Healthy Living

Adjusting for you

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented times and it’s normal to feel uncertain and uncomfortable.

While chiropractic clinics have undergone some changes, their commitment to your health remains the sameLINK TO UPDATE As the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors, we work to protect the public. This is a mandate we always take very seriously, and especially so now.

When you walk into your chiropractor’s office, we want you to feel confident that you remain in safe hands. Your visit should be focused on why you came to see your chiropractor, and be free of any concern related to COVID-19.

That’s why the ACAC, in partnership with chiropractors across Alberta, developed an extensive Return to Practice plan LINK TO UPDATE that clearly outlines clinic requirements to achieve the highest level of patient safety.

What Alberta’s chiropractors are doing to keep you safe

Pre-screening patients

Before you even enter the clinic, you will be asked some questions to ensure that the clinic is kept as safe as possible by having any symptomatic patients reschedule for when they’re feeling better.

Encouraging the use of hand washing stations

Hand hygiene has been recognized as the most important factor in preventing the spread of COVID-19. That’s why hand washing and sanitizing stations have been set up in all Alberta chiropractic clinics to for both patients and clinicians.

Using enhanced cleaning protocols

Cleanliness has always been a priority in clinics, but new, more rigorous cleaning and disinfecting procedures have been put in place to ensure that high-use areas are being attended to regularly.

Encouraging physical distancing

Maintaining six feet between you and others lowers the risk of infection being spread. Physical distancing is encouraged throughout the clinic by spaced seating, encouraging patients to wait in their cars and using contactless payment methods.

Wearing masks

Chiropractors are wearing personal protective equipment, such as masks, during treatments.

Staying home if sick

All patients or staff that are feeling unwell are directed to stay home until they’re better.

Your experience at a chiropractic clinic will be different going forward, but those differences are there to put your mind at ease. And, while your experience visiting a clinic will change, the quality of care never will. So don’t remain in pain — Find a chiropractor near you.


Originally posted by Chiropractic Association of Alberta

Headaches: the role your diet plays

By Dr. Jill Mckinnon

Migraines are one of the top disabilities in young adults across the globe. 14 per cent of the population suffers from migraines and like most aches and pains, we often tend to reach for quick fixes. Although things like pain meds, peppermint oil and manual therapies may help in the moment, it’s always better to tackle the source of the problem instead of just treating the symptoms. Rather than asking how you can get rid of pain, try asking why you’re experiencing it instead.

Growing up, I believed headaches were normal as myself and everyone in my immediate family experienced them regularly. Now, as a chiropractor, I’ve realized that while some of us identify as “headache people,” there are many lucky enough to rarely, if ever, experience headaches. The best explanation I’ve heard around this has been coined the “bucket theory.” Imagine that within our brain we all have a bucket. When your bucket overflows, you experience a migraine and “headache people” tend to have particularly small buckets. So, what makes the bucket overflow? Can I increase the size of my bucket? First off, stimulus and inflammation contribute to “bucket overflow,” and therefore, a migraine. Overstimulation can be caused by weather, pressure changes, stress, food or environmental intolerances, bright lights and noise, hormonal imbalances and musculoskeletal stressors. While we may not have control over things like the weather, or how bright the fluorescents in our workplace are, there are some things we can control.

What many of us fail to realize is just how much of an influence the things we put into our bodies has on our wellbeing. When I ask a headache sufferer what their diet is like, the reaction I get is often shock for being asked that by their chiropractor. This is always one of the questions I ask because the food we eat influences our hormones, our pH, our mood, our energy and yes, our “buckets.”

To begin, we need to identify potential foods or environmental factors that could be overflowing your “bucket.” By identifying and eliminating potential contributors, you can free up space in your “bucket,” meaning you will be less sensitive to stimuli that can bring on a headache. The easiest way to do this is by tracking both your food and your headaches. Yes, this may be a tedious task, but it can be extremely helpful in identifying habits that you may not be aware of. I’ve had multiple patients identify their headache triggers with this step alone. When considering environmental factors, try noting down where you are when you begin to experience your headache symptoms. Remember to note details such as recently used cleaning and beauty products, chemical sprays and lighting at your workplace. When I was a teenager, I remember trying out a new shampoo with a distinct smell. I noticed I was experiencing nausea and headaches following showers. It was tracking this pattern that allowed me to identify that the shampoo was the culprit.

When it comes to diet, most of us are creatures of habit and tend to eat similarly most days of the week. However, if you’re experiencing consistent headaches and you’ve not noticed any patterns with environment tracking, it’s a good idea to track food next. I typically suggest seven straight days of tracking all food and beverages along with headache symptoms. If you are a female suffering from headaches, be sure to also track your menstrual cycle. For many women, headaches coincide with menstruation due to low levels of progesterone and estrogen.

Once you have tracked a full seven days of food and symptoms, it is time to start identifying patterns. For many migraine sufferers, the most common dietary culprits are amines, additives and chemicals. Dietary amines are a result of the breakdown of proteins in food and are found in many processed meats, aged cheeses, fermented foods and beverages like beer and wine and dried or very ripe fruits. It is thought that “headache people” lack the enzymes required to properly break down specific amines, so eliminating these foods for four weeks is often recommended. Now for some light at the end of the tunnel—the word amine is a category involving histamine, tyramine and a few others. That said, when you reach the reintroducing phase (after four weeks of elimination), I suggest researching which specific amines are present in the foods you find yourself reacting to and this will help you determine a more specific grouping to avoid instead of avoiding all amines.

When it comes to chemicals and additives in food, we tend to be more familiar with these offenders because they’ve already been given a bad reputation. It’s not a coincidence that many headache sufferers also experience digestive issues, irritable bowels and skin irritations or rashes. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame, high sodium and nitrites are some of the more prominent triggers that would be good to avoid if you experience any of the above symptoms. MSG is not only found in restaurants and fast-food joints, but is a common additive to many sauces, canned veggies and soups you likely have in your fridge or pantry. Aspartame in diet soda is another common trigger I see. Nitrites are most commonly found in processed meats like bacon and deli items.

Now that you have an idea of the common headache triggers, it’s time to begin tracking your food, identifying your problem ingredients and eliminating your triggers. Stay tuned for next month’s blog, “Five steps to identify and eliminate headache triggers.”

Before becoming a chiropractor, Dr. McKinnon achieved a Bachelor of Phys.Ed specializing in Fitness & Sport Performance leading to a career in personal training athletes. With this background, Dr. McKinnon focuses on educating her patients to be proactive in caring for their bodies and to alter habits that lead to aches and pains. By utilizing both exercise and healthy eating habits along with her chiropractic services, Dr. McKinnon strives to teach patients how to maintain an active, injury-free and energetic life. When she’s not working, you can likely find Dr. McKinnon at the lake boating or hiking with her husband, dog and new baby boy.


Originally posted by the Chiropractic Association of Alberta

Parenting is a tough gig — don’t let back pain add to it

Whether you’re carrying a diaper bag, pushing a stroller, or playing endless games with your little one, it’s no secret that parenting can take a toll on your body. Luckily, there’s good news — taking a few minutes per day to stretch will give your body a break, and has positive, pain-relieving benefits.

In part three of this three-part series, we will be covering three stretches specifically designed for the strains and pains that are placed on parent’s bodies. These three, quick stretches can be done any time of day, and only take five minutes to complete – perfect for when you get only a few minutes to yourself.

Core twist

Core twists will not only help relieve tension in your upper and lower abdomen, they can also help build strength!

How to perform a core twist: 

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms out to the sides.
  • Turn your head to look at one hand and slowly twist your spine to watch your hand go behind you.
  • Relax before slowly returning to centre.
  • Repeat twice on each side.

Side bend

Side bends will relieve tension between the ribs and strengthen the intercostal muscles (the muscles between your ribs). This movement can also help relieve tension in your neck and shoulders.

How to perform a side bend:

  • Standing straight, move your feet shoulder-width apart and raise your arms.
  • Breathe in and slowly bend to one side as one arm goes over your head and the other slides down your leg.
  • Slowly return to centre.
  • Repeat twice on each side.

Shoulder pull

Shoulder pulls can help relieve tension in your shoulders (no surprise there!), as well as in your chest and upper back.

How to perform a shoulder pull:

  • Place your hands behind your head and draw your elbows back.
  • Gently press your head into your hands, count to two, and release.
  • Repeat three times, then massage the back of your neck and head.

Straighten Up Alberta is a public education program offered by Alberta’s chiropractors, designed to increase awareness of and strengthen posture and improve spinal health. This scaled-down version, designed specifically for workers, is intended to provide relief when and where you need it. To see what else this program has to offer, visit StraightenUpAlberta.com.

Sitting at a desk shouldn’t be a pain in the back: three stretches for students

Whether you’re lugging heavy backpacks around, sitting through 3-hour long lectures, or having to convert your couch to a home-office, it’s no secret that school can take a toll on your body. Luckily, there’s good news — taking a few minutes per day to stretch will give your body a break, and has positive, pain-relieving benefits.

In part two of this three-part series, we will be covering three stretches specifically designed for the strains and pains that are placed on student’s bodies. These three, quick stretches can be done any time of day, and only take five minutes to complete.

 

Side bend

Side stretches will relieve tension between the ribs and strengthen the intercostal muscles (the muscles between your ribs). This movement can also help relieve tension in your neck and shoulders.

How to perform a side bend: 

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Reach both arms out to the side so they’re parallel with the ground.
  • Slowly reach one arm above your head and point to the opposite wall.
  • Hold for 10 seconds and repeat on the other side.

 

Twist and sway

The Twist and Sway movement stretches your back, hips, and glutes, so it’s especially good if you’ve been sitting for long stretches of time.

How to perform a twist and sway:

  • Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  • With your arms slightly bent or hanging loosely at your side, shift your weight from knee to knee as you twist to the left and right.

 

Crossover

The Crossover can help relieve tension in the outer hips and low back.

How to perform crossover:

  • Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, raise your hands above your head with your elbows bent at a 90-degree angle.
  • Bring your right elbow across your body while lifting your left knee.
  • Touch your elbow to your knee, and slowly alternate.

Use caution if you have a balance disorder.

Straighten Up Alberta is a public education program offered by Alberta’s chiropractors, designed to increase awareness of and strengthen posture and improve spinal health. This scaled-down version, designed specifically for workers, is intended to provide relief when and where you need it. To see what else this program has to offer, visit StraightenUpAlberta.com.

Throwing yourself into work shouldn’t mean throwing your back out: four stretches for labourers

Whether you’re climbing stairs all day, moving inventory, or re-arranging furniture, it’s no secret that work can take a toll on your body. However, there’s good news—taking a few minutes per day to stretch will give your body a break, and has positive, pain-relieving benefits.

In part one of this three-part series, we will be covering four stretches specifically designed for the strains and pains that are placed on worker’s bodies. These four, quick stretches can be done any time of day, and only take five minutes to complete.

Side stretch

Side stretches will relieve tension between the ribs and strengthen the intercostal muscles (the muscles between your ribs).

How to perform a side stretch: 

  • Point your left foot and take a step out to the left.
  • Bending your left knee, side bend at the waist to the left.
  • Place your left elbow on your knee* and extend your right arm above your head.
  • Hold for 10 seconds and repeat on the other side.

*Older adults should place their hand on their knee.

Trap openers

“Traps” is short for “trapezius muscle”, which is the muscle along the back of your neck and upper back. The trap muscle is used to turn your head and neck, steady your shoulders, and move your arms—so it’s important to ensure it’s looked after.

How to perform a trap opener:

  • Breathing deeply and calmly, relax your stomach muscles.
  • Let your head hand loosely forward and gently roll from side to side.
  • Bring your hands up to your neck and gently massage the back of your head and neck (b).
  • Drop your arms to your sides, relax your shoulders, and slowly roll them back and forward for 15 seconds (c).

Bending circles

Although this stretch may look simple, it’s very effective at stretching, strengthening, and relieving tension in your shoulder muscles.

How to perform bending circles:

  • Standing with your hands up, rotate your shoulders backwards making small circles in the air (a).
  • Bend from side-to-side and keep rotating shoulders for 10 seconds (b).

Lunge

A stretching and strengthening exercise in one, lunges are a fantastic way to build muscle, improve balance, and increase flexibility. Because lunges activate several major muscle groups, they are especially helpful for aiding in injury prevention, correcting muscle imbalances, and helping with rehabilitation—as long as proper form is used.

How to perform a lunge:

  • Standing up straight, take a step forward with one leg, bending slowly at the knees.
  • Allow the heel of your back foot to lift from the floor (only bend far enough to line up your knee with your ankle).
  • Balance for 20 seconds, repeat on opposite side.

Straighten Up Alberta is a public education program offered by Alberta’s chiropractors, designed to increase awareness of and strengthen posture and improve spinal health. This scaled-down version, designed specifically for workers, is intended to provide relief when and where you need it. To see what else this program has to offer, visit StraightenUpAlberta.com.

Sitting at a desk shouldn’t be a pain in the back: three stretches for students

Whether you’re lugging heavy backpacks around, sitting through 3-hour long lectures, or having to convert your couch to a home-office, it’s no secret that school can take a toll on your body. Luckily, there’s good news — taking a few minutes per day to stretch will give your body a break, and has positive, pain-relieving benefits.

In part two of this three-part series, we will be covering three stretches specifically designed for the strains and pains that are placed on student’s bodies. These three, quick stretches can be done any time of day, and only take five minutes to complete.

Side bend

Side stretches will relieve tension between the ribs and strengthen the intercostal muscles (the muscles between your ribs). This movement can also help relieve tension in your neck and shoulders.

How to perform a side bend: 

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Reach both arms out to the side so they’re parallel with the ground.
  • Slowly reach one arm above your head and point to the opposite wall.
  • Hold for 10 seconds and repeat on the other side.

 

Twist and sway

The Twist and Sway movement stretches your back, hips, and glutes, so it’s especially good if you’ve been sitting for long stretches of time.

How to perform a twist and sway:

  • Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  • With your arms slightly bent or hanging loosely at your side, shift your weight from knee to knee as you twist to the left and right.

Crossover

The Crossover can help relieve tension in the outer hips and low back.

How to perform crossover:

  • Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, raise your hands above your head with your elbows bent at a 90-degree angle.
  • Bring your right elbow across your body while lifting your left knee.
  • Touch your elbow to your knee, and slowly alternate.

Use caution if you have a balance disorder.

Straighten Up Alberta is a public education program offered by Alberta’s chiropractors, designed to increase awareness of and strengthen posture and improve spinal health. This scaled-down version, designed specifically for workers, is intended to provide relief when and where you need it. To see what else this program has to offer, visit StraightenUpAlberta.com.

A chiropractor’s guide to safely returning to activity

Summertime is here and with restrictions lifting, many of us are returning to the gym or getting outside to enjoy the weather. Whether you’re starting a new activity or returning to an old one, the tips below from chiropractor Dr. Giancarlo Carpino will help ensure you return to activity safely and pain-free.

Get your head in the game

You may want to jump right into an activity but taking a moment to prepare, not just physically, but mentally too, is the best way to reduce the chance of injury.

Prepare mentally

“Take some time to think about the activity you’re going to be doing. Think of the way your body will have to move, if you have limited mobility or a spot that’s already sore, and pay attention to that,” says Dr. Carpino.

Once you have visualized how your body will be moving, practice that movement a few times slowly and make note of any sore spots or pain. If you don’t feel any discomfort, try speeding up the movement. This will help “shake off the rust” and get your body used to the movements you’ll need for the activity.

Prepare physically

Warming up your muscles before you begin any activity will help reduce soreness and the chances of an injury. The

Straighten Up Alberta program consists of 12 stretches, works your entire body, and only takes 5-10 minutes! Warming up your body will help you move better, reduce the chance of injury, and ensure you’re performing at the level you want.

Soreness vs. pain

“Using your body in new ways is rewarding and exciting, but it also means you’re likely to experience new types of soreness,” says Dr. Carpino, “And while soreness is ok, pain is not.”

Be sure to take a moment to reflect on how your body feels before, during, and after the activity.

It’s normal to be a little sore after working out, and depending on your body, you may even experience delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). DOMS is when you use your body and the next day, you’re a bit sore, but the day after, you’re really sore. This is your body adapting to the load you placed on it, and as long as it presents as soreness and not sharp pain, it’s perfectly normal.

If either during your activity or after you experience any pain that feels sharp, burning, or electric, it’s time to pause and do some gentle stretches, change how you’re engaging with the activity, or stop altogether and

visit your chiropractor.

If it hurts, see a chiropractor

If you experience pain, your chiropractor can work with you to find the root cause and create a plan for recovery.

After gathering information about your injury—how it happened, when it happened, and what it feels like, your chiropractor can get to work in helping you feel better.

As musculoskeletal experts, chiropractors are specifically trained to diagnose the underlying cause, treat and recommend options to relieve pain, restore mobility and prevent reoccurrence so you can return to activity. Your chiropractor may perform a manual adjustment or a therapy to help relax the muscles and can also recommend exercises to help rehabilitation.

Armed with these tips, you’re on track for a pain-free summer—so prepare yourself, get outside, and have fun!

Dr. Carpino entered practice in December 2020 in Calgary, Alberta. When he’s not at work, you can find him walking his dog, playing flag football, or spending time with family and friends. Passionate about staying active and helping his community, Dr. Carpino takes pride in supporting his patients in healthy, pain-free living.


Originally posted on the ACAC blog.

Stretches for every kind of cyclist

Summer is upon us and while some COVID-19 restrictions are still in place, biking is a safe way to get outside and get your body moving.

Choosing the right bike for you is important to keep your body pain-free, and a bike shop can help fit you appropriately.

But choosing a bike goes beyond fit—including where you want to ride, what distances you want to cover, and more.

In this blog, the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors’ looks at three popular bike options, common pain points while riding, and what you can do to prevent and handle discomfort.\

Road bike

If you’re planning on sticking to smooth, paved roads, road bikes are an excellent choice. With lighter frames and thinner tires, road bikes make for a very smooth and fast ride.

With lower handlebars, riders sit in a leaned forward position. Over time, this can lead to neck and knee pain.

Neck pain

Road bikes are designed for speed, so riders take a bent-forward position while riding to increase aerodynamics. Over time, this position can cause neck pain as you have to keep your head lifted to see in front of you.

Try this for neck pain:

Sitting in a chair, clasp your hands together behind your neck. Slowly bend your head backward, curving your upper back. Hold for 5 seconds and then return to the starting position. Repeat this ten times or until you feel relief.

Knee pain

Road cyclists usually cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, which can cause a lot of fatigue—specifically in your knees.

Try this for knee pain:
Standing straight, stretch one leg out and rest your heel on the ground. Slowly hinge forward at the hips, keeping your back straight to stretch your hamstrings. Hold for a few seconds and repeat as needed.

While knee pain during cycling isn’t uncommon, it can sometimes signify a bigger problem. Be sure to visit your chiropractor if you have persistent pain, and they can help identify and treat the source of your pain.

Mountain bike

If you want the ability to go off-road with comfort, a mountain bike is for you. Mountain bikes come with several gears to help navigate steep hills and have thicker tires for rougher terrain. Most mountain bikes come equipped with shock absorbers or suspension to absorb impacts, so your body doesn’t.

Sore forearms, wrists, and hands

Not only do mountain bikers tend to grip handlebars tightly, but when they are riding on uneven terrain, their wrists are experiencing hard shocks, which can lead to pain and fatigue.

Try this for sore wrists:

Place one arm straight out in front of you and rotate your wrist down and outwards. Use your other hand to further rotate your hand. Be sure to work within a comfortable range of motion and stop if you feel pain. Hold for a few seconds and switch hands.

If you are noticing a lack of range of motion, your chiropractor can help restore range of motion through simple adjustments.

Low back pain

Lower back pain is another common ailment mountain bikers experience. Low back pain can sometimes signify that you need to stretch out your muscles, or that you have a muscle imbalance and need to build strength in some areas.

Try this for low back pain:

Sitting on the ground with your legs out in front of you, put one foot over your leg and cross your opposite arm over that leg to create a gentle twist in your lower back. Hold for a few second and alternate.

Working with your chiropractor will help identify the cause of your low back pain, and they can work with you to recommend stretches and/or strengthening exercises to help restore balance to your muscles.

Cruiser bike

If the idea of a casual, fun ride is more to your liking, a cruiser bike may be the best fit for you. Cruisers have large tires, upright handlebars, and wider seats. Cruisers are typically single-speed or have a very low range of gears, making this type of bike ideal for short, relaxed trips.

Cruiser bikes are also an excellent choice for individuals with knee pain or arthritis as they’re easy to maneuver and don’t require full extension of the knee.

Tight calves

Not unique to cruiser bikes but a common complaint of cycling is tightness in the calves.

Try this for calf tightness:

Standing on a raised surface like a textbook or a step, place the ball of one foot on the edge and slowly bend your knee, letting your heel drop. This will create a stretch in the back of your calf. Hold for a few seconds and alternate.

Tight quads

Like tight calves, tight quads are common with any type of cycling.

Try this for tight quads:

Kneel with one foot on the ground and one knee on the ground, like you’re in a lunge. While in this position, slowly push your hips forward to create a stretch in your upper hips and quads. Hold for a few seconds and alternate. Regardless of what bike you choose, remember, if you’re new to biking, start slow, and listen to your body. It’s not uncommon to experience some soreness and discomfort when you first begin biking. However, if your pain persists or you experience any sort of numbness or loss of sensation, consult with your chiropractor.


originally posted on the ACAC blog.

Chiropractic care helps Alberta’s rodeo athletes preform at their championship best

Rodeo is one of the most physically demanding things you can put your body through, and unsurprisingly, comes with a lot of risk. Rodeo athlete Matt Lait spent much of his adult life competing in bareback rodeo competitions, where he experienced first-hand the risk and reward of competing.

Matt shares his story of how chiropractic care, along with integrated health-care support, kept him pain-free and ready to compete day after day, rodeo after rodeo.

Injury prevention and treatment

Our bodies experience regular wear and tear. This is especially true for athletes. Chiropractic care can help prevent ablation from turning into significant injuries by maintaining mobility or restoring function to problem areas.

Bronc rider Matt is no stranger to injuries to his legs, hips, and back. “By visiting my chiropractor weekly, it cut down on the number of injuries I got and kept me from experiencing anything more significant.”

When asked about his most significant injury, Matt says, “I’ll never forget it. It was a Sunday evening, and the biggest rodeo of the year was taking place Wednesday night. I went to point to the computer screen and fell to the ground and couldn’t get up. My wife called the chiropractor and I shuffled into his office the next morning. He proceeded to adjust me that morning, night, Tuesday morning, and then one last time Wednesday morning. Over the course of three days, I went from being unable to walk to winning the championship.”

Chiropractic care beyond the stadium

For Matt, chiropractic care didn’t end with rodeo—it became an integral part of his life beyond competing. “I’m still pretty active—riding horses, ranching, participating in auctions, so it’s important for me to still be functioning properly.”

Although he no longer has standing weekly appointments, Matt still visits his chiropractor for regular maintenance care. Still leading a very active lifestyle, chiropractic care helps him prevent injuries from repetitive movements and keeps him fully mobile. He says, “depending on the week, maybe certain parts of my back are locked up. By seeing my chiropractor regularly, I remain pain-free and prevent injuries before they occur, which means I can continue working and doing what I love.”

Maintenance care benefits everyone, athlete or not

Maintenance care, regular visits with your chiropractor, can help and address problem areas like limited mobility or soreness, before they turn into full-blown injuries.

Matt says, “Rodeo taught me how to listen to my body. I now pay attention to the signs and know when I need to stretch, rest, and see my chiropractor. Whether athlete or not—you can begin to recognize where you lack mobility or experience pain. You realize how it impacts every aspect of your life—your sleep, getting up in the morning, bending over, everything you do.”

Whether your day involves competing in rodeo or just a trip to the grocery store, listen to your body. Pay attention to where you have limited mobility, pain, or soreness. And if it hurts, see a chiropractor.


ORIGINALLY POSTED ON THE ACAC CHIROPRACTIC WEBSITE: https://albertachiro.com/ACAC/Chiropractic_in_Alberta/BLOG/Chiropractic_care_helps_Alberta_s_rodeo_athletes_preform_at_their_championship_best.aspx

Chiropractic: part of an integrated health-care team that puts patients first

Needing to keep your body and joints feeling good, functioning well, and protected from injury are all things Albertans are aware of. But what about the extra issues for folks who ride in rodeos, run the chuckwagons, or farm or ranch? How do they keep up with their rigorous, demands of their life’s work? The answer may surprise you – teamwork!

“In the health-care profession, we call that an ‘integrated care approach,’” explains Dr. Blaine Bugg, an Alberta-born and bred chiropractor who treats patients out of his Calgary-based clinic, who is also the President of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sport Medicine program.

Founded in 1983, the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sport Medicine Team (CPRSMT) is a group of dedicated caregivers who are passionate about the sport of rodeo and the western way of life. From four volunteers in 1983 the team has grown to over 50 caregivers that provide a variety of care and treatment to pro rodeo and chuckwagon athletes at events like the Calgary Stampede, Professional Bull Riders competitions and other Canadian Pro Rodeo Association events across Canada – all told, about 180 performances each year.

The Team consists of over 50 practitioners in the disciplines of athletic therapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy that provide on-site attention to rodeo athletes. The Team also educates and enables competitors to better care for themselves and their injuries, to ensure they get the most out of their lives and rodeo careers. The CPRSMT also includes a curated network of physicians, sport medicine physicians, and orthopedic surgeons providing post injury care to rodeo competitors.

What is integrated care?

Typically, when you visit your health-care provider, whether it be a chiropractor, massage therapist, doctor, or other practitioner, they will conduct an assessment and recommend care based on their findings. In a fully integrated approach like the one used at the Sport Medicine program, the assessment is conducted by a number of practitioners before a treatment plan is even established. This way, patients can feel confident that every area that needs attention is being looked after by the correct specialist.

This is the main advantage for the patient in an integrated approach to care. Rather than practitioners working independently to care for your injury, they come together to provide their expertise for each individual element of the injury which necessitates greater focus on the person’s needs and care. They all work together in a coordinated fashion, sharing relevant medical information, and sharing responsibility for positive patient outcomes.

Why is integrated care important?

An integrated approach to care sees the value that each discipline brings to the table. It eliminates the separation between disciplines, encourages a multi-faceted approach, and provides patients with more fulsome care.

Dr. Bugg explains, “sometimes I evaluate a patient and recognize that I am able to help, and other times I recognize that I will only be getting in the way of their care and it would be more impactful to refer them on to another practitioner.”

Integrated care means patients are always put first.

Who is integrated care for?

For practitioners in the Sport Medicine program, which on average does more than 4,000 treatments each year, 40 per cent of their patient base is coming in for preventative maintenance, not rodeo accidents. Dr. Bugg explains, “It’s not just injuries we see—some athletes come in before competing because they’ve been driving in a truck or car for 10 hours to get here.”

It’s not just rodeo athletes that benefit from preventative, integrated care—we all do. By routinely seeing a team of practitioners that seamlessly work together, you can be confident you’re receiving the most appropriate and targeted care from the right source.

How do I know if my provider follows an integrated approach?

Knowing if your health-care provider follows an integrated approach is as simple as asking.

You can have this conversation during your first appointment, or even before you select them as a provider. When you go see your family doctor, you should have confidence that they have a network of colleagues that specialize in other kinds of care.

Remember—as the patient you are entitled to ask these questions and know that your care is a priority.

If you want to hear more about Dr. Bugg, check out his recent feature on the WPCA podcast, done in partnership with the ACAC.


This article originally appeared on: https://albertachiro.com/ACAC/Chiropractic_in_Alberta/BLOG/Chiropractic__part_of_an_integrated_health-care_team_that_puts_patients_first.aspx