Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?
Typically, chiropractic adjustments do not hurt. Dr. Hartley is trained in a variety of techniques and will use the most appropriate adjustments for your size, age, tolerance, and condition. Post visit soreness does occur but in many cases it is a must in order to promote the healing process. This can be compared to the soreness that occurs after a workout or run.
What can I expect on my first visit?
On your first visit, the doctor will go over a brief history with you discussing your current complaints, past medical and family history, and dietary habits. He will then perform a variety of orthopedic and neurological tests combined with testing muscle tone, posture and joint mechanics to diagnose your condition. Treatment will be performed on the first visit and home care advice will be administered.
How long will it take for me to get better using chiropractic treatment?
Every person and condition is different, but typically it takes between 2-4 weeks to get about 80% better. However, it is important that you follow your treatment plan and home exercise/stretching plan in order to see the best results.
Will you work with my primary care physician?
Yes, if you request we will contact them. In the event that your responce to care is less then expected we will also contact your PCP for a second opinion. We are proud of our interdisciplinary approach to helping you get better. If we can not help you we will help you find the doctor or therapist who will.
Is chiropractic care appropriate for children?
Yes. Children often fall down and hurt themselves and just like adults, are susceptible to back or neck pain, muscle stiffness and soreness, and a variety of other conditions. Chiropractic is just as beneficial to children as it is to adults.
What type of education and training do chiropractors receive?
The typical chiropractor has attended four years of undergraduate education with a focus in pre-medical studies. He or she then attends an accredited chiropractic school, which is 10 trimesters long (3-4 years). The chiropractic curriculum consists of 4200 hours of classroom, laboratory, and extensive clinical study.
Can a chiropractor adjust me if I'm pregnant?
Definitely! Chiropractic is great for treating low back pain and sciatica associated with pregnancy. Common pregnancy problems like SI joint pain, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndorome, neck pain all respond to chiropractic care and prescribed home exercise and therapy.
Are Xrays always taken for new patients?
No. Diagnostic testing is only ordered if they are needed to determine a diagnosis and will help affect the treatment plan for each individual patient. If an acurate diagnosis is made through consultation, exam, palapation and functional screening then a treatment plan will be established and treatment will begin on the first visit. If the patient doesn not respond as expected further diagnostic testing will be ordered to determine why the patient is not responding as expected.
What is maintenance or wellness care?
Often times, people receive chiropractic care when they have initially injured themselves. Chiropractic is great for relieving pain, but the ultimate goal of chiropractic is to prevent these injuries from recurring and to keep patients feeling and performing at their optimal level. This is achieved by receiving chiropractic treatment periodically (usually once every 4-6 weeks). This is known as maintenance care.
Does my insurance cover chiropractic care?
Most insurances cover chiropractic care, some managed care contracts have limitations of care or needs for referrals. Please give our office a call, our staff is very knowledgable and can determine your policys' coverage of chiropractic.