Q: How long is a typical visit for Chiropractic?
A: The initial visit will take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete, depending on the severity and complexity of the injury. During this visit the practitioner will perform a history, a physical exam, provide a diagnosis and recommendations for treatment, as well as perform the first treatment (provided they do not require advanced imaging before proceeding). Visits after this point are usually 15-20 minutes in length, again depending on the severity and complexity of the injury. 

Q: How long will it take before I feel better? 
A: The majority of patients report improvement after the first visit, while for others it might take 2-3 treatments before improvement is detected. The response is varied depending on several factors such as the patients overall level of health, exercise history, pain tolerance, and individual characteristics. Most patients will experience full recovery after approximately 6 visits, but again this depends on factors such as the severity, complexity, and chronicity of the injury, as well as the patients adherence to the treatment and exercise recommendations. 

Q: I have been seeing a chiropractor for several years, what is the difference between them and you?
A: Without generalizing about the entire chiropractic profession, it is fair to say that the chiropractic adjustment is central to the chiropractic visit.  Some chiropractors perform only the adjustment, some perform soft-tissue treatment, some provide exercise recommendations, and others provide nutritional recommendations, and still others provide other forms of treatment not mentioned here. At Elite Sports Therapy we provide the services of Chiropractic, Active Release Technique, Graston Technique, Contemporary Medical Acupuncture, Exercise rehabilitation, and Personal Training. While there are several clinics that can boast similar qualifications, there are not many individual chiropractors who can boast all of the above qualifications. The benefit at EST is that you see one practitioner who can provide you with all of the above techniques. They use their expertise and knowledge to determine what will be most effective for you, and will provide you with the techniques and tools to avoid recurrence of your injury in the future. 

Q: What does it cost? 
A: An initial visit with our chiropractors costs $120, and any subsequent visits cost $65.  For students or seniors, an initial visit is $90 and subsequent visits are $50.  A 1-hour massage is $80, a half hour is $50, and an hour and a half is $115.   

Q: Is the treatment painful?
A: Our main goal when providing treatment is to remove the source of the pain. In order to do that, we must first locate it and then address it accordingly. Because we are directly targeting the painful tissue, pressure applied to the area can be uncomfortable, but we do everything in our power to cater to your tolerance level. A description we often hear is that it hurts so good, which is accurate because by targeting the area it produces some discomfort, but you can tell that it is doing your body good. Patients are so pleased with the outcome that any discomfort during the treatment is well worth it. 

Q: What can I do on my own time to help speed recovery?
A: Where appropriate, our doctors will prescribe rehabilitative exercises specific to your injury or condition. By adhering to the exercises as well as the treatment plan, you will accelerate the healing process. Occasionally, patients will complain of tenderness in the areas that were addressed during treatment. This is a common finding because we are breaking down scar tissue and removing adhesions, which can sometimes create a slight inflammatory reaction.  In order to combat this effect, ice applied regularly over the area will help to decrease the tenderness. Your doctor will provide you with information regarding the frequency of ice application as well as the specific location to apply it. 

Q: Does Alberta Health Care cover the cost of my visit?
A: Alberta Health Care delisted chiropractic as a covered expense in July 2009.  AHC does not contribute to the cost of chiropractic or massage. 

Q: If I have third party insurance, will it cover the treatment?
A: We recommend that you check with your insurance company to determine if you have coverage for chiropractic care or massage therapy. If you are receiving ART, Graston, or Acupuncture, these are still considered a part of the chiropractic visit when performed by a chiropractor. If you have third party insurance, you must pay for your visit up-front, and then submit your receipt to your insurance company. We do not direct bill to third party insurance companies. 

Q: If I have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, will I have any out-of-pocket expenses? 
A: To be covered under the new Alberta Motor Vehicle Accident protocols, you must visit a health practitioner within 10 days of the accident. If you visit a health care practitioner within this time, then you are eligible to receive treatment that will be covered by your respective insurance company. You may consult a chiropractor or a medical doctor to complete this intitial assessment. You will not incur any out-of-pocket expenses until such time as your treatment plan has expired. Your treatment plan must be completed within 90 days of your first visit, and no treatment will be covered after this time without the permission of your insurance company. After your treatment plan is complete and your case closed, you are free to visit the clinic for the cost of a regular visit.