About
Dr. James Ritchey is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Dr. Jim Ritchey Inc. in Armstrong, BC. James is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC). His approach emphasizes a comprehensive assessment and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, with a focus on spinal health and overall well-being. Dr. Ritchey serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring tailored care strategies that promote natural healing and optimal body function.
With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, Dr. James Ritchey has completed his Doctor of Chiropractic degree and possesses extensive clinical experience. He continuously pursues professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in chiropractic care, ensuring his patients benefit from the most effective and safe treatment options available. His philosophy integrates a holistic understanding of health, recognizing the interconnectedness of the spine, nervous system, and overall vitality.
Dr. James Ritchey is fluent in English and Spanish, allowing him to effectively communicate with a diverse patient population. His practice is conveniently located in a central Armstrong neighborhood, easily accessible and equipped to serve the community’s needs. The clinic is registered to provide care for ICBC claims, approved to treat WorkSafeBC claims, and offers direct billing to select extended health providers such as Blue Cross, Great West Life, Manulife, and Sun Life Financial.
Dr. James Ritchey provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions
- Postural Imbalances & Related Pain: Assessment and correction of postural habits that contribute to neck, back, shoulder pain, or headaches, including ergonomic advice.
- 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.
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.
- Achilles Tendinopathy: Helping you recover from Achilles tendinitis/tendinosis and return to activities like running or jumping without pain.
- Piriformis Syndrome / Deep Gluteal Pain: Pain in the buttock region, which can sometimes radiate down the leg mimicking sciatica, often caused by spasm or tightness of the piriformis muscle irritating the nearby sciatic nerve.
Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions
- Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) of the Upper Limb: Pain, aching, numbness, or other symptoms in the muscles, nerves, and tendons of the arm, wrist, or hand resulting from repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, or awkward postures.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A condition characterized by significant stiffness, pain, and progressive loss of range of motion in the shoulder joint, making everyday tasks difficult.
- Tennis Elbow / Golfer's Elbow (Epicondylitis): Treatment for lateral or medial epicondylitis, focusing on reducing tendon strain, alleviating pain, and restoring grip strength.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Ritchey can assess your needs.
- 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.
- Surface Electromyography (sEMG) Scan: Utilizing sEMG to objectively assess muscle function and patterns of tension around your spine.
- 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.
- Radiographic (X-ray) Imaging & Analysis: Diagnostic X-ray evaluation to aid in accurate diagnosis and ensure the safety and appropriateness of care.
- Webster Technique (for Pregnancy): A specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment for pregnant individuals, aimed at reducing sacral subluxation and optimizing pelvic biomechanics to support a more comfortable pregnancy and birth (practitioner certification dependent).
- Postural Assessment & Correction Planning: Comprehensive postural evaluation with personalized strategies to improve alignment, reduce strain, and enhance overall spinal health.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Ritchey. 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 Dr. Jim Ritchey Inc., chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Ritchey frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Patients often share how pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy affected their ability to confidently going up and down multiple flights of stairs effortlessly. With Dr. James's help and a focus on feeling more balanced and secure on their feet, reducing the risk of falls, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
- Dr. James understands how frustrating constant lower back soreness can be. By aiming for participating more fully in family life and social engagements without pain being a constant distraction, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like lifting your toddler without back pain with renewed confidence.
- Dr. James frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by overall body soreness that doesn't go away. The common goal is regaining functional strength in previously weak or injured areas, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, looking forward to and enjoying long drives and scenic road trips again, with greater comfort and ease.
- Overcoming neck pain that just won't quit to achieve improved nerve function, leading to less tingling, numbness, or weakness and resume standing and walking comfortably while attending concerts and live events is a common success story at Dr. James's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Ritchey, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Dr. Jim Ritchey Inc. is situated in the central neighborhood of Armstrong, BC, within a modern clinic designed to serve the local community. The practice is conveniently located near various community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access ongoing healthcare needs. The clinic is accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring convenient transportation options for all patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- In British Columbia, MSP provides partial coverage for chiropractic services, offering a set amount per visit for a limited number of visits annually, primarily for individuals on Premium Assistance or with low incomes. Most patients will have a co-payment. It's important to verify your eligibility and coverage details directly with MSP and consult your private insurance provider for extended benefits.
- What kind of clothing should I wear to my chiropractic appointment?
- It’s best to wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing that allows for ease of movement. Athletic wear, leggings, comfortable pants, and a t-shirt are generally good choices. This allows your Chiropractor to easily assess your posture and movement, and perform any necessary examinations or treatments. You may be asked to change into a gown for certain parts of the examination if needed.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in BC?
- Chiropractors in British Columbia are primary contact healthcare professionals, allowing patients to book appointments directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement purposes. It’s advisable to check your individual insurance policy for specific requirements.
- What is Dr. Jim Ritchey Inc.'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 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.
Dr. Jim Ritchey Inc.
2510 Patterson, PO Box 768
Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0
Phone: (604) 853-3212
Dr. James Ritchey 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=10696
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.