I want to address the BIG elephant in the room:
"What do chiropractors ACTUALLY do?"
"How are they different than physio? osteo?"
I get asked these questions on a reg, so I wanted to address them as the professional in this realm!
#1 Chiropractors are QUACKS 🦆
Over the last 100+ years, modern chiropractic has evolved greatly to form evidence-based guidelines and is even the first line of treatment for back pain in numerous clinical practice guidelines! Not only are we commonly seen in private practices, but we are getting integrated into specific hospitals including St. Michael's Hospital to become more mainstream. As far as I'm concerned, we look legit!!
#2 Chiropractors just crack your bones🦴
Adjustments, or high-velocity low-amplitude maneuvers, are a specific skill that is learned in the chiropractic college and aimed to reset tight muscles, improve range in that joint and stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system (aka you feel relaxed!). Chiropractors are highly trained in a variety of other techniques including mobilizations, soft tissue therapy, kinesiotaping and other specialized techniques that require further training such as: acupuncture, dry needling, pregnancy care, pediatric care, exercises/stretches. Most importantly, we can refer you out to a medical specialist when needed.
#3 Chiropractic care is NOT effective💣
The real big question: Does it actually work? Let's look at the numbers.
4.7 million Canadians, or 16% of the population went to see a chiropractor in 2019 and this number has been trending upward. In addition, chiropractic care for back and neck pain provided higher statisfaction, superior outcomes and more cost-effectiveness than medications, simple rest and surgery.
Simply, yes, it is effective.
I hope you were able to learn a couple things, how we differ from other manual therapists and ultimately, that chiropractic is not as scary as it seems!!
If you are unsure if chiropractic care is right for you, book a complimentary 15-minute meet & greet to get your questions answered!
Here to support your health goals 100% of the way! 🌻
Dr. Joyce Fu