Chiropractic: Laying the foundation

Chiropractic care is like building a house – certain things have to happen in a particular order in order for everything to stand strong and work correctly. When building a house, if you tried to put up your walls before you had a solid foundation, your walls would be weak and eventually collapse. If you tried to put on your roof before the walls were ready, you would run into the same problem. The same is true for your body. Your body has to go through a particular plan of care in order to repair itself correctly and fully. There are three general phases of chiropractic care . . .

Phase 1: Relief Care

If you are in pain when you come into our office, the first objective is to help you feel better. Depending on the severity of your problem, it is typical to need care 2-3 times per week for 4-12 weeks.

Phase 2: Corrective/Restorative Care

During the corrective care phase, muscles and other tissues are allowed to heal more completely, thereby helping prevent injury. It is typical to need care 4-8 times per month for 6-24 months, depending on your overall health and the severity of your problem.

Phase 3: Wellness Care

Once your body has fully healed, it is important to come in for periodic adjustments to avoid problems in the future. Usually, this only requires a quick visit to the chiropractor 1-4 times per month, based on your lifestyle and goals.

Physical Therapy

Patient's and therapists work as a team to achieve the goals of recuperation. Your rehabilitation will include hands-on care, the use of appropriate excersise equipment and follow-up excersises to allow you to safley continue your program at work or at home.

1. Consultation:

The physical therapist will discuss all your symtpoms and concerns you may have along with your past medical history.

2. Exam:

You will be given a complete exam including orthopedic and neurological tests. A comprehensive program is created to achieve goals based on your specific needs.

3. Treatment:

Includes stretching , to improve range of motion, strengthening, neuro-muscular re-education, soft tissue mobilization and sports specific training.

Acupuncture

Each person who performs acupuncture has a unique style, often blending aspects of Eastern and Western approaches to medicine. To determine the type of acupuncture treatment that will help you the most, your practioner may closley examine the parts of your body that are in pain, the shape, coating and color of your tounge, the color of your face and the strength, rhythm and quality of the pulse in your wrist. A common treatment plan for a single complaint will typically involve six to 12 treatments, scheduled over a few months.

1. Needle Insertion:

Acupuncture needles are very thin, so insertion usually causes very little discomfort. You may feel a deep, aching sensation when a needle reaches the correct depth.

2. Needle Manipulation:

Your practioner may gently move or twirl the needles after they've been placed. Another option is to apply heat or mild electrical pulses to the needles.

3. Needle Removal:

In most cases, the needles will remain in place for 10 to 20 minutes while you lie still and relax. There is usually no sensation of discomfort when the needles are removed.