Dr. Rachel Parker – Chiropractor | Nanaimo, BC

Dr. Rachel Parker is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Symphony Brain Performance in Nanaimo, BC. With a passion for promoting natural healing and improving overall well-being, Dr. Parker is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC). Her approach focuses on understanding each patient's unique health concerns and developing personalized treatment plans to support their journey toward better health.

Specializing in comprehensive chiropractic assessment and treatment, Dr. Parker addresses a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, emphasizing spinal health and functional mobility. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring gentle and effective care tailored to individual needs. For added convenience, the clinic offers direct billing to select extended health insurance providers, making it easier for patients to access the care they deserve.

With extensive clinical experience and a commitment to ongoing professional development, Dr. Parker stays current with the latest evidence-based practices in chiropractic care. Her philosophy revolves around promoting natural, non-invasive healing methods and helping her community achieve optimal health and vitality. Dr. Parker is fluent in English and Punjabi, ensuring clear communication and compassionate care for diverse patients.

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

Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions

• Nerve Entrapments (e.g., Thoracic Outlet, Cubital Tunnel): Chiropractic care to address mechanical nerve compression syndromes such as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, aiming to relieve pressure and restore nerve function.
• 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.

Back & Spine Conditions

• Low Back Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic): Helping you overcome lower back pain through targeted adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and corrective exercises to improve spinal mechanics.
• Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain): Pain and tenderness at the very bottom of the spine (coccyx or tailbone), often aggravated by sitting or direct pressure.
• 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): Pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels from the lower back down one or both legs, often caused by irritation or compression of a spinal nerve root in the lumbar spine.

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

• Postural Imbalances & Related Pain: Helping you achieve better posture to alleviate pain, improve breathing, and enhance overall physical well-being.
• Bursitis (Various Regions): Inflammation of a bursa (a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints), causing localized pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling.
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome / Trigger Points: A chronic pain disorder characterized by the development of sensitive points in muscles (trigger points) that can cause deep, aching pain locally or in seemingly unrelated parts of the body (referred pain).

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

• Active Release Techniques (ART®): ART® for targeted relief of soft tissue injuries and repetitive strain conditions.
• Myofascial Release Technique (MRT): Hands-on therapy focused on releasing tension and restrictions in muscles and their surrounding connective tissue (fascia) to improve mobility and reduce pain.
• Diversified Technique: Hands-on spinal and extremity manipulations to improve joint mobility and reduce nerve irritation.
• Trigger Point Therapy: Releasing tight bands of muscle tissue to alleviate pain and improve movement.
• Graston Technique® / IASTM: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) using specially designed stainless steel tools to detect and treat fascial restrictions, scar tissue, and chronic inflammation (practitioner certification dependent).
• Cross-Friction Massage: Targeted deep tissue massage to improve the mobility and healing of injured ligaments and tendons.

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

• Experience the significant benefit of better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control if you're dealing with pain in my buttock and sometimes my leg. Dr. Rachel helps patients regain their ability to fully participate in activities like playing your guitar/piano/drums/violin for extended practice sessions through focused and gentle chiropractic treatments.
• Dr. Rachel frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by waking up with a stiff neck. The common goal is improved ability to perform everyday tasks with greater ease and comfort, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, choosing to take the stairs instead of the elevator, just because you can, with greater comfort and ease.
• Overcoming hip pain when walking long distances or climbing stairs to achieve regaining functional strength in previously weak or injured areas and resume confidently stand-up paddleboarding, even in choppy water is a common success story at Dr. Rachel's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.
• Dr. Rachel understands how frustrating sore jaw muscles, especially in the morning can be. By aiming for better tolerance for physical activity without experiencing significant post-activity pain, chiropractic care can empower you to return to activities like crushing your CrossFit WODs (Workout of the Day) again with renewed confidence.

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

Dr. Parker's practice is located at Symphony Brain Performance in the central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Woodgrove Centre Mall, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Patients can reach the clinic via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring a smooth and stress-free visit. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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?

In British Columbia, chiropractors are primary contact healthcare professionals, which means 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.

Do chiropractors only treat back pain?

No, not at all! Although back pain is a common reason people visit a Chiropractor, Dr. Parker is trained to diagnose and treat many conditions related to your spine, joints, muscles, and nervous system. This includes neck pain, headaches, sciatica, sports injuries, arthritis-related pain, and pain in your arms or legs.

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

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

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

BC's 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 with lower incomes, such as those on Premium Assistance. Most patients will have a co-payment. It is recommended to verify your MSP eligibility and coverage details directly with MSP and check your private insurance policies for additional coverage.

Symphony Brain Performance
201- 1450 Waddington Road
Nanaimo, BC V9S 4V9

Phone: (604) 553-8435

Dr. Rachel Parker 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=11342

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