What do Chiropractors do?
Chiropractors are primary care practitioners who focus on neuro-muscular-skeletal conditions. This means your Chiropractor can help with pain in your muscles and joints and focus on a diagnosis and treatment that specific and centered for each patient. Chiropractic care includes examination (which may include diagnostic imaging, like x-rays), diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment of the spine and extremities (or peripheral joints) as well as associated soft tissues. Treatment is administered principally by hand and includes primarily specific chiropractic manipulation or adjustments, and other therapeutic approaches such as soft tissue therapy, and muscle stimulation. Nutritional advice, lifestyle modifications, rehabilitation exercise prescription and ergonomic recommendations for the workplace may also be included as part of a patient’s treatment.
What is an Adjustment?
Adjusting, also called joint manipulation or mobilizations, is a tremendously effective tool in addressing restricted joints. Improper movement of joints will interfere with the movement chains of the body and can lead to pain or tissue damage. Chiropractic adjustments safely and effectively restore motion to restricted joints and normalize the movement of the body as a whole.
Adjusting involves placing the body into a safe position to encourage the desired movement and applying quick, gentle push or pull forces on the joints.
What should I expect during my first visit?
During your first visit to the clinic you will be asked to fill out a confidential patient history form and will then be seen by the doctor for your initial assessment. In preparation for your first visit you should wear or bring comfortable clothing to allow for easier examination of your affected area.
The initial assessment will include a complete medical history, physical examination, diagnosis including all pertinent findings, a plan of management an expected recovery time, and as long as no further investigations are needed a treatment.
Once I use chiropractic care, will I need to continue forever?
This is a common question that we hear all the time. The simple answer is no. Our main goal is to get you back to optimal function as quickly as possible. However new injuries arise and sometimes the body just needs a little tune up. Many patients from time to time but this is something the Doctor will discuss with you.