Dr. Michael Sawa

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

Specific Populations & Injury Types

• Pediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions (e.g., Growing Pains, Postural Concerns): Gentle chiropractic care for infants, children, and adolescents, focusing on issues like non-specific growing pains, postural imbalances, recovery from minor sports injuries, or concerns related to spinal development, using age-appropriate techniques.
• Pregnancy-Related Musculoskeletal Pain: Management of common musculoskeletal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as low back pain, pelvic girdle pain (including symphysis pubis dysfunction), sciatica, and rib pain, using safe and gentle techniques.
• Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries (e.g., Whiplash, Back Strain): Comprehensive rehabilitation programs for individuals injured in MVAs, focusing on pain relief, restoring mobility, and addressing all accident-related physical complaints.

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• Piriformis Syndrome / Deep Gluteal Pain: Treatment for deep gluteal pain or piriformis syndrome, involving techniques to release the piriformis muscle and alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• Hip Pain (Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinopathy): Discomfort in or around the hip joint, often due to wear-and-tear arthritis (osteoarthritis), inflammation of bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint), or tendon issues like gluteal tendinopathy.
• Achilles Tendinopathy: Helping you recover from Achilles tendinitis/tendinosis and return to activities like running or jumping without pain.
• IT Band Syndrome: Treatment for IT band friction syndrome, focusing on releasing tension in the IT band and associated muscles, correcting biomechanics, and reducing inflammation.

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of symptoms including neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness following a sudden acceleration-deceleration injury, typically from a car accident.
• 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.
• Headaches (Cervicogenic, Tension-Type, Migraine Support): Relief strategies for headaches originating from neck dysfunction or muscular tension, and supportive care to reduce the frequency or intensity of certain migraines.
• Tinnitus (Cervicogenic/Somatosensory): Management strategies for tinnitus when somatic (body-related) factors, particularly from the upper cervical spine or TMJ, are suspected contributors.

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

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Electrotherapy for pain relief and muscle relaxation.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound: Ultrasound therapy to support tissue repair and pain management.
• Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy: Motorized traction therapy that gently stretches the spine, relieving pressure on intervertebral discs and nerves, often used for herniated discs and sciatica.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (Cold Laser): Non-invasive light therapy to stimulate healing processes and provide pain relief.
• Heat & Cryotherapy (Ice) Application: Applying therapeutic heat or cold to manage pain and inflammation as part of your treatment plan.
• Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration and pain reduction in persistent injuries.

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

• Patients often share how pain in the ball of my foot affected their ability to effortlessly tying your own shoelaces or putting on socks without difficulty. With Dr. Michael's help and a focus on feeling less pain sensitivity in previously tender areas, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
• Experience the significant benefit of walking with ease, free from sharp radiating leg pain if you're dealing with recovering from a work-related back/neck injury. Dr. Michael helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like playing with your dog, including throwing a ball or going for vigorous runs through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
• Overcoming poor posture from my desk job causing neck/back ache to achieve a greater sense of control over their symptoms and physical well-being and resume working comfortably at your standing desk is a common success story at Dr. Michael's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
• Imagine being able to volunteering in your community without painful thumbs or wrists making tasks difficult holding you back. Dr. Michael works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as experiencing significant relief from nagging lower back pain, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.

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

Dr. Sawa's practice at Aspire Chiropractic & Massage is situated in the Airdrie West neighborhood of Airdrie, AB. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor, making it easily accessible for local residents. Patients can reach the clinic via Airdrie Transit, with local routes and ICE connections to Calgary providing convenient transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Alberta, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, meaning patients can book an appointment directly without a referral from a medical doctor. However, some private and extended health insurance plans may still require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes, even if it is not legally necessary to see the Chiropractor. Patients are advised to check the specifics of their individual insurance policy.

Is chiropractic treatment, especially an adjustment, painful?

Chiropractic adjustments are generally not painful. Many patients experience immediate relief or a sense of improved movement. Some individuals may experience mild, temporary soreness or aching, similar to what you might feel after starting a new exercise, especially if the area being treated was already inflamed or very stiff. Your Chiropractor will communicate with you throughout the treatment and use techniques appropriate for your comfort level. Any discomfort usually subsides quickly, often within 24 hours.

Do chiropractors provide exercises or stretches?

Yes, exercises and stretches are an integral part of many chiropractic treatment strategies. Your Chiropractor will likely show you specific movements to do at home to help speed up your recovery, maintain your progress, and prevent the problem from returning.

Is there parking available at or near Aspire Chiropractic & Massage?

Yes, there is free patient parking available directly in front of or behind our building. Limited street parking may also be available on surrounding streets.

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

Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides limited coverage for chiropractic services, primarily for seniors (65+) and dependents under 18, typically with a set number of visits or a maximum benefit amount per year, often requiring co-payments. For most adults, private insurance is necessary as AHCIP generally does not cover chiropractic care in private clinics. Patients are encouraged to verify their coverage details with AHCIP and their private insurance providers.

Is it safe to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is generally considered safe and can be highly effective in managing common musculoskeletal complaints such as back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and sciatica. Chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant women and often use modified adjustment techniques, specialized tables, or pillows to ensure comfort and safety for both mother and baby. Some chiropractors, like Dr. Sawa, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.

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

Canadian chiropractors complete a rigorous post-secondary education, earning a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. The program typically requires at least three years of undergraduate university coursework followed by four years of intensive study at an accredited chiropractic college. The curriculum covers comprehensive training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, differential diagnosis, and chiropractic adjusting techniques. This education includes extensive clinical internship experience. Graduates must pass national and provincial board examinations to obtain licensure to practice as a chiropractor in Canada.

Aspire Chiropractic & Massage
1106-401 Coopers BLVD SW
Airdrie, AB T4B 4J3

Phone: (403) 980-4800 | Website: https://www.aspireairdrie.ca/

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

License #1482.0

Verify registration with the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA): https://www.theccoa.ca/CCOA/CCOA/PublicRegister/PublicRegisterDisplay.aspx?UserID=5084

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