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- About Dr.Millar
- Chiropractic Examinations
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- Sports Specialist Chiropractors
- A Thorough Chiropractic Examination
- Whole-body Approach
- Where Does Pain Come From
- I Would like to know more information
- Email Enquiries
- Chiropractic Treatments (ART / EMS / Ultrasound / Laser Acupuncture)
- Unique Testing And Benchmarks
- How is Swelling Reduced?
- What is a Sprain?
- I Would like to know more information
- Email Enquiries
A Thorough Chiropractic Examination
In any chiropractic examination the 'Golden Rule' is…
NEVER presume what the problem is!
For example, if a person walks in who is experiencing lower back pain this may very well be a 'symptom' – but it may not be the 'cause' of the problem. It may be easy to presume by the way they're walking that the problem is in the hip. But what if it's not?
A thorough examination must take into account ALL factors. When you presume – that's when things are missed -- misdiagnosis occurs -- and why treatments go on way longer than they need to. A proper chiropractic examination is a very exact science with NOTHING left to chance
Which is why, in every examination, a whole body approach is taken. It should never be assumed that pain in one area of the body is the 'root cause' of the problem. If the time is taken early on to carry out a COMPLETE examination – then a proper treatment plan can be put in place with definite results.
Take the back for example.
If the back is sore – a good chiropractor will also look for pain in the extremities. Is there pain in the:
- Hip
- Knees
- Ankles
They will also check for muscle pain in the:
- Gluteal
- Hip Flexor muscles
- Quads
- Hamstrings
- Calf or Shin muscles
Even if the muscles are just ticklish – not really sore – but if there is ticklishness on one side and not on the other. This is an indication there's a bit of a pinching of the nerve on that side in the lower back.
So, while treating the lower back, attention must also be paid to the extremities so these can be cleared up as well. Again, treating the symptoms AND the cause is the only way to ensure lasting relief.
It's the same when dealing with joint or muscle swelling. If the examination is done through the clothes – chances are something is going to be missed. A thorough examination involves a complete visual check of a person's skin. Being able to see the skin, you are better able to diagnose the condition and find where the problem is.
There is a technique used in modern chiropractic care where the EXACT location of pain or inflammation can be found. This is done by gently rubbing over an area of the body until the swelling is brought to the surface. This swelling will be SEEN as small red blotches on the skin. Even when rubbing over a large area, you will only see these blotches of red EXACTLY where the pain is – usually about the size of a large coin. You know then that these are the spots of inflammation, and you can then work towards drawing the swelling out.
Treatment for pain or injuries can only begin when the precise cause is found.
Diagnosis can only occur when the whole body is taken into consideration -- each symptom located -- and the appropriate treatment prescribed.
It all begins with a thorough examination – where NOTHING is left to chance.
Dr Millar has over 20 years experience in modern chiropractic care. In this time he has established his own unique chiropractic testing and benchmarks system for diagnosing and treating various ailments.
If you have found this page informative – it is suggested you read ' Help Reduce Pain and Swelling' and ' Where Does Pain Come From?'
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Patient Reviews:
"It's CRITICAL to find the 'root cause' of your problem. You shouldn't be treated as just another runner, or just another athlete experiencing temporary muscle pain.
Being asked about the intensity of your training program – what your diet is – what problems you're encountering – and what goals you have for the future...
It gives you confidence that the exact cause of your problem will be found.
You're not just another patient going through the same old routine. I find satisfaction in that."
Magda Badura – Marathon runner
"I still remember my first consultation – though it was ten years ago! A lot of the emphasis was on finding out about me – what I did, what caused me pain, what I wanted in terms of pain relief and treatment. A great deal of attention was placed on what I was experiencing and where it hurt."
Rebekah Voege – Stay at home mother with 2 children
"It started with a burning pain in my heel. I went to see my local doctor, and also the institutional doctor where I work. Both times I was told I had Plantar Fasciitis. All the symptoms pointed towards it, and general testing showed it to be the likely cause.
But it wasn't.
Most doctors don't tend to specialise in joint and muscle extremities. It wasn't until I received treatment from a specialist in extremity injuries that the REAL problem was uncovered, treated and the symptoms removed.
While I had all the classic 'symptoms' of Plantar Fasciitis, that wasn't the real problem. As part of my examination, it was found that my tendons were inflamed. When the muscles in and around my calf were pressed, the pain was overwhelming. I never thought I had pain in the calf area till then -- but there it was.
The inflamed tendon went down into my heel, which is why everyone else thought it was Fasciitis. When you go to the source, the RIGHT ailment can be treated."
Murray MacFarlane – Corrections officer