FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?
Chiropractic is a non-invasive, hands-on treatment to help prevent, diagnose and treat conditions related to the spine, nervous system and musculoskeletal system.
WHAT'S AN ADJUSTMENT?
An adjustment is a non-invasive, highly skilled procedure consisting of a gentle, controlled and directed movement to a joint to help relieve pain, discomfort and improve range of motion. Adjustments increase motion, coordination and circulation, while reducing swelling, muscle spasms and pain. When a joint is adjusted, sometimes a gas bubble is formed causing a popping sound. But don’t worry, chiropractic adjustment techniques have been researched extensively and are safe. Complications are rare, and side effects such as temporary soreness are usually minor. Your chiropractor is well-trained and will determine if you need a referral to another healthcare provider.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CHIROPRACTIC VISIT?
During the first visit, the chiropractor will complete a detailed health history exam, followed by a hands-on assessment that includes an evaluation of pain and movement patterns, joint mobility, flexibility, muscular strength and reflexes. If necessary, the chiropractor will examine relevant imaging results, lab tests and medical or surgical notes. The chiropractor will establish a diagnosis and work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your goals. Emphasis is placed on correcting the pain and dysfunction and preventing its recurrence.
WHAT IS THAT POPPING SOUND HEARD DURING AN ADJUSTMENT?
This sound is caused by the gas in your joints. When you receive an adjustment there is a stretch to the sealed capsule around your joint. This stretch creates a pressure change in the area.
Historically this was thought as the collapse of the gas bubble in the joint. New research has shown it is actually a process called tribonucleation where a gas bubble is formed instead of collapsing which causes the cavitation (popping sound).
It is sometimes thought that if you do not hear this popping sound that the adjustment was not effective but this is NOT TRUE. A joint can gain better movement from an adjustment with or without the popping sound occurring.
DO I NEED A DOCTOR’S REFERRAL?
Nope! Chiropractors are primary health care providers which means you do not need a referral. When you see a chiropractor a comprehensive history and physical exam will be performed to assess and diagnose your condition. If your condition is within our scope of practice, a treatment plan will be proposed to get you back to prime health and movement. Part of our training is to recognize many conditions that are also out of our scope of practice so if we suspect your condition is not related to your muscles, joints or nervous system we will help refer you to the appropriate health care provider.
WHAT IS YOUR NEW PATIENT PROCEDURE?
All new patients are required to complete an initial 60-minute appointment. This appointment includes a detailed health history, followed by a hands-on assessment that includes an evaluation of pain and movement patterns, joint mobility, flexibility, muscular strength and reflexes. If necessary, we will examine relevant imaging results, lab tests and medical or surgical notes. Based on the exam, we will establish a diagnosis and work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your goals.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
For in-home visits, a credit card is required upon booking. Upon completion of the service, you will receive an emailed copy of your invoice with licensing information and your credit card on file will be charged. If you have benefits coverage, you will be required to submit on your own for re-imbursement.
DO CHIROPRACTORS JUST TREAT THE SPINE?
Chiropractors receive extensive training about the spine, but we learn about the body as a whole. Our area of expertise includes the muscles, joints and nerves in the body and working with these systems to help them work better for you so you can move better and live healthier.
Want to see some of the specific issues chiropractic treatment can help with? Check out the Services page.