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Copyright © 2013 Dr. Ryan Macdonald
Calgary Chiropractor & Acupuncturist

Located at Evolve Chiropractic
in Calgary Place - Downtown Calgary.

Techniques

Dr. Ryan Macdonald is pleased to offer his patients the services of Chiropractic Care and Acupuncture. Dr. Macdonald was certified in Active Release Therapy (ART®) in 2007, and is a certified provider of Contemporary Medical Acupuncture (AFCI).

So What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic is one of the largest primary contact health care professions in Canada, treating approximately four and a half million Canadians annually with drug free, non-invasive, hands-on care.  At Tower Chiropractors our Doctors assess disorders related to the spine, nervous system, and joints of the extremities providing accurate diagnosis and treatment. Focusing on how the body’s neuromusculoskeletal system is functioning on a whole, our Doctors are able to not only correct the symptoms that are paining you but identify underlying issues or conditions that can be causing chronic and recurrent complaints.

Our Chiropractors incorporate multiple modalities and therapies into our treatments as to best address the specific needs of each patient.   Chiropractic manipulation, also referred to as adjustment, is used to treat areas of decreased movement in the joints, thereby reducing pain and increasing joint function, which improves overall health.  Myofascial therapies, Motion Analysis, Dynamic Traction and Exercise Prescription are utilized by our Chiropractors to treat and rehab a myriad of injuries pertaining to sport specific injuries, injuries of the hips, knees, shoulders, wrists, TMJ and spine.  By approaching each individual as unique, using evidence based testing and incorporating multiple modality treatments, patients can trust in the quality of care and expect results.

 What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the practice of piercing the body with thin, sterile needles at specific acupuncture sites throughout the body.

According to the Chinese, energy channels (or meridians) run in regular patterns throughout the body, and our overall well-being is dependent by a balanced and smooth flow of energy through these meridians. Deficiencies, blockages or imbalances in energy, blood or nervous impulses may eventually lead to a decline in well-being or an assortment of illnesses, and a variety of factors can disturb the flow of energy, such as disease, stress, anxiety, fear, poor nutrition, infections or injury. Inserting acupuncture needles in sites along these meridians can stimulate the nervous system and circulation, and re-establish a smooth and balanced flow through the meridians.

The goal of Acupuncture is to treat the whole person, restoring balance in the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the individual.

Although often described as an effective means of pain management, Acupuncture is a method of treating a wide variety medical conditions and syndromes. These include PMS, TMJ, M.S., Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis, strokes, vertigo, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Asthma and Sinusitis, as well as pain management and control. We also treat difficulties arising from (or resulting in) emotional and social problems, such as weight control, smoking and addictions, insomnia, stress, anxiety, tension and fatigue.

What is Functional Myofascial  Release?

Functional Myofascial Release is a non-invasive,  multi modality, soft-tissue treatment process that locates and breaks down scar  tissue which causes stiffness, weakness, pain, numbness and dysfunction in the  body. FMR is used both as a treatment for Repetitive Strain Injuries, and for  optimization of athletic performance.   FMR is a manual treatment by which the  practitioner approaches the musculoskeletal system from a biomechanical view  and using their hands in conjunction with specially designed instruments works  at breaking down adhesions restoring proper function.

Dynamic Traction

Dynamic Traction or Flexion-Distraction, is a gentle,  chiropractic treatment procedure utilized for back and neck pain. The  doctor is in control of the treatment movements at all times. Flexion-Distraction is utilized for many conditions  including: Low back dysfunction, Disc Herniation, Bulging Disc,  Sciatica, Stenosis, Spondylolesthesis, Transitional Segment dysfunction. Flexion-Distraction Works to increase  the intervertebral disc height by removing tension on the nerves and annular  fibres in our discs by improving spacing and increasing circulation. Properly  applied flexion stretches the ligamentum flavum, reducing stenosis and it opens  the apophyseal joints and reduces posterior disc stress. Dynamic Traction  improves posture and locomotion while relieving pain creating a state of  well-being.

Kinesio Tape/ Leukotape   Application

Kinesio Tape is specialized, latex free, material having 140%  elasticity matching that of the skin. This gives non-restricting support which  allows muscles to perform a full range of motion, easily and comfortably.  Kinesiotape is a great support for tendon and  ligament injuries and is a fantastic rehab great aid for athletes.  By having a durable 3 to 4 day wearing period,  Kinesiotape avoids the hassle of applying and removing traditional sports tapes  every few hours. The unique Kinesio Taping Method structurally lifts the skin  and allows the flow of body fluids under the application area. This reduces  edema, inflammation, and discomfort.

Leukotape is the original highly adhesive,  rigid strapping tape. This is used in the treatment of patellofemoral syndrome,  postural syndrome as well as hip and shoulder pain.  It’s high tensile strength and aggressive adhesive enables it  to hold the structures in proper alignment even when the wearer is engaged in  sport.

Infrared  Therapy

Infrared heat has been clinically proven to penetrate the skin to  depths of 5.9 cm, while traditional heat pads reach no deeper than 2-3 mm. Due  to this Infrared has been proven to reduce inflammation and relieve pain by  increasing blood flow circulation. By expanding the diameter of blood vessels  and accelerating the removal of waste products from muscle fibres areas on  injury experience greater levels of healing.  The infrared devices function at a temperature  of 40-45ºC, a safe temperature range that will not  will not burn, blister or dehydrate your skin. This makes treatment safe for  the elderly, children and individuals with sensitive or thin skin.

Exercise Prescription

Whether  an athlete or an individual who believes in optimal functioning, you understand  the importance of activity. Regardless of the Hands-on treatment you may be  receiving, Active Homecare is the key to a full and speedy recovery. When the  proper exercise protocol is assigned, an individual is able to increase  stability, strength, proprioception and endurance in the comfort of their own  home/gym. The assigned exercises are combined specially to correct each  individual’s specific issues.  A properly  prescribed exercise program will dramatically increases the recovery time and  magnify gains seen from the Chiropractor.


So please come and visit Dr. Macdonald at Evolve Chiropractic & Wellness.
Book your appointment today by calling (403) 474-7722