New chiropractor Dr. Clay Ward has opened a healthcare clinic in Courtenay dubbed Dynamic Spine, Sport & Wellness.

鈥淲e focus on pain, prevention and performance,鈥� says Ward. 鈥淔unction is the foundation of our care 鈥� whether it be a repetitive strain injury from work, an ICBC claimant recovering from an auto accident, or an elite athlete training for the Olympics, our focus is the same 鈥� to help improve how the body functions.鈥�

As a modern chiropractor, Ward takes a functional approach to assess, diagnose and manage injuries not only of the spine but also for any joint or muscle in the body. With the clinic also offering massage therapy and exercise rehabilitation, many aspects of care are addressed.

鈥淔inding the right treatment at the right time is critical for any injury cycle or for injury prevention,鈥� says Ward.

Modern chiropractors are no longer just back specialists.

鈥淏y addressing problems in the joints and muscles, then developing appropriate exercises to restore function, care is more efficient and effective than ever before.鈥�

However, not every problem is an easy fix, Ward says.

鈥淢any conditions are the result of years of microtrauma, poor posture, poor movement patterns or all of the above, so finding the root cause is critical for a successful outcome."

Conditions treated range from back or neck pain to headache and extremity pain to repetitive strain disorders from work, and overuse injuries from sports training and competition.

For this reason, Ward uses various cutting edge soft tissue techniques and traditional chiropractic treatment to help patients.

Intensive post-graduate training provides Ward with the top training in Canada for treatment and rehabilitation for injuries of both the spine and extremities.

鈥淨uality of care is improved by utilizing what has worked in the past and merging it with the best soft tissue techniques and modalities that we now have."

Ward has a Doctor of Chiropractic from the University of Western States in Portland, Ore. After practicing four years in Alberta and Victoria, Ward and his wife Natalie moved to the Comox Valley, where she grew up. He recently represented the Valley at the Xterra World Championships this past year in Maui, HI. Ward is also involved with the Comox Valley Road Runners and Triathlon Club, and is the team chiropractor for the Vancouver Island Performance Youth Racing Squad.

Dynamic Spine, Sport & Wellness is located at Suite 102-1532 Cliffe Ave. along the Riverway Trail.

www.dynamicspinesportwellness.com.