What conditions do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractic doctors (Doctors of Chiropractic – D.C.) can treat a variety of patients ranging in all ages. Doctors of Chiropractic are experts in treating back pain, neck pain, and headaches using adjustments and pressure on certain points on the body depending on the injury. DCs also show patients care for conditions involving joints, ligaments, and muscles which directly impact the nervous system.
DCs inform and consult patients of proper lifestyle habits such as exercise, habits, and diet as well.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Chiropractic treatment has a remarkable safety record. It’s a conservative approach to relief from issues that avoids addictive drugs and invasive procedures. Patients health history and examination help target areas of the spine that may be causing nervous system disfunction. The information gathered during examination will determine the best course of care for each patient. Chiropractic care is a natural approach to better health that is proven safe and effective.
What is an adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, “locked up”, or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved health. There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the doctor’s hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow and constant pressure. After years of training and clinical experience, each chiropractic doctor becomes highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches.
Can I adjust myself?
Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction, to a specific spinal joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a popping sound, like the sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable area of the spine even more unsteady. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs! The best way to enjoy the healthful benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments from a doctor of chiropractic. Even your doctor must seek out services of another colleague to help restore and maintain proper spinal function.
Is chiropractic similar to massage?
No. Chiropractic deals with the spinal column, nervous system, meninges and body structure. Massage therapists deal with muscle tension, circulation and body fluid drainage. We offer both services at our clinic, ask your Doctor about whether you should schedule a massage before or after a chiropractic adjustment!
What Is Massage Therapy?
In general, massage therapists work on muscle and other soft tissue to help you feel better. Manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments) are used to enhance a person’s health and well-being. There are dozens of types of massage therapy methods (also called modalities).
What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
Your massage therapist may require you to fill out a health history form. Afterward the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints. It is important to list all health concerns and medications so the therapist can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. It is also important to list any allergies so the therapist is aware if he/she needs to use a different oil or lotion during the session.
I have a current medical condition – is massage therapy safe for me?
Not always, there are several medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate. That’s why it is necessary that you fill out the health history forms and before you begin your session. The massage therapist will ask general health questions to rule out if you have any contraindications to massage. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any session.
What about acupuncture, what’s that?
Acupuncture is a system of complementary medicine that involves pricking the skin or tissues with needles, used to alleviate pain and to treat various physical, mental, and emotional conditions. Originating in ancient China, acupuncture is now widely practiced in the West.
How is acupuncture treatment done?
The patient will be asked to lie down, either face-up, face-down or on his/her side, depending on where the needless are inserted. The acupuncturist should use single-use disposable sterile needles. As each needle is inserted the patient should feel them, but initially without pain. However, when the needle reaches the right depth there should be a deep aching sensation. Sometimes the needles are heated or stimulated with electricity after insertion. Once inserted, the needles will remain there for about twenty minutes.
