Services Provided by Chiropractors
A regulated chiropractor is trained to assess, diagnose and manage musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders, injuries, conditions and diseases and other conditions such as headaches, vestibular disorders or concussions through therapeutic interventions.
Diagnostic services include an evidence-based approach to diagnosis including a patient case history, physical examination, appropriate selection of diagnostic imaging or laboratory testing when needed. When making a diagnosis, chiropractors provide a report of findings and a management plan. Chiropractors manage MSK disorders and other in-scope conditions with therapeutic interventions. Chiropractors refer non-MSK conditions and out-of-scope conditions to the most appropriate provider including specialists for consultation and/or treatment.
Therapeutic interventions provided by chiropractors may include condition-specific education and rehabilitation such as spinal manipulation (adjustment), acupuncture/dry needling, modalities (e.g., laser, ultrasound, shockwave therapy), soft tissue mobilization/manipulation and exercise prescription. In addition to condition-specific interventions, chiropractors provide general advice on the benefits of exercise, sleep hygiene education and a balanced diet (nutrition advice) as part of healthy living.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are chiropractors permitted to practice in Alberta?
Any chiropractor must first meet registration and continuing competence requirements defined by the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA), the regulatory body for chiropractic, to be permitted to practice in Alberta and then must meet ongoing CCOA requirements to renew their permit annually.
To learn more about how chiropractors are registered and regulated in Alberta, please click here.
To check that a chiropractor is permitted to practice in Alberta, visit Verify a Chiropractor.
What do chiropractors do?
A regulated chiropractor assesses, diagnoses and manages musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders, injuries and conditions through therapeutic interventions.
Diagnostic services include patient case history, physical examination and, when needed, appropriate requisition of diagnostic imaging or laboratory testing. When making a diagnosis, chiropractors must provide a report of findings and a treatment plan to patients. Chiropractors refer non-MSK conditions and out-of-scope conditions to other health care providers, including specialists for consultation and/or treatment.
Therapeutic interventions provided by chiropractors may include:
- condition-specific education and rehabilitation such as spinal manipulation (adjustment),
- acupuncture/dry needling (if the chiropractor has obtained authorization from CCOA)
- laser, ultrasound or shockwave therapy
- recommendations for orthotics or other similar joint or muscle support apparatus
- soft tissue mobilization/manipulation
- exercise and movement prescription
- general advice on exercise, sleep hygiene and nutrition
Which health services are chiropractors not allowed to provide?
Chiropractors do not and MUST NOT:
- Treat non-MSK conditions or diseases.
- Chiropractors cannot and do not treat conditions and diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, autism, gastrointestinal conditions, colic, ADHD, bed wetting, infertility, non-MSK pregnancy conditions, immune dysfunction or auto immune disorders.
- Provide mental health support or counselling.
- Provide detailed or condition specific dietary advice.
- Provide advice related to immune system function.
- Comment on or provide advice related to immunization.
- Comment on or provide advice related to medication.
- Provide genetic counselling.
Patients presenting any of the above conditions or questions need to be referred to an appropriate health care provider.
Sometimes chiropractors directly provide other services that are health or wellness related but not in the scope of practice of a chiropractor. Some examples are menopause consultant, personal trainer or life coach. They also may have another professional health permit, such as registered nurse or social worker. In these situations, chiropractors must separate their other services from their chiropractic practice and must not bill those services as chiropractic services. They must not use the title “Doctor” when providing services outside of the chiropractic scope of practice. They must not create a conflict of interest by referring patients/clients from their chiropractic practice or their other services or from their other services to their chiropractic practice.
Providing chiropractic services to babies and children:
Some chiropractors treat babies and children. Treating the MSK conditions of infants and children is in the scope of practice of a chiropractor. They may also provide general advice about nutrition, sleep and exercise.
The following are NOT in the scope of practice of a chiropractor; therefore, chiropractors cannot directly treat or provide advice regarding:
- Colic
- Immune system functioning
- ADHD
- Autism
- Learning challenges or disability
- Bedwetting and toilet learning
- Vaccination and immunization
- Fetal outcomes
Is a chiropractor a medical doctor?
No, chiropractors are not medical doctors or physicians. Chiropractors have a more limited scope of practice related to assessment, diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal (MSK) issues. Chiropractors must always be clear to patients and the public that they are Doctors of Chiropractic, not a Doctor of Medicine.
When can chiropractors use the title, “Dr.”?
Chiropractors can use the title of “Dr.” when providing services as a chiropractor. This is similar to other professions that can use the title “Dr.” when working within their scope of practice, such as psychologists, dentists or acupuncturists.
While chiropractors may use the title “Dr.” in specific situations, they cannot present, suggest or imply that they are physicians or medical doctors.