Did You Know You Can Manage All Your Jane Clinics in One App?

Dr. Zara chiropractic and massage patient check in

If you’ve ever had trouble logging into your Jane account with us after logging into another clinic’s Jane, this is for you.

Jane has a free patient app that lets you access all of your Jane clinics in one place, with one login. No more duplicate accounts, no more confusion.

Here’s the thing about Jane: it’s not just us. Your massage therapist, your physio, maybe even another chiropractor — if they use Jane too, you might have unknowingly created a handful of different logins over the years, or found yourself staring at someone else’s appointment list, wondering where yours went. The Jane for Clients app fixes that. One app, one login, every Jane clinic you visit, sitting right there under your profile.

It takes about five minutes to set up, and once it’s done, booking, rescheduling, or checking your next appointment with us is just a couple of taps away — no hunting for the right website, no “wait, was it this password or that one?”

We’ve put together a simple how-to that walks you through setting it up, start to finish. You can get it by clicking on the button below or scanning the QR code at the front desk next time you’re in.

Questions about getting connected? Just ask our front desk team — we’re happy to walk you through it in person, too.

Jane Setup Guide

Designed by Wonder Space Creative | Photography by Christina Louise

Why Healing Isn’t a Straight Line (And What to Do When It Doesn’t Feel Like It)

Dr. Zara chiropractic and massage patient check in

If you’ve ever been in the middle of recovering from an injury and found yourself thinking — I’ve done everything right, why isn’t this better yet — this is for you.

Healing is not linear. That’s not a platitude; it’s genuinely how the body works. And understanding what’s actually happening in your recovery can make a significant difference — not just physically, but in how you feel about the process.

Stage one: bringing down the inflammation

In the early stages of an acute injury, everything we do is focused on reducing inflammation. Move as much as you can tolerate. Ice. Rest when you need to. Treat your body well — eat well, drink water, sleep. These aren’t just good habits; they’re active parts of the recovery process.

Anything less than three months is still considered an acutely healing phase. That means we’re not expecting stability yet. We’re not expecting a straight line. We’re expecting the body to do what bodies do — which is respond, react, and gradually find its way back.

Stage two: building strength and stability

As things improve, we add in strengthening and stretching — the things your body couldn’t tolerate right at the beginning. This is the long game. These exercises aren’t just for when you’re in pain. They’re what creates the stability that prevents the next flare-up.

Here’s what tends to happen: things start to improve, and people stop doing the exercises. Completely understandable — if it’s working, why keep going? But stopping is often exactly when we see the setback. You bent down to pick up a Kleenex, and suddenly you’re back where you started. That’s not a sign that nothing has worked. That’s a sign that you’re still in a reactive phase, and the work isn’t done yet. 

The exercises stay in the plan whether you’re having a good week or a bad one. That’s the whole point of them.

Stage three: the mental game

This is the one we talk about least, and often the one that matters most.

“It should be better by now” is a stressor. And stress — that specific anticipatory stress of worrying that something won’t heal — can keep the body in a reactive state. We add a whole layer of mental pressure on top of the physical recovery, and sometimes that pressure is part of what’s slowing things down.

I had a patient recently who is a triathlete. He was managing a shoulder injury and made a deliberate choice to take two full weeks off swimming — something he loves — because he knew he had a race coming up and he’d rather protect that goal. He wasn’t expecting a personal best. He knew he wasn’t at his physical peak. But he gave himself permission to be in a healing phase rather than fighting against it, and that patience is what actually gets people to the other side.

Take the thing that aggravates it off the table for a bit. Be patient with progress. Don’t push through for an event when resting before it will serve you better. And don’t expect to always be at 100% — especially when you’re in the middle of healing.

What this looks like in practice

•       Bring down the inflammation — move, ice, rest, eat well, drink water

•       Stick with the strengthening exercises even when things improve — they’re the long game

•       Give your body permission to heal without adding the pressure of a timeline

•       Take breaks from the activities that aggravate things, especially before something important

•       Recognize that a flare-up is not a failure — it’s information

If you’re in the middle of a recovery that feels frustratingly slow, come in and talk to us. Sometimes the most helpful thing is a conversation about where you actually are in the process — and what realistic progress looks like from here.

Book an appointment

Call us at 780-352-2101 or book online at wetaskiwinfamilychiropractic.com

Designed by Wonder Space Creative | Photography by Christina Louise

Types of Collagen and Choosing the Right Source for Your Body

Dr. Zara chiropractic and massage patient check in

If you’ve walked down a wellness aisle or scrolled through your feed lately, you’ve probably seen collagen everywhere. It’s praised for everything from smoothing fine lines to keeping joints moving comfortably. But if you’ve started looking into adding it to your routine, you might quickly feel overwhelmed by the options. Marine, bovine, chicken—what’s the actual difference, and how do you know which one your body needs?

As healthcare providers, we love it when patients ask about this. Collagen is a major building block in our bodies, but not all supplements are created equal. Let’s break down the science of collagen sources simply, so you can make an informed choice for your health.

What Exactly is Collagen?

Think of collagen as the “glue” that holds your body together. It’s a structural protein that makes up a massive portion of your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. As we age, our body’s natural collagen production slows down—a process that can start as early as our mid-20s. This drop is often why we start noticing stiffer joints, less skin elasticity, and slower recovery times.

While there are at least 16 different types of collagen in the body, about 80% to 90% of them consist of Type I, II, and III.

  • Type I: The most abundant type. It’s found in skin, tendons, organs, and bones. Great for skin elasticity and structural tissue strength.

  • Type II: Mainly found in cartilage. This is the go-to type for joint cushioning and flexibility.

  • Type III: Found in skin, blood vessels, and internal organs. It usually works alongside Type I to give tissues their shape and resilience.

A Quick Guide to Collagen Sources

When choosing a supplement, the source determines which types of collagen you are getting, which directly impacts the benefits you’ll see.

Source Primary Collagen Types Best Known For
Bovine (Beef) Type I and III Joint recovery, gut health, deep tissue repair, skin hydration
Marine (Fish) Type I Facial skin elasticity, wrinkle reduction, hair and nail strength
Chicken Type II Cartilage support, target joint pain, and osteoarthritis relief

 

Why We Restock Bovine Collagen at the Clinic

You might remember seeing a feature in our recent newsletter about the premium Bovine Collagen we now carry directly at the front desk. We chose to bring this specific supplement into the clinic because it aligns perfectly with the goals of chiropractic care: supporting your body’s structural integrity from the inside out.

When we adjust your spine and work on joint mobility, we are addressing the structural alignment of your body. But your body needs the right raw materials to heal and maintain those joints, ligaments, and tendons between visits.

Here is why our bovine collagen stands out:

  • Dual-Type Support (I & III): It doesn’t just target skin; it proactively feeds your tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules, helping you recover faster from physical stressors or injuries.

  • Highly Bioavailable Peptides: It is “hydrolyzed,” meaning the protein chains are broken down into tiny peptides that your body can easily absorb and put to work immediately.

  • Pure and Clean: We source a clean, unflavored option that mixes seamlessly into your morning coffee, tea, or smoothie without changing the taste.

Ready to Support Your Joints?

If you are looking to support your joints, improve recovery time, or just give your body a clean, structural protein boost, grab a tub next time you’re in the clinic. Our team is always here to help you figure out how to easily integrate it into your daily wellness routine!

Designed by Wonder Space Creative | Photography by Christina Louise

Beyond Hydration: Why Electrolytes Matter

Dr. Zara chiropractic and massage patient check in

We’ve all heard the word “electrolytes” buzz around in sports drink commercials or fitness blogs. But what actually happens when your body runs low on them? If you’ve ever felt completely drained after a workout, experienced a sudden muscle cramp, or felt a bit foggy on a hot afternoon, your body might have been dropping a hint that it needed more than just a glass of plain water.

True hydration isn’t just about fluid volume; it is about balance. Let’s break down what these tiny powerhouses actually do and how you can naturally keep your tank full.

What Exactly Are Electrolytes?

In the simplest terms, electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in water or bodily fluids. Your body is highly electric—your heart relies on electrical signals to beat, your muscles use them to contract, and your brain uses them to communicate with the rest of your body.

Because your organs and tissues hold a massive percentage of your body’s total water content, these charged minerals are constantly working behind the scenes to maintain equilibrium.

The Key Players and Their Benefits

Different minerals manage different tasks to keep things running smoothly. When these are in harmony, they offer a few major benefits:

  • Optimal Muscle Function: Magnesium and calcium work together like a classic duo. Calcium tells your muscle fibres to contract, while magnesium signals them to relax. Without enough magnesium, those fibres stay locked up, leading to tight muscles or cramps.

  • Steady Energy & Brain Power: Sodium and potassium manage the cellular pumps that allow nutrients to enter your cells and waste to leave. Keeping them balanced ensures your nervous system can send clean, rapid signals, preventing that sluggish “brain fog” feeling.

  • Perfect Fluid Balance: Sodium gets a bad reputation, but it acts like a magnet for water. It holds onto moisture in the right places, ensuring your blood pressure stays steady, and your cells don’t shrivel or over-inflate

Real Food Sources: Your Natural Hydration Toolkit

While neon-colored sports drinks are an option, they often come with heavy doses of artificial dyes and refined sugars. If you aren’t running a marathon in intense heat, you can easily find everything you need right in your kitchen.

Focusing on whole foods is a gentle, sustainable way to replenish your system. Here is a quick reference guide to matching key minerals with delicious, everyday ingredients:

Mineral Key Role Excellent Whole-Food Sources
Potassium Regulates the heartbeat & lowers blood pressure. Bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes, spinach, and coconut water.
Magnesium Relaxes muscles & supports deep sleep. Dark leafy greens (kale, Swiss chard), pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, and almonds.
Calcium Builds bone structure & aids muscle contraction. Yogurt, cottage cheese, fortified plant milks, broccoli, and canned salmon.
Sodium & Chloride Retain necessary fluids & maintain nerve balance. A pinch of high-quality sea salt, celery, olives, and pickled vegetables.

 

What About Supplements?

If you are looking for a more concentrated option for busy days or intense workouts, clean electrolyte supplements can be an excellent addition to your routine. Unlike traditional sports drinks—which are often loaded with artificial dyes and heavy doses of refined sugar—high-quality clinical supplements deliver pure, targeted minerals without the unnecessary additives.

Because everyone’s hydration and health needs look a little different, it’s always best to get a personalized recommendation. If you are curious about finding a clean, sugar-free formula that aligns with your lifestyle, feel free to chat with us next time you are in the chiropractic office. We can help you navigate the options so you find exactly what your body needs to thrive.

A Quick Tip on Timing: You don’t necessarily need a dedicated electrolyte strategy for a casual walk or a desk job. But if you’ve been sweating heavily, recovering from a stomach bug, or spending a long day out in the sun, pairing a glass of water with a potassium-rich snack like a banana or an avocado with a tiny pinch of sea salt can work wonders to bounce back quickly.

Listening to your body is the ultimate guide. Next time you feel that mid-afternoon dip, try reaching for a mineral-dense snack and a cool glass of water—your cells will thank you for it.

Designed by Wonder Space Creative | Photography by Christina Louise

Why We Do Re-Exams (And No, It’s Not a Money Grab)

Dr. Zara chiropractic and massage patient check in

Why We Do Re-Exams

If you’ve been a patient at Wetaskiwin Family Chiropractic for a while, you’ve probably had a re-exam. And if you’ve ever raised an eyebrow when we mentioned it was time for one — we hear you. It’s a fair question.

So let’s talk about it honestly.

What is a re-exam, and when do we do one?

We do routine re-exams every two years for active patients. It’s a chance to sit down, go through your health history, check in on how you’re feeling, and make sure we’re still working with an accurate picture of your health. 

We also do an automatic re-exam if a patient hasn’t been in for a full year. Not as a punishment for going MIA — but because a lot can genuinely change in twelve months, and we wouldn’t know unless we asked.

A lot can happen in a year

We’re not being dramatic. Over the course of a year, a patient might have had a baby, a surgery, a significant accident, a major loss, or a health diagnosis that they didn’t think to mention — because it didn’t seem related, or because life got busy.

Knee replacements, pacemakers, new medications, prolonged stress, sleep disruption — these all affect how we care for you. If we don’t know about them, we’re working with outdated information. And in healthcare, outdated information isn’t just inconvenient. It can matter.

“If it’s not written down, it didn’t happen”

This is something I say to patients a lot, and I mean it. In healthcare, documentation is everything. Not because we love paperwork — we don’t — but because your written health record is what protects you when something unexpected happens.

 Here’s a real example of why this matters. I recently had a patient who was new to my practice. We’d been working together for two weeks and he was improving significantly. Then he was involved in a serious car accident. Because we had a thorough, documented intake and had already been tracking his progress, I could clearly show his health status before the accident. That documentation became important evidence in his WCB claim — distinguishing his pre-existing conditions from his acute injuries.

If we hadn’t done a proper exam, none of that would have been available. And in litigation, in insurance claims, in medical emergencies — the question is always the same: what was the baseline? What do we know about this person’s health before this event?

A current re-exam means we can answer that question. 

So no — we’re not retiring on re-exam revenue

Dr. Amanda and I are not squeezing extra appointments into your schedule to pad our bottom line. If we were optimizing for volume, we would do the opposite — move patients through as quickly as possible, skip the extra conversation, and never spend time on exams, exercises, or education.

The re-exam takes time. It takes longer than a regular appointment. It involves questions, assessments, and documentation that we take seriously. We do it because it’s the right standard of care — not because it’s profitable.

What to do if you’re overdue

If it’s been a while — more than a year, or you’re not sure — just give us a call. Our front desk can let you know where you’re at and get you booked for a re-exam.

We’d rather know what’s going on with you. That’s the whole point.