Dr. Troy Sturtevant graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and holds a degree in biology from Bishop’s University.

His professional certifications include Active Release Technique (ART), medical acupuncture, and Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Dr. Sturtevant has worked with many athletes of various skill levels including varsity, Olympic, and professional athletes and is a devoted attendee of seminars provided by the Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine.

Dr. Sturtevant’s professional experience involves working as a member of the core medical team for the 2008 Canadian Olympic Wrestling Qualifications, the 2009 Canadian Grappling team and the strength and conditioning coach for the Canadian Ultimate Frisbee Team. In 2009, Dr. Sturtevant was published in the fitness section of Elle Magazine. He is also a former hockey and baseball player.
 

chiropractic

What Happens When the Spine is Adjusted and What Was That 'Pop'?

Rapid stretching at the spinal joint results in significant therapeutic intervention. The exact nature of the intervention is what chiropractic researchers are just beginning to understand. On one level, muscle and ligaments stretch, blood circulation increases, and nerve fibers fire rapidly at the moment of the chiropractic adjustment. But the picture is more complicated.

During the adjustment, the low back has undergone quick and gentle stretching of the spinal joint. The patient may hear a cracking or popping noise as the joint is opened. Research has proved that small pockets of air or bubbles are found in the tissue fluid surrounding a joint capsule. When the joint tissues are stretched during a chiropractic adjustment, the pockets of air 'pop' creating a cracking sound.

When the patient gets up from the table, she feels more movement in her lower back. The muscles may still be sore and tight, but spinal motion is improved. Each session will provide more relief. The chiropractor may suggest preventive care such as specific exercises and ergonomic tips on how to correctly bend and lift. Preventive care of this type helps to maintain spinal motion.

Contemporary Medical Acupuncture

What is Contemporary Medical Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a Nerve Stimulation technique where fine needles are inserted with the goal of correcting abnormal activity of the nervous system. Contemporary Medical Acupuncture differs from Traditional Chinese Acupuncture in that its study is based solely on Anatomy and physiology.

What conditions can be improved with Acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been shown to decrease pain and increase healing rate in acute injuries. It has also shown to be very effective with a number of chronic conditions such as frozen shoulder, back pain, neck pain and headaches.

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture is relatively painless. A slight ‘pinch’ is generally all that is felt when the needle is inserted.

How long does a treatment last?

Once the acupuncture points to be used have been determined based the needles are inserted and are left in place for 15-20 minutes – during this time, the patient is encouraged to relax!

Will my insurance plan cover acupuncture treatments?

Contemporary Medical Acupuncture falls under the Chiropractic scope of practice and therefore the acupuncture treatment will be billed as Chiropractic. If your insurance plan covers Chiropractic treatment, acupuncture will be covered.

Active Release Techniques (ART)

Articular pumping involves a co-operative interaction between the therapist and the patient to treat a joint or articulation as a whole. Targeting the whole joint, namely the capsule (fascia), pathways of the nerves, arteries and, veins as well as synovial fluid exchange, this technique allows the treatments to be more effective than traditional forms of mobilization. Articular pumping is highly effective at restoring range of motion, strength and fluid mechanics required for optimal healing of a joint.

Muscle Energy and Strain Counter Strain

SCS and Muscle Energy are techniques where the patient and therapist work together to find the appropriate corrective force or position to improve muscle and joint function. These gentle active techniques are effective in normalizing muscle tension and increasing joint range of motion. MET is particularly effective in treating mechanical low back pain.

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OHPC Athletic Therapists

Jay Ankersmit, Hons BA Physical Education, Dip. SIM, CAT(C)

As a Director of the OHPC Jay is very proud of the quality of services provided to active individuals and athletes of the Ottawa Region through the professional staff of the centre.

In his role as Athletic Therapist Jay utilizes a variety of assessment and treatment techniques to best suit his patients’ needs in recovery and performance. The combination of myofascial release, mobilization with movement (Mulligan) techniques and neurodynamics coupled with traditional treatment modalities gives Jay a wide spectrum of treatment options to address the array of conditions that patients present with at the OHPC.

Jay has worked with the Ottawa Senators NHL franchise, the Ottawa Fury Soccer club, Rugby Canada, and the Ottawa Rebel formerly of the National Lacrosse League. He is especially proud of his contributions to the successes of the many locally based professional, National Team and Olympic athletes he has had the pleasure of working with during his career.

Jay has been recognized for his professional accomplishments and contributions to local athletes by the Ottawa Business Journal, as a recipient of the 2009 Top 40 Under Forty award.

Sarah Button, B Kin(ch), Advanced Certificate in Athletic Therapy, CAT(C), CSCS

Sarah graduated with a Kinesiology degree from the Memorial University of Newfoundland and then went on to complete her Advanced Certificate in Athletic Therapy at Mount Royal College in Calgary. She also holds the Certified Strength and Conditioning Professional designation with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Sarah brings a variety of experience and course work to her clinical treatment and treats using Myofascial, Mulligan, Muscle Energy, Soft Tissue Release, and Active Isolated Stretching Techniques along with modalities as needed. She also draws on her background in coaching and strength and conditioning for athletes and active individuals to ensure her patients receive an exercise program that will help them meet their goals and get back to sport and life quickly.

Sarah has devoted much of her life to figure skating. Her latest skating endeavour has been synchronized skating on a National gold medal winning team. As and Athletic Therapist, Sarah has worked with many collegiate sports including volleyball, soccer, wrestling, gymnastics and rugby. She has also had experience at National Championship level events for figure skating and gymnastics and worked as a therapist for the Calgary Colts in the Canadian Junior Football League. Her most interesting field experience was working with the Canadian medical team for the Professional Bull Riding Association.