Chiropractor Victoria

Chiropractic is an evidence-informed, non-invasive, hands-on health care discipline that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors practice primarily using their hands, providing diagnosis, treatment and preventive care for disorders related to the spine, pelvis, nervous system and joints.

We encourage you to read the bios of individual chiropractors, or to speak with reception to find a good fit for you.

Chiropractic doctors are extensively educated in a wide range of treatment techniques and modalities. Many people associate a visit to the chiropractor with fast precise adjustments that create an audible pop or crack but chiropractors do so much more. Here are some of the different treatments chiropractors commonly use:

Gonstead procedures are the result of extensive clinical research by Dr. Clarence S. Gonstead. Dr. Gonstead  developed a complete method of biomechanical analysis based on his 55 years as a chiropractor. The Gonstead analysis takes more time than other analysis systems and mastering the art of delivering a specific Gonstead adjustment takes a lot of practice and dedication.

The Gonstead biomechanical analysis  goes beyond what many chiropractors consider a spinal assessment by conducting a thorough analysis of your spine using five criteria to detect the presence of the vertebral subluxation complex.

1. Visualization — Visualization is a way to cross reference all the other findings. Your chiropractor is an expert in looking for subtle changes in your posture and movement which could indicate any problems.
2. Instrumentation — The instrument of choice in the Gonstead System is the Nervoscope. The Nervoscope detects uneven distributions of heat along the spine which can be indicative of inflammation and nerve pressure. This instrument is guided down the length of your back and feels like two fingers gliding down each side of your spine.
3. Static Palpation — This is simply the process of feeling (or palpating) your spine in a stationary (or static) position. Your chiropractor will feel for the presence of swelling (or edema), tenderness and any abnormal texture or tightness in the muscles and other tissues of your back.
4. Motion Palpation — This process involves feeling the spine while moving and bending it at various angles. This enables the chiropractor to determine how easily or difficult each segment in your spine moves in different directions.
5. X-Ray Analysis — X-ray films enable your doctor to visualize the entire structure of your spine. This is helpful in evaluating posture, joint and disc integrity, vertebral misalignments and ruling out any pathologies, or recent fractures that may be present or contributing to the patient’s condition. These full-spine radiographs are taken in the standing, weight-bearing position to fully substantiate the examination findings.

The focus of the Gonstead adjustment is to be as specific, precise and accurate as possible, addressing only the problem areas (areas of subluxation). Great care is taken to ensure a bio-mechanically correct position and precise thrust to provide the most accurate and painless adjustment possible. Geometry is very fortunate to have a chiropractor in Victoria BC who is fully trained in Gonstead.

The diversified chiropractic technique is on of the most the most common and popular adjustments done by chiropractors. Diversified is characterized by a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust. When you visit a chiropractor and you’re looking for instant relief of from your neck and back pain, this is probably the technique they will use.  It is considered the most generic chiropractic manipulative technique and its goal is to to restore proper movement and alignment of spine and to address joint dysfunction.

The activator technique is considered a softer gentler chiropractic treatment technique. The traditional Activator Adjusting Instrument (AAI), or more simply, Activator, is a small handheld spring-loaded instrument which delivers a controlled and reproducible impulse to the spine. The aim is to produce enough force to move the vertebrae but not enough to cause injury. A few studies suggest that the activator may be as effective as manual adjustment in treatment of back pain.

Logan Basic Technique (LBT) is a very gentle chiropractic technique that can be suitable for pregnant women and young children. The chiropractor applies light, sustained pressure directed to a specific ligament at the base of the spine. The goal is to realign the pelvis and reduce tension on the spine. 

Drop table technique involves a specially designed table with padded platforms designed to drop a fraction of an inch when the chiropractor applies a quick thrust to make an adjustment.  At Geometry Dr. Dawn uses a  “Segmental Drop Table,”  which helps by  enhancing the motion of the area of the body which is to be adjusted. The drop table aids by minimizing the amount of  force/pressure required for the adjustment. This is one of the benefits of this technique. The subtle dropping motion, which patients experience as a vibration, makes it very comfortable for most patients.

Damage of the soft tissue from repetitive movements, overuse, tears or micro trauma causes a build up of scar tissue. This scar tissue causes tightness, leading to a decrease of mobility and strength, nerve entrapments and   chronic pain. Chiropractors will often use soft tissye manipulation techniques to adress these issues and to prepare the body for chiropractic adjustments. Prior to the adjustment of the spine and other joints, Dr. McElgunn will often perform extensive soft tissue work which entails manipulation of muscles, connective tissue/fascia, tendons and ligaments.

Depending on your injury a variety of treatments may be used such as Active Release Technique, Gua Sha, Myofacial therapy, percussion,  PNF stretching as well as Tens, IMS. and IFC. Treating the soft tissue is crucial to break down adhesion’s, release cytotoxins, decrease inflammation, and stimulate blood flow allowing injured tissue to heal.   

Our chiropractor in Victoria uses a combination of treatments, depending on your specific needs

After collecting your medical history, and performing an examination to establish a diagnosis, our chiropractor can develop and carry out a comprehensive treatment/management plan, recommend therapeutic exercise and other non-invasive therapies, and provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counselling. If you need to see a chiropractor in Victoria BC  follow the link below.

The sound during an adjustment is called a cavitation, and it’s the release of gas that makes the popping sound. For some people this is a terrifying sound, but for those who’ve experienced it, it can be a wonderful release. Despite a common misconception, this sound has nothing to do with the cracking of  bones, rather the sound comes from inside the joint where two bones meet. The joints of the spine are called synovial joints and they produce a fluid called synovial fluid. Synovial fluid lubricates and nourishes the joint. The byproducts formed in the production of synovial fluid are gasses – oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

When a chiropractor does an adjustment, the joint is separated very slightly.  This precise separation causes a drop in pressure in the synovial fluid between joints, and the release of a gas bubble responsible for the audible pop or cracking sound. It is safe and normal.

At Geometry Victoria we offer direct billing for treatments with our Chiropractic Doctors. If you have extended health benefits, your chiropractic treatment will most likely be fully or partially covered. Learn more on our direct billing page or contact us for details.