CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR LOW BACK PAIN
Are you tired of your lower back pain dictating what you can accomplish each day?
Are you feeling frustrated that the simplest of tasks, like walking, sitting, or standing, have you feeling exhausted and in pain?
Perhaps you feel like you’ve tried everything with minimal to no pain relief?
Are you starting to think this pain is your “new normal”?
YOU'VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!
I help people with low back pain (with or without leg pain) understand and manage their pain, so they can do the things they have to do and love to do each day, without having their lives dictated by their pain!
People often come to me when they have low back pain that’s interfering with their ability to do the daily activities they have to do or love to do. It’s usually when they notice that their back hurts when they walk, sit, stand, exercise… Or sometimes do nothing at all, that they realize it’s time for some professional help!
HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
SPINAL STENOSIS
Have you noticed pain or cramping in one or both legs when you stand for long periods of time or when you walk? Have you noticed that this pain usually eases when you bend forward or sit? Perhaps you have noticed some lower back pain accompanying this pain or cramping in one or both legs?
You don’t have to tackle your pain alone! Book an initial consultation today to learn how I can help!
SPRAIN & STRAIN
Are you finding you’re experiencing some new lower back pain after shovelling lots of snow? Or perhaps you noticed an increase in lower back pain after gardening? Or maybe you finally got back to the gym recently and have noticed some aches and pains in your lower back?
You don’t have to tackle your pain alone! Book an initial consultation today to learn how I can help!
PREGNANCY RELATED LOW BACK PAIN
Are you finding that as you progress through your pregnancy you’re starting to experience lower back and/or pelvic pain? Does trying to put pants on standing up cause you pain or discomfort? Do you find walking worsens your pain or discomfort?
You don’t have to tackle your pain alone! Book an initial consultation today to learn how I can help!
LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION / SCIATICA
Do you have low back pain? Perhaps you have sharp or shooting leg pain that is worse than your low back pain? Does coughing or sneezing worsen your low back and/or leg pain? Does it seem like every movement worsens your pain and you can’t find any comfortable position?
You don’t have to tackle your pain alone! Book an initial consultation today to learn how I can help!
LOW BACK PAIN STATISTICS
80%
Approximately 80% of adults (aged 16 years or older) experience an episode of acute low back pain at least once in their life
90%
Evidence shows that 90% of low back pain is not caused by serious underlying injury or disease and typically does not require MRIs, CT scans, medication, surgical referrals, or opioid prescriptions
30%
In Canada, approximately 30% of adults have low back pain that recurs within 6 months of their first episode
40%
In Canada, approximately 40% of adults have low back pain that recurs within 1 year of their first episode
Disclaimer: These facts are for informational purposes only. It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Consultation with a licensed healthcare provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LOW BACK PAIN?
Ideally, patients with acute low back pain who request appointments ought to be scheduled and assessed within 1-3 days when possible.
Globally, low back pain causes more disability, activity limitation, and missed work days than any other condition
The benefits of exercise & low back spinal manipulation as treatment options for chronic low back pain likely exceeds the harms
Lying in bed, resting too much, and avoiding exercise can actually make your low back pain worse
It is important to continue your usual activities and remain mobile as well as
learn self-management strategies for current (and possible recurrent)
symptoms
Disclaimer: These facts are for informational purposes only. It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Consultation with a licensed healthcare provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.
GLA:D BACK PROGRAM
Do you experience persistent or recurrent low back pain?
You may be eligible for a research-based education and exercise program run by the University of Alberta, now offered with Dr. Rebecca-Jane McAllister!
The GLA:D Back program was developed in Denmark and is an evidence-based treatment program for individuals with persistent and/or recurrent back pain that negatively affects their everyday life and function. The purpose of GLA:D Back is to help patients manage their back pain themselves through a well-described and structured course of treatment.
Dr. Rebecca-Jane McAllister offers the GLA:D Back Program both in her private practice (in person & virtual) as well as with the University of Calgary. For more information about the University of Calgary GLA:D Back Programs, including program cost, program dates, and registration information, please contact the University of Calgary Active Living Department directly at 403-220-7749 or visit their website.
Both in person and virtual program options are available to all residents of Alberta in Dr. Rebecca-Jane McAllister's private practice.
*Please refer to the Fee Schedule for program fees*
*May be covered by chiropractic extended healthcare benefits*
Want to learn more? Have any questions? Not sure if you're a good candidate for the program? Book your complimentary consultation online today!
ABOUT REBECCA
Dr. Rebecca-Jane McAllister is an evidence-based chiropractor who strives to provide exceptional and quality care to her patients through manual treatment, education, and rehabilitation exercises. Dr. Rebecca believes it is imperative that her patients possess the self-confidence, and are equipped with the tools, to be active participants and self-advocates for their healthcare. Dr. Rebecca endeavours to empower her patients to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Rebecca graduated in 2015 from the University of Windsor with her Bachelor of Human Kinetics Honours [Major: Movement Science Co-op & Minor: Psychology] degree. Upon graduation, Dr. Rebecca attended the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College where she graduated with her Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2019. Dr. Rebecca has also completed the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture certification through McMaster University. Dr. Rebecca is also currently one of four chiropractors in Calgary certified to offer the GLA:D Back Program, an international research study and program designed by researchers and therapists at the University of Southern Demark in partnership with the University of Alberta, to help people with persistent or recurrent low back pain. Throughout her post-secondary education, Dr. Rebecca has received several scholarships and awards for academic achievement, philanthropy and service work, as well as research endeavours.
Since graduating, Dr. Rebecca has had a variety of diverse clinical experiences. She has experience practicing as a chiropractic locum (providing maternity leave coverage) in both Summerside, Prince Edward Island as well as in Bowmanville, Ontario. Additionally, she has practiced as an associate in her hometown of Oshawa, Ontario as well as with clinics in Calgary, Alberta. Currently, Dr. Rebecca is offering chiropractic care and the GLA:D Back Program within her own clinic in SE Calgary as well as with the University of Calgary.
Although Dr. Rebecca treats a variety of musculoskeletal complaints and injuries, she finds helping people who are experiencing low back pain, especially lumbar spine disc herniations, to be particularly rewarding.
Dr. Rebecca defines herself as a lifelong learner and a leader through service to others. In 2019, she was fortunate to be selected to participate in a chiropractic treatment outreach to the Dominican Republic, where she along with other chiropractic interns and clinicians treated 1115 patients in areas where access to healthcare is limited.
Dr. Rebecca appreciates the role of all healthcare professionals within the healthcare system, and thus fosters an interprofessional and collaborative approach to the care of each of her patients.
In her spare time, Dr. Rebecca enjoys reading a good book with a coffee, spending quality time with her friends and family, as well as being immersed in nature!
REFERRING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Are you interested in referring for the GLA:D Back Program or for individualized chiropractic care?
Are you looking for a second opinion on a musculoskeletal (MSK) diagnosis or conservative plan of management?
Complete and fax the referral form below and we'll reach out to the patient regarding the next steps!
SERVICES
SPINAL MANIPULATION THERAPY (ADJUSTMENT)
Spinal manipulation therapy (also called an “adjustment”) is a safe, highly skilled procedure, in which the chiropractor will use their hands to apply controlled force to your joint and guide it through a range of motion. Chiropractic adjustments are used to restore joint motion and improve function. With this procedure, the patient may hear a “cracking” or “popping” sound that is caused by pressure changes within the joint. These pressure changes cause a gas bubble to escape from the joint capsule, which creates the sound.
While chiropractic adjustments are a very safe procedure, they are not indicated for all patients. A thorough history and physical examination will determine whether you are a good candidate for an adjustment. Alternative treatments, such as joint mobilizations, can be used in place of an adjustment when indicated.
SOFT TISSUE THERAPY
Soft tissue therapy is a form of manual therapy that involves work on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. The goal of soft tissue therapy is to reduce muscle tension as well as improve function and reduce pain. There are several soft tissue treatment techniques that may be used during your treatment, including but not limited to, trigger point therapy, practitioner-assisted stretching, and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization.
CONTEMPORARY MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE
Contemporary medical acupuncture is a therapeutic method where fine sterile needles are inserted into specific anatomical points. Insertion at these points causes a response of neuromodulation, which is the regulation of the body’s nervous system. Acupuncture is used to promote tissue healing, reduce pain as well as improve function of the affected areas of the body.
EXERCISE REHABILITATION
Exercise rehabilitation is integrated into every treatment plan. Emphasis is placed on moving within comfortable and tolerable ranges, in order to encourage the body to function the way it’s intended to. Exercise rehabilitation is a critical component of treatment as once the pain of a musculoskeletal injury or condition improves, residual weakness and/or functional limitation to the injured tissues may still be present, making the patient more susceptible to further injury or re-aggravation.
Your treatment plan and rehabilitation program is always personalized to meet your individual goals, whether they be rehabilitation from injury, prevention of injury, optimizing health, or enhancing performance. Compliance with your rehabilitation program typically decreases the timeframe for recovery as well as typically decreases the likelihood of injury reoccurrence.
EDUCATION & ADVICE
Patient education is an imperative aspect of every treatment plan. Research has demonstrated that providing individuals with education regarding their condition or injury results in better outcomes for patients, including less feelings of fear related to their pain experience and increased feelings of control over their health.
Education will typically include topics, including but not limited to, the mechanism or cause of your injury, the likely outcome or anticipated response of your injury based on the recommended treatment plan, as well as ways in which you can help to manage your pain or injury.
SELF-MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Empowering patients with self-management strategies, such as positions for relief and pain management techniques, encourages patients to become active and integrated participants in their healthcare.
CONTACT ME
DR. REBECCA-JANE McALLISTER
Thrive Business & Wellness Centre
105-11500 29 Street SE
Calgary, AB
T2Z 3W9
Phone: 587-579-0270
Mondays: By Appointment Only
Tuesdays: 3pm-7pm
Wednesdays: By Appointment Only
Thursdays: 3pm-7pm
Fridays: By Appointment Only
Saturdays: 10am-2pm
VELOCITY INJURY MEDICAL CLINIC
200-1824 Crowchild Trail NW
Calgary, AB
T2M 3Y7
Velocity Injury Medical Clinic Phone: 403-764-7940
Velocity Injury Medical Clinic Website: https://velocityclinic.com/
Wednesdays: 9am-12pm
Fridays: 9am-12pm
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY, ACTIVE LIVING
KNA 104, Faculty of Kinesiology
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary Alberta
T2N 1N4
UofC Active Living Phone: 403-220-8814
UofC Active Living Website: https://active-living.ucalgary.ca
*Please contact Active Living for GLA:D Back Program Information & to Register*
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free parking at Thrive Business & Wellness Centre?
Yes, at Thrive Business & Wellness Centre there's plenty of free parking!
How do I sign in when I arrive at Thrive Business & Wellness Centre?
There will be a self-check-in station at the front desk upon arrival. Please scan the QR code or visit the website and provide the requested information to let Dr. Rebecca know that you have arrived. Then take a seat in the waiting room and Dr. Rebecca will come get you for your appointment!
Do you direct bill to extended healthcare insurance companies?
Direct billing is offered as follows: The full appointment fee will be paid during the appointment with claims submitted on your behalf and reimbursement being sent to you directly, afterwards.
What is your no show & late cancellation policy?
Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation (<24 hour’s notice) or missed visit leaves a hole in the doctor’s day that could have been filled by another patient. As such, Dr. Rebecca requires at least 24 hour’s notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Patients who provide less than 24 hour’s notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged a cancellation fee equal to the scheduled appointment fee.
Please know that Dr. Rebecca completely understands that life happens sometimes. Any extenuating circumstances resulting in a late cancellation or missed appointment will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Patients are responsible for calling Dr. Rebecca to discuss any extenuating circumstances as soon as possible.
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL LINKS
CANADIAN CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION (CCA)
Since 1953, the CCA has been the national voice for chiropractors, Canada’s trusted professionals for spine, muscle and nervous system health. The CCA promotes the unique value and expertise chiropractors offer.
The CCA works with other healthcare professional associations, governments and private health insurers to make chiropractic care accessible to all Canadians who want it within a robust healthcare system that emphasizes care through integrated healthcare professional teams.