Dr. Michael Stochmal – Chiropractor | Nanaimo, BC

Dr. Michael Stochmal is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Dr. Michael Stochmal Chiropractic Incorporated in Nanaimo, BC. Michael 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 healing and promoting optimal body function, Dr. Stochmal offers a welcoming environment where patients of all ages can feel supported in their journey toward better health.

Dr. Stochmal's approach to chiropractic care involves a thorough assessment of each patient's unique needs, followed by tailored treatment plans that may include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and ergonomic advice. His extensive experience and ongoing professional development enable him to address a wide range of conditions, from acute injuries to chronic pain, always prioritizing safety and comfort. He is especially interested in managing sports injuries, headaches, TMJ dysfunction, and postural issues, helping patients achieve their wellness goals effectively.

Serving individuals across all stages of life—from infants to seniors—Dr. Michael Stochmal believes in empowering his patients with knowledge about their health and proactive strategies for long-term well-being. His caring and empathetic approach fosters a trusting environment where patients feel encouraged to participate actively in their recovery and ongoing health maintenance.

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

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• Plantar Fasciitis / Heel & Foot Pain: Sharp pain in the heel or bottom of the foot, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest, due to inflammation or degeneration of the plantar fascia.
• Achilles Tendinopathy: Management of Achilles tendon pain and dysfunction through targeted therapies to promote healing, improve tendon load tolerance, and address contributing factors.
• Hip Pain (Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinopathy): Addressing common causes of hip pain, including joint degeneration, bursitis, or tendon irritation, to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
• 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.

Back & Spine Conditions

• Spinal Stenosis (Cervical or Lumbar - Symptomatic): Helping to alleviate symptoms like leg or arm pain associated with a narrowed spinal canal through chiropractic care and exercise.
• Sciatica & Lumbar Radiculopathy (Radiating Leg Pain): Management of sciatic nerve pain and other forms of radiating leg symptoms through chiropractic care aimed at relieving pressure on the affected nerve.
• Facet Joint Syndrome / Facet Pain: Pain originating from the small joints (facet joints) located on the back of the spine, often causing localized back or neck pain that can worsen with certain movements like bending or twisting.

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• Tinnitus (Cervicogenic/Somatosensory): Ringing or other noises in the ear that may be related to issues in the neck (cervical spine) or jaw (TMJ), which chiropractic care can sometimes influence.
• Dizziness & Vertigo (Cervicogenic & BPPV Management): Assessment and treatment for dizziness originating from neck dysfunction, and management of BPPV symptoms using specific repositioning techniques where appropriate.
• TMJ / Jaw Pain (Temporomandibular Disorders - TMD): Management of temporomandibular joint dysfunction through gentle manual therapies, exercises, and advice to reduce jaw pain and improve its function.

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

• Concussion Management & Rehabilitation: Supporting recovery from concussion through targeted therapies and guided return-to-play/learn strategies.
• Prenatal & Postnatal Chiropractic Care: Supporting musculoskeletal health and comfort throughout pregnancy and after childbirth.
• 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).
• Pediatric Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care tailored for babies and children, using very light and safe methods.
• Sports Injury Management & Performance Optimization: Comprehensive care for athletes including diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries, with strategies to enhance performance and prevent future injuries.
• Geriatric Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care to help seniors maintain activity levels, manage arthritis pain, and improve stability.

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

• Many individuals visit Dr. Michael because they are tired of dealing with problems with a disc in my back/neck. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve feeling less 'locked up' or stiff after periods of sitting or inactivity and get back to enjoying important activities like running your usual 5k/10k route.
• Imagine being able to cooking and meal prepping for the week without soreness on the inside of my elbow (golfer's elbow) holding you back. Dr. Michael works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as improved coordination for both simple and complex tasks, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.
• If feeling generally 'out of alignment' or 'out of whack' is impacting your daily life and preventing you from enjoying taking your photography gear out for long nature shoots, know that effective chiropractic care can help. Dr. Michael focuses on achieving seeing their child appear more comfortable, settled, and mobile so you can engage in the things you love again.
• Getting back to your yoga and Pilates practice after struggling with clicking and popping in my jaw when I eat is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Michael's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to walking with ease, free from sharp radiating leg pain and a return to a more active life.

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

Dr. Michael Stochmal's practice is situated in the North Nanaimo (Hammond Bay area) neighborhood of Nanaimo, BC. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Nanaimo, making it easily accessible for local residents and visitors alike. Patients can reach the clinic via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring a straightforward commute. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Do chiropractors only treat back pain?

While chiropractors are very well known for effectively treating back pain, their expertise extends to a wide range of other neuromusculoskeletal conditions affecting the entire body. This includes issues with the neck, shoulders, hips, knees, feet, as well as headaches, and problems related to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves throughout the extremities.

Can children and babies receive chiropractic care?

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

Does Dr. Michael Stochmal Chiropractic Incorporated offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Dr. Michael Stochmal Chiropractic Incorporated offers direct billing to most major private insurance providers such as Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, Green Shield, and others. Patients are advised to bring their insurance card or details and confirm their specific coverage with their insurer, as plans and coverage limits vary. Patients are responsible for any co-payments or amounts not covered by their plan.

What is chiropractic care and how can it help me?

Essentially, chiropractic care helps your body move and function better. Your Chiropractor will assess your spine and other joints for restrictions or misalignments that might be causing pain or affecting your nervous system. Through precise adjustments and other treatments, they aim to improve your mobility, reduce pain, and enhance your overall well-being, allowing you to get back to your daily activities.

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

In British Columbia, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, meaning patients can book an appointment directly without a referral from a medical doctor. However, some private or extended health insurance plans might still require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients should check their insurance policies for specific requirements.

What does a chiropractor mean by a 'subluxation' or 'joint restriction'?

A subluxation or joint restriction is a term used to describe a joint that is 'stuck' or not moving as it should. This can cause pain, stiffness, and interfere with the nerves that pass nearby. Chiropractors are trained to identify and correct these dysfunctions through adjustments.

Is chiropractic care covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

In BC, MSP provides partial coverage for chiropractic services, typically up to 10 visits per year for eligible individuals on certain plans like Premium Assistance. Most patients will have a co-payment. It is recommended to verify eligibility and coverage directly with MSP and consult private insurance for additional coverage.

Dr. Michael Stochmal Chiropractic Incorporated
#104 - 6543 Portsmouth Road
Nanaimo, BC V9V 1A3

Phone: (250) 365-3365

Dr. Michael Stochmal 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=11315

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