I’ve been working on the admin team at Ascent Health & Sport Therapy for over a year now. The sport therapy field was a new field for me. I love the vision of the clinic as well as helping people who are coming in to “conquer their mountains” through varying forms of therapy we offer.
But I, and I know I’m not alone, had preconceived notions about chiropractic treatments. Which summed up sounded a bit like…“ I am not interested in ever seeing a chiropractor, I don’t want to get my neck cracked over and over again…it looks so painful and scary!”
I really had no idea what a chiropractic treatment was. I certainly didn’t expect the Ascent Approach to chiropractic care. My original preconceived notions about it could not have been more wrong.
Top 4 misconceptions I had about chiropractic treatment before working at /Ascent:
1. Chiropractors only crack your neck, right?
I developed this misconception over the years. I think it originated from watching movies that showed a chiropractic treatment involving some stressed out character or athletes getting their neck cracked. My understanding is evolving as I learn what is actually happening during those adjustments and manipulations. Now I also know that adjustments can also be done on other parts of the body, including the back and hips.
2. It is a high risk treatment
I also made assumptions about the risks that were associated with chiropractic treatment (especially concerning strokes). I am not entirely sure where this particular assumption came from. Although these risks vary depending on a patient’s condition, the connection between strokes and chiropractic treatment are not common at all! People who experienced this were likely predisposed or had pre-existing conditions. Before your treatment it’s important to talk to the chiropractor about your concerns. They will go over your medical conditions and concerns and answer all your questions. Having an understanding of what adjustments do is so important in feeling comfortable and having a safe experience.
3. They only offer quick appointments
Another misconception I held was that most chiropractic appointments were quick 5 minute appointments. It involved a chiropractor giving a quick adjustment and then heading out. This may be the case at other clinics, but not at Ascent. Ascent’s appointment options are all much longer than the industry average and are tailored for each patient. In their sessions, Ascent’s chiropractors are working with patients to overcome an injury, pain, or improve overall health and maintenance. Appointments with a chiropractor at Ascent are one-on-one. They always allow time for in-depth treatment that can include adjustments, soft tissue work, needling and strength training and exercises. The shortest amount of time they will spend with you is around 15 minutes.
4. Adjustments are just to align the spine
Honestly, before working here I was unsure of what benefit chiropractic care could have. I thought perhaps it was just a preference for certain people who enjoyed having their neck ‘cracked’ or had neck issues from intense sports. Having now been a patient of chiropractic treatment, I know there are a variety of benefits. These include short and long term, for patients of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels! Not only have I felt a decrease in my pain, but I have noticed better range of motion and freedom with my activities. There are so many benefits from chiropractic treatments that aren’t just ‘alignment of the spine’, but includes relief of pain, headaches, migraines, reducing muscle stiffness and spasms. It can also help increase mobility, and even help reduce the need for medications or surgery.
Comprehensive Chiropractic Care
Over the past year I have learned so much about what chiropractors can actually do. I especially value the Ascent Approach where patients can experience the benefit of combining expert chiropractic adjustments with soft tissue treatments and exercise therapy. Plus they collaborate between physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists.
Ascent’s goal is to help move people away from focusing on pain and towards a mindset of building capacity for the things you love doing! So if you had these misconceptions like me, I’d encourage you to come see one of Ascent’s chiropractors and see the benefits for yourself.
– By Janine Blaine (Patient Experience Coordinator)