Creating a Safe Space Through Chiropractic Care
written by Dr. Maddy McHugh (DC, BSc.)
Hi, I’m Maddy and I am the chiropractor here at The Vitality Clinic.
Chiropractic care is often misunderstood. It is about more than just treating pain or “cracking backs,” it's about helping people move comfortably, understand & trust their body, and participate in the activities that matter most to them. For me, it’s also about creating a safe space that allows for positive experiences within the healthcare system.
How I Found Chiropractic
Before becoming a chiropractor, I worked directly with individuals living with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. During that time, I saw the relief that hands-on care and movement-based therapy could provide people experiencing severe pain and trauma. I also saw how important it was for our patients to feel safe, understood, and included in their healthcare plan. These factors often had just as much impact on health outcomes as the treatment itself.
My Approach to Care
Every chiropractor practices a little differently, and I believe that's one of the strengths of the profession. Each of us has our own unique style, philosophy, and approach to care. Because my background is in psychology, I typically use a biopsychosocial approach to care. This means I like to consider the whole picture, rather than focusing only where the pain is. My approach is based on the perspective that pain and health are influenced by many factors, including our physical health, emotional wellbeing, support systems, daily stressors, environment, and the beliefs we hold about ourselves.
Because of this, my appointments often include a combination of:
Discussing your story & what brought you here
Education/information about your condition
Hands-on treatment (sometimes adjustments, sometimes not)
Exercises specific to your body & lifestyle (if appropriate)
Lifestyle strategies (that actually fit your lifestyle)
Collaborative goal setting
Everyone is Included
You may have heard of the term “inclusive healthcare,” but what does it really mean? Inclusive care isn't a specialty, it's actually just the foundation of good healthcare. It means that all people should have access to the same level of care regardless of age, race, biological sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, language spoken, financial status, body size, or disability. To me, inclusive chiropractic care is about creating an environment where every person feels welcome, respected, and safe. As a queer person, this is a very important part of my practice.
Inclusive care might mean:
Having a wheelchair accessible clinic
Furniture/equipment suitable for larger bodies
Using affirming and inclusive language (many health intake forms are not inclusive)
Asking rather than assuming (there are no dumb questions in healthcare)
Recognizing that every person's experiences with healthcare are different
Adapting care to meet individual needs
Providing evidence-informed recommendations without judgment
Working collaboratively so patients feel involved in decisions about their care
Unfortunately, many individuals have had healthcare experiences where they were dismissed, shamed, or faced blatant discrimination. Those experiences make people less likely to seek care in the future.
I am excited to continue building a practice where people feel comfortable to ask questions, learn more about their bodies, build confidence in their abilities, and enjoy life without fear of pain or injury.