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WHAT IS A CHIROPRACTOR?: VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES


Blog by Dr. Michael Horowitz | January 5th, 2018


What is a Chiropractor? 

A Chiropractor (doctor of Chiropractic), is a licensed, primary health-care practitioner, who is an expert in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the structure and function of the spine, nervous system and joints. 

Vancouver Registered Massage Therapist, RMT wanted in Vancouver, BC, CanadaA Chiropractor has the responsibility to form a diagnosis and is concerned with the treatment of a disorder and in prevention of its reoccurrence, primarily by "adjusting" the spine and joints.

Doctors of Chiropractic are trained extensively in spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) and use non-invasive, natural treatments to help the body to heal and to maintain health, without the use of drugs or surgery.  


What is a Chiropractic "Adjustment"?

"Adjustment" is the word Doctors of Chiropractic use to describe the hands-on treatment they apply to joints that have lost their full range of motion. In doing so, mobility is restored to the joint. It is also known as joint manipulation.

By definition, an Adjustment is "moving joints beyond the usual physiological range of motion using a fast, low amplitude thrust".  Often (though not always), an Adjustment is associated with an audible popping sound (cavitation), that is caused by the release of carbon dioxide gas from within the joint when the pressure changes.  


Chiropractors are trained experts not only in assessing restrictions in joint motion but also in safely and accurately applying forces to the joints. 

Adjustments positively affect not only the treated joint, but have far reaching healing effects in the nervous system that supplies them and their related connective tissues (muscles, ligaments and tendons).  


Do I have to have an Adjustment if my joints are not moving properly?

No. Adjustment are not appropriate for all patients and in fact may be contra-indicated in some patients.

Dr. Horowitz uses a variety of tools for re-establishing motion to the spine and joints. These include:


  • Manual Joint Mobilization: A slower process of joint and soft-tissue (myofascial) stretching using the hands, also intended to improve joint motion

  • Massage. Soft tissue techniques are used to improve stiff muscles and increase circulation

  • Muscle-relaxing and stretching techniques

  • Exercise education on muscle strengthening, rehabilitation and home-based exercises, including using using elastic tubing/bands. Exercise is not always indicated during the initial stages of injury/trauma. However, as the treatment progresses, exercise is frequently used to augment the effects of treatment.


    Call Dr. Michael Horowitz for Vancouver Chiropractic Services at (604) 733-7744 to find out if seeing a Chiropractor can help you 
    or to book a complimentary telephone consultation with Dr. Michael Horowitz, complete the form below:
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