Edmonton Chiropractor – How to choose a Chiropractor?

January 2, 2011/in Chiropractic /by Dr. Kent Ferguson

Choosing An Edmonton Chiropractor For Optimum Chiropractic Care

Do you want to benefit from the rehabilitative capabilities of this form of alternative medicine? For patients, it is important to know the proper guidelines of choosing a chiropractor to find someone who is a good “fit” with you.

What Are 5 Things You Should Look For?

1. Respect for the Patients Time!

It is so frustrating to show up on time for a schedule appointment only to wait… and wait… and wait… for the doctor. This situation is unacceptable in my opinion.

Sure, things go wrong and live interjects its unexpected ups and downs at times. In such cases, I always inform the patient that I am running late and give them the option to reschedule. However more important to me is to minimize this situation from happening in the first place! So when you choose a chiropractor, make sure you are dealing with someone who values their patients time as much as their own.

In this day and age in which we are all so pressed for time, it’s nice knowing your chiropractor respects your time.

2. Respect for the Patients Well Being!

If something is clearly wrong and needs fixing, make sure you are dealing with a practitioner who will tell it to you straight. I once visited a dentist who had found something wrong with my teeth but seemed too timid to just tell me the extent of the problem. I’d rather know so I can understand my options!

I promise to respect your well being when you come in to my clinic, which means a detailed exam so we can understand the extent of your problem. Then I’m going to tell it to you straight and leave it up to you to decide how you wish to proceed. Run, not walk, from any practitioner who won’t shoot straight with you in plain English.

When it comes to your pain, you need solutions and straight talk. That’s the secret to getting you better fast.

3. Recommendations and Referrals!

In an ideal world, a recommendation from a friend or family member is helpful place to start your search for a good chiropractor. (This isn’t always possible, I realize.) Second best is ask your doctor if he has patient reviews or letters of recommendation. Often these will be posted on his or her website.

4. The Warning Signs!

On top of knowing what qualities to look for in a chiropractor, here are a few danger signs that you should warn you to avoid a chiropractor if s/he exhibits them:

* Avoid chiropractors who require you to sign a long-term treatment contract. Although chiropractic care is relatively safe, you have no reason to be tied up to a particular chiropractor for any long-term treatment unless your condition requires for it.
* Avoid chiropractors who discourage you to opt for other preventive treatments outside of chiropractic care, such as acupuncture or massage. A qualified doctor who is concerned about your health and recuperation must be open to the best possible means of treating your disease or condition.
* Doctor is making claims that even you believe is not feasible at all or or who employ scare tactics to convince the patient to agree on a treatment plan.

These are usually some tell-tale signs of a chiropractor who is less concerned about the patient’s welfare and is only aiming to attain monetary benefits.

5. Speed Of Service!

When I first opened my clinic, I used to spend waaaaaaay too much time with new patients. I used to think that time spent with a patient equated to “good service in the eyes of my patients. Boy was I wrong! It wasn’t until a patient said to me nicely: “You know, if you wouldn’t mind speeding things up, I might actually come in more often.”

I finally understood that just like no one likes to wait longer than necessary at a Bank or to order your Starbucks, likewise people wish to get in and out of their doctors office in a timely fashion. This is what I strive for, whenever possible, and my patients have told me repeatedly that they appreciate such efforts.

In summary, those are the 5 things to look for when choosing a chiropractor! If you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Edmonton Chiropractor – Benefits of Pregnancy Chiropractic Care

December 15, 2010/in Chiropractic /by Dr. Kent Ferguson

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

More pregnant mothers are turning to chiropractic treatments during their pregnancy.

Why Do Pregnant Women Need Chiropractic Care?

When a woman becomes pregnant, her body undergoes a variety of physiological and endocrine changes as the baby inside her womb starts to develop. Due to these changes, the pregnant mother could suffer from cases of misalignment in her joint or spine that results in either one or a combination of the following:

• More prominent curve on her back,
• Enlargement of the abdomen,
• Pelvic changes,
• Changes in posture.

Due to these changes, some women experience chronic lower back pains throughout their pregnancy. Fr others this might mean having difficulty attaining proper balance and alignment. Hence, chiropractic care will help correct them and enable you to develop a better posture that puts less pressure on your body.

All trained chiropractors have been briefed about using the procedures on pregnant women, hence it is generally safe and gentle.

There are also chiropractors who specialize in chiropractic treatment for pre-natal and peri-natal care for women. Therefore, additional training is required in order to ensure the safety of both baby and mother. Doctors who undergo chiropractic care on pregnant women adjust the intensity of their treatment procedures according to how far into their pregnancy stage the woman is. In some cases, chiropractors suggest stretching and exercise routines the expectant mother.

Edmonton Chiropractor – Your First Chiropractic Care Visit: What to Expect

November 15, 2010/in Chiropractic /by Dr. Kent Ferguson

Edmonton Chiropractor – What Chiropractic Care Can Do to You

November 1, 2010/in Chiropractic /by Dr. Kent Ferguson

What Chiropractic Care Can Do to You

Chiropractic care can provide patients with a wide array of benefits. Knowing the process can help you determine the effects that can occur throughout the body. There are plenty of results, depending on the condition of the patient, as well as his or her ability to tolerate treatment. Here are some of the known effects to help you decide whether the treatment is also right for your condition.

Correcting Misalignment’s

Generally, chiropractic care is known to be very effective in correcting misalignment’s in the spine and joints. The technique used widely by professionals is called chiropractic adjustment or spinal adjustment. In the United States, chiropractors practice more than 90% of all treatments and manipulations.

Psychological Effects

Most patients feel relieved and relaxed after chiropractic sessions. In the beginning, you may feel some slight discomfort or mild pain as the joints are conditioned and your range of motion is increased than the usual. Patients begin to develop a higher sense of confidence and boost self-esteem as their condition begins to progress and they experience less pain and discomfort in their muscles and joints.

Patients suffering from neck and back pain for years will start to feel positively about themselves, as they are become more capable of performing activities of daily living. Relationship with family and friends is enhanced because of the process.

Modern Technology

Even though chiropractics in its earliest stages was developed hundreds of years ago, modern technology has also improved the techniques rendered. Patients can rest assured that treatment solutions are safe, quick and effective. There is very little risk in chiropractic care, since practitioners use a very accurate approach in treatment. Diagnostic tests are also given to ensure that patients have a certain specific problem, before employing any technique. The treatment may also be used as a secondary type of application to help patients recover faster from problems and other health conditions.

No Side Effects

Chiropractic is considered to be the biggest drug-free type of treatment in the United States. You do not have to worry about developing side effects in the long run. Most patients actually feel better after every treatment, until they only need to visit 1 to 3 times per year. Some even just visit to help remove stress and relax. You do not have to worry about signs and symptoms returning or more symptoms based on the use of drugs and other drastic medical measures like surgery.

The treatment approach is highly useful for families and individuals of various ages, such as infants, children, the elderly and pregnant women. These people can benefit greatly from the variety of measures available. At times, other alternate methods may also be used such as massage therapy and acupuncture.

These can be used to enhance the effects of chiropractic or to simply get rid of stress that slows down the healing process.