Dr. Abery Avender – Chiropractor | Nanaimo, BC

Dr. Abery Avender is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Island Optimal Health & Performance Inc. in Nanaimo, BC. Abery is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC). With a focus on holistic health, Dr. Avender emphasizes individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to wellness and recovery.

Dr. Avender's approach integrates evidence-based chiropractic techniques with a special interest in managing sports injuries and enhancing athletic performance for individuals of all activity levels. She also addresses headaches and TMJ (jaw) dysfunction through targeted chiropractic methods. Her extensive experience includes treating injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents, including whiplash and ICBC claims, helping patients recover and regain function. Additionally, Dr. Avender is skilled in managing chronic or persistent pain conditions through multimodal chiropractic care, emphasizing long-term health and prevention.

Serving patients of all ages—from infants to seniors—Dr. Abery Avender also provides family wellness care, including support during pregnancy and senior care. She is dedicated to helping office workers and those with desk jobs address postural strain and related discomfort. Her compassionate, educational approach aims to empower patients with knowledge and strategies to maintain optimal health and vitality throughout their lives.

Dr. Abery Avender provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• Neck Pain (Acute & Chronic): Addressing the underlying causes of your neck pain, helping to alleviate muscle tension, improve joint function, and prevent future recurrences.
• Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in Neck): Addressing the source of nerve irritation in your neck to alleviate radiating arm pain, pins and needles, or muscle weakness.

Back & Spine Conditions

• Spondylolisthesis (Lower Grades): Chiropractic management for stable, lower-grade spondylolisthesis, focusing on reducing pain, improving spinal stability, and enhancing function.
• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction / Pain: Chiropractic care for SI joint pain, often involving adjustments and exercises to address underlying imbalances.
• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) / Spondylosis: Chiropractic strategies to address stiffness and discomfort associated with the natural aging processes of the spine.

Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions

• Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Issues, Impingement, Bursitis): Addressing common causes of shoulder pain such as rotator cuff strains, tendinopathy, subacromial impingement, or inflammation of the bursa.
• Nerve Entrapments (e.g., Thoracic Outlet, Cubital Tunnel): Identifying and treating sources of nerve irritation in the upper limb to alleviate radiating symptoms and improve sensation.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Avender can assess your needs.

• Nutritional & Lifestyle Counselling: Providing general advice on diet, supplementation (within scope), exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management techniques to support your overall health, healing, and well-being.
• Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Rehabilitation: Helping you recover from MVA-related injuries with a tailored treatment plan.
• Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription: Evaluation for and fitting of custom orthotics to support optimal lower limb biomechanics.
• Concussion Management & Rehabilitation: Assessment, management, and rehabilitation protocols for concussion, focusing on musculoskeletal components, cervicogenic dizziness, and a safe return to activity (requires specialized training).
• Sports Injury Management & Performance Optimization: Comprehensive care for athletes including diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries, with strategies to enhance performance and prevent future injuries.
• Kinesiology Taping / Athletic Taping: Taping for pain relief, joint stability, and enhanced proprioception during activity.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Avender. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC).

At Island Optimal Health & Performance Inc., chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Avender frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dr. Abery frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by general joint stiffness all over, making me feel old. The common goal is improved ability to perform everyday tasks with greater ease and comfort, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, actively volunteering for various roles in your local community, with greater comfort and ease.
• If those tension headaches i always get behind my eyes is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying leisurely walking around the mall or large shopping centers for hours, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Abery focuses on achieving feeling less pain sensitivity in previously tender areas so you can engage in the things you love again.
• Patients often share how a rib feeling like it's out of place affected their ability to achieving a full night's deep, restful, and uninterrupted sleep. With Dr. Abery's help and a focus on experiencing fewer and less intense muscle spasms, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
• For those whose soreness on the inside of my elbow (golfer's elbow) has made coaching your kid's sports team a challenge, Dr. Abery offers a path towards sleeping more soundly and waking up feeling genuinely refreshed. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.

Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Avender, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Dr. Abery Avender's practice is situated in the Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood, at Island Optimal Health & Performance Inc. The clinic is conveniently located near Woodgrove Centre Mall, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Patients can reach the clinic via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring a smooth and accessible journey. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What is chiropractic care and how can it help me?

A Chiropractor is a spine, muscle, and nervous system expert. They provide qualified, effective treatment to relieve pain and improve the way your body moves, without medication or surgery. Common techniques include manual 'hands-on' therapy, including adjustments, soft tissue therapy, exercises, education, and lifestyle advice to help you achieve your health goals.

What are the typical phases of chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care often progresses through a few general phases: 1. Initial Intensive/Relief Care: This phase focuses on reducing your immediate pain, inflammation, and discomfort. Visits may be more frequent during this stage. 2. Corrective/Rehabilitative Care: Once symptoms are under control, the focus shifts to correcting underlying joint dysfunction, improving muscle strength and flexibility, and restoring normal movement patterns. Visit frequency usually decreases. 3. Wellness/Maintenance Care (Optional): Some patients choose periodic visits to maintain their improvements, prevent recurrences, and support overall spinal health and well-being. Your Chiropractor will discuss what's appropriate for your specific situation and goals.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in BC?

In British Columbia, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, meaning patients can book an appointment directly without a referral from a medical doctor. However, some private or extended health insurance plans might still require a physician’s referral for reimbursement purposes. It’s advisable to check your individual insurance policy for specific requirements.

Will I need to get X-rays before starting chiropractic care?

X-rays are not routinely required for every patient. Your Chiropractor will conduct a thorough history and physical exam to determine if imaging is necessary. Imaging is typically recommended to rule out serious conditions like fractures or pathology, or if your condition is not improving as expected, always following established guidelines to minimize radiation exposure.

What should I expect during my first chiropractic appointment?

During your initial appointment, your Chiropractor will review your medical history and symptoms, perform a physical exam focusing on your spine, posture, and movement, and explain the findings. You may receive your first adjustment or other therapies during this visit, along with guidance on your treatment plan.

Does Island Optimal Health & Performance Inc. offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Island Optimal Health & Performance Inc. offers direct billing to most major private insurance providers such as Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, and Green Shield. Patients should bring their insurance details and confirm their coverage, as plans vary. Any co-payments or amounts not covered are the patient’s responsibility.

Is chiropractic care covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

In BC, MSP provides limited coverage for chiropractic services, typically a set amount per visit for a limited number of visits (currently 10 per year for supplementary benefits). Coverage is generally available for eligible lower-income individuals, such as those on Premium Assistance. Most patients will have a co-payment; it is recommended to verify your MSP eligibility and private insurance coverage.

Island Optimal Health & Performance Inc.
1881 Dufferin Crescent
Nanaimo, BC V9S 0B1

Phone: (250) 590-7888

Dr. Abery Avender is regulated by the Health Professions Act in BC and is a member of the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC).

Verify registration with the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC): https://find.bcchiro.com/code/find.php?doctor=11349

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.