Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body). "Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly.

What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?

Although chiropractic is used most frequently to relieve low back pain, studies have found it to be effective for a variety of conditions, including, but not limited to migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and infantile colic.

Does Chiropractic hurt?

Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. The patient may experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment which lasts only seconds.

Is Chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations are extremely safe. The risk factor for complications arising out of chiropractic care is estimated to be in excess of one million to one.

What kind of education and training do doctors of chiropractic have?

Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical and radiological diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical training.

Have any studies been published showing what chiropractic is effective for?

Several studies have documented the effectiveness of chiropractic in relieving back pain. More recent studies have shown chiropractic to be effective in treating infantile colic and migraine headaches.

What can I expect on my first visit?

The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. The DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem.

A physical examination will be performed in accordance with your DC's clinical judgement, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.

What other services do you offer besides chiropractic?

Our office offers a variety of alternative health treatments, including massage therapy, physiotherapy and nutritional counseling.

What is massage therapy?

Massage therapy is one of the most ancient healing arts, and it is a branch of natural health care, which uses a wide variety of therapeutic approaches that work to improve a person's health and well-being through the hands-on manipulaiton of muscles and soft tissues.

What are the benefits of massage therapy?

Massage enhances the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments and aids in faster healing. Without a doubt, it is often recommended by not only doctors of chiropractic, but by medical doctors as well, for conditions such as backaches, headaches, muscle spasms, pain, hypertension, etc. Massage therapy helps the muscles get rid of accumulated toxins and also helps to regulate the nervous system. Massage is a way to establish and maintain good physical condition and health through normalizing and improving muscle tone, promoting relaxation, stimulating circulation and producing therapeutic effects on the respiratory and nervous systems, and the subtle interactions between these systems through the energetic and mind/body connections.

What are the physical benefits of massage therapy?

Massage therapy physically relaxes the body, lowers blood pressure, loosens tight muscles, stretches connective tissue, increases range of motion, reduces swelling, reduces tension headaches, speeds recovery from injuries, relieves back pain, reduces heart rate, reduces chronic pain, improves muscle tone, relieves cramps, reduces scarring, relieves tired muscles, helps remove cellulite, calms the nervous system, slows respiration, improves skin tone, increases flexibility, relieves muscle spasms, improves posture, relieves aching muscles, helps removes stretch marks, etc.

How do I receive a massage?

Because massage is not a common part of our contemporary cultural experience, many people feel uneasy about receiving their first massage. Here are a few guidelines to help you feel at ease and to gain the greatest benefit from your massage therapy session. Tell the therapist about areas of your body which are injured, tense or sore. Also, mention any medical conditions that you have, such as high blood presure, a heart problem, chronic headaches, varicose veins, recent surgery, etc. Close your eyes and allow yourself to relax as completely as possible. Focus your attention on your breathing, which should be slow, deep and even. When the therapist's hands locate areas of pain or tension in the body, consciously try to relax those areas. As you inhale deeply, visualize the breath flowing to the tense area and relaxing it. As you fully exhale, visualize the tense area and the tension leaving the body with the breath. Allow the therapist to move your limbs into various positions. Be limp, like a rag doll, and do not try to help move your arms, legs or head. The therapist is a trained professional who will not do anyting to hurt you. However, feel free to speak up if anything the therapist does is too painful, ticklish or uncomfortable in any way. The best way to receive a massage is with the body completely unclothed. The therapist is sensitive to your need for privacy and will keep your body covered with a sheet or blanket, except for the area being massaged. If this arrangement is not comfortable for you, you may wear underwear or a swimsuit. Contrary to a common belief in our society, massage therapy is not a sexual service, but an ancient healing art. The body may become aroused as you experience the pleasure of total relaxation, however sexual behavior during the massage is inappropriate and will result in termination of the session. Very often, as the body releases tension during a massage, the mind will release emotion. If you suddenly feel sad, angry or joyful do not be alarmed. Allow yourself to express these feelings by crying or laughing. At the very least, feel free to sigh with relaxation or hum with pleasure. Many people fall asleep during a massage, an indication that the body and mind are releasing stress and tension. The therapist will gently wake you when it is time to turn over or end the massage. We hope that your massage is both enjoyable and beneficial, and that this experience will be the beginning of a lifelong practice to help you enjoy the best possible health and relaxation.

What is a Swedish massage?

Swedish massage, also known as circulatory massage, is what many people think of when massage is mentioned. It consists of long flowing strokes, deep kneading, surface friction, light tapping and joint movement.

What is a deep tissue massage?

The deep tissue massage is similar to the Swedish massage, but employs very firm pressure over the entire body.

What is a sports massage?

Designed for the athlete or weekend warrior, this specialized form of massage caters to your specific needs by incorporating stretching, deep tissue, detailed muscle manipulation and pain alleviating techniques. By making sports massage a regular part of your routine, you will heal more rapidly from injury and help prevent future injuries.

What is a shiatsu massage?

This form of massage uses compressive manipulations and stretches, focused at specific areas of the body, to elicit responses in the nervous and circulatory systems.

What is a pregnancy massage?

Pregnancy massage is a technique which increases circulation and reduces swelling in the legs through a gentle side-positioned massage. This relaxing massage, along with some stretching techniques, also helps relieve weight-bearing tension on the lower back. Make your pregnancy and delivery go more smoothly and more comfortably with regular pregnacy massages.

What is a therapeutic massage?

Therapeutic massage is a massage which aids the body to heal or cure soft tissue injuries. The therapist will employ some of the previously mentioned styles to help accomplish this.