What can I expect on my first visit?
On the initial visit, you will be asked to fill out a health history form as a basis for the remainder of the appointment. Dr. Klassen will then take a thorough history of the main complaint, and any other issues you choose to bring up, in addition to a brief medical history so that the big picture of your overall health is better understood. A musculoskeletal (relating to the muscles and bones) physical exam will then be performed, utilizing various diagnostic techniques to confirm what exactly it is that’s causing the problem. If necessary, Dr. Klassen may refer you out for further diagnostic imaging (such as x-ray) or to your family medical physician. A brief overview of your assessment will be discussed, along with various treatment options, including frequency and duration of treatments. Dr. Klassen will welcome any questions you may have and then proceed with the prescribed treatment. Initial visits usually take approximately 45 minutes, while subsequent visits take between 10-15 minutes, though this might vary depending on the type of treatment you require. |
Will I have to see a Chiropractor for the rest of my life?
The simple answer is no. Dr. Klassen will tailor a specific treatment plan based on your individual needs. Some injuries or problems may respond to chiropractic treatment in as little as one or two visits, while others may take a little longer. Most importantly, you are in charge of your own health care, and any treatment plan Dr. Klassen deems necessary is discussed with you in detail. How long a patient chooses to continue to receive treatment is always their choice. Many people find that once they see a chiropractor, they enjoy going back for semi-regular visits. Similar to how going to a dentist every 6 months might help prevent cavities or catch certain issues early, or how regular maintenance of a car keeps it running smoothly, regular checkups with Dr. Klassen can keep you moving and feeling your best.
Will my health insurance cover costs, and do you provide direct billing?
Coast Life Chiropractic currently provides direct billing for Pacific Blue Cross. For other insurance providers, a receipt for your treatment is provided, which can then be given to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Contact your specific health insurance provider to determine your coverage and how you can make use of it.
Will I need x-rays?
X-rays can sometimes play an important role in diagnosis, but are not always necessary. At Coast Life Chiropractic, x-rays are only ordered when they are medically necessary, which is determined after a thorough history and physical examination. Chiropractors in Canada receive over 300 hours of education in radiology covering a full range of topics from protection to X-ray interpretation and diagnosis. Governments in every province have recognized the training and competence of chiropractors to take and interpret X-rays and have granted them this right.
Does chiropractic treatment require referral from an MD?
No, you do not need any referral to see a chiropractor. Chiropractors are “primary contact” health care providers. This means that they are trained to accurately diagnosis your condition and determine if conservative treatment is right, or if your condition requires a visit to a medical physician or the hospital.
Can manual therapies like chiropractic cure earaches, asthma, or other medical ailments?
When it comes to infectious or serious disease, manual therapies like chiropractic, acupuncture or massage, should never be used as a replacement for proper treatment from your medical physician. However, there is some research to suggest that manual therapies may complement and improve the outcomes of your regular medical treatments. Manual therapies can often reduce pain, discomfort and stress and improve biomechanical function, sleep and quality of life. If you can optimize all these other aspects of your health, your body will respond better to your medical treatments as well! Dr. Klassen will work with your medical physician and specialists to ensure that you get the best possible care from every part of your healthcare team!
Is chiropractic adjustment a safe procedure?
Chiropractic adjustment, or manipulation, is a drug-free, non-invasive therapy for common musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, and headaches. As such, it is a low risk therapy, with complications arising from adjustment being rare. Numerous research studies have been conducted validating the efficacy and safety of spinal manipulation.
How is chiropractic adjustment performed?
Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during four intensive years of chiropractic education. The chiropractor typically uses his/her hands to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to reduce pain, and restore or enhance joint function.
Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.
Content adapted from Able Body Health Clinic
The simple answer is no. Dr. Klassen will tailor a specific treatment plan based on your individual needs. Some injuries or problems may respond to chiropractic treatment in as little as one or two visits, while others may take a little longer. Most importantly, you are in charge of your own health care, and any treatment plan Dr. Klassen deems necessary is discussed with you in detail. How long a patient chooses to continue to receive treatment is always their choice. Many people find that once they see a chiropractor, they enjoy going back for semi-regular visits. Similar to how going to a dentist every 6 months might help prevent cavities or catch certain issues early, or how regular maintenance of a car keeps it running smoothly, regular checkups with Dr. Klassen can keep you moving and feeling your best.
Will my health insurance cover costs, and do you provide direct billing?
Coast Life Chiropractic currently provides direct billing for Pacific Blue Cross. For other insurance providers, a receipt for your treatment is provided, which can then be given to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Contact your specific health insurance provider to determine your coverage and how you can make use of it.
Will I need x-rays?
X-rays can sometimes play an important role in diagnosis, but are not always necessary. At Coast Life Chiropractic, x-rays are only ordered when they are medically necessary, which is determined after a thorough history and physical examination. Chiropractors in Canada receive over 300 hours of education in radiology covering a full range of topics from protection to X-ray interpretation and diagnosis. Governments in every province have recognized the training and competence of chiropractors to take and interpret X-rays and have granted them this right.
Does chiropractic treatment require referral from an MD?
No, you do not need any referral to see a chiropractor. Chiropractors are “primary contact” health care providers. This means that they are trained to accurately diagnosis your condition and determine if conservative treatment is right, or if your condition requires a visit to a medical physician or the hospital.
Can manual therapies like chiropractic cure earaches, asthma, or other medical ailments?
When it comes to infectious or serious disease, manual therapies like chiropractic, acupuncture or massage, should never be used as a replacement for proper treatment from your medical physician. However, there is some research to suggest that manual therapies may complement and improve the outcomes of your regular medical treatments. Manual therapies can often reduce pain, discomfort and stress and improve biomechanical function, sleep and quality of life. If you can optimize all these other aspects of your health, your body will respond better to your medical treatments as well! Dr. Klassen will work with your medical physician and specialists to ensure that you get the best possible care from every part of your healthcare team!
Is chiropractic adjustment a safe procedure?
Chiropractic adjustment, or manipulation, is a drug-free, non-invasive therapy for common musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, and headaches. As such, it is a low risk therapy, with complications arising from adjustment being rare. Numerous research studies have been conducted validating the efficacy and safety of spinal manipulation.
How is chiropractic adjustment performed?
Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during four intensive years of chiropractic education. The chiropractor typically uses his/her hands to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to reduce pain, and restore or enhance joint function.
Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.
Content adapted from Able Body Health Clinic