Dr. Marino Best – Chiropractor | Nanaimo, BC

Dr. Marino Best is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at Woodgrove Pines Wellness Clinic in Nanaimo, BC, Marino is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC) standards. With a compassionate approach, Dr. Best strives to create a welcoming environment where patients feel supported throughout their healing journey. Whether addressing acute injuries or chronic pain, Dr. Best believes in empowering patients through education and personalized treatment plans.

Dr. Best's role encompasses a broad spectrum of chiropractic services, with a special interest in managing sports injuries and enhancing athletic performance for individuals of all activity levels. She provides supportive care for concussion management, focusing on associated musculoskeletal issues and safe return-to-activity protocols. Additionally, Dr. Best addresses headaches and TMJ (jaw) dysfunction through targeted chiropractic approaches. Her experience also includes treating injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents, including whiplash and related ICBC claims. She helps patients manage chronic or persistent pain conditions through a multimodal chiropractic approach, emphasizing holistic well-being.

Throughout her career, Dr. Best has developed a reputation for attentive, evidence-based care that considers each patient's unique needs. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, with a focus on family wellness. Her treatments support individuals through various life stages, including pregnancy and senior care. Dr. Best also works closely with office workers and those with desk jobs to address postural strain and discomfort, fostering a healthier, pain-free lifestyle.

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

Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions

• Nerve Entrapments (e.g., Thoracic Outlet, Cubital Tunnel): Identifying and treating sources of nerve irritation in the upper limb to alleviate radiating symptoms and improve sensation.
• 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): Gentle mobilization and specific exercises to help improve movement and reduce pain for those suffering from a frozen shoulder.
• Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Issues, Impingement, Bursitis): Addressing common causes of shoulder pain such as rotator cuff strains, tendinopathy, subacromial impingement, or inflammation of the bursa.

Specific Populations & Injury Types

• Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries (e.g., Whiplash, Back Strain): Musculoskeletal trauma resulting from car accidents, commonly involving whiplash-associated disorders (neck pain, stiffness, headaches), back strains, soft tissue damage, and joint sprains.
• Pediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions (e.g., Growing Pains, Postural Concerns): Supporting healthy growth and addressing common childhood musculoskeletal complaints through safe and modified chiropractic approaches.
• Geriatric Care (Mobility, Stiffness, Fall Prevention): Chiropractic care focused on maintaining quality of life for older adults through pain management and functional improvement.
• Sports Injuries (Acute & Overuse): Injuries sustained during athletic activities or exercise, ranging from sudden incidents like sprains, strains, and joint subluxations to chronic pain developing from repetitive stress or overuse.

Back & Spine Conditions

• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction / Pain: Chiropractic care for SI joint pain, often involving adjustments and exercises to address underlying imbalances.
• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) / Spondylosis: Chiropractic strategies to address stiffness and discomfort associated with the natural aging processes of the spine.
• Herniated, Protruded, or Bulging Discs (Symptomatic): A condition where the soft inner part of a spinal disc pushes out, potentially pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, neck, arms or legs.

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

• Graston Technique® / IASTM: Using specialized instruments to effectively break down adhesions and promote healing in soft tissues.
• Myofascial Release Technique (MRT): Hands-on therapy focused on releasing tension and restrictions in muscles and their surrounding connective tissue (fascia) to improve mobility and reduce pain.
• Active Release Techniques (ART®): A patented, movement-based soft tissue system designed to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves by breaking down scar tissue and adhesions (practitioner certification dependent).
• Cross-Friction Massage: Targeted deep tissue massage to improve the mobility and healing of injured ligaments and tendons.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Tailored rehabilitative exercises to address specific weaknesses, imbalances, or mobility restrictions.
• Trigger Point Therapy: Releasing tight bands of muscle tissue to alleviate pain and improve movement.

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

• Getting back to sailing or boating activities after struggling with that annoying crick in my neck is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Marino's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to feeling more balanced and secure on their feet, reducing the risk of falls and a return to a more active life.
• Patients often share how a persistent knot between my shoulders affected their ability to your regular exercise routine at home. With Dr. Marino's help and a focus on finding that headaches are far less frequent and intense, improving focus and mood, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
• Dr. Marino understands how frustrating tailbone pain making sitting excruciating can be. By aiming for better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like working productively and comfortably at your standing desk all day with renewed confidence.
• Many individuals visit Dr. Marino because they are tired of dealing with a weak or painful achilles tendon. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve a greater sense of control over their symptoms and physical well-being and get back to enjoying important activities like running your usual 5k/10k route.

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

Dr. Best's practice at Woodgrove Pines Wellness Clinic is situated in the North Nanaimo neighborhood of Nanaimo, BC. The clinic is conveniently located near Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, making it easily accessible for patients seeking comprehensive chiropractic care. The clinic is well-connected via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring convenient transportation options. 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 through a limited number of covered visits per year for eligible individuals, such as those on Premium Assistance. Most patients will have a co-payment. It is important to verify your specific eligibility and coverage details directly with MSP and consult your private insurance provider for additional coverage options.

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

X-rays are not routinely required for every patient. Dr. Best will conduct a thorough history and physical examination to determine if imaging is necessary. Imaging is typically recommended to rule out serious conditions like fractures or significant spinal pathology, or if your condition is not improving as expected with conservative care, always following established guidelines to minimize radiation exposure.

What are the typical phases of chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care often progresses through three general phases: 1. **Initial Intensive/Relief Care:** Focuses on reducing pain and inflammation with more frequent visits. 2. **Corrective/Rehabilitative Care:** Aims to restore joint function, strength, and mobility, with decreasing visit frequency. 3. **Wellness/Maintenance Care (Optional):** Involves periodic visits to maintain health, prevent recurrences, and support overall well-being, tailored to each individual’s needs.

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

No referral is required to see a Chiropractor in British Columbia. Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, and patients can book an appointment directly. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes, so it is advisable to check your insurance policy.

What is chiropractic care and how can it help me?

Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractors use manual adjustments, soft tissue therapies, exercise, and lifestyle counseling to relieve pain, restore function, and support the body's natural healing ability. It can help with back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint issues in the arms or legs.

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

Canadian chiropractors complete a rigorous post-secondary Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, which involves a minimum of three years of undergraduate studies followed by four years of intensive training at an accredited chiropractic college. Their education encompasses basic sciences, clinical sciences, chiropractic-specific techniques, and extensive clinical internships. Graduates must pass national and provincial licensing examinations to practice legally.

What is Woodgrove Pines Wellness Clinic'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.

Woodgrove Pines Wellness Clinic
102-6135 Metral Drive
Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L7

Phone: (778) 405-7888

Dr. Marino Best 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=11024

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