Chiropractic Services
THE SU WELLNESS CENTRE
Location: MSC 370 (MacEwan Student Centre), Phone: (403) 210-9355
Open Monday- Friday 9 AM- 4:30 PM
CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL STUDENTS, STAFF, FACULTY AND VISITORS TO CAMPUS.
NOW AVAILABLE: ORTHOTICS FITTINGS!
Frequently Asked Questions | Our Chiropractors | Links
Chiropractors: Who are they and what do they do?
Doctors of Chiropractic are primary contact health care professionals. Chiropractors focus on the spine and how it relates to the total body. Chiropractors specialize in the understanding and treatment of the spine’s component bone structures, muscles and nerves. It takes seven years of university level training to become a chiropractor. Three years of university courses are required prior to being accepted to the four academic year accredited college of chiropractic program. A chiropractic student is required to take board exams, both written and practical, before being eligible for a license to practice in Canada . In Alberta , 75 hours of continuing education is required over every three-year period to maintain a license, as well as a practice review every five years. For more information regarding chiropractic in Alberta, check out the website of the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Benefits & Cost | Appointments & Forms | What to Expect | Treatment Options | Accidents & WCB | Health Care & Benefits
What are the benefits?
Just a few of the benefits of chiropractic care include greater mobility, relief of symptoms such as muscle pain, burning, numbness and tingling. What do chiropractors treat?
|
Mechanical Back Pain including: |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strain/Sprains Including:
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
How much does it cost?
University Health Services has very affordable fees. Please call for information regarding our fee schedule including student rates. The initial visit fee accounts for a longer visit, repeat visits are based on the length of the appointment, and specialty services such as Active Release, Graston and Acupuncture have a fee based on time and expertise .
As of July 1, 2009, Alberta Health Care is no longer is funding Chiropractic treatment. The $14 usually billed to AHC will now be added to the treatment fee. Please call our office for our fee schedule. The fees have not increased otherwise, so Alberta residents will be paying the same out-of-pocket fee that out-of-province patients previously paid. Manitoba is the only province that has chiropractic coverage under the provincial health plan. If you are from Manitoba, you can get partially reimbursed by sending in your receipt.
U of C Employees: Support Staff, MaPs and Academic plans now will cover chiropractic treatment through Blue Cross, since there is no longer coverage under Alberta Health Care. Coverage for full time staff is $30 per visit up to $600 per year (combined for chiropractic, massage therapy, and physiotherapy.) A referral from a medical doctor is not required.
Graduate Student Plan: The Graduate Student Health Plan covers the entire cost of treatment, with a maximum of $325 per year (The maximum is $325 combined massage therapy and chiropractic, not $325 each).
Undergraduate Student Plan: The Undergraduate Student Plan covers 80% of the fee, up to $20 per visit, with a yearly total of $300. If you are from Manitoba , you can send the remaining cost to the provincial health plan for reimbursement. If you have any questions, please go to the Student Health Plan Office, 3rd Floor, MacEwan Student Centre.
If you have opted out of the student plan, check with your other health plan to see if it covers chiropractic services.
How can I book an appointment?
Call University Health Services at 403 210-9355(WELL) to book an appointment. Please let the receptionist know if it is your first time seeing a chiropractor at UHS. Separate files need to be kept by each of your health care practitioners at UHS, so you will need to fill out two forms before your first chiropractic appointment. An initial visit is approximately one half hour. Follow up (“repeat”) treatments take 10 minutes. Repeat ART, Graston and Acupuncture treatments takes 20 minutes. Let the receptionists know if you are booking for ART, Graston or Acupuncture. All of our chiropractors have different specialtie and we want to ensure that you are seeing the chiropractor that will best fit your needs.
Please try to be on time for your appointment! If you are late, you may have to wait or reschedule your appointment.
Missed appointment policy - If you cannot make your appointment, please call to cancel or reschedule.
Please note that all appointments requrie a full business day's notice for cancellations or full fees will be charged.
Can I download my forms in advance?
Forms can easily be filled out upon arrival to the clinic - this takes about 10 minutes, so please arrive a few minutes before your appointment time. Both Chiropractic forms may also be downloaded and completed prior to your appointment. You do not have to sign the consent form before talking to the chiropractor but please read the consent and fill out the prior chiropractic treatment section.
Downloadable PDF Forms:
Chiropractic history
Chiropractic informed consent
What should I expect on my first visit?
On your first assessment, the chiropractor will go through a history of your injury followed by a focused physical examination. Depending on your injury, the examination will include a postural exam, neurological exam, orthopedic exam and spinal assessment including range of motion, joint and muscular palpation.
Following the examination, a report of findings will be presented to you. This will include your diagnosis, treatment recommendations and a treatment plan. If you have questions, you may ask the chiropractor at this time. You will be asked for your consent before any treatment is given. If you have any concerns regarding treatment, please let your chiropractor know. There are a variety of treatment techniques. If manual therapy is not appropriate for your condition, the chiropractor will suggest other treatment options.
If chiropractic treatment is recommended, treatment is usually started on your first visit.
Please Note: If you have been to a chiropractor before, you will still need a full assessment at University Health Services. If your chiropractor has any information that will assist the UHS chiropractors, please bring it with you on your first visit.
Will I need to have x-rays taken?
X-rays are not always required but can be helpful in making the correct diagnosis of your problem. If x-rays are needed, the chiropractors at UHS can refer you to an x-ray clinic near you. There are x-ray services on campus in the Sport Medicine Clinic if this is more convenient. Usually the chiropractor will review the x-rays with you. A radiologist will read the films and provide your chiropractor with a report . Most x-ray clinics take digital images, so you will be given a CD which can be reviewed with the chiropractor.
Most provinces cover the cost of x-rays so take your provincial health plan card to the x-ray clinic. The x-ray clinic will bill your province directly so there is no out-of-pocket expense.
Please inform the chiropractor is you have recently had x-rays taken or if you are pregnant.
What kind of treatment will I receive?
That depends on your problem! At University Health Services, the chiropractors are trained in Diversified Chiropractic Technique, which encompasses a number techniques including but not limited to manual adjustments/manipulation, mobilization, Activator, stretching, trigger point therapy, soft tissue therapy, myofascial release and assisted drop table technique. Active Release Techniques and Graston Technique are also available (see below).
The chiropractors may recommend things you can do to get better, such as stretching and strengthening programs; core exercises; use of ice and/or heat; nutritional, ergonomic and postural recommendations. This is usually addressed on follow up visits.
If treatment with another health care practitioner would be more appropriate, the chiropractor can refer you accordingly.
How often will I need treatment?
That depends on your problem and how long you’ve had it. There are other determining factors as well such as age, prior injuries, pre-existing conditions, general health, etc. Some conditions resolve quickly, with a few treatments whereas others can take longer. Your chiropractor will explain the treatment plan specific to your problem.If you have already been seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis and are transferring your care to University Health Services for the school term, you may only need one treatment before attending on an “as needed” basis. If it has been a while since your last treatment, you may need a couple of sessions before you’re back on track.
What is Active Release Techniques?
Active Release Technique (ART) is a specialized therapy for treatment of soft tissue injuries. The most common soft tissue injuries are from overuse, such as the repetitive stress of working at a computer for long hours. Other injuries that can respond to ART include carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, iliotibial band syndrome, tennis and golfer’s elbow, etc.
In order to become an ART provider, each professional must complete extensive hands-on instruction and testing. An ART provider is trained to palpate and treat more than 300 muscular and fascial injuries and over 100 nerve entrapments, which can cause numbness and tingling.
Please inform the reception staff if you are booking an ART treatment, as extra time is required for an appointment. As well, please book with Dr. Opresnik for all ART sessions.
What is Graston Technique?
Graston Technique® uses stainless steel instruments to detect and treat areas of ‘scar tissue’ or adhesions in muscles, tendons and ligaments that can lead to pain and dysfunction. One of six different shaped instruments glides along the tissue acting like a scar tissue ‘stethoscope’.When knots or bands of scar tissue are encountered, both the doctor and the patient sense a restriction or a granular feeling. This area is treated to remove the restrictions and then stretching and strengthening exercises are given to promote re-alignment of the fibers so they behave more like normal, healthy tissue.
What is Kinesiotape and what is it used for?
Kinesiotape is a form of therapeutic and athletic taping that gives non-restricted support to muscle tissue. It helps to reduce swelling, inflammation and discomfort and is durable and breathable enough to last 3-4 days without the need for re-application.
Acupuncture- How does it Work?
Over the past two decades, Acupuncture inCanada has gained recognition as a valid and effective treatment for many conditions. More recently the National Institute of Heath (NIH), in a Consensus Statement on Acupuncture concluded: 'There is sufficient evidence of acupuncture's value to expand its use into conventional medicine.' Specifically, acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins, natural morphine-like hormones in the body, which help relieve pain, promote relaxation and aid the body in restoring its natural healing abilities.
Is massage therapy helpful to have before chiropractic treatment?
It can be! Massage therapy is especially helping to treat muscle spasm before receiving chiropractic treatment. The chiropractors and massage therapists at University Health Services are in direct communication regarding your care. If the chiropractor refers you to massage therapy, there is a reason for it and will discuss your treatment needs in advance of your massage.
You may require a referral for massage therapy from your medical doctor to get covered under your extended benefits plan. Some plans accept a referral from a chiropractor. Some plans do not require a referral at all. Check with your plan, as you will need to have the referral dated before your first massage to be reimbursed by your health plan.
Ask your chiropractor if it is best to have your massage session before or after a chiropractic treatment.
What should I wear for a chiropractic appointment?
On your initial assessment, the chiropractors at UHS will need to examine the area where your pain is located but will also examine your whole spine. Usually we can move your clothing accordingly to see the back and neck, but sometimes it is necessary to change into a gown. Please wear loose fitting clothes.
If you have a shoulder or arm injury, a tank top or sports bra is most appropriate for females and males will be asked to remove their shirt. If you have a knee or leg injury, please bring shorts to change into.
I have been injured in a car accident – What should I do?
The chiropractors at University Health Services can help! Chiropractors are primary care providers under the MVA Minor Injury Protocol inAlberta (2004). If you have an injury, you can see a chiropractor or physiotherapist for initial assessment. A treatment plan form will be completed and sent to your insurance company. Upon approval, all treatments will be directly billed to your insurance company so there is no out-of-pocket cost to you.
Be sure to contact your Car Insurance Provider to let them know you have been injured. All forms and claim information must be sent to the Insurance company within 10 days of the accident. Once you have been assigned an Injury Adjustor, they will provide you with a Claim Number and Insurance Contact Information (phone and fax numbers). Please bring this information with you on your first visit to University Health Services. Please let the reception staff know you have been in an accident, as the assessment takes approximately one half hour.
If the accident occurred in another province, please contact your insurance company to inform them you will be receiving chiropractic treatment. Upon approval, we may be able to bill your out-of-province insurance company as well.
I have been injured at work –DoesUniversity Health Services accept WCB claims?
Yes! UHS is an accredited WCB treatment center since 1996. The chiropractor will need the date of injury as well as ensuring you have reported the injury to your employer. All forms are sent to WCB electronically. Upon acceptance of the claim, WCB will approve a six-week period for treatment. The chiropractor will send update reports to WCB at three weeks and at six weeks. If required, treatment is typically started on the first visit. If you have not fully recovered at the end of the six-week period, a request for extension and/or referral to another health care provider is sent to WCB for approval.
What does Alberta Health Care Cover?
- As of July 1, 2009, Alberta Health Care no longer covers chiropractic services. X-rays, bone scans, bone densiometry and musculoskeletal ultrasounds are covered by Alberta Health Care when requested by a chiropractor. X-rays requested by a chiropractor and taken in Alberta are fully covered by your provincial health plan (except for Quebec).
How Can I Access My Manitoba Provincial Coverage?
Manitoba is the only other province that partially cover chiropractic services. Part of your fee will be reimbursed for out-of-province chiropractic treatment, as we cannot directly bill your provincial health plan. Send your receipts and current mailing address to:
| Saskatchewan: | Manitoba: |
|
Since April 2010, Saskatchewan no longer covers chiropractic. |
Manitoba Health – Out-of-Province Section $9 will be reimbursed per visit Coverage is for 12 visits per year |
How Can I Access My Extended Benefit Plan?
Effective July 1, 2009, Alberta Health Care will no longer be covering the cost of any chiropractic treatments. Therefore, most health plans should have immediate coverage if chiropractic is included in your plan.
Our Chiropractors
Dr. Scott Curry, BSc DC - Is on sabbatical until July 2011
Dr. Curry joined University Health Services in March 2007. Originally from Ontario, Dr. Curry is a graduate of the University of Waterloo with an Hounours degree in Kinesiology (1999) and Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto where he completed his Acupuncture certification as well (2003). Dr. Curry’s primary interests involve the management and treatment of athletic related injuries. He is currently a team chiropractor of the Dino’s varsity swim team, and has also helped with a variety of other sport teams from Track and Field to Wrestling. Dr. Curry is in private practice near North Hill mall.
Dr. Curry is fully certified in Active Release Techniques (A.R.T.), Graston Technique, and Acupuncture.
Dr. Curry’s other interests include Ironman triathlon racing for which he competes professionally (5th place, Florida , 2005; 8th place, Couer d’Alene, 2008, 7th in 2009), and was a member of the 2006 Canadian Elite National Long Distance Team.
Dr. Alim Kara, BSc, DC Dr. Kara is our newest edition to the UHS Chiropractic team. Originally from Vancouver, Dr. Kara received his Bachelors of Science degree (with distinction) in Biology from the University of Victoria. Dr. Kara received his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) with both Cum Laude and Clinical honors. He also received a certification to perform Biomedical Acupuncture with a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) foundation from CMCC. During his time at CMCC, Dr. Kara was thoroughly involved with student politics; serving on Students’ Council for four-years, including his final year as President. Dr. Kara received the most awards in his graduating class (twelve) for his leadership, volunteerism and academic excellence over his four-year tenure at CMCC. He was also the first student to ever be awarded an honorary membership to the school’s Governors’ Club. Dr. Kara’s primary interests lie in injury prevention and interprofessional relations, a unique mix that allows for high quality patient-centered care. Dr. Kara has been involved in many talks/lectures in where he speaks on topics regarding injury prevention and pathogenesis of musculoskeletal injuries. In early 2010, Dr. Kara traveled to the Dominican Republic to participate in the Chiropractic without Borders program, which offers primary healthcare assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries for under privileged and at-risk communities in under-developed countries. He is also currently conducting his second research study with CMCC and the University of Toronto on interprofessional healthcare and collaboration. Dr. Kara is trained in the latest soft tissue therapy techniques which he uses to complement his hands-on manual therapy skills. He also uses a myriad of other treatment options such as acupuncture, exercise/rehab, electro-modalities and nutritional advice to further enhance the therapeutic effect. Dr. Kara’s primary goal is to ensure that every one of his patients get the optimal care that gets them better at a pace and comfort level that suits them best; while also educating them on the measures they need to take in order to achieve and maintain optimal health.
Dr. David Opresnik, HBSc, BSc, DC
Dr. Opresnik has been at University Health Services since October 2004. Originally from Southern Ontario, Dr. Opresnik received his Honours biochemistry degree at the University of Waterloo . While attending the National College of Chiropractic in Chicago, Illinois, he earned an additional Bachelor of Science degree in human biology. Dr. Opresnik graduated from chiropractic college with highest honours, summa cum laude (1998).
Dr. Opresnik became a credentialed provider of Active Release Techniques in 1998. As stated above, Active Release Techniques is a therapy involving the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue injuries (muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves). Injuries involving overuse such as studying or sitting at a computer all day occur as a result of scar tissue formation. Scar tissue can form as a result of sprains or strains but also from decreased circulation and oxygen to the muscles due to repetitive use. This treatment uses hands-on treatment and patient motion to “free up” these problem areas.
Dr. Opresnik has since worked with a variety of recreational to Olympic level athletes. Dr. Opresnik has used ART (and chiropractic as well) to look after speed skaters, wrestlers, bodybuilders, "Strong Man" competitors, marathoners, Iron Man competitors, badminton players, swimmers, dancers, and of course, people like himself, the Average Joe. Dr. Opresnik has a good knowledge base in physical rehabilitation and strength training having worked as a personal trainer in the past. He is also trained in applying kinesiotape. Kinesiotape is a form of therapeutic and athletic taping that gives non-restricted support to muscle tissue. It helps to reduce swelling, inflammation and discomfort and is durable and breathable enough to last 3-4 days without the need for re-application. Dr. Opresnik has enjoyed co-managing patients with several other health care professionals ranging from massage therapists, physiotherapists, to sports physicians and athletic trainers.
Dr. Rachel Schuster, BSc, DC
Dr. Rachel Schuster has been in practice at University Health Services since 1998. Originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, Dr. Schuster completed a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy at the University of Saskatchewan in 1991. She attended Northwestern College of Chiropractic in Bloomington, Minnesota, graduating in 1995. While a student, she worked at the NWCC Center for Clinical Studies from 1992 to 1995, focusing on research in neck rehabilitation and headaches. In Dr. Schuster’s final year of clinical training, she completed a practicum with a chiropractic radiologist at NWCC, a practicum in Seattle, Washington at First Chiropractic, a motor vehicle injury clinic and completed a six-week practicum in Saskatoon, at the Royal University Hospital in rheumatology, neurology, scoliosis and orthopedic outpatient clinics. Following graduation, Dr. Schuster worked in private group practice in Saskatoon for two years as well as doing locums. She had the opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary clinic for six months, co-managing workers compensation cases and motor vehicle injuries with a team including a chiropractor, physiotherapist, athletic therapist, rheumatologist and psychologist. Upon moving to Calgary in 1998, Dr. Schuster joined the Associate Chiropractic Clinic, a multi-doctor chiropractic clinic, established in 1947. A well, she joined the team at University Health Services, working alternate days a week, with Dr. Greg Kawchuk. When Dr. Kawchuk accepted a position at the University of Alberta in 2004, Dr. Schuster assumed the position of Senior Chiropractor. She now practices at University Health Services on a daily basis and enjoys the team approach to providing care to the student, staff, athletes, dancers and the general public.
Dr. Schuster was a member of the team that helped to launch the Mount Royal College Encana Wellness Center in 2002, and stayed on at MRC for a year. As well, she has worked for the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board in both the clinical and cognitive skills examinations since 1998, with varied positions such as Test Construction, Chief Examiner, Standardized Patient Trainer and Clinical Skills Examiner. Dr. Schuster has participated in numerous chiropractic research studies through the University of Calgary , Kinesiology Department and the Joint Injury and Arthritis Research Group.
Dr. Schuster has extensive training in postural analysis, core strengthening, low-tech rehabilitation and nutritional counseling to assist with muscle, nervous system, bone and joint health. Her approach to chiropractic treatment is evidence based. Chiropractic treatment is only one part of getting better – education and prevention is a big part as well.
Dr. Lori Darroch, PE, DC
Dr. Darroch is currently on sabbatical from University Health Services as she is completing her Masters in Medical Education.
Dr. Shari Wynd, MASc, DC, PhD(c)
Dr. Wynd is no longer practicing at University Health Services. In January 2007 she joined the faculty at the University of Southern California (formerly Los Angeles Chiropractic College ).
If you would like to see one of the other chiropractors at University Health Services, your chiropractic file with Dr. Wynd is still accessible.
Dr. Greg Kawchuk, DC, PhD
Dr. Greg Kawchuk is no longer practicing at University Health Services. Dr. Kawchuk moved to Edmonton in 2004 and works at the University of Alberta (Assistant Professor, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Canada Research Chair in Spinal Function (Tier II) and Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary ).
If you would like to see one of the other chiropractors at University Health Services, your chiropractic file with Dr. Kawchuk is still accessible. Let the front desk know if it has been a few years since your last treatment!
Related Links
Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors
Canadian Chiropractic Association
Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
