Dr. Nicholas DiCesare

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

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Rehabilitation programs for individuals suffering from WAD, aiming to facilitate recovery and prevent long-term complications.

Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Conservative Management): Helping to relieve pressure on the median nerve to reduce hand and wrist discomfort associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
• 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): Discomfort, weakness, or limited movement in the shoulder, commonly from injury or inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, impingement of structures within the shoulder joint, or bursitis.

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• Plantar Fasciitis / Heel & Foot Pain: Effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, focusing on reducing inflammation, stretching the plantar fascia and calf muscles, and addressing foot biomechanics.
• Piriformis Syndrome / Deep Gluteal Pain: Pain in the buttock region, which can sometimes radiate down the leg mimicking sciatica, often caused by spasm or tightness of the piriformis muscle irritating the nearby sciatic nerve.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. DiCesare 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.
• Diversified Technique: A widely used manual adjusting technique involving specific high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to restore proper movement and alignment to spinal and extremity joints.
• Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT®): A gentle technique focusing on the relationship between the sacrum (base of the spine) and occiput (base of the skull), often using pelvic blocks and cranial work to restore nervous system function (practitioner certification dependent).
• Flexion-Distraction Therapy (e.g., Cox® Technic): Spinal decompression and mobilization performed on a specialized table to relieve pressure on discs and nerves.
• Gonstead Technique: Targeted adjustments based on the Gonstead system of chiropractic care.
• Activator Methods® Technique: Precise and gentle corrections delivered with a handheld adjusting instrument.

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

• Overcoming chronic pain from a previous accident to achieve better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control and resume actively coaching your kid's soccer/hockey/baseball team from the sidelines is a common success story at Dr. Nicholas's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
• Getting back to playing with your kids in the park after struggling with recovering slowly after a nasty fall is a frequent aspiration for patients at Dr. Nicholas's clinic. A dedicated care plan often leads to moving more freely and easily throughout their entire body and a return to a more active life.
• Dr. Nicholas understands how frustrating a herniated disc diagnosis can be. By aiming for being able to actively keep up with their children or grandchildren, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like managing all your household chores like vacuuming, mopping, and laundry pain-free with renewed confidence.
• Imagine being able to strength training at the gym without a weak or painful achilles tendon holding you back. Dr. Nicholas works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as getting back to work feeling more comfortable and productive, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.

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

Dr. DiCesare's practice is situated within Kootenay Integrated Health, located in the central Castlegar neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive healthcare in one location. Public transit routes serve the area, ensuring accessible transportation options for all. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

How can I tell if chiropractic care is right for me?

If you're experiencing pain, stiffness, or dysfunction related to your spine, muscles, joints, or nerves—particularly issues like back pain, neck pain, headaches, or extremity joint problems—chiropractic care may be very beneficial. Scheduling an initial consultation allows Dr. DiCesare to perform a thorough assessment, discuss your health goals, and determine whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate or if another approach might better suit your needs.

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 gentle and appropriate for each child's age, size, and developmental stage. Many parents seek chiropractic care for concerns such as 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 helpful.

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

X-rays are not routinely required for every patient. Dr. DiCesare will conduct a thorough history and physical examination to determine if imaging is necessary. Typically, X-rays are recommended to rule out serious conditions like fractures or pathology, assess for significant spinal degeneration or instability, or if the patient's condition is not improving as expected with conservative care. All imaging decisions follow established guidelines to minimize radiation exposure.

Do chiropractors provide exercises or stretches?

Yes, exercises and stretches are an integral part of many chiropractic treatments. Dr. DiCesare will likely show you specific movements to do at home to speed recovery, maintain progress, and prevent recurrence.

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

In BC, MSP provides partial coverage for a limited number of chiropractic visits, typically 10 per year, for eligible individuals such as those on Premium Assistance. Most patients will have a co-payment. It's important to verify your eligibility and coverage details directly with MSP, and also check your private insurance plans for additional benefits.

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

Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, so patients can book an appointment directly without a referral. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients should check their individual insurance policies for specific requirements.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my chiropractic appointment?

We recommend wearing clothing that you can move comfortably in, such as gym attire or loose pants and a top. This helps with the physical examination and any active components of your treatment.

Kootenay Integrated Health
1020 Columbia Ave
Castlegar, BC V1N 1H2

Phone: (778) 436-9366

Dr. Nicholas DiCesare 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=11068

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