About
Dr. Cara Curtis is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at NEXT Clinic in West Kelowna, BC, Dr. Curtis is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC) standards. She provides comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, focusing on spinal health and overall well-being. Her approach emphasizes personalized care, aiming to improve function, reduce pain, and promote long-term health for her patients. Dr. Curtis serves individuals of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring that each patient receives tailored interventions suited to their unique needs.
With a solid foundation in evidence-based practices, Dr. Curtis has completed her Doctor of Chiropractic degree and continues to advance her clinical expertise through ongoing professional development. Her experience encompasses a variety of treatment modalities and patient populations, which allows her to address complex cases confidently and effectively. She is particularly attentive to the safety and comfort of her patients, applying gentle, precise adjustments and integrating adjunct therapies to optimize outcomes.
Dr. Curtis’s practice philosophy centers around promoting natural, non-invasive healing and helping her community achieve better health and vitality through chiropractic care. She believes in empowering patients with knowledge about their conditions and proactive strategies for maintaining wellness. Dr. Curtis offers care in English, ensuring clear communication and a supportive environment for all her patients.
Dr. Curtis provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions
- Tinnitus (Cervicogenic/Somatosensory): Investigating and addressing potential musculoskeletal contributions from the neck or jaw that may be linked to certain types of tinnitus.
- Neck Pain (Acute & Chronic): Addressing the underlying causes of your neck pain, helping to alleviate muscle tension, improve joint function, and prevent future recurrences.
- Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of symptoms including neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness following a sudden acceleration-deceleration injury, typically from a car accident.
Back & Spine Conditions
- Low Back Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic): Helping you overcome lower back pain through targeted adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and corrective exercises to improve spinal mechanics.
- Rib Pain / Intercostal Neuralgia / Costochondritis: Management of sharp, stabbing, or aching pain associated with rib joints or the muscles and nerves between the ribs.
- Mid-Back Pain (Thoracic Spine Pain / Interscapular Pain): Relief for pain located in the mid-back or between the shoulder blades, often linked to prolonged sitting, poor posture, or restricted rib movement.
- Sciatica & Lumbar Radiculopathy (Radiating Leg Pain): Management of sciatic nerve pain and other forms of radiating leg symptoms through chiropractic care aimed at relieving pressure on the affected nerve.
Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions
- Ankle Sprains & Instability: Chiropractic care to support healing after an ankle sprain, including joint mobilization and proprioceptive exercises.
- IT Band Syndrome: Treatment for IT band friction syndrome, focusing on releasing tension in the IT band and associated muscles, correcting biomechanics, and reducing inflammation.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Curtis can assess your needs.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound: A non-invasive modality to accelerate the healing of soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains.
- Heat & Cryotherapy (Ice) Application: Applying therapeutic heat or cold to manage pain and inflammation as part of your treatment plan.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (Cold Laser): Application of specific wavelengths of light to injured tissues to reduce pain and inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair at a cellular level without generating heat.
- Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Using targeted electrical stimulation to manage acute or chronic pain.
- Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy: A specialized table-based therapy to decompress the spine and alleviate back or neck pain.
- Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for stubborn soft tissue problems that haven't responded to other treatments.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Curtis. 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 NEXT Clinic, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Curtis frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Dr. Cara frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by a rib feeling like it's out of place. The common goal is feeling less 'locked up' or stiff after periods of sitting or inactivity, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, keeping up with your grandkids, with greater comfort and ease.
- Patients often share how a tweak in my lower back that won't go away affected their ability to taking your photography gear out for long nature shoots. With Dr. Cara's help and a focus on a noticeable reduction in daily aches, allowing for more comfortable days, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
- Dr. Cara understands how frustrating really bad low back pain can be. By aiming for turning their head fully and comfortably again, making driving and daily tasks easier, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like passionately teaching your group fitness or yoga classes again with renewed confidence.
- Getting back to getting back to your consistent strength training and weightlifting at the gym after struggling with clicking and popping in my jaw when I eat is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Cara's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to feeling lasting relief from chronic shoulder discomfort and clicking and a return to a more active life.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Curtis, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Dr. Curtis's practice at NEXT Clinic is situated in the Westbank, Shannon Lake, Smith Creek, and Rose Valley neighborhood of West Kelowna. The clinic is conveniently located near Historic Westbank Centre and is easily accessible via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- 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—particularly issues like back pain, neck pain, headaches, or extremity joint problems—chiropractic care may be very beneficial. Scheduling an initial consultation allows Dr. Curtis to perform a thorough assessment, discuss your health goals, and determine if chiropractic treatment is suitable or if another approach might be more appropriate for your specific condition.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in BC?
- In British Columbia, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, so patients can book an appointment directly without a referral from a medical doctor. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may still require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check the specifics of their individual insurance policies.
- Is it safe to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?
- Chiropractic care during pregnancy is generally considered safe and can be very effective for managing common musculoskeletal complaints such as back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and sciatica that often arise due to hormonal changes and shifting biomechanics. Chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant women and use modified adjustment techniques, along with specialized tables or pillows, to ensure comfort and safety for both mother and baby. Some chiropractors, like Dr. Curtis, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- In British Columbia, MSP provides partial coverage for chiropractic services for eligible individuals with lower incomes, such as those on Premium Assistance. This includes a set number of visits per year, with most patients paying a co-payment. For other adults, MSP generally does not cover chiropractic care in private clinics. Patients should verify their eligibility and coverage details directly with MSP and check their private insurance plans for additional benefits.
- What are the typical phases of chiropractic care?
- Chiropractic care typically involves several stages. The initial phase focuses on relieving pain (relief care). The next phase aims to correct underlying issues and improve body function (corrective care). Finally, some patients opt for periodic check-ups to maintain health and function (maintenance or wellness care), similar to routine dental visits.
NEXT Clinic
1352 Menu Road
West Kelowna, BC V1Z 3K3
Phone: (250) 339-5538
Dr. Cara Curtis 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=10390
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.