What do Chiropractors do?

Chiropractors diagnose, treat and help prevent conditions and disorders related to muscles, bones, joints and nerves.

As primary care practitioners, chiropractors can develop and carry out a comprehensive treatment and management plan, which may include manual therapy, exercise, and nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counselling. Chiropractic care may complement or support medical treatment by relieving the musculoskeletal aspects associated with other conditions.

The main form of treatment chiropractors deliver is called an adjustment – a highly skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to a joint of the body. Adjustments loosen the joint to restore proper movement and optimize function.

Chiropractors may also utilize a wide range of other manual therapies as well as heat, laser and ultrasound. A chiropractor does not prescribe drugs or perform surgery, but may make a referral to medical specialists for such treatment when appropriate.

Chiropractors spend four years at an accredited chiropractic institution. The chiropractic curriculum at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto includes studies in anatomy, pathology, biomechanics, chiropractic principles, diagnosis and adjustment techniques.

Chiropractors are one of only five classes of health care professionals in Ontario that are able to use the title ‘Doctor,’ with its accompanying rights and obligations.