Dr. Stephen Karpuk – Chiropractor | Kamloops, BC

Dr. Stephen Karpuk is a dedicated Chiropractor practicing at Dr. Stephen J. Karpuk Chiropractic Corp. in Kamloops, BC. With a focus on providing high-quality, patient-centered care, Dr. Karpuk adheres to the standards set by the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC). His approach emphasizes individualized treatment plans that aim to improve overall health, restore function, and promote wellness for each patient. Dr. Karpuk’s clinic offers a welcoming environment where patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, can access comprehensive chiropractic services tailored to their unique needs.

Dr. Karpuk specializes in managing a variety of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, with particular interest in sports injuries, headache and TMJ (jaw) dysfunction, and chronic pain conditions. His approach incorporates evidence-based techniques and multimodal strategies to ensure effective outcomes. Whether addressing postural issues common among office workers or providing care during pregnancy and senior years, Dr. Karpuk is committed to supporting his patients' journey toward better health and active living. His holistic philosophy emphasizes empowering patients with knowledge and proactive strategies for maintaining their well-being.

With extensive clinical experience and ongoing professional development, Dr. Karpuk has developed expertise in sports injury rehabilitation, headache and TMJ disorder management, and family chiropractic care. He believes in providing personalized, comprehensive care that aligns with each patient’s health goals. Dr. Stephen Karpuk offers care exclusively in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding throughout the treatment process.

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

Shoulder, Arm & Hand Conditions

• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A rehabilitative approach to gradually restore shoulder mobility and alleviate the discomfort of adhesive capsulitis.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Conservative Management): Symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the hand and wrist caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist.
• Tennis Elbow / Golfer's Elbow (Epicondylitis): Pain and tenderness around the elbow joint due to overuse and inflammation of tendons, typically on the outer (tennis elbow) or inner (golfer's elbow) side of the elbow.

General Musculoskeletal & Systemic Conditions

• Fibromyalgia (Pain & Stiffness Management): Gentle techniques and supportive therapies aimed at reducing pain sensitivity and improving overall comfort for individuals with fibromyalgia.
• Bursitis (Various Regions): Alleviating discomfort from inflamed bursae through gentle therapies and advice on activity modification.
• Postural Imbalances & Related Pain: Helping you achieve better posture to alleviate pain, improve breathing, and enhance overall physical well-being.
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome / Trigger Points: Identifying and treating muscular trigger points to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve range of motion.

Specific Populations & Injury Types

• Sports Injuries (Acute & Overuse): Injuries sustained during athletic activities or exercise, ranging from sudden incidents like sprains, strains, and joint subluxations to chronic pain developing from repetitive stress or overuse.
• Pediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions (e.g., Growing Pains, Postural Concerns): Supporting healthy growth and addressing common childhood musculoskeletal complaints through safe and modified chiropractic approaches.
• 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.
• Work-Related Injuries (RSI, Lifting Injuries): Treatment and prevention strategies for injuries related to occupational tasks, including ergonomic advice and rehabilitation to support a safe return to work.

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

• Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT®): A specialized method aimed at optimizing cerebrospinal fluid flow and neurological integrity through craniosacral adjustments.
• Activator Methods® Technique: Precise and gentle corrections delivered with a handheld adjusting instrument.
• 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.
• Diversified Technique: Classic chiropractic adjustments characterized by precise, gentle thrusts to correct joint dysfunction.
• Thompson Drop-Table Technique: A gentle adjusting method using a specialized table with sections that drop slightly, allowing for precise adjustments with minimal force.

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

• Patients often share how fibromyalgia pain, fatigue, and body-wide tenderness affected their ability to enjoying long drives and road trips. With Dr. Stephen's help and a focus on feeling empowered with the knowledge and tools to maintain their spinal health, many are now enjoying life with improved function and less discomfort.
• Dr. Stephen frequently helps people find solutions for the limitations imposed by painful elbow joint. The common goal is moving more freely and easily throughout their entire body, enabling a confident return to valued life activities, for instance, training for a half-marathon/marathon, with greater comfort and ease.
• For those whose numbness and tingling in my hands, especially at night has made curling in your league a challenge, Dr. Stephen offers a path towards finding lasting solutions after trying many other approaches without success. Chiropractic care can be instrumental in helping you rediscover the joy of movement and an active lifestyle.
• Overcoming weak ankles that seem to twist easily to achieve a noticeable boost in overall energy levels and vitality and resume working productively and comfortably at your standing desk all day is a common success story at Dr. Stephen's practice. Personalized care makes a real difference.

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

Dr. Stephen J. Karpuk Chiropractic Corp. is situated in the Sahali North, Upper Sahali neighborhood of Kamloops, BC. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Kamloops and is easily accessible via the Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In British Columbia, chiropractors are recognized as primary contact healthcare professionals, meaning patients can book an appointment directly without a referral from a medical doctor. This allows for timely access to chiropractic care. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may still require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes, so it is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy.

Is chiropractic treatment, especially an adjustment, painful?

An adjustment itself is typically not painful. You might hear a 'pop' or 'crack', which is just gas being released from the joint, not bones cracking. Some people feel a bit sore the next day, similar to after a workout, but this usually resolves quickly. Dr. Karpuk ensures that every patient is as comfortable as possible during treatment.

What are the typical phases of chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care often progresses through stages. Initially, the focus is on relieving pain (relief care). Once the pain subsides, the goal shifts to correcting the underlying cause and improving function (corrective care). Finally, some patients opt for maintenance or wellness care, which involves periodic check-ups to sustain health, much like dental cleanings.

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

In BC, MSP provides partial coverage for chiropractic services, typically offering a set amount per visit for a limited number of visits annually (currently up to 10 for supplementary benefits like chiro, physio, massage, naturopathy, and acupuncture). Coverage is often means-tested, such as for those on Premium Assistance. Most patients will have a co-payment. Patients should verify their eligibility and coverage details directly with MSP and their private insurance.

Do chiropractors provide exercises or stretches?

Yes, exercises and stretches are often incorporated into chiropractic treatment plans. Your Chiropractor will demonstrate specific movements to do at home to aid recovery, maintain progress, and prevent future issues.

Dr. Stephen J. Karpuk Chiropractic Corp.
#4 - 1390 Hillside Drive
Kamloops, BC V2E 0A6

Phone: (778) 574-2629

Dr. Stephen Karpuk 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=10760

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