Dr. Andrew Dougans is a dedicated Chiropraticien. Practicing at Centre chiropratique du Grand Chemin in Shawinigan, QC, Camille is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec (OCQ) standards. His approach emphasizes thorough assessments and individualized treatment plans to address a wide range of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, with a focus on spinal health and overall well-being. Dr. Dumas’s goal is to help patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, improve their quality of life through evidence-based chiropractic care.
With a comprehensive understanding of the body’s biomechanics and a commitment to ongoing professional development, Dr. Andrew Dougans integrates the latest research findings into his practice. His clinical experience spans numerous conditions, enabling him to deliver effective, safe, and personalized chiropractic interventions. Whether managing acute injuries, chronic pain, or preventative health strategies, Dr. Dumas prioritizes patient education and proactive health management.
Dr. Dumas’s practice philosophy centers on empowering patients with knowledge about their health and providing strategies for long-term wellness. His compassionate approach fosters a collaborative environment where patients feel supported and informed. Dr. Andrew Dougans is fluent in French, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for the diverse community he serves.
Dr. Andrew Dougans provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Back & Spine Conditions
- Spinal Stenosis (Cervical or Lumbar - Symptomatic): Helping to alleviate symptoms like leg or arm pain associated with a narrowed spinal canal through chiropractic care and exercise.
- Rib Pain / Intercostal Neuralgia / Costochondritis: Addressing pain around the rib cage, often sharp or related to breathing/movement, potentially due to rib joint dysfunction, intercostal muscle/nerve irritation, or cartilage inflammation (costochondritis).
General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions
- Chronic Pain Syndromes (with Biomechanical Factors): Addressing persistent pain where underlying joint dysfunction, muscle imbalance, nerve irritation, or altered movement patterns are identified as significant contributing factors.
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome / Trigger Points: A chronic pain disorder characterized by the development of sensitive points in muscles (trigger points) that can cause deep, aching pain locally or in seemingly unrelated parts of the body (referred pain).
- 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.
- Bursitis (Various Regions): Treatment for bursitis in areas like the shoulder (subacromial), hip (trochanteric), or elbow (olecranon), aimed at reducing inflammation and restoring pain-free movement.
Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions
- Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in Neck): Relief for 'pinched nerve' symptoms in the arm through chiropractic care aimed at decompressing the affected nerve root in the neck and restoring function.
- Neck Pain (Acute & Chronic): Discomfort, stiffness, or aching in the neck, which can arise suddenly or develop over time, often impacting daily movement and potentially referring pain to the shoulders or arms.
- Dizziness & Vertigo (Cervicogenic & BPPV Management): Helping you find relief from certain types of dizziness and vertigo by addressing underlying musculoskeletal or vestibular (inner ear) causes.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Dumas can assess your needs.
- Gonstead Technique: Targeted adjustments based on the Gonstead system of chiropractic care.
- Activator Methods® Technique: A gentle, low-force instrument-assisted adjusting technique using the Activator Adjusting Instrument to deliver precise and controlled impulses to specific joints or tissues (practitioner certification dependent).
- Flexion-Distraction Therapy (e.g., Cox® Technic): Spinal decompression and mobilization performed on a specialized table to relieve pressure on discs and nerves.
- Diversified Technique: Hands-on spinal and extremity manipulations to improve joint mobility and reduce nerve irritation.
- Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT®): A gentle technique focusing on the relationship between the sacrum (base of the spine) and occiput (base of the skull), often using pelvic blocks and cranial work to restore nervous system function (practitioner certification dependent).
- Thompson Drop-Table Technique: Utilizing a precision drop-table for comfortable and effective spinal adjustments.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Dumas. 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 Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec (OCQ).
At Centre chiropratique du Grand Chemin, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Dumas frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Many individuals visit Dr. Camille because they are tired of dealing with difficulty bending over to pick things up. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve improved core stability, leading to better support for their spine and reduced strain and get back to enjoying important activities like your regular jogging routine.
- For those whose painful ribs when breathing deep or twisting has made seriously training for a half-marathon/marathon, hitting your mileage goals a challenge, Dr. Camille offers a path towards getting back to work feeling more comfortable and productive. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
- Dr. Camille understands how frustrating my back going out frequently can be. By aiming for feeling more aligned and balanced in their posture, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like tackling challenging long hikes in the mountains on weekends with friends with renewed confidence.
- Dr. Camille frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by arthritis pain deep in my hip joint. The common goal is waking up feeling more rested and with less morning stiffness, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, coaching your kid's sports team, with greater comfort and ease.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Dumas, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Dr. Dumas's practice is located at Centre chiropratique du Grand Chemin, situated in a central Shawinigan neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned within a commercial complex near community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access care. It is well-connected via local public transit routes, ensuring straightforward transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- What is Centre chiropratique du Grand Chemin's appointment cancellation policy?
- We understand that life happens! However, to ensure we can accommodate all our patients, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. Appointments missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make changes.
- What kind of education and training do chiropractors in Canada receive?
- Chiropractors in Canada complete a rigorous post-secondary Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, which typically requires a minimum of three years of undergraduate university education followed by four years of intensive study at an accredited chiropractic college. The DC program includes comprehensive training in basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics; clinical sciences including diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, and differential diagnosis; and chiropractic-specific subjects like adjusting techniques and rehabilitation. This education also involves extensive hands-on clinical internship experience. Graduates must pass demanding national and provincial board examinations to be licensed to practice.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- RAMQ does not cover chiropractic services performed in private clinics. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. In rare cases, care received in a hospital setting may be different, but this is not common for private chiropractic practice. It is important for patients to verify their coverage with private insurers and consult RAMQ directly for specific eligibility details.
- What is that 'cracking' or 'popping' sound during an adjustment?
- That sound is a common and usually harmless phenomenon called joint cavitation. When a joint is gapped during an adjustment, the pressure inside the joint decreases, allowing dissolved gases in the joint fluid to form a bubble, which then quickly collapses, creating the 'pop'. It doesn’t mean bones are cracking, and many effective adjustments occur without any sound at all.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropraticien in QC?
- Chiropractors in Quebec 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 may require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specifics of your insurance policy.
- Do chiropractors only treat back pain?
- It's a common misconception that chiropractors only deal with back problems. In reality, they treat a broad array of conditions affecting the body's structure and function. If you have pain or dysfunction in any joint or muscle, from your jaw to your toes, a Chiropraticien may be able to help.
Centre chiropratique du Grand Chemin
3451, Chemin de Sainte Flore, suite 1
Shawinigan, QC G9T1A6
Phone: (819) 538-3672
Dr. Andrew Dougans is regulated by the Code des professions in QC and is a member of the Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec (OCQ).
Registration can be verified with the Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec (OCQ).
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.