About
Dr. Julian Smith is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Slhexun sun’ts’a’ Clinic in Duncan, BC. Julian is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC). With a focus on natural, non-invasive healing, Dr. Smith aims to support each patient’s journey toward optimal health and well-being through tailored chiropractic interventions. His approach emphasizes empowering patients with knowledge and proactive strategies to maintain long-term health, making him a trusted provider in the Duncan community.
Dr. Smith’s diverse clinical experience encompasses a wide range of conditions and patient needs. He has a special interest in managing sports injuries and enhancing athletic performance for individuals of all activity levels. His supportive care extends to concussion management, addressing associated musculoskeletal issues, and facilitating safe return-to-activity protocols. Additionally, Dr. Smith specializes in treating headaches and TMJ (jaw) dysfunction through targeted chiropractic approaches. His expertise also includes injury care for motor vehicle accidents, including whiplash and ICBC claims, as well as comprehensive family wellness services. Serving patients of all ages—from infants to seniors—Dr. Smith provides care tailored to each stage of life, including pregnancy and senior care, and assists office workers and those with desk jobs in alleviating postural strain and discomfort.
Educationally, Dr. Julian Smith completed his Doctor of Chiropractic degree and has dedicated himself to ongoing professional development. His clinical practice is grounded in evidence-based techniques, with particular proficiency in sports injury rehabilitation, concussion support, headache and TMJ disorder management, and postural correction. He has developed specialized skills in treating injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents and offers comprehensive family chiropractic care. Dr. Smith’s practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through education, promoting natural healing, and supporting their long-term health goals. He offers care in English.
Dr. Julian Smith provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions
- 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.
- Ankle Sprains & Instability: Pain, swelling, and potential ongoing weakness or giving way in the ankle due to stretching or tearing of ankle ligaments, often from a twist or roll.
- Achilles Tendinopathy: Management of Achilles tendon pain and dysfunction through targeted therapies to promote healing, improve tendon load tolerance, and address contributing factors.
Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions
- Neck Pain (Acute & Chronic): Addressing the underlying causes of your neck pain, helping to alleviate muscle tension, improve joint function, and prevent future recurrences.
- Dizziness & Vertigo (Cervicogenic & BPPV Management): Sensations of unsteadiness, spinning, or lightheadedness that can be related to neck problems (cervicogenic dizziness) or inner ear crystal displacement (BPPV, if trained in repositioning maneuvers).
General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions
- Scoliosis (Functional & Pain Management): Tailored exercise and manual therapy approaches to support individuals living with scoliosis.
- Tendinitis / Tendinopathy (Various Regions): Management of various tendinopathies throughout the body, such as rotator cuff tendinitis, patellar tendinopathy, or Achilles tendinopathy, using a multifaceted approach.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Smith can assess your needs.
- Comprehensive Chiropractic Examination: Complete neuromusculoskeletal evaluation to identify biomechanical issues, nerve interferences, and areas of dysfunction.
- Radiographic (X-ray) Imaging & Analysis: Utilizing X-ray imaging, if necessary, to get a clear picture of your spinal health and guide precise treatment.
- Functional Movement Screening (e.g., FMS™, SFMA™): Utilizing screens like FMS™ or SFMA™ to analyze your movement quality and pinpoint areas contributing to pain or predisposing you to injury (practitioner certification dependent).
- Surface Electromyography (sEMG) Scan: Non-invasive scanning technology used to measure electrical activity in muscles, helping to identify areas of abnormal muscle tone or imbalance along the spine (if offered).
- Postural Assessment & Correction Planning: Identifying postural faults and creating a plan to address them through ergonomic advice and corrective exercises.
- Webster Technique (for Pregnancy): Gentle chiropractic care tailored for pregnancy using the Webster Technique to promote pelvic balance.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Smith. 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 Slhexun sun’ts’a’ Clinic, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Smith frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Imagine being able to playing your guitar/piano/drums/violin for extended practice sessions without pregnancy back pain making it hard to get comfortable holding you back. Dr. Julian works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as a more positive outlook on their physical capabilities and future health, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.
- Dr. Julian frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by weak ankles that seem to twist easily. The common goal is sleeping more soundly and waking up feeling genuinely refreshed, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, with greater comfort and ease.
- Experience the significant benefit of turning their head fully and comfortably again, making driving and daily tasks easier if you're dealing with soreness in my achilles tendon after activity. Dr. Julian helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like binge-watching your favorite TV shows without stiffness through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
- Patients often share how feeling unbalanced and like one side is higher affected their ability to looking forward to and enjoying long drives and scenic road trips again. With Dr. Julian's help and a focus on being able to sit for longer periods comfortably, whether for work or leisure, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
Your personalized chiropractic care plan, developed with Dr. Smith, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Dr. Smith’s practice is situated at Slhexun sun’ts’a’ Clinic, located in the central Duncan neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned within a community-oriented setting, making it easy for patients to access care. It is near local community services and pharmacies, ensuring that patients can easily coordinate their healthcare needs. The clinic is accessible via local public transit routes, making commuting straightforward for those using buses or other transit options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- What kind of clothing should I wear to my chiropractic appointment?
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes are ideal for a chiropractic visit. Think of what you might wear for light exercise. This ensures you can move freely during assessments and that your Chiropractor can access the areas requiring treatment without difficulty.
- 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. Smith to perform a thorough assessment, discuss your health goals, and determine if chiropractic treatment or another approach is best suited for your specific condition.
- Is chiropractic care covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- In British Columbia, MSP provides partial coverage for chiropractic services, typically offering a set amount per visit for a limited number of visits annually (currently up to 10). Coverage usually applies to eligible individuals with lower incomes, such as those on Premium Assistance, and most patients will have a co-payment. It is important to verify your MSP eligibility and coverage details directly with MSP and check your private insurance plans for extended coverage.
- What is that 'cracking' or 'popping' sound during an adjustment?
- This 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.
- Will I need to get X-rays before starting chiropractic care?
- X-rays are not routinely required for every patient. Dr. Smith will conduct a thorough history and physical examination to determine if imaging studies are clinically necessary. Imaging is typically recommended to rule out serious conditions such as fractures or pathology, assess for spinal degeneration or instability, or if the patient’s condition is not improving as expected with conservative care, always following established guidelines to minimize radiation exposure.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Chiropractor in BC?
- Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, so patients can book an appointment directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy for specific requirements.
Slhexun sun’ts’a’ Clinic
291 Cowichan Way
Duncan, BC V9L 6P5
Phone: (604) 465-1624
Dr. Julian Smith 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=10280
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.