Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Flatworms Help Heal Broken Bones!"

Wow, can Flatworms really help heal broken bones?? The answer is "Yes", but not in the way that you think. Scientists have always marveled at the capacity for some animals to regenerate tissue such as limbs that have been damaged or lost. One of these animals, is if course the Flatworm.

As scientist have been working diligently to uncover the mystery behind this trait, they may have uncovered a key component. Recently, scientists from Stanford university have found a way to help speed the recovery of broken bones in mice. If the same effect is seen in humans, this can have tremendous implications for patients who suffer a fracture, trauma or even the elderly with Osteoporosis!

"This has huge implications," said Dr. Victor Khabie, co-director of the Orthopedic and Spine Institute at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco, N.Y. "Broken bones is a big problem, and this is just the tip of the iceberg."

The technique could help in fusing bones as well, and many other surgeries that rely on bone growth and bone healing to succeed, he added.

"A lot of the surgeries we do rely on bone growth and bone healing, and a lot of the failures of surgery have to do with the fact that the bone never heals or the fusion never [takes]," Khabie explained.

The research revolved around a specific class of proteins called, Wnt proteins. These proteins are inherent in our bodies but scientists have found that if they
'ramped-up' the effect of these proteins, they could actually help injuries heal faster.

From a Chiropractic perspective, of course having a patient recover from a fracture is ideal. However, consider this. As our society ages, the proportion of people who suffer from Osteoporosis will only increase. Osteoporosis is a weakening of the bones internal structure. As people get older, Osteoporosis can make their bones brittle and fragile. A fracture at an elderly age can actually be fatal. Now if there was a therapy that could allow an elderly patient with a fracture to heal faster, that would be beneficial for everyone involved.

But it doesn't stop there. An even better question would be if this form of treatment could prevent Osteoporosis in the first place? Wouldn't that be something? All starting with a worm......go figure.

If you would like to reach YOUR COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN, CLICK HERE!!!

Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "A Little about Dr. Dominic Chan DC"

I thought I'd take this opportunity on a beautiful afternoon in Vancouver to write a little bit about myself. Now, I understand that choosing a health care provider can be a daunting task and one might feel like they just have to take a "leap of faith". However, I thought if I introduced myself a bit, it would make things a bit easier, so here goes.

I was raised in the lower mainland after immigrating from Burma, a country now called Myanmar. I went to Richmond High School and grew up participating in many sports, but Swimming and Karate in particular. I was an avid swimmer and even competed internationally when I was growing up.

After high school, I attended the University of British Columbia and received a Bachelor's degree in Science. All through university I remained interested in sports, physiology and health. During my later years in University I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare and I decided on Chiropractic.

I then decided to travel to the great city of Portland, Oregon to attend Western States University. There, I completed an intensive four year doctorate program in three years. I graduated with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2004.

After many long years of consecutive schooling, I decided to take a break and traveled of nearly two months. After satisfying my travel bug, I started working in the East Vancouver neighborhood by Commercial Drive where I have been since. My office is in the EastVan Medical Building on East 10th Ave, just across from the Safeway at Broadway and Commercial Drive.


My practice is focused on acute and rehabilitative care. Meaning, I focus on the fundamentals of orthopaedics and physiology to help diagnose and treat a patient's ailment. From day one, I encourage a healthy and active lifestyle with all my patients. I stress that exercise and proper stretching must be a part of the healing process as well a fundamental to a healthy life. My practice is not focused on "corrective care". Meaning some offices will often require patients undergo x-rays, and follow up x-rays to monitor changes over a period of time.

My philosophy is after a thorough history and diagnosis, to adopt a personalized treatment plan. For instance, many acute patients understandably want relief of pain and to regain function. I explain, that in the first couple of weeks it is very important to reduce pain and discomfort. Once this is achieved, it is far easier for the patient to participate in more rehab stretches and exercises on their own time.
As this is achieved, I re-evaluate the patient's progress and response to care and gradually decrease the number of treatments needed.

In my spare time, I continue to remain active and compete in various events. I have competed in triathlons, half-marathons and am currently training for my very first marathon!! Wish me luck!

As always, I love to hear feedback from you guys. You can reach YOUR COMMERCIAL DRIVE CHIROPRACTOR