Dr. Peter Chau – Chiropractor | Maple Ridge, BC

Dr. Peter Chau is a dedicated Chiropractor. Practicing at Body Balance Chiropractic in Maple Ridge, BC, Peter is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC) standards. His approach focuses on providing comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, with an emphasis on spinal health and overall well-being. Dr. Chau serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized care tailored to each individual's unique needs.
With a strong foundation in evidence-based chiropractic practices, Dr. Peter Chau completed his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. His clinical experience has equipped him with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage various musculoskeletal issues. He is dedicated to ongoing professional development, staying current with the latest advancements in chiropractic care to ensure his patients receive the most effective treatments available.
Dr. Peter Chau's practice philosophy centers on helping the Maple Ridge community achieve better health and vitality through chiropractic care. He believes in empowering his patients with knowledge about their conditions and proactive strategies for maintaining long-term health. Dr. Chau offers care in English, fostering clear communication and a warm, welcoming environment for all his patients.

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

Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions

• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) of the Upper Limb: Relief for symptoms caused by overuse of the hands, wrists, and arms in work or daily activities.
• 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.
• Nerve Entrapments (e.g., Thoracic Outlet, Cubital Tunnel): Identifying and treating sources of nerve irritation in the upper limb to alleviate radiating symptoms and improve sensation.

Back & Spine Conditions

• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) / Spondylosis: Managing the symptoms of degenerative disc disease and spondylosis to help maintain mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.
• Sciatica & Lumbar Radiculopathy (Radiating Leg Pain): Targeted treatment for conditions causing 'pinched nerve' sensations down the leg, helping to reduce pain and restore normal nerve function.
• Herniated, Protruded, or Bulging Discs (Symptomatic): A condition where the soft inner part of a spinal disc pushes out, potentially pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, neck, arms or legs.

Head, Neck & Jaw Conditions

• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Rehabilitation programs for individuals suffering from WAD, aiming to facilitate recovery and prevent long-term complications.
• Headaches (Cervicogenic, Tension-Type, Migraine Support): Pain in the head, often linked to neck issues (cervicogenic), muscle tension (tension-type), or as a component that chiropractic care can help manage in certain migraine cases by addressing musculoskeletal triggers.
• TMJ / Jaw Pain (Temporomandibular Disorders - TMD): Pain, clicking, locking, or limited movement in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often affecting chewing, speaking, and sometimes causing ear pain or headaches.

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

• Heat & Cryotherapy (Ice) Application: Utilizing heat or ice to complement adjustments and soft tissue work for optimal recovery.
• Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration and pain reduction in persistent injuries.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound: Ultrasound therapy to support tissue repair and pain management.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (Cold Laser): Non-invasive light therapy to stimulate healing processes and provide pain relief.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Electrotherapy for pain relief and muscle relaxation.
• Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy: Gentle spinal traction to create negative pressure within discs, promoting healing.

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

• Imagine being able to crafting and sewing for extended periods without that pinched nerve feeling shooting down my arm/leg holding you back. Dr. Peter works closely with patients to achieve outcomes such as feeling less 'locked up' or stiff after periods of sitting or inactivity, often utilizing targeted spinal adjustments and supportive therapies to restore proper function.
• Dr. Peter frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by my back going out frequently. The common goal is a better understanding of their body and how to prevent future flare-ups, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, running your usual 5k/10k route, with greater comfort and ease.
• Many individuals visit Dr. Peter because they are tired of dealing with tendonitis pain in my [shoulder/elbow/knee/achilles]. Through a personalized chiropractic care plan, they often find they can achieve feeling a significant release of chronic tension and stress held in their body and get back to enjoying important activities like playing a full round of golf without stiffness.
• For those whose that rotator cuff acting up again has made playing your guitar/piano/drums/violin for extended practice sessions a challenge, Dr. Peter offers a path towards waking up feeling more rested and with less morning stiffness. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.

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

Body Balance Chiropractic is situated in the West Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows North neighborhood of Maple Ridge. The clinic is conveniently located near the Major North-South Connector and is easily accessible via TransLink, including bus services and the West Coast Express. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

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 that often arise due to hormonal changes and shifting biomechanics. 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. Chau, are also certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment for pregnant women.

What is that 'cracking' or 'popping' sound during an adjustment?

The 'cracking' or 'popping' sound, technically called cavitation, is thought to be caused by the release of gas (mainly nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide) from the synovial fluid within a joint when it is stretched or moved quickly during an adjustment. It’s similar to the sound made when you crack your knuckles. The sound itself is not the goal of the adjustment and does not indicate treatment effectiveness; the primary aim is to restore proper joint motion and relieve nerve pressure.

What is that 'cracking' or 'popping' sound during an adjustment?

The 'cracking' or 'popping' sound, technically called cavitation, is thought to be caused by the release of gas (mainly nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide) from the synovial fluid within a joint when it is stretched or moved quickly during an adjustment. It’s similar to the sound made when you crack your knuckles. The sound itself is not the goal of the adjustment and does not indicate treatment effectiveness; the primary aim is to restore proper joint motion and relieve nerve pressure.

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

In British Columbia, MSP provides partial coverage for chiropractic services, typically offering a set amount per visit for a limited number of visits (currently up to 10 per year) for eligible individuals with lower incomes or specific benefits. Most patients will have a co-payment. It's important to verify your eligibility and coverage details directly with MSP and check your private insurance plans for additional coverage.

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 other 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.

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 extremely gentle and appropriate for a child's age, size, and developmental stage. Parents often seek chiropractic care for 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.

What is chiropractic care and how can it help me?

A Chiropractor is a spine, muscle, and nervous system expert. They provide qualified, effective treatment to relieve pain and improve the way your body moves, without medication or surgery. Common techniques include manual 'hands-on' therapy, including adjustments, soft tissue therapy, exercises, education, and lifestyle advice to help you achieve your health goals.

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

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 may still require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specifics of your individual insurance policy.

Body Balance Chiropractic
Basement 10078 - 246B Street
Maple Ridge, BC V2W0H1

Phone: (604) 541-9336

Dr. Peter Chau 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=10367

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