Dr. Pauline Thomas

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

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.
• 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): A rehabilitative approach to gradually restore shoulder mobility and alleviate the discomfort of adhesive capsulitis.
• 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.

Hip, Leg & Foot Conditions

• 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.
• Knee Pain (Osteoarthritis, Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - Conservative): Addressing biomechanical factors contributing to knee pain, helping to alleviate discomfort and improve your ability to walk, run, or climb stairs.

Specific Populations & Injury Types

• Pregnancy-Related Musculoskeletal Pain: Chiropractic care adapted for the unique needs of expectant mothers, focusing on maintaining comfort, optimizing pelvic alignment, and preparing for childbirth.
• Pediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions (e.g., Growing Pains, Postural Concerns): Care for young patients, from babies with torticollis (co-management) to teens with 'text neck' or sports-related strains.
• 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.

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

• Geriatric Chiropractic Care: Gentle adjustments and mobility exercises tailored for the aging spine and joints.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of gentle electrical currents (IFC or TENS) to the skin to help reduce pain, decrease muscle spasms, and promote circulation.
• Webster Technique (for Pregnancy): Gentle chiropractic care tailored for pregnancy using the Webster Technique to promote pelvic balance.
• Prenatal & Postnatal Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care to help manage pregnancy-related pain and support postpartum recovery.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound: A non-invasive modality to accelerate the healing of soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains.
• Pediatric Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care tailored for babies and children, using very light and safe methods.

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

• Many individuals visit Dr. Pauline because they are tired of dealing with a herniated disc diagnosis. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve waking up feeling more rested and with less morning stiffness and get back to enjoying important activities like swimming laps efficiently at the community pool for fitness.
• Dr. Pauline understands how frustrating headaches starting from my neck base can be. By aiming for feeling empowered with the knowledge and tools to maintain their spinal health, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like playing your guitar/piano/drums/violin for extended practice sessions with renewed confidence.
• For those whose waking up with a stiff neck has made performing your physically demanding job duties a challenge, Dr. Pauline offers a path towards improved nerve function, leading to less tingling, numbness, or weakness. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
• Patients often share how pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy affected their ability to gracefully ice skating with your family during the winter months. With Dr. Pauline's help and a focus on feeling more comfortable and supported throughout pregnancy, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.

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

Dr. Thomas's practice is situated at ALTHA Health and Sport, located in the heart of central Armstrong. The clinic is conveniently positioned within the local community, making it easy for patients to access high-quality chiropractic care. It is in close proximity to various community services and pharmacies, ensuring that patients can combine their appointments with other errands or healthcare needs seamlessly. The clinic is accessible via local public transit routes, making it a practical choice for those relying on buses or other forms of public transportation. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

Chiropractors in Canada complete a rigorous post-secondary Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, which typically requires a minimum of three years of undergraduate university education followed by four years of intensive study at an accredited chiropractic college. The DC program includes comprehensive training in basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, and biomechanics, as well as clinical sciences like diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, and differential diagnosis. Chiropractic-specific subjects such as adjusting techniques and rehabilitation are also emphasized. The education incorporates extensive hands-on clinical internship experience, and graduates must pass demanding national and provincial board examinations to become licensed to practice as chiropractors in Canada.

What are the typical phases of chiropractic care?

Generally, your care might involve an initial phase aimed at providing relief from acute symptoms. This is often followed by a rehabilitative phase focused on correcting underlying issues, improving function, and strengthening affected areas. Many patients then choose wellness or maintenance care, which involves periodic check-ups to sustain progress and prevent future problems. However, participation in these latter phases is always a patient’s choice.

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

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

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

No, in British Columbia (as well as in other provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec), chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals. 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 verify their insurance policies for specific requirements.

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 services including chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage, naturopathy, and acupuncture) for eligible individuals such as those on Premium Assistance. Most patients will have a co-payment. It's advisable to check eligibility and coverage specifics with MSP and private insurance providers.

Is there parking available at or near ALTHA Health and Sport?

Yes, there is free patient parking available directly in front of or behind the clinic building, providing convenient access for patients.

What is chiropractic care and how can it help me?

Chiropractic is a healthcare profession focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system, primarily the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal adjustments and other manual therapies, along with exercise and lifestyle counseling, to relieve pain, restore function, and support the body's natural healing ability. It can help with issues like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint problems in the arms or legs.

ALTHA Health and Sport
2695 Jarvis Cres
Armstrong, BC V0E 1B1

Phone: (604) 922-0706

Dr. Pauline Thomas 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=10441

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