Coquitlam Chiropractor

When pain becomes something you just live around

Chiropractic: A Path to Wellness

Pain has a way of quietly shrinking your life. You stop reaching for things on the top shelf. You get out of bed a little slower. You say no to the hike, the run, the afternoon in the garden, not because you want to, but because you've learned what the next day will feel like.

A lot of people put off seeing a chiropractor. Some have never been before and aren't sure what to expect. Others have tried it and felt like the appointments were rushed, or that the practitioner was adjusting a spine instead of treating a person. Either way, the pain keeps building while the decision to do something about it keeps getting postponed.

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone, and it's exactly the kind of thing Dr. Sherma Libatique, DC hears from new patients at FCMT's Coquitlam clinic every week. Her approach starts with listening, not adjusting. Understanding why your body is doing what it's doing matters more than getting through the appointment.

Meet Dr. Sherma Libatique, DC

Dr. Sherma Libatique earned her Doctorate of Chiropractic at the University of Western States and her Bachelor of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University. She's certified in Active Release Techniques (ART) — a specialized soft tissue method most Coquitlam chiro clinics don't offer.

What makes the difference in practice: she explains what she finds, what she's doing, and why. People who've never seen a chiropractor consistently describe feeling at ease by the end of their first appointment. People who have seen a chiropractor elsewhere describe finally feeling heard.

Dr. Libatique's philosophy: no two people experience pain the same way — and treatment plans should reflect that.

Manual spinal adjustments tailored to your presentation
Active Release Techniques (ART) for soft tissue and nerve issues
Personalized rehab exercises to build on treatment between visits

What chiropractic care actually treats

Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine, joints, and nervous system — and how dysfunction in those structures creates pain, stiffness, and restricted movement throughout your body.

What a lot of people don't realize is how much ground chiropractic covers. It's not just back pain. Neck pain, headaches, sciatica, disc injuries, shoulder problems, knee pain from hip tracking issues, ICBC injuries after a car accident — these are all within a chiropractor's scope of practice. Many people who've been managing pain for years with medication or avoidance have found that treating the structural root cause was the piece that had been missing.

Your first appointment at FCMT is 30 minutes. That's enough time for a proper history, movement assessment, and treatment — not a rushed once-over.

What to expect at FCMT Coquitlam

Your first visit (30 min, $115) — Dr. Libatique reviews your history, assesses your posture and movement, identifies the root cause, and begins treatment in the same appointment. You'll leave knowing what's going on and what the plan is.

Ongoing appointments (15 min, $70) — Focused treatment with progress tracked at each visit. If something isn't working, the plan adjusts.

Between visits — You'll receive specific exercises and movement guidance to support your recovery. The goal is long-term improvement, not indefinite appointments.

What changes when the pain is gone

Less pain, faster than you'd expect — Many people notice meaningful relief within their first few visits, including those who've been managing pain for months or years.

Back to the things you've been avoiding — Whether that's a sport, a job, or just waking up without dreading the day, the goal is getting you back to living life on your own terms.

Answers, not just adjustments — You'll understand what's causing your pain and what to do about it, not just how it felt walking out.

Billing handled — Direct billing for ICBC, WorkSafeBC, and most extended health plans. Less paperwork, fewer out-of-pocket surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

I've never seen a chiropractor before. What should I expect?

Your first appointment is 30 minutes. Dr. Libatique will ask about your history, assess how you're moving, and explain what she finds before beginning any treatment. Most first-time patients are surprised by how straightforward it is. There's no pressure, and nothing happens without your understanding and consent.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by phone. Same-week appointments are usually available.

Does chiropractic help with more than back pain?

Yes. Dr. Libatique treats neck pain, headaches, sciatica, disc injuries, shoulder pain, knee pain, and ICBC injuries, among others. If you're not sure whether your issue falls within chiropractic scope, call the clinic and ask, you'll get a straight answer.