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

drsasha.chiro@gmail.com

Coastal Sports and Wellness

Bedford, NS

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