What do Chiropractors do?
Before answering the actual question, what do Chiropractors do, I should address how you become a Chiropractor, what being a licensed Chiropractor entails, and then what we do!
EDUCATION
There is only one English speaking Chiropractic College in Canada, the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). To apply to CMCC, you must have an undergraduate degree or completed 3 years. Your interview score is combined with your GPA and from there, the top applicants are offered acceptance.
The program is 4 years, but each year starts mid-August and finishes the last week of May. The fourth and final year is also 12 months straight. The first three years are both academic and practical, and include courses like histology, biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, neuroanatomy, biochemistry, diagnosis, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, and chiropractic technique. Expect to dissect a human body, work on adjustment speed and force in a computerized lab, and even take courses in specialized populations like paediatrics and geriatrics. In the final year, you practice under two different licensed chiropractors, and have opportunities for additional learning, like the volunteer internship I completed at APTUS Centre for children with special needs.
To attain a license, you must complete two written federal exams in basic sciences and clinical knowledge, one practical federal exam for clinical skills and application, and one written provincial examination in ethics and law. During schooling, we treat with Diversified Technique, which means a mix of manual and therapeutic modalities (such as Laser or Shockwave). To add a modality such as Medical Acupuncture, you must complete extra education and testing outside of the Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Not every province allows Chiropractors to provide acupuncture, hence why it is separate.
LICENSE AND SCOPE
Once you complete your degree, and all federal and provincial licensing you are ready to practice! What can we do that is unique to our title of Chiropractors or Doctors?
One of the most commonly known licensed acts within our scope is to perform an adjustment (also known as SMT or EMT). An adjustment is when a synovial joint is taken beyond the physiologic barrier with a high velocity, low amplitude thrust. Adjustments are a safe, gentle, and effective way to treat various musculoskeletal conditions.
Another act within our scope is the right and ability to prescribe, take, and read radiographic imaging (X-rays). This means we are allowed to send patients out for X-ray imaging and then write the report when the image returns. We use imaging when considering a differential diagnosis that warrants a change in treatment plan. Radiographs show bony anatomy very well, and can show some soft tissue on imaging.
Another act that is within our scope is the ability to communicate a diagnosis. This means we are able to do a full history, examination, and then let you know what your diagnosis is and what is causing your pain. Our scope allows us to diagnose neuromusculoskeletal conditions as we refer out when considering a systemic or non-msk injury.
WHAT DO CHIROPRACTORS DO?
Now that we’ve answered essentially what our education consists of and what our license consists of, we are essentially allowed to work with whatever crosses over in both of those areas. For example, with our training in Nutrition and Biochemistry, we are allowed to suggest some dietary and lifestyle recommendations. We also learn about manual therapy for the joints in your ankle and foot, so if you sprain your ankle we are able to help you through your healing journey back to full activity.
When you come to Made To Move, your Chiropractor will first chat about the pain(s) or limitations you are experiencing and all of the details associated. Then, they will discuss your general health and health history. From there, a physical exam will begin including range of motion, orthopaedic testing, palpation, and special and functional tests. If your Chiropractor feels you need referral for further testing (ie. bloodwork), they will refer you back to your GP. If a diagnosis can be made, this will be written out with a treatment plan and gone over in person. Once consent is obtained, your very first treatment will start (directed by you and your preferences). Treatments can include adjustments, joint mobilizations, soft tissue therapy, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, topicals, laser, medical acupuncture, electrical stimulation, rehabilitation exercise, and education. We want all patients to understand their condition inside and out, and then what they can do at home to accelerate their healing and improvement.
WHY CAN CHIROPRACTIC SEEM SO DIFFERENT DOCTOR TO DOCTOR?
That’s a complicated question, but I have a few factors to consider to help get closer to a complete answer!
First, with only one English speaking school and one French speaking school in Canada a lot of Chiropractors are trained elsewhere. With different training influenced by different scopes or regulations, Chiropractors can be trained very differently program to program.
Location, location, location! If you have ever experienced a Chiropractor in one province to another, or even country to another, the experience can be very different. Since Chiropractors are regulated both provincially and federally that may influence how they practice or what they are allowed to do. Fun fact, the greatest scope for Chiropractors in Canada is in Alberta!
Finally, extra curricular courses can vary a lot on how they approach manual therapy. If a Chiropractor has taken a course like Thompson Technique or Activator Method, they may be more inclined to check leg lengths during treatment. If a Chiropractor has not taken and graduated with a certain mark from an accredited acupuncture program, you cannot offer this service. Acupuncture can take 10-20 minutes of your appointment so you can see how this can change appointment structure or appointment timing.
Overall, I would say find a Chiropractor who listens to you, and does a thorough examination. As Chiropractors, we all have our interests and areas of expertise, so try to find someone who matches your needs and preferences. If all else fails, I would ask family and friends for a recommendation (but don’t forget to ask WHY they love their Chiropractor). For more information about Made To Move, please email us at hello@madetomove.ca!
