Q: What happens on the first visit?
A: The first time you come into our office we will ask you to fill out an intake form and to see your insurance card (if applicable). After the doctor reviews your intake form he will take your health history and perform an examination. The examination will include range-of-motion, palpation, and orthopedic testing of all problems areas. If it's determined we can help you we will proceed to treatment at that time.
Q: How long is a typical visit?
A: The initial examination and treatment can last up to an hour. Additional treatments thereafter usually last from 20 to 45 minutes.
Q: What do you do on a typical treatment?
A: Every patient is different and the goals of each patient vary considerably. With that in mind, every treatment is catered to each person and this usually varies each time the patient comes in. Generally we start out a treatment with electrical muscle stimulation and either heat or cold. From there we may begin a session of Active Release Technique (ART), deep myofascial release, specialized stretching techniques like PNF or PIR, and/or helpful exercises. We also might spend time analyzing and discussing ways to improve a patient's posture, gait, weight training techniques, or sport specific motions. If appropriate, we finish off with chiropractic adjustments.
Q: Do you work on shoulders?
A: YES! We can work on any joint and muscle in the body. This not only includes the shoulder, but also the elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. In fact, at least 50% of our patients are receiving ART and adjustments on areas other than their back and neck. Many patients will ask to have an arm or leg treated along with their spinal problem.
Q: Can I come to see you even if I am not an athlete?
A: Absolutely. We have patients of all walks of life and of all fitness levels. We look at everyone like they are an athlete because it is so important to us that our patients are able to happily function the way they want to. To us, there is no difference between a person whose shoulder and neck pain prohibits them from lifting weights, another person with the same sort of condition who can't pick up their kids, and yet another who can't use a computer without pain.
Q: How long does it take to get better?
A: Different patients have different healing times. Some experience relief within 1-2 weeks; others notice changes before the end of the first month. Healing is usually dependent on the length of time a patient has had the problem and the severity of their problem.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The cost of your visit is determined by your insurance policy and not by our office. We simply collect the required co-pay & deductible amount that your policy states. Most patients have a co-pay amount of $10 to $20 dollars.
Q: Do I have to have x-rays to see you?
A: No, not usually. We take a thorough history and physical examination on every patient prior to treatment. Therefore we only require x-rays for patients who have either symptoms that may be indicative of a more serious condition (such as a suspected fracture) or those who after a reasonable amount of time do not show the expected progress.
Q: I don't want to be adjusted. Is this a necessary part of the treatment?
A: Every patient is unique. Chiropractic adjustments are appropriate for certain conditions, but are not absolutely necessary. The signature treatment is the education you will receive about the spectrum of treatment options that are recommended for you.
Q: I am scared to have my neck adjusted. Can you do something else?
A: Absolutely. Although it is what we are best known for, the adjustment is only one part of what we do in the office. We also use heat, ice, electrical muscle stimulation, exercise, myofascial release, deep tissue massage, and various stretching techniques as part of our rehab based treatments for you.
