Question 1

What injuries/problems does Dr. Gannon treat?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Gannon may be able to help with the issue and symptoms associated with:Spine, Neck, and HeadBack PainSciatica and Lumbar Disc HerniationsNeck Pain - Postural Strain and "Tech Neck"Cervicogenic HeadachesVertigo and Cervicogenic DizzinessWhiplash and Car Accident RecoveryTMJ Dysfunction and Jaw PainThoracic Outlet SyndromeRib Injuries and CostochondritisOsteoarthritis and Joint DegenerationUpper Extremity (Shoulder, Arm, and Hand)Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy and ImpingementFrozen ShoulderTennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylalgia)Carpal Tunnel SyndromeCubital Tunnel SyndromeLower Extremity (Hip, Knee, and Foot)Gluteal Tendinopathy (Lateral Hip Pain)Hip Pain (FAI and Labral Tears)Piriformis SyndromeIT Band SyndromePatellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee)Shin SplintsAchilles TendinopathyPlantar FasciitisChronic Ankle Sprains and InstabilitySpecialized Clinical CarePregnancy-Related Low Back PainDon't see your specific injury listed? Schedule a comprehensive assessment to get an accurate, evidence-informed diagnosis.

Question 2

Do you accept ICBC cases?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr. Ryan Gannon accepts ICBC chiropractic claims at our North Vancouver clinic. 
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in British Columbia, you are automatically entitled to pre-approved chiropractic care to support your recovery. 
Our clinic offers direct billing to ICBC, meaning there is minimal out-of-pocket costs for your standard treatments.

How ICBC Chiropractic Coverage Works: 
• Pre-Approved Treatments: ICBC automatically covers 25 chiropractic treatments within the first 12 weeks from the date of your accident. 
• No Medical Referral Needed: You do not need a doctor’s note to begin treatment. You can book an initial assessment immediately. 
• Direct Billing: We submit all paperwork and bills directly to ICBC so you can focus entirely on your physical rehabilitation without financial stress.

How to Book Your First Appointment: 
To book an ICBC Chiropractic Initial Assessment and seamlessly activate your direct billing on your first visit to our Lower Lonsdale office, please view appointment availability on the Online Booking Page, then email info@drgannon.ca and provide: 
• Your ICBC Claim Number
• The Date of the Accident

Clinical Note: If your accident occurred more than 12 weeks ago, or if you have already exhausted your initial 25 treatments, Dr. Gannon can submit an extension request to your ICBC claim representative on your behalf to secure ongoing funding for your rehabilitation.

Question 3

What health insurers do you direct bill to?

Accepted Answer

Canada Life
Chamber of Commerce
Claim Secure
Desjardins
Empire Life
Equitable Life
Greenshield
Group Health
ICBC
Industrial Alliance
Manulife
Medavie Blue Cross (RCMP)
Pacific Blue Cross
People Corporation
SSQ
Sun Life

Question 4

What is the best pillow or sleeping position for neck and back pain?

Accepted Answer

There is no single "perfect" pillow or mattress for everyone. To minimize mechanical stress on your spine, your main goal should be maintaining a completely neutral cervical and lumbar alignment. Generally, side sleepers require a thicker contour pillow to fill the gap between the ear and shoulder, while back sleepers benefit from a lower profile support and a cushion beneath the knees.We have broken down the exact clinical selection criteria, side-sleeping ergonomics, and pillow material types in our comprehensive guide.👉 Read the Full Guide: [Click Here to Read Our Best Sleep Positions & Pillow Posture Recommendations]

Question 5

Can chiropractic care help with lumbar disc herniations or chronic lower back pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but an isolated spinal adjustment is rarely enough for a compromised disc. Our evidence-informed approach tackles disc-related pain, localized muscle guarding, and radiating nerve symptoms simultaneously:
Phase 1: Relieve Segmental Pressure – We utilize precise, gentle Chiropractic Adjustments and traction strategies to restore proper motion to the joints above and below the affected disc, reducing localized mechanical stress.
Phase 2: Unbind the Nervous System – If you are experiencing radiating pain, numbness, or tingling down your leg, we integrate Clinical Neurodynamics & Nerve Mobilization. This gentle nerve-gliding technique reduces neural tension and improves blood flow to the irritated nerve root.
Phase 3: Deactivate Protective Spasms – Severe disc pain causes surrounding muscles (like your glutes and lower back) to painfully lock up. We use Myofascial Release & Soft Tissue Therapy (ART) to safely calm this protective muscle guarding.
Phase 4: Core & Spine Stabilization – To protect the disc long-term, we build a Custom Exercise Therapy & Rehab program using specialized spinal-sparing frameworks (like the McGill protocols) to build a resilient, stable muscular brace around your spine.

Question 6

How do you treat chronic shoulder pain or rotator cuff strains?

Accepted Answer

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which means shoulder injuries are rarely isolated to a single muscle. Dr. Gannon uses a coordinated, multi-step protocol to restore pain-free overhead movement:
Phase 1: Restore Joint Mechanics – We often begin with targeted Chiropractic Adjustments or mobilizations to the thoracic spine and shoulder girdle. If your upper back is stiff, your shoulder is forced to overcompensate, leading to impingement.
Phase 2: Release Trapped Muscles – Using Myofascial Release & Soft Tissue Therapy (ART), we target the deep rotator cuff muscles (like the supraspinatus and subscapularis) and the chest wall to break down restrictive scar tissue and improve tissue sliding mechanics.
Phase 3: Optimize Scapular Tracking – We apply functional Kinesiology Taping protocols over the shoulder joint to enhance positional awareness (proprioception) and reduce micro-strain on the healing tendons during daily activities.
Phase 4: Rotator Cuff Fortification – Long-term stability requires Custom Exercise Therapy & Rehab. We transition you into a progressive program focused on scapular stabilization and rotator cuff strengthening to ensure the injury doesn't return when you go back to lifting or swimming.

Question 7

How do you treat chronic neck pain, whiplash, or tension headaches?

Accepted Answer

Whether your neck pain stems from a sudden ICBC auto accident or years of "text neck" at a desk, treating just the joints or just the muscles in isolation will only provide temporary relief. Dr. Gannon addresses cervical issues through a multi-tiered structural approach:
Phase 1: Restore Upper Spine Mobility – We use precise, gentle Chiropractic Adjustments or mobilizations to the cervical and thoracic spine to relieve joint restrictions and instantly reduce the mechanical strain traveling up to your skull.
Phase 2: Calm Suboccipital Tension – Using Myofascial Release & Soft Tissue Therapy (ART), we target the deep, hyper-tight muscles at the base of the skull and across the tops of the shoulders that actively trigger tension headaches.
Phase 3: Clear Compressed Paths – If your neck pain causes radiating tightness, numbness, or tingling down your arm, we integrate Clinical Neurodynamics & Nerve Mobilization to gently restore sliding motion to the tethered nerve roots.
Phase 4: Deep Neck Flexor Conditioning – Long-term postural correction relies on Custom Exercise Therapy & Rehab. We train your deep cervical stabilizers and upper-back musculature to hold your alignment effortlessly against gravity.

Question 8

How do you treat stubborn tendon pain like Achilles tendinitis or tennis elbow?

Accepted Answer

Chronic tendon injuries rarely respond to a single treatment tool. Dr. Gannon utilizes a comprehensive, multi-modal protocol designed to address both the structural tissue damage and the root biomechanical cause:
Phase 1: Mobilize the Tissue – We utilize Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) to break down localized scar tissue, stimulate blood flow, and initiate a healthy healing response in the tendon.
Phase 2: Release Muscle Tension – We apply targeted Myofascial Release & Soft Tissue Therapy (ART) to alleviate chronic tension in the overactive muscle belly that is constantly pulling on the injured tendon.
Phase 3: Dynamic Support – Specialized Kinesiology Taping protocols are integrated to provide functional, low-profile joint support and manage micro-swelling without restricting your daily movement.
Phase 4: Load Progression & Rehab – Long-term resolution requires Custom Exercise Therapy & Rehab to progressively load and strengthen the tendon, while correcting the underlying movement imbalances that caused the strain in the first place.

Question 9

Can you help with repetitive strain overuse injuries like Tennis Elbow or Carpal Tunnel?

Accepted Answer

Repetitive strain injuries of the extremity joints are notoriously stubborn because the affected tendons and fascia receive poor natural blood flow. Our protocol is engineered to mechanically restart the healing process:
Phase 1: Break Down Dense Adhesions – We use Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) directly over the forearm tendons or wrist retinaculum. This creates targeted micro-friction that breaks down chronic scar tissue and signals the body to send fresh, nutrient-rich blood to the area.
Phase 2: Release Kinetic Chain Restrictions – Overuse at the wrist or elbow is often caused by compensations higher up. We apply Myofascial Release & Soft Tissue Therapy (ART) to unbind tight muscle bellies in the forearm, bicep, and shoulder girdle.
Phase 3: Offload Tendon Strain – We apply specialized Kinesiology Taping patterns down the arm to structurally alter how force distributes through the elbow or wrist, providing immediate pain reduction during daily lifting or typing.
Phase 4: Progressive Eccentric Loading – True tendon remodeling requires physical load. We design a Custom Exercise Therapy & Rehab program utilizing targeted eccentric exercises to rebuild the tensile strength of the forearm tissues so they can handle your workload.

Question 10

Can chiropractic care help ankle sprains or foot instability?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A bad ankle sprain changes how your brain communicates with your lower limb. If you only rest it, you risk developing chronic ankle instability. Dr. Gannon’s sports injury background ensures a rapid, active recovery:
Phase 1: Clear Talar Joint Restrictions – Following a sprain, the ankle bones (specifically the talus) often become mechanically jammed. We use specific Chiropractic Adjustments and joint mobilizations to restore proper backward gliding of the ankle.
Phase 2: Manage Edema & Stabilize – We utilize structural Kinesiology Taping to mechanically lift the skin, which decompresses the underlying tissues, flushes out chronic swelling, and provides subconscious stability to the unstable ligaments.
Phase 3: Address Compensatory Guarding – Limping alters your gait. We use Myofascial Release & Soft Tissue Therapy (ART) on the calf muscles (soleus/gastrocnemius) and the bottom of the foot to stop painful muscular splinting.
Phase 4: Proprioceptive & Balance Retraining – To prevent re-injury, your brain needs to re-learn where your foot is in space. We construct a Custom Exercise Therapy & Rehab plan focused on single-leg balance, agility, and peroneal muscle strengthening.

Question 11

What should I expect at my first visit?

Accepted Answer

Case History
The initial step is for Dr. Gannon to review your paperwork and ask further questions about your condition and history. Further notes are made to your chart depending on your answers. This case history helps to narrow down the possible causes of your symptoms and determines if there are aspects of your case that require different approaches than other patients.
Examination
The next step is to conduct a physical examination which may mean touching or palpating areas of your body. This will also include physical tests involving movement of the body and limbs, testing the various tissues that may be contributing to your issues. This may also involve checking your reflexes and a neurological system examination that could point to an injury involving your nerves. An x-ray or other imaging is recommended in some cases.
Diagnosis
The examination provides clues as to what is causing the problem. After having gathered all of this information, as long as no further testing or imaging is required, Dr. Gannon will provide a diagnosis. If it is suspected that the problem is caused by something out of chiropractic scope of practice, he will refer to a specialist or other health care provider.
Informed Consent
Dr. Gannon will discuss the informed consent form with you and request your signature before the examination. Informed consent is about ensuring the patient is clear as to the diagnosis, treatment options and anticipated outcomes of the treatment. You will be encouraged to ask questions if anything is unclear.
Treatment
Dr. Gannon will propose and discuss a treatment plan including the number of visits required. Once you understand your treatment plan and feel comfortable moving forward, he will treat you with manual therapy techniques, which may include an adjustment. If you have a condition to which joint manipulation is contraindicated or you are not comfortable with an adjustment, the Dr. Gannon will utilize other therapies to treat you. He may recommend co-treatment with other healthcare providers (family doctor, physiotherapist, massage therapist, etc) if this will improve your rate and quality of recovery.
Prevention
The chiropractor will help you identify the cause of your condition, whether it is from poor posture, a repetitive strain injury or anything else in between. Dr. Gannon will prescribe various exercises and offer lifestyle advice to accompany your treatment plan. The goal is to get you well sooner and keep you well.

Question 12

Is there parking near the clinic?

Accepted Answer

Please see this article regarding parking near the chiropractic clinic in Lower Lonsdale:

Question 13

What is an adjustment?

Accepted Answer

Also known as spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), an adjustment is a therapeutic treatment using highly-skilled and precise movements to the vertebrae of the spine, correcting joint motion to restore proper movement and improve function. (This motion can be accompanied by an audible pop. When a joint is adjusted, an air bubble may escape from the lubricating fluid in the joint capsule causing the popping noise, similar to cracking your knuckles.)

Question 14

Is chiropractic care safe?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic care has proven to be safe and effective for neck and back pain. A comprehensive review of scientific evidence noted that there is as much evidence supporting chiropractic care as for other treatments such as prescription and non-prescription drugs and surgery. Doctors of Chiropractic work with patients to achieve and document informed consent, which involves describing the risks and benefits of all treatment options before performing the selected treatment. The most common side effects associated with chiropractic care are temporary. These are typical symptoms of increased pain, radiating pain, and/or stiffness that usually resolve within 24 hours of treatment. Serious complications are rarely associated with chiropractic care.

Question 15

Is neck manipulation safe?

Accepted Answer

Millions of neck manipulations are performed safely each year by chiropractors. They provide patients with relief from neck pain and headaches and help them to get back to their normal activities. If you suffer from neck pain or headaches, be very specific about your symptoms. Clarity will help Dr. Gannon offer the safest and most effective treatment, even if it involves referral to another health care provider.

FREQUENTLY

ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ'S

What injuries/problems does Dr. Gannon treat?

Do you accept ICBC cases?

What health insurers do you direct bill to?

What is the best pillow or sleeping position for neck and back pain?

Can chiropractic care help with lumbar disc herniations or chronic lower back pain?

How do you treat chronic shoulder pain or rotator cuff strains?

How do you treat chronic neck pain, whiplash, or tension headaches?

How do you treat stubborn tendon pain like Achilles tendinitis or tennis elbow?

Can you help with repetitive strain overuse injuries like Tennis Elbow or Carpal Tunnel?

Can chiropractic care help ankle sprains or foot instability?

What should I expect at my first visit?

Is there parking near the clinic?

What is an adjustment?

Is chiropractic care safe?

Is neck manipulation safe?

Send us a message
and we’ll get back to you shortly.

FREQUENTLY

ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ'S

What injuries/problems does Dr. Gannon treat?

Do you accept ICBC cases?

What health insurers do you direct bill to?

What is the best pillow or sleeping position for neck and back pain?

Can chiropractic care help with lumbar disc herniations or chronic lower back pain?

How do you treat chronic shoulder pain or rotator cuff strains?

How do you treat chronic neck pain, whiplash, or tension headaches?

How do you treat stubborn tendon pain like Achilles tendinitis or tennis elbow?

Can you help with repetitive strain overuse injuries like Tennis Elbow or Carpal Tunnel?

Can chiropractic care help ankle sprains or foot instability?

What should I expect at my first visit?

Is there parking near the clinic?

What is an adjustment?

Is chiropractic care safe?

Is neck manipulation safe?

Send us a message and we’ll get back to you shortly.

Send us a message
and we’ll get back to you shortly.