Dr. Dean Ference

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

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• Headaches (Cervicogenic, Tension-Type, Migraine Support): Pain in the head, often linked to neck issues (cervicogenic), muscle tension (tension-type), or as a component that chiropractic care can help manage in certain migraine cases by addressing musculoskeletal triggers.
• 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.
• Neck Pain (Acute & Chronic): Addressing the underlying causes of your neck pain, helping to alleviate muscle tension, improve joint function, and prevent future recurrences.
• Tinnitus (Cervicogenic/Somatosensory): Management strategies for tinnitus when somatic (body-related) factors, particularly from the upper cervical spine or TMJ, are suspected contributors.

Specific Populations & Injury Types

• Geriatric Care (Mobility, Stiffness, Fall Prevention): Supporting active aging by addressing the specific musculoskeletal needs of seniors, enhancing their comfort and independence.
• Sports Injuries (Acute & Overuse): Helping you recover from common sports injuries like runner's knee, shoulder strains, or ankle sprains, and optimizing your biomechanics for better performance.
• Pregnancy-Related Musculoskeletal Pain: Chiropractic care adapted for the unique needs of expectant mothers, focusing on maintaining comfort, optimizing pelvic alignment, and preparing for childbirth.

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• Knee Pain (Osteoarthritis, Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - Conservative): Addressing biomechanical factors contributing to knee pain, helping to alleviate discomfort and improve your ability to walk, run, or climb stairs.
• Hip Pain (Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinopathy): Chiropractic care focusing on improving hip joint mechanics, strengthening supporting muscles, and alleviating pain from conditions like osteoarthritis or trochanteric bursitis.
• Ankle Sprains & Instability: Rehabilitation for acute ankle sprains and management of chronic ankle instability to restore strength, balance, and prevent recurrent injuries.
• IT Band Syndrome: Helping athletes and active individuals overcome lateral knee pain related to a tight or irritated IT band.

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

• Radiographic (X-ray) Imaging & Analysis: On-site or referral for X-rays when clinically indicated to assess spinal structure, identify underlying conditions, or rule out pathology, adhering to diagnostic imaging guidelines.
• Postural Assessment & Correction Planning: Detailed analysis of your standing and sitting posture to identify imbalances and provide targeted advice and exercises for correction and pain prevention.
• Comprehensive Chiropractic Examination: A thorough assessment including health history, postural analysis, spinal alignment checks, range of motion testing, orthopedic and neurological tests to determine the cause of your concern.
• Functional Movement Screening (e.g., FMS™, SFMA™): Specialized assessment of fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential injury risks, guiding corrective exercise and treatment.
• Diversified Technique: Hands-on spinal and extremity manipulations to improve joint mobility and reduce nerve irritation.
• Surface Electromyography (sEMG) Scan: Utilizing sEMG to objectively assess muscle function and patterns of tension around your spine.

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

• If strained back muscles after yard work is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying peacefully kayaking or canoeing on the lake for hours, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Dean focuses on achieving achieving better posture and feeling more upright and confident so you can engage in the things you love again.
• Many individuals visit Dr. Dean because they are tired of dealing with pain on the outside of my hip (bursitis maybe?). Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve an undeniable improvement in their overall quality of life and daily happiness and get back to enjoying important activities like strength training at the gym.
• Patients often share how that rotator cuff acting up again affected their ability to lifting and carrying heavy items at work. With Dr. Dean's help and a focus on feeling like their body is functioning at its best, without the constant interference of pain, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
• Dr. Dean understands how frustrating sore feet, especially those first steps in the morning 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 taking the stairs instead of the elevator with renewed confidence.

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

Dr. Ference's practice at Cascade Chiropractic is situated in the vibrant Courtenay City area within the Comox Valley, in the Cumberland neighbourhood of Courtenay. The clinic is conveniently located near Driftwood Mall, making it easily accessible for local residents and visitors alike. Patients can reach the clinic via the Comox Valley Transit System (BC Transit), which provides regular bus service throughout the region. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In British Columbia, the Medical Services Plan (MSP) provides partial coverage for chiropractic services. Eligible individuals, such as those on Premium Assistance or with low incomes, may receive a set amount per visit for a limited number of visits annually, often supplemented by private insurance. Most patients will have a co-payment. It is advisable to verify your specific coverage and eligibility directly with MSP and your extended health plan.

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

When a Chiropractor refers to a subluxation or joint restriction, they are typically describing a joint that isn't moving properly or is misaligned in a way that can affect nerve function and lead to discomfort or other health issues. Chiropractic adjustments aim to address these specific joint problems.

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

X-rays are not routinely required for every patient. Dr. Ference will conduct a thorough history and physical examination to determine if imaging is necessary. Typically, imaging is recommended to rule out serious conditions such as fractures or pathology, or if the patient's condition is not improving with conservative care, always following established diagnostic guidelines to minimize radiation exposure.

Is there parking available at or near Cascade Chiropractic?

Yes, there is free patient parking available directly in front of or behind our building. Limited street parking may also be available nearby, and paid parking can be found in the public parkade located a short distance away.

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. Chiropractors trained in working with pregnant women use modified techniques and specialized tables or pillows to ensure safety and comfort. Some chiropractors, like Dr. Ference, are certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic approach for pregnant women.

What is Cascade Chiropractic's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that life happens! To accommodate all patients, we request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Missed appointments or cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice may incur a fee. Please contact the clinic as early as possible if you need to change your appointment.

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

Chiropractors in BC are primary contact healthcare professionals, meaning patients can book an appointment directly without a referral. However, some private extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your individual insurance policy for specific requirements.

Cascade Chiropractic
431 4th Street
Courtenay, BC V9N 1G9

Phone: (604) 949-0340

Dr. Dean Ference 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=10417

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