What Do Chiropractors Do?

Like other healthcare providers, we follow a standard routine to gain information about the patient. We consult, review the case history, conduct a physical examination, perform a biomechanic examination of the spine and joints, and we may request laboratory analysis, MRI's, and x-rays.

Chiropractors conduct a careful analysis of the patient's structure and pay particular attention to the spine and joints in the limbs. We also ask you about your life and specific areas such as exercise, stress, children, type of work and environment.

Doctors of Chiropractic are trained to locate the source of pain or discomfort. It may actually be far from the actual location where the symptom is occurring. Then we correct the biomechanical aspect of the joint (adjustment) in the body and set it up to heal on its own. Because helping the body heal itself involves many facets, chiropractors also provide lifestyle advice to prevent illness and injury. Diet and nutrition, fitness and performance, work modifications and training, and other areas in your life contribute to, or diminish your overall health.

To keep the condition fixed, one or several adjustments over a course of time may be necessary, in addition to therapeutic modalities, massage, stretching exercises, foot orthotics, therapeutic taping, acupuncture, or strengthening exercises. It is our philosophy to keep the problem fixed and prevent its reoccurrence.

What Is Acupuncture And How Does It Work?

Acupuncture is a method of treatment that encourages the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.

Acupuncture is a very old medical art, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. Chiropractic acupuncture is a term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in chiropractic who has also had training   in acupuncture as a specialty practice.

The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required.

People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt.

Acupuncture needles are very thin (almost as thin as your hair), solid, and made of stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.

Because your doctor uses disposable needles, there is NO risk of infection from the treatments.

What To Do Before And After Your Acupuncture Treatment

• Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
• Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the   treatment.
• Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.