rigorous education in radiology covering a full range of topics related to radiology. These courses include X-ray interpretation, diagnosis and protection. Governments in each Canadian province recognize the training and competence of chiropractors to take and interpret X-rays and have granted them this right.

What is flexion-distraction?

One of the spinal mobilization approaches used by our chiropractors at Burlington Sports Therapy is called flexion-distraction, using what is called a Cox table. Although there is an actual “Cox Method” to treatment, we just use the table as our tool for encouraging lumbar mobility. When using this table, the patient lies on their stomach while the practitioner holds the lumbar spine and pivots the bottom end of the table from side to side and up and down. The purpose is to improve the patient’s lumbar mobility without using a high-velocity thrust. Perhaps an easy way to understand the purpose, the flexion-distraction table allows the practitioner to gently encourage motion at each level of the lower back so that the patient’s spine moves more like an accordion and less like a door hinge.

Chiropractic or sports medicine?

Many athletes use chiropractic care. At major sporting events like the Olympics, Chiropractors are an integral part of the core medical team. Additionally, professional sports organizations usually have a Chiropractor as part of the health team for players.

Chiropractic treatment is often used to improve muscle and joint conditioning, which has an obvious effect on athletic performance. Chiropractic treatment helps to fine-tune athletes. It assists their muscle and joint function and can help reduce long term wear and tear on the muscles and joints. Chiropractic treatment can prevent injuries and speed up recovery time. Although most people select chiropractic care to treat their injuries, many athletes choose chiropractic to improve athletic performance. The treatment approach may be similar in both of these cases; a treatment plan should be outlined for every patient.

In the case of professional and elite athletes, chiropractors often work in conjunction with other health care professionals including medical doctors, sports medicine doctors, massage therapists, physiotherapists, acupuncturists and athletic therapists. At Burlington Sports Therapy our Burlington Chiropractors often collaborate with various nearby health professionals. If you are in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding areas and are looking for Chiropractic Treatment, call our office today.

If you are in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding areas and are in need of Chiropractic Treatment, contact Burlington Sports Therapy today.

YOUR FIRST VISIT

chiropractic adjustment on back of female patient

Your Burlington Chiropractor at Burlington Sports Therapy will perform a proper health history and examination prior to treatment. This will usually require a minimum of 30 minutes. This may include questions about your personal and family medical history, major illnesses you have experienced, previous surgeries and current medications. Your chiropractor will ask you questions about your current condition and the steps you have taken to alleviate it.

It is a great idea to bring comfortable clothes and shoes for your visit to the chiropractor, but you may be asked to change into a gown to perform some tests. These tests may include a check of your blood pressure, pulse and breathing, a test of your reflexes, strength and sensations and an analysis of your posture.

At our Burlington Chiropractic Clinic, we often refer patients for X-rays to local medical X-ray facilities. Your chiropractic examination will include an analysis of your movement. Your chiropractor will evaluate how your spine moves and will identify areas of improper joint movement. Your initial examination will also involve orthopedic testing. These are tests in which the chiropractor will move different joints of your body in an effort to diagnose your condition. Following your examination, your chiropractor will make a diagnosis, prescribe a course of treatment, and once the matter of informed consent has been discussed, treatment usually commences.

Your chiropractor will refer you to an alternate practitioner should your condition be better treated by someone else. Our Burlington Chiropractors usually require 10 to 15 minutes for subsequent treatment visits. This duration will obviously depend on the type of treatment you require.