I do accept various insurances; call for details, and I do suggest that you call your insurer to see whether your plan covers chiropractic services.
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FAQs
Do you accept insurance?
How many times do I have to come in for treatment?
Treatment goals vary between people, so we have to discuss that together. As much as possible, we will collaborate in your care, and work toward self-maintenance. This does usually minimize the need to keep coming to my office. While the exact length of treatment can be difficult to predict, I will give my best estimate.
Regardless of the amount of time it takes, you receive goal-oriented care, following a plan that we agree on early in treatment.
The initial goal is often simply to alleviate pain, if any. During these early sessions, gentle manual therapies can also be important for healing, since they can release restrictions of connective tissue, optimize joint motion, relieve pain and muscle spasm, and improve circulation.
The next crucial step is to optimize physical function and well-being. As you progress through this phase, light stretches and/or exercises will help you solidify your gains.
The final step is to launch your self-care program. This phase often includes progressive exercises, workplace/ergonomic modifications, and other strategies. Your program is designed and customized to ensure you can maintain your progress after your course of treatment has ended.
Does scientific research support using chiropractic care?
Yes, a growing amount of good research is available, with encouraging results. This includes research into acute and chronic back pain, neck pain and headaches, and the cost-effectiveness of chiropractic treatment. For more detailed information, I suggest starting with the American Chiropractic Association website.
Do you do massage?
“Massage” really refers to a service provided by massage therapists. Many of the therapies I myself use are “soft-tissue” techniques, which are meant to benefit muscles and ligaments, for example. Some of those techniques may feel a little like massage. For a full massage, however, I refer to skilled massage therapists.
What are the ethical standards for chiropractors?
Like all professionals, chiropractors are responsible for adhering to certain ethical standards, in order to deliver the greatest good for the patient. I take these ethical responsibilities very seriously. They include:
- maintaining the highest degree of competency, confidentiality, compassion and honesty;
- respecting the right of patients to make health care choices;
- readiness to consult/refer to other providers;
- accuracy and truth in advertising;
- and the duty to provide enough care—and not more—to ensure the best outcomes for you, the patient.
What if I Don't Want my Neck Cracked?
That’s perfectly okay! I frequently treat problems—especially in the neck—very effectively using lower-force techniques, and I am happy to do this. Preliminary research has shown that the gentler forms of hands-on therapy are just as helpful, and may be less likely to lead to any mild stiffness or headache after treatment.
How do I know whether to see a chiropractor?
With so many choices of health care providers, it can be difficult to figure out whom to ask for help! And to make it harder, different sources may offer you very different information or opinions about your condition.
If you’re experiencing pain or limited physical abilities, I would suggest that it’s okay to begin the process by consulting me. Part of my job, and my training, is to perform a careful physical examination. As I investigate the nature and cause of a problem, I can usually determine whether chiropractic methods are the solution. If not, I will make any needed referrals to other professionals. As always, it is your right, as a patient, to accept or decline treatment.
At your request, I will stay in communication with your other health care providers, so that you are receiving care from a team.
Does it hurt?
I frequently ask just this question of my patients, since only they can tell me! Judging by the feedback I’ve gotten, the therapies and techniques I use rarely cause any pain. More often, the condition being treated is more painful than my treatment. When in doubt, I will err on the “good side” of pain.