By WIN Provider: Dr. Laura Custode, Chiropractor
Are you wondering what does a Chiropractor do? Here’s an interaction I had with a patient recently:
Patient: “I don’t think we can do acupuncture on my back today, Dr. Laura. I injured my shoulder this weekend and it hurts to lay on my stomach.”
Dr. Laura: “What happened with your shoulder? Let’s do an assessment and see what we can do.”
Patient: “Oh, you look at shoulders? I though Chiropractors only treated the back and neck!”
This interaction is common in practice. Many people aren’t aware that Chiropractors are educated and trained to treat injuries beyond the back and neck.
So, what exactly do Chiropractors do?
Chiropractors help diagnose your injury
The first and most important part of seeing any health care provider is receiving a timely and proper diagnosis. Chiropractors are trained to take a thorough health history and complete a physical exam including orthopedic and neurological testing. We are trained to recognize when more testing or investigation is necessary and help connect you with the other health care providers you may need.
Chiropractors work with your health team.
Part of providing well-rounded care is working with the other members of your health team to ensure your treatment plan is cohesive and well-rounded. This might mean communicating with your family doctor, physiotherapist or massage therapist, with your permission.
Chiropractors treat more than the spine.
In fact, we are trained to treat the entire musculoskeletal and nervous systems. This means we’re experts are helping people with injuries to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hips, knees ankles, feet. We can help with neurological dysfunction like numbness and tingling in the body, headaches, dizziness or motor deficits.
Chiropractors provide valuable hands-off treatments too.
Chiropractors have training in exercise therapy, nutrition and other lifestyle factors that may impact your health. We understand that your health is multifactorial, so we take a multifactorial approach to it. You may be surprised the find your Chiropractor educates you and makes recommendations about sleep or nutrition when dealing with an injury. Your Chiropractor is here to motivate, encourage and inspire better health!
If you’ve been thinking about seeing a Chiropractor, but weren’t sure if it was the right fit for you, our Chiropractors offer FREE 15 minute consultations. We would love to meet you! Book Online or Contact Us to arrange your visit with a WIN Chiropractor.