Dr. Andrew Kniajev

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

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• Ankle Sprains & Instability: Rehabilitation for acute ankle sprains and management of chronic ankle instability to restore strength, balance, and prevent recurrent injuries.
• Knee Pain (Osteoarthritis, Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - Conservative): Management of knee pain through chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and exercises aimed at improving joint function, stability, and reducing symptoms from conditions like runner's knee or mild meniscal tears.
• IT Band Syndrome: Helping athletes and active individuals overcome lateral knee pain related to a tight or irritated IT band.
• Achilles Tendinopathy: Management of Achilles tendon pain and dysfunction through targeted therapies to promote healing, improve tendon load tolerance, and address contributing factors.

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

• Tendinitis / Tendinopathy (Various Regions): Inflammation, irritation, or degeneration of a tendon (the tough fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones), leading to pain and tenderness near a joint, often from overuse or repetitive stress.
• Fibromyalgia (Pain & Stiffness Management): As part of a multidisciplinary approach, chiropractic care can help manage the widespread musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, fatigue, and tender points associated with fibromyalgia.
• Muscle Strains & Ligament Sprains (Various Regions): Helping you recover from common injuries like a pulled hamstring, twisted ankle, or strained back muscle.

Back & Spine Conditions

• Low Back Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic): A common ailment causing pain, muscle tension, or stiffness in the lower back, ranging from a dull ache to sharp, debilitating pain, impacting daily activities.
• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction / Pain: Restoring proper motion and stability to the SI joints to alleviate pain and improve pelvic biomechanics.
• Mid-Back Pain (Thoracic Spine Pain / Interscapular Pain): Addressing the causes of thoracic spine pain, including joint dysfunction and muscular imbalances, to improve comfort and mobility.

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

• Graston Technique® / IASTM: Targeted therapy with tools like Graston® to address stubborn soft tissue problems.
• Trigger Point Therapy: Application of focused pressure to specific hyperirritable spots (trigger points) within muscles to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and restore normal muscle function.
• Comprehensive Chiropractic Examination: Detailed initial consultation involving a deep dive into your symptoms, lifestyle, and a full physical examination to guide your personalized care plan.
• Active Release Techniques (ART®): Specialized manual therapy combining precise pressure with active patient movements to resolve soft tissue restrictions.
• Cross-Friction Massage: Targeted deep tissue massage to improve the mobility and healing of injured ligaments and tendons.
• Myofascial Release Technique (MRT): Manual therapy to address restrictions in the myofascial system, enhancing movement and comfort.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Kniajev. 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 Wellington Natural Health, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Kniajev frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often share how parts of my hand/foot falling asleep affected their ability to fishing or hunting trips. With Dr. Andrew's help and a focus on relying less on pain medication and more on their body's natural healing, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
• Overcoming feeling like my lower back is locked up to achieve sleeping more soundly and waking up feeling genuinely refreshed and resume diving and spiking in our weekly volleyball games with friends is a common success story at Dr. Andrew's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
• Many individuals visit Dr. Andrew because they are tired of dealing with fibromyalgia pain, fatigue, and body-wide tenderness. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve improved ability to perform everyday tasks with greater ease and comfort and get back to enjoying important activities like standing and walking comfortably while attending concerts and live events.
• Dr. Andrew understands how frustrating pain when twisting my back to reach for something can be. By aiming for a marked decrease in episodes of dizziness or vertigo, leading to greater confidence, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like consistently running your usual 5k/10k route at a comfortable pace with renewed confidence.

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

Wellington Natural Health, where Dr. Andrew Kniajev practices, is conveniently situated in the heart of Chilliwack's Downtown, Central neighborhood. Located near the Commercial Corridor, the clinic is easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. The Chilliwack/Agassiz-Harrison Transit System (BC Transit) provides convenient public transportation options, making it simple for patients to attend their appointments. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

X-rays are not routinely required for every patient. Dr. Kniajev will conduct a thorough history and physical examination to determine if imaging is clinically necessary. Imaging is typically recommended to rule out more serious conditions such as fractures or pathology, assess for significant spinal degeneration or instability, or if a patient's condition is not improving as expected with conservative care. These decisions always adhere to established diagnostic imaging guidelines to minimize radiation exposure.

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

In BC, MSP provides partial coverage for chiropractic services, including a set number of visits per year for eligible individuals with lower incomes, such as those on Premium Assistance. Most patients will have a co-payment. It is important to verify your eligibility and coverage details directly with MSP. In other provinces, coverage varies: in Alberta, limited coverage is available for seniors and dependents; in Ontario, OHIP generally does not cover chiropractic care; in Quebec, RAMQ does not cover private chiropractic services. Always check your private insurance plans as well, as many offer significant chiropractic benefits.

What does a chiropractor mean by a 'subluxation' or 'joint restriction'?

A subluxation or joint restriction describes a joint that is 'stuck' or not moving as it should. This can cause pain, stiffness, and interfere with nearby nerves. Chiropractors are trained to identify and correct these dysfunctions through adjustments to restore proper joint motion and function.

Does Wellington Natural Health offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Wellington Natural Health offers direct billing to most major private insurance companies such as Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, Green Shield, and others. Patients should bring their insurance card or details and confirm their specific coverage with their insurer, as plans and reimbursement amounts vary. The patient remains responsible for any co-payments or amounts not covered by their plan.

How can I tell if chiropractic care is right for me?

If you are experiencing pain, stiffness, or dysfunction related to your spine, muscles, joints, or nerves—such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, or extremity joint issues—chiropractic care may be very beneficial. An initial consultation with Dr. Kniajev allows for a thorough assessment and discussion of your health goals to determine if chiropractic treatment is appropriate for your condition.

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

No, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals. Patients can book an appointment directly without a referral in all provinces, including BC. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may still require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy for specific requirements.

Do chiropractors only treat back pain?

No, not at all! Although back pain is a common reason for visiting a Chiropractor, Dr. Kniajev is trained to diagnose and treat many conditions related to the spine, joints, muscles, and nervous system. This includes neck pain, headaches, sciatica, sports injuries, arthritis pain, and extremity joint issues.

Wellington Natural Health
45919 Wellington Avenue
Chilliwack, BC V2P 2C6

Phone: (778) 593-9625

Dr. Andrew Kniajev 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=10807

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