Question 1

What do you specialize in?

Accepted Answer

“We specialize in the treatment of soft tissues and the joints they surround. We use methods = such as Active Release Techniques (ART) and Graston or Fuzion Tecnhique to treat the soft tissue component of injury or pain and utilize chiropractic adjustments to allow the joints to move properly. Also, we utilize corrective exercise to help recondition the injured site, strengthening the area and decreasing the likelihood or severity of re-injury. We treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions that occur from all aspects of life including athletic injuries, overuse and postural syndromes, and motor vehicle accidents.”

Question 2

Why do you treat both the muscle and joint and not just do the adjustment?

Accepted Answer

“Anatomically, a joint is made up of multiple structures that include the bones, muscle, ligaments, tendons, fascia, nerves, and vessels. Treating the soft tissue that surround the area in addition to adjusting the joint maximizes the results in less time.”

Question 3

What can I expect at my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

“At the first appointment we will perform the history of the complaints, examination of the area which includes movement analysis, joint specific exam, treatment, x-rays if needed, and instructions on what to do once you leave the office that day. The first appointment averages about 60 minutes.”

Question 4

After my first appointment how often do I need to come in?

Accepted Answer

“While the answer depends on factors including the nature of the condition, level of pain, and immediate response to care, on average the follow-up appointment falls 2-7 days after the initial appointment. This amount of time allows the body to respond to care and progress. If too long goes between the initial and follow up visit there is an increased chance that the pain may return to its previous level again. Follow up appointments are around 30 minutes. As treatment continues, the length between follow up appointments will increase.”

Question 5

Why do you do movement analysis at every visit?

Accepted Answer

“Movement analysis is a series of functional tests such as squatting or standing on one leg that points us in the direction of the areas we need to evaluate further. We use the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) along with other motions specific to your complaints to diagnose your problems. We do this very extensively on the first visit and lighter on follow ups.”

Question 6

Why do you spend time teaching me corrective exercises?

Accepted Answer

“Corrective Exercise is important to perform because they are what allow the body to remain in a decreased or pain-free state. In cases where there is an irritating activity that cannot be stopped or a position that cannot be changed the need for corrective exercise to counteract the problem is vital. The exercises we perform are easy to do and usually require no equipment so you can perform them at home.”

Question 7

Do you take x-rays on all of your patients?

Accepted Answer

“No, x-rays are not required for all complaints. While the need for x-ray will be determined by examination findings and complaint history, there are some general rules to follow when deciding to take or not take an x-ray. In most cases of major trauma, congenital or acquired deformities, chance of cancer or infection, bone disease, unexplained changes, or if symptoms progress with care, then there is a need to take x-rays. However, many cases can be assessed without the need of radiological imaging. If patients already had x-rays taken elsewhere, we ask that they bring them because they may be helpful.”

Question 8

Is Active Release Techniques (ART) the same as massage?

Accepted Answer

“ART is a massage based soft tissue technique. Our providers use ART not only to treat, but to further assess and diagnose the complaint. There are over 500 unique ART protocols with varying contact points and motions.”

Question 9

Why do you treat fascia?

Accepted Answer

“Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and joints throughout the body. More recent research of fascia has shown that it has its own rate of contraction, nerve innervations, and pain receptors separate from the muscles. Fascia connects multiple muscles throughout the body and is a reason why there can be a problem in one area of the body creating pain or dysfunction further down the “facial line.” When adding in the treatment of fascia we see faster results and better recovery from injuries and pain.”

Question 10

I usually have elbow pain after playing tennis. I have an important tennis match tomorrow, why should I come in before I play?"

Accepted Answer

“If you have pain or usually experience pain after an activity, we suggest that you come in before your match so we can assess the problem and point you in the proper direction. Depending on the severity of the pain and injury, it may be advantageous to sit out the tennis match to allow proper healing of the damaged tissues. If it is a minor problem, there may be a modification we can suggest to allow playing without as much pain.”

Question 11

I recently had a cortisone injection and the pain went away, should I still come in and get treatment?"

Accepted Answer

“Yes, the cortisone injection is effective at removing inflammation and pain, however there is still an underlying cause of the injury that needs to be assessed. Many times when the pain is diminished, people will resume activity as before and re-injure themselves or make the problem worse. While the pain is decreased is an optimal time to focus on recovery and treatment to minimize any soreness that may occur.”

Question 12

My ankle is swollen, should I come in now to get treated or wait?"

Accepted Answer

“Coming in now will allow us to assess the injury at an earlier stage and rule out any red flags. Focusing on managing the swelling, treatment of the area, and what to do at home will be beneficial to speed up healing.”

Question 13

I don’t like it when I get adjusted, is there anything else you can do to help?"

Accepted Answer

“During the exam we will assess whether an adjustment is needed or not. In cases where you may be uncomfortable with a manual adjustment, we will explain the process step by step and make the adjustment as comfortable and as low in force as possible. Also, in some cases we use an Activator adjusting instrument to provide low force adjustments to the spine and other joints. When using an Activator, some describe it as feeling similar to having your knee reflex tapped with a reflex tool.”

Question 14

I no longer have any pain, but am interested in continuing on with periodic maintenance care. Can I still come in for treatment?"

Accepted Answer

“Yes, periodic maintenance care is very beneficial, similar to having your teeth cleaned once or twice per year. If you use dentists and mouth care as a comparison, it is easy to think of like this: brushing your teeth everyday is beneficial to the health of your mouth similar to the way that performing exercise and stretching everyday is beneficial to your body’s health. The work the dentist does cleaning your teeth and examining your mouth a few times a year would be compared to coming in a few times a year for routine maintenance care. Our providers would assess how you are moving and feeling and make any adjustments or treat any areas necessary. We also make suggestions on areas to improve on with your exercises or stretches you are doing on your own to help keep your issues at bay.”

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