In an era where wellness takes center stage, chiropractic care and rehabilitation services are swiftly rising to prominence. At the heart of this revolution is Dr. Andrew Parks, a leading chiropractor at Miller Health, whose calling is to aid those grappling with sports injuries, concussions, and beyond.
A native of Orillia, Parks' calling to healthcare was etched in his future from his formative years. His personal journey, marred by sports injuries and a severe concussion, painted a compelling picture of resilience. As a previous athlete Parks quickly learned that physical strength alone wasn't enough — it was the grit to bounce back that truly mattered. This understanding galvanized his passion for chiropractic and rehabilitation medicine.
Parks' patient base is diverse, ranging from athletes and young children who've sustained injuries to elderly patients who've had slips and falls. Whether it's a six-year-old who's taken a bump to the head at school or an octogenarian who's slipped while walking their dog, Parks treats every patient uniquely, customizing their rehabilitation according to their individual needs and circumstances.
The first appointment for a new patient at Miller Health is meticulously planned. Depending on whether they're seeking physical rehabilitation for sports-related injuries or neurological rehab following a concussion, Parks manages two separate schedules, catering to the unique needs of each patient. With this, he emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary team by ensuring communication with all the healthcare providers involved in each patient’s circle of care, in hopes of providing a better experience for his patients.
Apart from his experience managing physical ailments he also has a graduate education in sports sciences and clinical neuroscience. This has helped Parks focus his work around one area that he feels passionately about – concussion management. Given the limited resources available for this type of injury, Parks is committed to investing his time and energy into raising awareness about concussion and brain injury rehabilitation while also helping educate the community and his patients about how to best manage the condition.
"Concussion awareness and education is critical for healthcare providers and lay people," says Parks. "We need to understand that a concussion may not be just a minor bump on the head that will resolve itself. Seeking care from a healthcare provider knowledgeable about concussions is key in the first 48 to 72 hours to get set on the right path in hopes of optimizing recovery."
Parks emphasizes that although most concussions are not emergencies, if anyone is ever uncertain about the seriousness of their injury, the safest bet is always to visit the emergency department.
When asked why one should choose Miller Health over another clinic, Parks does not hesitate. He feels at home in Orillia, and the interdisciplinary model of care at Miller Health allows him to provide a comprehensive patient experience. The clinic thrives on connections, and Parks believes that this cooperative approach leads to the best outcomes for patients.
"Managing patients as a team is the most important thing in achieving the best outcomes. People feel heard, and they know it's not just one person helping them get better -- it's a team-based approach," Parks shares.
"From my perspective and my goals moving forward, especially in the community here, it’s about being a resource. Now that things are opening up post-pandemic, it’s about letting people know that there’s at least someone in our community who can help manage concussions. You don’t have to drive to Toronto or fly to the US for some kind of expertise or personal interest in this kind of condition, which definitely used to be the case."
Navigating the complexities of sports injuries and neurological injuries can be daunting. But with the guidance of professionals like Dr. Andrew Parks at Miller Health, patients can find the path to recovery less intimidating.
Whether you've bumped your head during a hockey game or are dealing with lingering effects from a past incident, Miller Health offers a beacon of hope in the journey toward recovery.
