CHIROPRACTIC
What education is
required to practice chiropractic?
What can I expect from
treatment?
What information
should I bring to my first visit?
LASER THERAPY
What is Laser Therapy
used for?
Does laser treatment
hurt? What does it feel
like?
Are there any side
effects or associated risks with laser treatment?
How long does a laser
treatment take?
How often should a
patient have a laser treatment?
How many laser
treatments is normal?
How long before the
results of laser treatment are felt?
Can laser treatment be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment?
Sole Supports Orthotics
Why would someone need orthotics? How would I know if I needed them?
Why does the Spine and Therapy Center provide orthotics?
Will my medical insurance cover it?
Chiropractic is a form of health care that is drugless,
non-invasive, and actively promotes health.
Chiropractic care is holistic, meaning that the entire
body and a person’s lifestyle are examined and treated.
When a chiropractor works with a patient, the cause of the patient’s
physical problem is addressed and lifestyle factors that may affect the
problem (such as diet, posture, exercise, and others) are modified to
speed recovery and prevent recurrence.
Chiropractic care uses natural health methods such as exercise,
nutrition, and diet, and lifestyle modification to promote wellness.
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What
education is required to practice chiropractic?
Chiropractic’s foundation in the basic life sciences includes coursework in anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, physical and laboratory diagnostics, radiology, physiology, pathology, nutrition, and public health. In addition, chiropractic education involves a detailed study of clinical sciences as well as clinical experience.
Chiropractic education is similar to medical and osteopathic education
except that those practitioners study surgery and pharmacology,
while Doctors of Chiropractic focus on the diagnosis of musculo-skeletal
and nervous system disorders and non-surgical, drug-free treatment.
Doctors of Chiropractic have the expertise to diagnose, treat and/or
manage many different health problems.
If diagnosis indicates that another type of care is more appropriate for
you, a referral will be made.
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What
is an adjustment?
Chiropractic care is known (but not exclusively) for its use of the
adjustment, sometimes called manipulation.
An adjustment is a precise procedure in which the trained Doctor of
Chiropractic exerts specific corrective pressure at specific places on
your spine or other joint.
When a thorough examination reveals joints that are not in proper
function, adjustments are applied to correct joint alignment/mobility,
relieve associated muscle and nerve tension, improve balance and assist
healing. In most cases,
adjustments are performed manually or with a handheld instrument by the
Doctor of Chiropractic.
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What
can I expect from treatment?
You
will be asked to complete a comprehensive health history, including past
health problems, diet exercise, occupation, and other information of
importance. Examination may
include palpation (examination by touch), x-rays, and range of motion,
strength, neurological, orthopedic, or other tests.
Besides the adjustment, Doctors of Chiropractic may use other modalities
such as electric muscle stimulation, ultrasound, moist heat, ice,
massage, laser therapy or others.
Your chiropractor will also take the time to counsel you about the
prevention of disease and the methods for living a healthy lifestyle.
You may not receive an adjustment at every appointment.
The treatment you receive will be designed specifically for you – based
on your symptoms and examination findings.
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Your
progress
We
will carefully monitor your progress. We
will note subjective improvement as well as objective findings, and your
treatment plan will be modified to meet your changing condition. We
encourage communication between your chiropractor and other health care
providers for your benefit.
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What
information should I bring to my first visit?
If you have already had tests (such as x-rays) regarding
your problem, bring them and any reports to the Doctor of Chiropractic’s
office.
Be prepared to discuss: when
the problem started; how it
started; how long you have
had it; what makes the
problem worse or better;
treatments you have tried so far and how well they worked; and any other
information you believe is relevant.
Bring notes regarding comments or questions you want to
ask the Doctor of Chiropractic.
If your health insurance company requires a referral
before treatment, please obtain one.
Bring your insurance card and know the amount of your deductible or co-pay. <return>
Communication
Discussion and open communication about your health concerns are always
encouraged. Please feel
comfortable to address any of your concerns with the doctor or staff at
any time – so that your goals and ours will combine to achieve maximum
improvement in your health.
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LASER FAQs
What
is Laser Therapy?
Low level laser and LED Therapy or “photobiomodulation,” is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near infrared) to create therapeutic effects. These effects include improved healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling. The light may be provided by a low power laser or an LED (light emitting diode). <return>
What
is Laser Therapy used for?
Soft tissue injuries, degenerative joint conditions, chronic non-healing wounds and neurogenic pain such as Herpes Zoster (shingles) and fibromyalgia have all shown benefits from Laser Therapy. <return>
Does
laser treatment hurt? What
does it feel like?
There is little or no sensation during treatment – occasionally one
feels a mild, soothing warmth, or tingling.
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Are
there any side effects or associated risks with laser treatment?
If a
patient is allergic to light then they may get a rash or blister for a
few days. Occasionally some old
injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days, as the
healing response is more active after treatment. During more than
twenty years of use by healthcare providers all over the world, very few
side effects have ever been reported.
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How
long does a laser treatment take?
The
typical course of treatment is five minutes depending on the size of the
area being treated.
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How
often should a patient have a laser treatment?
Acute conditions may be treated daily, particularly if they are
accompanied by significant pain.
More chronic problems respond better when treatments are received 2 to 3
times per week tapering to once a week or once every other week, with
improvement.
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How
many laser treatments is normal?
That
depends on the nature of the condition being treated. For
some acute conditions 1-6 treatments may be sufficient. Those
of a more chronic nature may require 10 to 15 (or more) treatments. Conditions
such as severe arthritis may require ongoing periodic care to control
pain.
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How
long before the results of laser treatment are felt?
You
may feel improvement in your condition (usually pain reduction) after
the very first treatment.
Sometimes you will not feel improvement for a number of treatments.
This does not mean that nothing is happening.
Each treatment is cumulative and results are often felt after 3 or 4
sessions.
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Can
laser treatment be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment?
Yes, Laser Therapy is often used with other forms of therapy, including physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, massage, soft tissue mobilization, electrotherapy and following surgery. Other healing modalities are complementary and can be used with laser to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. <return>
SOLE SUPPORTS
Why would someone need orthotics? How would I know if I needed them?
Many injuries are the result of poor biomechanics of the feet, to a greater or lesser degree. For some, it’s almost impossible to walk without pain; others might be largely pain-free but less efficient than they could be while walking, running or cycling.
Foot orthotics are most often used to correct structural problems in feet, and foot/leg alignment problems. Those conditions can lead to pain and/or weakness that you don’t need to live with.
Dr. Pleskovitch can help you determine if orthotics would help you. <return>
Why does the Spine and Therapy Center provide orthotics?
Dr. Pleskovitch is an expert in biomechanics, interested in providing solutions for a wide range of problems. Foot orthotics are the best solution for some problems that can have wide-ranging impacts throughout a body – and a lifestyle.
As an avid runner and cyclist, Dr. P. is personally very interested in low-cost, easy-to-use products that can help improve comfort and athletic ability. She is her own - highly motivated - test subject.
After 20 years of experimenting with orthotics, the unique Sole Supports® solution is the best Dr. Pleskovitch has ever found. She wanted to share this with her patients. <return>
Why Sole Supports® Orthotics?
Most foot orthotics are designed to correct problems by using wedges under the heel and forefoot. Usually the arches in these orthotics are minimal because manufacturers feel that there is less chance in making the user uncomfortable. Because they avoid full arch support they cannot be effective in preventing the arch from collapsing.
Sole Supports® orthotics are designed for whole-foot correction, and provide whole-foot support. They look different from most orthotics in that they typically have a much higher arch that conforms to your foot perfectly. Additionally, Sole Supports® are designed according to your weight and activity levels. This creates a very effective and comfortable orthotic. <return>
Do I need special shoes?
No, Sole Supports® can be designed to fit in most shoes, from running and cycling to fashion pumps. Many of our wearers have several sets, for different shoes. <return>
Will my medical insurance cover it?
That depends upon your specific insurance plan, but medical insurance often does cover the cost. If you are unsure about your coverage, please ask our staff. We will be glad to check your benefits for you. <return>
