Frequently asked questions

Chiropractic

What is chiropractic care?

The word “chiropractic” originates from the greek word Chiropraktikos, meaning healing by the use of one’s hands. It is a non-invasive, holistic health care approach that is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism, controlled by the brain, spinal cord and nerves of the body.  Chiropractic care focuses on the health and function of your entire body, paying particular attention to your spinal column and its’ related structures.

How does chiropractic work?

The doctor will review your history and examination findings to help identify disorders in your body.  An appropriate treatment plan is then suggested, which may include chiropractic adjustments, nutritional counseling, homeopathy, exercise therapy, and lifestyle advice. Adjustments are the “backbone” of chiropractic health care and are skillfully performed on joints of the spine and/or extremities that are not functioning properly.  Improving the functions of the spine will improve the nervous system. With a healthy nervous system, the body will be able to heal itself and operate at an optimal level.

Are there any risks?

No. Chiropractic care is both safe and effective. Chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free surgery-free therapies available for the treatment of back and neck pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

What is an adjustment?  

An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to a joint of the body. Adjustments loosen a joint to restore proper movement and optimize function.

Is an adjustment painful?

Everybody reacts differently to an adjustment, but very few people find adjustments painful.  In fact, most of our patients report a feeling of relaxation, calmness and sense of wellness.

What is the “popping” noise sometimes heard during an adjustment?

Adjustments do not always produce a sound. Often, however, adjustments do create the sound of a spinal "release," or "popping" sound. The sound, clinically called cavitation, is caused by gas rushing in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joints are slightly separated. This sound is painless and totally harmless.

Are all patients adjusted the same way?

No.  The chiropractor evaluates each patient's unique spinal problem and develops an individual course of care. Each chiropractic adjustment builds on the one before. The resulting recommendations are based upon years of training and experience. Each patient's care is uniquely different from every other patient.

What type of education do chiropractic doctors get?

Doctors of Chiropractic are well educated. Chiropractic education and medical education are similar in many respects and different in others because chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery, and medical doctors do not correct vertebral subluxations. After graduating with a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Degree, each candidate passes the demanding four part National Board Examinations. Then, doctors apply to a governmental or professional licensing board and pass a still more difficult test before being granted the privilege to practice. A chiropractor's education, however, never ends. Most doctors complete regular postgraduate instruction for license renewal and to stay current on the latest research and adjustment techniques.

Is it ok to get chiropractic care while pregnant?

Yes. All chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant. Investing in the fertility and pregnancy wellness of women who are pregnant or trying to conceive is a routine care for most chiropractors

Will my insurance cover the visit?

You may have chiropractic coverage depending on your insurance plan.  We recommend you call your insurance company directly to inquire about your exact benefits, including deductible and copay amount.  Please bring a copy of your health insurance card and we will be happy to verify your benefits at your initial visit.   If you are not covered, we accept most credit cards, cash or check and our treatment fees are reasonable.

Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture, which originated in China more than five thousand years ago, is a major component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves the insertion of hair-thin needles at specific points, acupoints, on the body.

The practice of acupuncture is based on the concepts and theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine, especially meridians theory. We believe that energy flow- Qi (Chi) - is present in the body. This energy circulates throughout the body along specific pathway, called meridians. According to the theory, the Qi flow is freely and balanced in a healthy body.  Disorders or diseases occur when there is imbalance or blockage within the meridians. Imbalance can come from an excess or deficiency of Yin and Yang that disrupts the Qi flow. Acupuncture works to unblock the pathways and balance the energy by stimulating certain points along the meridians.

Does acupuncture hurt?

No. Compared with the needles used to take blood or deliver medicine, acupuncture needles are many times thinner, solid rather than hollow, flexible rather than rigid and rounded at the tip. You may feel a minor tingling or slight pinch as the needle reaches the correct point under the skin. Most patients find acupuncture very relaxing and many fall asleep during treatment. Always tell your acupuncturist if the treatment is uncomfortable as there are steps that can be taken to make it more comfortable.

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

Acupuncture can treat a wide assortment of health issues and diseases, including musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, internal medical conditions, infections, and psycho-emotional issues. Because Chinese medicine seeks to balance the underlying imbalances that are leading to states of disease, its applications can be applied to almost any ailment. The World Health Organization has recognized that acupuncture is an appropriate treatment for more that 200 clinical conditions.  Some of the conditions that can be effectively treated or relieved include: gastrointestinal disorders, gynecological problems, muscle and joint pain, respiratory problems, circulatory disorders, immune system disorders, endocrine disorders, neurological disorders, headaches and emotional problems.

How long does each session take?

Normally, an acupuncture treatment can last between 15 to 30 minutes. It depends on the sensitivity of each individual and the kind of diseases and conditions.

What should I do to before treatment?

Try to arrive 5 or 10 minutes before your appointment to give yourself a chance to relax. We recommend you wear loose clothing that allows access to your lower legs and lower arms.   

It is recommended that you eat something light prior to your treatment. Never arrive on an empty stomach and don’t eat too heavily just prior to or just after treatment. 

Medical history is important. If you have diagnostic tests and reports from other practitioners that pertain to your current health concern, please bring copies so that we can provide the best care possible. Please call with any questions or concerns.

What happens during a typical treatment?

Depending on the areas to be treated, you may be positioned on your back, your stomach, your side, or sitting. It is best to practice a slow and relaxed abdominal breathing during your treatment and to remain still.

Are the needles safe and sterile?

Acupuncture needles are extremely safe, because they are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and disposable.

How will I feel after acupuncture?

After a person receives acupuncture treatment, he or she may experience a sense of general well-being and relaxation. It is reported that an individual feels an improvement in sleep quality, digestion and overall energy levels. Since acupuncture heals the body through natural techniques, side effects are very rare. Mild exacerbation of conditions may be felt after a first treatment, but subsides with additional treatments.

Can I get acupuncture if I am pregnant?

Yes, acupuncture is safe – and effective – during pregnancy. Acupuncture is not a substitute for Western prenatal medical care. Instead, it offers complementary care that has many benefits. And because acupuncture has very few side effects, many pregnant women now seek this alternative to drug therapy for a number of common pregnancy complaints. Studies have shown acupuncture to be effective for stress, morning sickness, hip and low back pain, breech position, mild to moderate depression, labor induction, and shortening the length of labor. And research is now focusing on the routine use of acupuncture to enhance wellness during pregnancy and labor.

What is moxibustion?

Moxibustion is the burning of an herb, moxa, over specific acupuncture points. The herb most commonly used is Artemisia vulgaris L. or common mugwort. It is commonly formed into sticks or cones for therapeutic use. When burned and held 1 to 2 inches from the skin, it gently warms the energetic points, stimulating and strengthening them.

What is cupping?

Cupping is one of the best deep-tissue therapies available. It is thought to affect tissues up to 4 inches deep from the external skin. The suction and negative pressure can loosen muscles, encourage blood flow, and sedate the nervous system. Cupping is used to relieve back and neck pains, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines, and rheumatism. Toxins are released, blockages are cleared, and blood is circulated within these four inches of affected materials.

The suction between the cup and the skin causes the muscle and skin to separate slightly. This allows for cellular waste products in the muscles and fascia to be drawn towards the skin. This helps the knots and tension in the muscles to release. The technique heals injuries and sore muscles by drawing the pathogenic factors out of the muscles into the skin where it is more easily expelled by the body.
If there has been injury or stagnation in the muscles for some time, circular red or purple blotches may appear on the skin if the cups are left stationary for a number of minutes. The red marks offer evidence that the stagnation and pathogens are being released. These dark spots can take several days to dissipate, but they are painless. 

If you still have questions or concerns please give us a call at (303) 698-2225