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Postpartum
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Prenatal Chiropractic

Dr. Melissa Reinke, DC, PPCES, FRCms


{Fee Schedule}

Chiropractic Assessment $115
30 min Appointment $105
45 min Appointment $155
60 min Appointment $210
90 min Appointment $295





Frequently Asked Questions- click here




Links:

PCES Program
coreexercisesolutions.com

Functional Range Systems
functionalanatomyseminars.com


Dr Melissa's area of expertise is in Postpartum recovery, including chronic dysfunctions that can persist for decades after pregnancy. She recognizes the immense challenges of navigating your pregnant or postpartum body while keeping up with the demands of life.

Being a parent is mentally and physically hard! It takes strength, mobility and endurance that can adapt with you; but it's just as important to recognize and respect the obstacles in your path- carrying a huge mental load, having limited time, and needing to do daily repetative tasks.

Understanding how your body moves, adapts and at times fails, is important for healing. This is a journey that starts with your pregnant body, but really continues on for the rest of your life.

Dr Melissa is a Chiropractor who is additionally trained as a:



Commonly treated conditions include:

~ Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
~ Urinary Incontinence
~ Diastasis Recti
~ Abdominal Bulging or doming
~ Pelvic Organ Prolapse
~ Abdominal/Inguinal Hernias
~ Low Back and SI Joint Pain
~ Disc Herniations
~ Pre and Post Surgical Rehab for any of the above



These conditions all have one very important thing in common; they are symptoms of ineffective pressure management. The abdominal cannister, commonly known as your core, is designed to use pressure to create pelvic stability. This is the base of support that allows for functional mobility throughout the hips, upper back, and shoulders. It is also the support needed for our body to handle force from both internal (cough, sneeze) and external (lift, carry) load demand. When our strategy for managing pressure fails, the body compensates in ways that are less effective. This causes further compensations, injuries and far-reaching effects through out the entire body, all the way from your jaw to your feet.

The reason these conditions are so commonly related to pregnancy is because our strategies for managing pressure are dependant on our breathing patterns (how we direct pressure) and the alignment of the abdominal cannister. Both of these factors drastically change throughout pregnancy, and in the early postpartum period when our fascia and muscles are over-lengthened and in the process of healing.

Dr Melissa's approach to postpartum recovery is highly influenced by her own experience with postpartum injuries. She knows first-hand how overwhelming it can be to start rebuilding trust in your body. She emphasizes having compassion and patience for yourself while navigating this journey. There are no gains that are too small, and no setbacks that can't be learned from.




Frequently Asked Questions


What can I expect during my appointments?

Your Chiropractic Assessment and first follow up appointment (which ranges in time based on your individual needs) will focus on assessing how your body functions. We look at your posture, breathing patterns, functional joint ranges, and movement patterns. This can include assessing the mobility and strength of your: hips, low back/pelvis, abdominals, upper back, shoulders, feet, neck and jaw.
The follow up appointments are time-based and are an opportunity to review your exercises, and make modifications, progressions, and additions. The focus is on perfecting your form, building strength and re-balancing your core muscles while ensuring you don't feel overwhelmed.


How often do I need to come in?

Follow up sessions are typically booked every 2-6 weeks, depending on your needs. We purposefully offer a lot of flexibility.  


I've tried other rehab programs in the past and felt overwhelmed by all the exercises. Is this different?

Each practitioner whose focus is postpartum care has their own way of guiding their patients to their goals. PCES providers have a central focus in educating on the foundations for a strong core, which include alignment, breathing, and movement patterns. Armed with this knowledge, patients are able to set the pace for their recovery while building confidence and trust for their body.  An analogy that fits well is climbing a mountain... there are multiple paths to the top, some are straight lines, others are slow and winding... but no matter which way you choose you are taking steps towards your goal. Although this is your mountain to climb, and you are in control of when and how you get to the top, rest assured that you will have all the support you need along the way.


What do I wear to my appointments?

Please dress in comfortable clothing that you can move well in. Work out clothes are ideal.


I am 20+ years postpartum... is this right for me?

YES! There is no time limit on when you can be helped.


I'm not postpartum but I have one of the conditions listed above. Can working with Dr Melissa help me?

Absolutely. This program is designed around a postpartum body because that is typically when our pelvic floor and core structures undergo the most stress. However, it is applicable to everyone! The goal is to re-train how your body moves, regardless of your gender, activity level, past injuries or health history.


Do you include internal pelvic examinations or treatments?

No. It is not within a chiropractor's scope of practice to do any internal examinations of your pelvis. Dr Melissa uses multiple factors to determine the tension of your pelvic floor including your health history, hip muscle testing, and breathing assessments.
For some patients, Dr Melissa may recommend that you include a pelvic floor physiotherapist in your care.


Are these visits covered under Alberta Healthcare or my Extended Health Benefits?

Chiropractic treatments are not covered under Alberta Healthcare, with the exception of seniors over the age of 65.
Most Extended Healthcare plans do, however, include Chiropractic. If you have any questions about your individual benefits, please contact your insurance company directly.
We are able to direct bill to most insurance companies.


If you have any other questions, please feel free to call or email the clinic. Dr Melissa also offers a free 10 minute consultation.


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