I am a chiropractor.

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I am a chiropractor.  But my definition of what a chiropractor is might be different than yours.  Is that because of the broad range of chiropractors out there?  Is that because of the assumptions and misnomers surrounding chiropractic?  Is that because of the way that I practice chiropractic?  Maybe it’s all of the above…

My first involvement with the chiropractic profession began when I was 21.  Fresh off a Bachelor of Science from the University of Calgary, I still didn’t know what I wanted to ‘be when I grew up’.  A friend of mine was a chiropractor and needed someone to work at the front desk of his clinic and I needed a job while I figured out my next step in life.  Enter Fate, stage left.  My path in life was suddenly clear.  I would become a chiropractor.  I sent off my application immediately, and began my four years at CMCC (Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College) that Fall.

I am a chiropractor.  This is what I do:

I do treat pain related to the spine, pelvis, nervous system, and joints of the body.  I do not only treat back pain and neck pain.  I use rehabilitation exercises, Active Release, acupuncture, Graston, and adjustments.  I am a chiropractor who rolls around on the ground to demonstrate exercises.  I am a chiropractor who watches you run if it hurts when you run, and who watches you throw if it hurts when you throw.

I do believe that the adjustment is a powerful tool, but it’s one of many and it’s not always appropriate.  I do not only use adjustments when treating an injury.  I am a chiropractor who believes that less-invasive is better than more-invasive.  I am a chiropractor who pays attention to research.  I am a chiropractor who pays attention to my patients.  I am evidence-based.  I am holistic.

I do enjoy working with those who want to heal quickly and are willing to be an active participant in their care.  I do not only treat sports injuries and athletes.   I am a chiropractor who makes you work.  I am a chiropractor who doesn’t want to see you week after week for months.

I do believe that chiropractic can benefit children, and both my babies had their first chiropractic treatment when they were a few days old.  I do not only believe that chiropractic can benefit adults.  I am a chiropractor who thinks that we should get our bodies checked like we get our teeth checked.  I am a chiropractor who has been called a ‘body mechanic’.  I am a chiropractor who thinks anatomy is fascinating.

I do agree that many patients can benefit from wellness/maintenance care, but this is not the case for everyone.  I do not agree that ‘once you see a chiropractor once, you have to keep going’.  I am a chiropractor who thinks that you know your body better than I do.  I am a chiropractor who will find the source of the injury, not the symptom of the injury.  I am a chiropractor who will do my best to find a clear diagnosis and give you a careful explanation.  I am a doctor.

I do think that the chiropractic profession needs to do a better job of communicating to the public, so that patients can select a chiropractor that can best meet their needs.  I do not like that there is a great divide within our profession, leading to confusion surrounding what we can do.  I am a chiropractor who believes in a broad scope of practice.  I am a chiropractor who keeps taking courses to broaden my knowledge and abilities.  I am a chiropractor who thinks that chiropractic is not the answer for everything.

I am a chiropractor. 

What I Learned on My Maternity Leave

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I am going back to work on Monday August 20th, and with this date quickly approaching, I have started to reflect on all that’s happened in the last six months.  I had originally planned on taking three or four months off following the birth of my daughter; being self-employed has some practical and financial limitations for maternity leaves.  As that deadline came and went, however, I just didn’t feel ‘ready’ to go back.  She still had more to teach me.  This is what I learned:

  • I learned that no matter how uncomfortable and anxious I was to meet her, she wasn’t ready until six days after her official due date.  She taught me patience.
  • I learned that I was able to fall in love with her deeply and immediately, as I did with her brother when he was born three years ago.  She taught me unconditional love.
  • I learned that I don’t need to second-guess my maternal instincts and intuition.  She taught me confidence.
  • I learned that seeing my children laugh together gives me a feeling of complete happiness.  She taught me joy.
  • I learned that I’m the first one she looks to for comfort, acceptance, and approval.  She taught me loyalty.
  • I learned that if I do not succeed at a new skill, I need to keep trying.  She taught me perseverance.
  • I learned that many of her needs can be met with a simple cuddle.  She taught me compassion.
  • I learned that seeing my son meet his baby sister for the first time was easily the most astounding moment of my life.  She taught me about miracles.

So as I return to work, I will keep these lessons in mind.  And I will continue to learn.