Frequently Asked Questions

Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on adjustments and other techniques to restore proper joint movement, reduce pain, and improve nervous system function. When the spine is functioning properly, your body performs and maintains a better state of health. Chiropractors hold a Doctorate and are recognized as primary care providers — no referral is needed.

Chiropractic care is widely used and is performed by licensed practitioners. Evidence suggests that significant injuries from chiropractic care are extremely rare. Side effects are typically mild and short-lived — such as temporary soreness or stiffness, similar to how you might feel after starting a new workout program. Our doctors tailor their techniques to each patient’s body type, age, and condition. We also offer gentle, low-force techniques for patients who prefer a lighter approach.

The popping or cracking sound is caused by gas bubbles releasing from the fluid within your joints when they are moved — similar to cracking your knuckles. It is completely harmless and not a sign of anything breaking or damaging. Not all adjustments produce this sound, and if you prefer adjustments without it, our doctors offer gentle, instrument-assisted techniques (like the Arthrostim) that produce no audible sound at all.

No. Chiropractors are primary care providers in Alberta — similar to medical doctors, dentists, and optometrists. You can book an appointment directly with us without a referral. In order to become a licensed chiropractor, one must complete a four-year doctoral program after an undergraduate degree.

It depends on your specific condition, its severity, and your personal health goals. Some patients experience significant improvement after just one session, while others benefit from a structured treatment plan over several weeks or months. Your doctor will assess your situation during the initial exam and provide a clear, honest recommendation — there’s never pressure to commit to a long-term plan.

Your first visit includes a thorough health history, a comprehensive physical examination (posture, biomechanics, range of motion, joint mobility), a digital postural screening with a written report, and a personalized treatment plan. Your doctor will explain all findings clearly and discuss your options before any treatment begins. Our $49 Chiropractic New Patient Exam covers all of this.

Yes. Chiropractic care is safe for patients of all ages — from newborns to seniors, including pregnant women. Pediatric adjustments use very light pressure, and prenatal techniques are modified for each trimester. Many parents bring children in for posture issues, growing pains, and sports injuries. Pregnant patients often find relief from back pain, sciatica, and other pregnancy-related discomforts.

Chiropractors treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions including back pain, neck pain, headaches and migraines, sciatica, shoulder pain, knee and hip pain, plantar fasciitis, sports injuries, car accident injuries (whiplash), herniated and bulging discs, carpal tunnel, neuropathy and pinched nerves, scoliosis, and more. Chiropractors can also help relieve pain from injuries or accidents by restoring proper biomechanics to injured joints.

Yes. Chiropractors hold a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, which requires a minimum of 7 years of post-secondary education — including a 4-year doctoral program covering the same foundational sciences as medical doctors, plus extensive training in spinal biomechanics, manual therapy, radiology, and musculoskeletal diagnosis. After completing their education, chiropractors must pass national board examinations and maintain registration with their provincial regulatory body. In Alberta, all chiropractors are registered with the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA) and are recognized as primary care providers — meaning you don’t need a referral from a medical doctor to see one.

Chiropractic care is much more than “cracking.” In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors may use soft tissue therapy (massage and stretching to release tight muscles), rehabilitation exercises (specific movements to strengthen and stabilize joints), therapy modalities (such as cold laser, shockwave, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation), spinal decompression (gentle traction for disc conditions), and lifestyle and ergonomic advice to help prevent future problems. At Full Potential Chiropractic, we also work alongside our Registered Massage Therapists and acupuncturist to provide coordinated, multi-disciplinary care tailored to your needs.

Yes — and the research supports it. Over 100 peer-reviewed studies have shown that manual therapy, including chiropractic adjustments, is effective for a range of nerve, muscle, and joint conditions. Major medical organizations including the American College of Physicians recommend spinal manipulation as a first-line treatment for low back pain before considering medication or surgery. Research published in the British Medical Journal found that chiropractic care for disc herniations was associated with significantly reduced odds of requiring surgery over a 2-year follow-up. Patient satisfaction data consistently shows that over 95% of chiropractic patients rate their care as excellent or good.

Research has consistently shown that chiropractic care is a cost-effective form of healthcare. Studies show that patients whose care is initiated by a chiropractor tend to have lower overall treatment costs compared to those who start with other providers for the same conditions. Chiropractic care can also help reduce the need for more expensive interventions such as surgery, long-term medication use, and emergency room visits. At Full Potential Chiropractic, our new patient exam is $49 and we direct bill most major insurance providers so you pay less out of pocket. Most extended health plans in Alberta cover chiropractic care.

You should consider seeing a chiropractor if you’re experiencing back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, shoulder pain, joint stiffness, or pain following an accident or injury. You don’t need to wait until you’re in severe pain — chiropractors also help with prevention, posture correction, and maintaining proper joint function. Clinical practice guidelines from multiple medical authorities recommend chiropractic care as a first-line treatment for back pain, neck pain, headaches, and sciatica. If you’re unsure whether chiropractic can help your specific situation, our $49 new patient exam is designed to give you a clear answer.

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment that uses gentle, mechanical traction to slowly stretch the spine and relieve pressure on compressed discs and nerves. It creates a decompression effect that improves blood flow and nutrient exchange to the injured area. It is effective for herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, neuropathy, and pinched nerves. Patients experience gradual cycles of stretch and relaxation — many find it relaxing enough to fall asleep during treatment.