Author Archives: admin

CANCELLATION AND NO ARRIVAL POLICY

CANCELLATION AND FEE POLICY

Chiropractic                                                 Therapeutic Massage           Physiotherapy
Initial Exam/Treatment        $80         30 min. Massage        $50        Initial Exam/Treatment $100
Chiropractic Office Visit    $45            45 min. Massage        $65       Physiotherapy Office Visit $75
60 min. Massage        $80                      Extended Visit        $75         Shockwave  $125
90 min. Massage        $115                                                                     (+$25 each additional body  part treated)

All prices above include GST if applicable.

This is the current fee schedule for services available at Sundance Chiropractic & Wellness, and may change from time to time with notice.  Discounted prices may be available for seniors and students. Please inquire at the reception desk for details regarding other goods or services.

Please note we can direct-bill some insurance companies as well as WCB on behalf of our clients.  This is a courtesy service, and may not be available for some insurance companies and/or some services. As of July 2012, some insurance plans also may not cover therapeutic massages performed by some therapists; please inquire at the reception desk and your human resources manager for the specific details regarding your plan.

Please note that the client is always responsible for his or her own account for all services rendered in the event that the insurance company or WCB refuses some or all of the reimbursement.

It is the policy of Sundance Chiropractic & Wellness to charge full fees for missed appointments or for canceling any scheduled appointments with less than 24 hours notice.

Dated this _________day of ______________________, 20_____

Patient Name (please print) _________________________________________

Signature ________________________________________________________

Witness _________________________________________________________

Home

We are a WCB authorized provider that believes in Evidence-Based Care, and will have a treatment plan individually tailored to your health needs, which includes a treatment phase, a rehabilitation phase, and a maintenance/prevention phase. We will also monitor your progress carefully and adjust the plan accordingly. In other words, we will NOT be asking you to come in three times per week indefinitely!

 

 

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is the third largest primary-contact health care profession in the Western world, next to Medicine and Dentistry. In Canada, there are over 6,000 practicing chiropractors, and approximately four and a half million Canadians use the services of a chiropractor each year. Chiropractic is a regulated health profession recognized by legal statutes in all Canadian provinces and American states, as well as most EU countries. Chiropractors along with medical doctors, dentists, psychologists, and optometrists have the legislated right and obligation to communicate a diagnosis, and to use the title “Doctor”.

All provinces have a regulatory chiropractic college established by legislation, similar to the regulatory bodies for other professions. These regulatory colleges are responsible for protecting the public, standards of practice, disciplinary issues, quality assurance and maintenance of competency.

Chiropractors practice a conservative, drug-free, manual approach to health care that includes patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment. It emphasizes a natural approach to healing by working with the body’s innate recuperative abilities, instead of opposing this innate intelligence by forcing an external framework against the natural healing process. Chiropractors assess patients for disorders related to the spine, pelvis, extremity joints, and their effects on the nervous system. By investigating the relationship between the structure of the spine plus related anatomical structures (such as the muscles, tendons and ligaments) and their physiologic functions, chiropractors can deduce the cause of the condition. Therefore, chiropractors aim to treat the cause of a disease, not just its symptoms.

As a result of taking a physical assessment and patient history, chiropractors are able to provide a differential diagnosis for the patient’s presenting condition(s) and develop a comprehensive treatment/management plan. Chiropractors are also trained to recommend therapeutic exercise, to utilize other non-invasive therapies, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary, lifestyle and ergonomic counselling.

Legislative bodies across Canada, as well as researchers and governments around the world have conducted extensive scientific reviews of the chiropractic profession, and have consistently endorsed chiropractic services.

The chiropractic adjustment is the most common form of treatment utilized by chiropractors. Also known as spinal manipulative therapy, the adjustment is a non-invasive, manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed through four years of intensive chiropractic education. An adjustment is a carefully controlled procedure delivered by a skilled practitioner to dysfunctional spinal or extremity joints. The primary goal is to decrease pain, improve areas of restricted movement, particularly in the spine, and to decrease muscle tightness or spasm through the restoration of normal biomechanics and improved functioning of the spine, extremities and supporting soft tissue structures.

Chiropractic adjustments rarely cause discomfort. However, as it is a manually applied therapy, patients may sometimes experience mild soreness or an ache following treatment, which typically resolves within 12 to 48 hours.

The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. For example, the technique is modified when treating children, pregnant women and older patients. Patients typically note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment. The vast majority of patients who seek chiropractic health care do so for complaints of the musculoskeletal system, most often for conditions affecting the spine such as low back pain, neck pain and headaches. Research has proven that chiropractic treatment is effective for these conditions.

In many conditions such as low back pain, chiropractic may be the primary method of treatment. Where other medical conditions exist, chiropractic may complement or support medical treatment by relieving the musculoskeletal aspects associated with the condition.

 

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is an an ancient art of healing practised for millenia in both Eastern and Western cultures.
In the 19th century, Heinrich Ling systematically defined those massage techniques which formed the basis of Swedish massage, the most common method of massage practiced today.
Therapeutic massage helps to support and optimize your entire musculoskeletal system by:
•    alleviating pain and stiffness
•     reducing inflammation and swelling, especially for headaches
•     restoring the strength of injured, tired and overworked muscles
•     eliminating chronic scar tissue and myofascial adhesions
•     managing stress and promoting relaxation
•    encouraging a sense of well-being
▪    Our therapists also have specific training in a variety of techniques such as pre/peri/postnatal pregnancy massage, children’s massage, geriatric massage and sport injuries.
▪    Please be aware that the City of Calgary differentiates between a relaxation massage delivered by a masseuse (who has less than 250 hours of formal training), versus a therapeutic massage deliveredby a registered massage therapist (or R.M.T.), who has over 2000 hours of training. Most insurance plans and extended health benefits will only cover massages performed by a R.M.T. All of our therapists are R.M.T.’s with extensive training and experience.

Custom Foot Orthotics

Foot orthoticAn ‘orthotic’ is a device designed to restore your natural foot function. Many ‘biomechanical’ (walking) complaints such as heel pain, knee pain and lower back pain are caused by poor foot function. Orthotics re-align the foot and ankle bones to their neutral position, thereby restoring natural foot function. In turn this helps alleviate problems in other parts of the body.
In addition, orthotics give a more even weight distribution, taking pressure of sore spots (e.g. the ball of the foot, corns in between toes, bunions etc) and they provide some shock absorption.

Who needs orthotics?

Orthotics benefit people with foot pain or discomfort due to walking imbalance (biomechanical complaint). Imbalances such as Flat fee, heel pain, knee pain and shin pain are known to cause pain and discomfort.

Can you wear the orthotics during all daily activities?

People who stand or walk all day will benefit from orthotics. 
If you suffer from pain during any form of sporting exercise then orthotics can reduce the pain associated with your condition. 
For overweight individuals, orthotics will help to counteract the extra stress being placed on the feet.

What specific conditions may be helped?

Below is a list of all the conditions that orthotics can help.
Achilles Tendonitis, Corns, Metatarsalgia, Sesamoiditis, Ankle Sprains, Flat Feet, Neuroma, Tendonitis, Arch Pain, Heel Pain, Pronation, Top of the foot pain, Bunions, Knee Pain, Shin Pain, Toe Pain. Imbalance in your feet can alter the bony structure of your feet and lower legs, foot orthotics may eliminate posture problems and foot and leg pain.

Do I need a physician’s prescription to get custom orthotics?

No. Chiropractors are primary health care professionals and therefore do not need a physician’s referral, however most insurance companies require a prescription from a Medical Doctor before they will reimburse your claim. Custom orthotics are orthotics that are especially molded to your feet. Only a registered Chiropodist can properly determine if you require orthotics. The best orthotics are formed from a cast rather than a computer foot pad and the orthotic needs to be made by a Chiropractor.

Why do I need orthotics?

Imbalances of the bones of the feet can result in abnormal foot motion (over pronation). This can impair foot function which can result in abnormal rotation of the legs and sometimes affects the knees, hips or back. If we combine these tremendous forces with the need for precise balance, we can see how small structural changes in the foot can make significant differences. Orthotics help to improve those structural changes.

How long will my Foot Orthotic Last?

Usually between 12 to 18 months.

Does it take time to get used to orthotics?

Your feet need time to adjust to the correct biomechanical (walking) position. Orthotics should be gradually used to begin with. During the first 48 hours of use, use the orthotics for approximately 3-4 hours. After this period of time it is recommended you use the orthotics for 6-8 hours. In the second week of use the orthotics can be utilized all day.

Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a safe and effective     form of treatment which has become a complete holistic health  care system. This 5000 year old form of medicine has much to  offer in the hectic world of today.
What is Qi?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is based around the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy. Qi circulates through the body, nourishing and energizing every cell of every tissue and organ. If there is a blockage in this flow, pain and/or disease is the result. Qi moves through pathways, called    meridians. Meridians are like a network of rivers flowing inside   the body. As a river flows through the land with its many branches, it provides life giving water to land, plants and animals. Meridians act in much the same way, carrying Qi to every cell of every tissue and organ in the body. Blockages in this Qi flow are like a dam in a river. The Qi becomes backed up, perhaps causing pain, and cutting off the flow of this vital energy to everything downstream.

How does Qi become disrupted?

Trauma, both emotional and physical, stress, poor diet, lack of exercise or excessive activity are among the ways Qi flow can be influenced negatively. If we are strong and healthy, the body will recover quickly from such an imbalance and return to a state of wellness. In the case of prolonged or excessive disruption, pain or disease can occur.

What does an acupuncturist do?

A full health history will be taken at the time of your initial examination. You will be asked questions regarding symptoms, general health, and lifestyle. Tongue and pulse diagnosis are a very unique exam to TCM, and can provide much insight to a person’s health.

Using the information gathered, the practitioner can effectively diagnose specific imbalances in your Qi, and create a structured treatment plan. Treatment plans may include Chinese herbal therapy, dietary recommendations, exercises, cupping or moxibustion, as well as acupuncture.

To address these imbalances, sterile, hair-like needles are placed at very specific points along the meridians. This is a very safe and painless procedure used to help remove the obstructions, thus allowing Qi to flow freely again. This can eliminate pain and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine is a safe, effective and drug free therapy that can address a large number of common ailments. Just some of the conditions recognized by the WHO (World Health Organization) to be effectively treated by acupuncture are: anxiety, arthritis, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, colitis, common cold, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, emotional problems, fatigue, fibromyalgia, headache, irritable bowel syndrome, low back pain, menopause, menstrual irregularities, migraine, pain, PMS, sciatica, shoulder pain, stress and tennis elbow.

About Us

Chiropractor Dr. Bruce Symons was born in Hong Kong to Scottish and Chinese parents, and the entire family emmigrated to Vancouver when he was 11 years old. He obtained his Bachelors in Zoology from the University of B.C. in 1985. He then relocated to Calgary in 1986, and completed the Biotechnology program at SAIT in 1987. With an interest in neurobiology research, he finished a Masters degree in Medical Science (specialization: Neuroscience) at the University of Calgary in 1992. During his time at the university, he developed a herniated disc in his low back and was told he would likely be paralysed from the waist down. After intensive treatment with his family chiropractor for over a year, the disc symptoms resolved, and he was so impressed with chiropractic philosophy that he enrolled in the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, graduating in 1997. He returned to Calgary to practice, and began a PhD at the Human Performance Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary in 2001, focussing on the biomechanics of neck manipulation and stroke. He is married and has one son. Massage Therapists Elizabeth Von Hollen, R.M.T. graduated from the 2200 hour Massage Therapy program offered by Foothills College of Massage Therapy right here in Calgary. Registered with the Association of Massage Therapists and Wholistic Practioners, she has practiced in and around the Calgary area. Elizabeth’s areas of interest are Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy, Elderly and Child massage, and of course Therapeutic and Relaxation Massage. Nadine Hunka is an RMT with 1300 hours training from an NHPC recognized institution and has trained and practiced in several modalities of massage therapy, both Swedish and non Swedish techniques which include manual lymphatic drainage, Pregnancy Massage, Deep Tissue Therapeutic and Relaxation massage. She believes in using massage therapy as a regular and consistent element of your health and wellness regime so you can establish a mind and body balance. She strives to create a non threatening, warm and welcoming environment that focuses on reducing and eliminating tension and stress being held within your muscles to achieve total relaxation. Nadine aims to further her massage therapy training by learning other modalities to ensure her clients are receiving the most appropriate care possible Melissa Symons, R.M.T. was born in Calgary. She recieved her Dental Assisting Diploma from SAIT in 1997, then recieved her Administrative Assistant diploma in 2001. Being fascinated by human bilology and physiology, Melissa decided to follow her heart and graduated from Alberta Massage Training at St. Mary’s University. Resgistered with the Natural Health Care Practitioners of Alberta, Melissa has been working at Sundance Chiropractic since the beginning of her practicum in 2010. Her strengths are myofacial release, manual lymph drainage and deep tissue massage. Melissa is also a part time artist and is married with 2 furry children. Melanie Raycevich, R.M.T. graduated in 1995 from the 2200 hour massage therapy program at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in Sutton, Ontario. She is a registered member of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario and is registered here in Alberta with the Natural Health Practioners of Canada. Majority of Melanie’s 15 year career has been therapeutic/treatment focused, working mainly in a chiropractic setting, treating soft tissue injuries as a result of motor vehicle accidents. However, she does enjoy giving a nice relaxation massage every now and again. Living a healthy and active lifestyle with balance is important to Melanie. Her regular practice of Bikram Yoga has inspired her to one day become a certified Bikram instructor. Acupuncturist Dr. Thory Tessem, TCMD, R.Ac. received his formal training in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Alberta College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. He performed his postgraduate practicum in Hangzhou, Zheijiang, China. An avid martial artist and holder of several black belts, Dr. Thory’s interest in health and fitness is both personal and long-standing. Having been in practice for the past four years around Calgary and having lived here most of his life, Dr. Thory is excited to become part of the team at Sundance Chiropractic & Wellness.