Dr. Nicholas Barber – Chiropractor | Victoria, BC

Dr. Nicholas Barber is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Synergy Health Management in Victoria, BC. Nicholas is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC). His approach emphasizes a holistic and individualized treatment philosophy, ensuring that each patient receives tailored care designed to promote optimal health and well-being.

With a special interest in managing sports injuries and enhancing athletic performance for individuals of all activity levels, Dr. Barber also focuses on addressing headaches and TMJ (jaw) dysfunction through targeted chiropractic approaches. His experience extends to treating injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents, including whiplash and related ICBC claims, and helping office workers and those with desk jobs manage postural strain and discomfort. Dr. Barber provides care for patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring comprehensive support across the lifespan.

Dr. Nicholas Barber completed his Doctor of Chiropractic degree and is dedicated to ongoing professional development, staying current with evidence-based practices. He has developed skills and a particular interest in sports injury rehabilitation, headache and TMJ disorder management, motor vehicle accident injury care, and postural correction and ergonomics. His practice philosophy centers on providing personalized care plans that empower patients with knowledge and proactive strategies for long-term health. Dr. Barber offers care in English, aiming to help the Victoria community achieve better health and vitality through chiropractic care.

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

Specific Populations & Injury Types

• Geriatric Care (Mobility, Stiffness, Fall Prevention): Gentle chiropractic approaches tailored to help older adults manage age-related joint stiffness, improve mobility and balance, reduce osteoarthritis pain, and decrease the risk of falls.
• Work-Related Injuries (RSI, Lifting Injuries): Musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, neck strain, or repetitive strain injuries (RSI) that are developed or aggravated by physical demands, postures, or accidents in the workplace.
• 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.
• Postpartum Musculoskeletal Issues: Addressing physical challenges after childbirth, such as persistent back or pelvic pain, core weakness (including diastasis recti co-management), postural strain from childcare, and discomfort from C-section scar tissue.

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• Plantar Fasciitis / Heel & Foot Pain: Relief from persistent heel pain and arch discomfort through a combination of manual therapies, exercises, and potentially orthotic advice.
• 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.

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

• Scoliosis (Functional & Pain Management): Tailored exercise and manual therapy approaches to support individuals living with scoliosis.
• Bursitis (Various Regions): Treatment for bursitis in areas like the shoulder (subacromial), hip (trochanteric), or elbow (olecranon), aimed at reducing inflammation and restoring pain-free movement.

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

• Nutritional & Lifestyle Counselling: Providing general advice on diet, supplementation (within scope), exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management techniques to support your overall health, healing, and well-being.
• Kinesiology Taping / Athletic Taping: Application of elastic therapeutic tape (e.g., Kinesio Tape®) or rigid athletic tape to support joints, reduce pain, manage swelling, facilitate or inhibit muscle function.
• Concussion Management & Rehabilitation: Assessment, management, and rehabilitation protocols for concussion, focusing on musculoskeletal components, cervicogenic dizziness, and a safe return to activity (requires specialized training).
• Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive chiropractic care for injuries sustained in car accidents, such as whiplash, neck pain, back pain, and soft tissue damage, focusing on pain relief and functional restoration.
• Sports Injury Management & Performance Optimization: Helping athletes of all levels recover from injury and achieve their performance goals.
• Custom Foot Orthotic Assessment & Prescription: Biomechanical assessment of your feet and gait, followed by casting or scanning for custom-made foot orthotics to address foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back pain related to foot mechanics.

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

• Overcoming that waddling feeling and hip pain during pregnancy to achieve improved nerve function, leading to less tingling, numbness, or weakness and resume playing with your dog, including throwing a ball or going for vigorous runs is a common success story at Dr. Nicholas's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
• Patients often share how coccyx pain after a fall affected their ability to confidently stand-up paddleboarding, even in choppy water. With Dr. Nicholas's help and a focus on being able to lift everyday objects without the fear of pain or re-injury, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
• Dr. Nicholas frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by pain from repetitive movements at my work station. The common goal is improved core stability, leading to better support for their spine and reduced strain, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, performing all basic daily movements naturally, without constantly thinking about potential pain, with greater comfort and ease.
• Dr. Nicholas understands how frustrating pain on the outside of my hip (bursitis maybe?) can be. By aiming for more efficient and comfortable movement patterns during daily activities, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like deepening your yoga and Pilates practice with improved flexibility and strength with renewed confidence.

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

Dr. Barber's practice is situated at Synergy Health Management in the vibrant Quadra Village neighborhood, close to the Topaz Park Area of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near the Coho and Clipper Ferry Terminals, making it easily accessible for both local residents and visitors. Patients can reach the clinic via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), with several bus routes serving the area. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible, and ample parking is generally available close to the clinic entrance, ensuring a comfortable visit for all patients.

Can children and babies receive chiropractic care?

Yes, chiropractic care is safe and can be highly beneficial for children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Dr. Barber modifies techniques to be extremely gentle and appropriate for each child's age, size, and developmental stage. Common reasons parents seek chiropractic care for their children include concerns related to posture, after minor falls or sports-related tumbles, to support overall spinal health during growth spurts, or for issues like colic or feeding difficulties in infants where gentle musculoskeletal approaches may be supportive.

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

No, in British Columbia, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, meaning patients can book an appointment directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may still require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It's advisable to check the specifics of your insurance policy.

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

In chiropractic, a 'vertebral subluxation' or 'joint restriction' (also sometimes called a joint dysfunction) refers to a spinal or extremity joint that has lost its normal position or motion. This can irritate surrounding nerves, muscles, and tissues, potentially leading to pain, inflammation, reduced mobility, or other symptoms. The goal of a chiropractic adjustment is to correct these restrictions and restore proper joint function.

What is Synergy Health Management'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.

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

In BC, MSP provides partial coverage for chiropractic services, typically a set amount per visit, for a limited number of visits (currently 10 combined per year for supplementary benefits including chiro, physiotherapy, massage, naturopathy, and acupuncture) for eligible individuals with lower incomes, such as those on Premium Assistance. Most patients will have a co-payment. It's recommended to verify your MSP eligibility and consult your private insurance for additional coverage.

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

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

Is chiropractic treatment, especially an adjustment, painful?

Most patients find chiropractic adjustments to be a comfortable procedure. The goal is to reduce pain and improve function. While there might be a brief moment of pressure, it’s rarely painful. If muscles are very tight or joints inflamed, some temporary soreness may occur afterward, but your Chiropractor will tailor the force and technique to your needs to ensure comfort.

Synergy Health Management
#106 - 3960 Quadra Street
Victoria, BC V8X 4A3

Phone: (778) 594-4022

Dr. Nicholas Barber 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=10667

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