Dr. Lai Kiu Yau

Dr. Lai Kiu Yau provides skilled chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Conservative Management): Non-surgical approaches to manage carpal tunnel symptoms, including wrist and nerve mobilization, ergonomic advice, and supportive therapies.
• Nerve Entrapments (e.g., Thoracic Outlet, Cubital Tunnel): Chiropractic care to address mechanical nerve compression syndromes such as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, aiming to relieve pressure and restore nerve function.

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• IT Band Syndrome: Helping athletes and active individuals overcome lateral knee pain related to a tight or irritated IT band.
• Piriformis Syndrome / Deep Gluteal Pain: Addressing buttock and leg pain that may be related to muscular tightness deep in the gluteal region.
• Knee Pain (Osteoarthritis, Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - Conservative): Aching, sharp pain, or instability in the knee, commonly resulting from cartilage degeneration (osteoarthritis), issues with how the kneecap tracks (patellofemoral pain syndrome), or certain types of meniscal (cartilage) injuries suitable for conservative care.

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in Neck): Addressing the source of nerve irritation in your neck to alleviate radiating arm pain, pins and needles, or muscle weakness.
• 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): Investigating and addressing potential musculoskeletal contributions from the neck or jaw that may be linked to certain types of tinnitus.
• TMJ / Jaw Pain (Temporomandibular Disorders - TMD): Addressing the biomechanical factors contributing to TMD, helping to alleviate muscle tension around the jaw and restore comfortable movement.

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

• Thompson Drop-Table Technique: A gentle adjusting method using a specialized table with sections that drop slightly, allowing for precise adjustments with minimal force.
• Flexion-Distraction Therapy (e.g., Cox® Technic): Spinal decompression and mobilization performed on a specialized table to relieve pressure on discs and nerves.
• 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).
• Gonstead Technique: A specific system of analysis (including X-ray review, instrumentation) and full-spine manual adjustments designed for precision and thoroughness (practitioner specialization).
• Diversified Technique: Classic chiropractic adjustments characterized by precise, gentle thrusts to correct joint dysfunction.
• Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT®): Utilizing pelvic blocking and specific cranial-sacral procedures to balance spinal and pelvic structures.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Yau. 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 Alberta (CCOA).

At Auburn Bay Physio Chiro Massage, chiropractic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dr. Yau frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• For those whose heel spur pain making it hard to stand has made competing effectively in your curling league bonspiels a challenge, Dr. Lai offers a path towards feeling less pain sensitivity in previously tender areas. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
• Experience the significant benefit of feeling more comfortable and supported throughout pregnancy if you're dealing with arthritis in my knee making it ache constantly. Dr. Lai helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like going on peaceful fishing or challenging hunting trips through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
• Many individuals visit Dr. Lai because they are tired of dealing with numbness or pins and needles in my arms or legs. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve a better understanding of their condition and effective self-care strategies and get back to enjoying important activities like seriously training for a half-marathon/marathon, hitting your mileage goals.
• If feeling unbalanced and like one side is higher is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying CrossFit workouts, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Lai focuses on achieving enhanced athletic performance due to improved biomechanics and reduced restrictions so you can engage in the things you love again.

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

Auburn Bay Physio Chiro Massage is conveniently located in the SE: Mahogany, Auburn Bay neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is situated near the Calgary Tower and is accessible via Calgary Transit, including the CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT routes. Our location makes it easy for patients from various parts of Calgary to access quality chiropractic care. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Do chiropractors only treat back pain?

It's a common misconception that chiropractors only deal with back problems. In reality, we 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 Chiropractor may be able to help.

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

X-rays are not routinely required for every patient. Dr. Yau will conduct a thorough history and physical examination to determine if X-rays or other imaging studies are clinically necessary. Imaging is typically recommended to rule out more serious conditions such as fractures or pathology, assess for significant spinal degeneration or instability, or if the patient's condition isn't improving as expected with conservative care. This ensures diagnostic accuracy while minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure, following established imaging guidelines.

Do Chiropractors work with other healthcare professionals?

Yes, Dr. Yau believes in a collaborative approach to healthcare. She often works alongside and refers patients to other healthcare professionals such as family physicians, physiotherapists, massage therapists, naturopathic doctors, and specialists when it is in the best interest of her patients. This teamwork helps ensure comprehensive and effective patient care.

Can children and babies receive chiropractic care?

Absolutely. Chiropractic care is safe and beneficial for children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Techniques are always modified to be extremely gentle and appropriate for a child's age, size, and developmental stage. Parents often seek chiropractic care for concerns like posture, after minor falls or sports-related tumbles, to support spinal health during growth spurts, or for issues such as colic or feeding difficulties in infants, where gentle musculoskeletal approaches can be supportive.

Is chiropractic care covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

In Alberta, AHCIP provides limited coverage for chiropractic services for seniors (65+) and dependents (under 18), typically covering a set number of visits or a maximum dollar amount per benefit year, often with a co-payment. For other adults, AHCIP generally does not cover chiropractic care in private clinics. Patients are advised to verify their specific coverage and check with their private insurance plans for extended benefits.

What kind of education and training do chiropractors in Canada receive?

Canadian chiropractors complete a rigorous post-secondary Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, which usually requires at least three years of undergraduate university education followed by four years of full-time study at an accredited chiropractic college. Their education includes comprehensive training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, and chiropractic-specific techniques, supplemented by extensive clinical internships. Graduates must pass national and provincial licensing examinations to practice legally.

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

Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals in Alberta, meaning patients can book appointments directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a physician’s referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are encouraged to check their individual insurance policies for specific requirements.

Auburn Bay Physio Chiro Massage
608-100 Auburn Meadows Dr SE
Calgary, AB T3M 2G5

Phone: (403) 214-9812 | Website: www.abpcm.ca

Dr. Lai Kiu Yau is regulated by the Health Professions Act in AB and is a member of the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA).

License #2455.0

Verify registration with the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA): https://www.theccoa.ca/CCOA/CCOA/PublicRegister/PublicRegisterDisplay.aspx?UserID=8392

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