Frequently Asked Questions:
Chiropractic FAQs
1. What kind of training do chiropractors receive?
Generally, chiropractors have completed a Bachelor’s
degree at a 4 year college/university. They then complete
their 5 year Doctor of Chiropractic program, which consists
of lengthy basic science studies (eg. Anatomy/Physiology),
chiropractic philosophy, diagnosis, radiology, chiropractic
techniques and much more. The first two years of chiropractic
school are actually quite similar to the first two years
of medical school. Medical students traditionally go on
to study drugs and surgery; however, chiropractic students
move on in their studies, focusing on radiology, diagnostics,
orthopedics, neurology and chiropractic adjusting techniques.
Throughout their course of study, they must pass a four-part
series of National Boards to become licensed.
2. Is it true that the medical profession and the
chiropractic profession do not get along?
While the two professions do have different philosophies,
the majority of chiropractors and medical doctors work together
with the patient’s best interest in mind. The professions
have confidence in making referrals to one another and frequently
join together for seminars/conferences. It is becoming more
common for chiropractors and medical doctors to work together
in the same clinics and facilities.
3. How does a chiropractor’s philosophy differ
from a medical doctor’s philosophy?
There are two types of ailments that you can have in the
healthcare arena. One is a physical problem and one is a
chemical problem. Physical problems usually need some sort
of physical treatment (eg. Chiropractic, Physical Therapy,
Surgery, etc.). Chemical problems generally need a chemical
treatment (eg. Drugs). Chiropractors typically use a physical
treatment to address an underlying problem. They utilize
adjusting techniques to allow the human body to function
at its optimum. This is referred to as inside-out approach.
In other words…the human body has the ability to heal
itself as long as there is no interference.
4. Do all chiropractors use the same technique?
No, chiropractors are trained in a variety of techniques.
Chiropractors are very specific is their
technique approach the best adjusting technique for the patient’s
needs. This is the art of the chiropractic
profession. Doctors of chiropractic can also utilize low-force techniques if the patient wishes or their condition requires
this type of chiropractic adjustment.
5. Do chiropractors only work with the spine?
No, many chiropractors adjust the extremities, to return proper motion to the
joints and decrease overall symptoms. Chiropractors are
trained to perform detailed orthopedic evaluations before
working on extremities. They have the ability to secure
any necessary diagnostic tests before working on an injured
area.
6. Do chiropractors only treat low back and neck
pain?
While chiropractors are quite good at working with back
and neck pain, they are also skilled in working with a variety
of other conditions. Chiropractors have had great success
in working with a variety of other orthopedic and neurologic
conditions. Chiropractors address issues in the human body
that keep people from functioning at their optimum. By doing
this, the human body has the ability to heal itself.
7. Why should I go to a chiropractor if my low
back and neck don’t even hurt?
Often times, chiropractors can find underlying problems
that have yet to manifest themselves as active symptoms.
Chiropractors can keep people feeling their best and
help people achieve optimum wellness.
8. Is chiropractic safe?
There are many myths and misconceptions in the public arena
regarding chiropractic care.
Chiropractic is absolutely safe and it is one of the lowest
risk healthcare professions. Doctors of Chiropractic do very thorough examinations
before rendering any treatment. After their examination,
they will initiate the safest, most effective treatment
on the patient.
9. Can people of all ages get adjusted?
Absolutely! Chiropractors have had overwhelming success
in treating infants, children, adults and elderly individuals.
Their technique is adapted to meet the patient’s needs.
Often times,
chiropractors will even have more in-depth training in working
with certain age groups.
10. Does it hurt to get adjusted by a chiropractor?
Sometimes there is some discomfort when an individual
is in a great deal of pain, but there is not a lot
of discomfort associated with chiropractic treatments. Chiropractors
adapt there techniques to meet the patient’s level
of comfort. Doctors of Chiropractic can even use low force,
non-painful, methods of treatment if the patient is concerned
about hurting after a chiropractic adjustment.
11. What is that loud “popping” and
“cracking” sound that is heard when a chiropractor
adjusts me?
Chiropractors utilize specific methods to find
out what needs to be corrected in your body. Chiropractors
want to help you, not hurt you. The “popping”
and “cracking” sound is actually gas release
from the joint when it is put back in place.
The sound is quite similar to the sound created when you
open up a bottle or can of soda. It is not the sound of
bones breaking.
12. Is it true that “once you go to a chiropractor,
you have to keep going for the rest of your life”?
There are 3 Phases of chiropractic care. Typically, patients
present to chiropractic offices in some kind of pain. As
a result, Phase 1 of care is spent getting the patient
out of pain. Many patients choose to discontinue care at
the end of Phase 1. Once their symptoms have disappeared,
they are ready to quit seeking treatment. These patients
are usually the ones that keep coming in time after time
throughout their life for the same problem.
Phase 2 of care is spent trying to actually correct the
underlying problem. There is usually some rehabilitation
incorporated into this phase of care. The main goal for
Phase 2 of chiropractic care is to prevent the problem from
returning in the future. Some
patients wish to discontinue care at this point. Most patients
realize the benefits of the 3rd Phase of care, once they
have completed the first two phases.
Phase 3 is a scheduled treatment plan, which is similar
to going to the dentist regularly, to make sure that their
body has the ability to function at its best. Many patients
choose to continue care as a form of preventative
care. Nonetheless, there is one simple truth about the 3
phases of chiropractic care…The patient is ALWAYS
the person that makes the CHOICE regarding their course
of care.
13. Is chiropractic cost effective?
Yes. There have been several studies performed regarding
the cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care. Certainly,
chiropractic care is much less expensive than many of the
drug therapies or surgical procedures that are out there.
While there is certainly a need for drugs and surgery in
the healthcare arena, sometimes chiropractic makes more
sense for a patient’s problem due to its cost-effectiveness.
You cannot put a price tag on your health; however, the
relatively little amount of money that it costs to undergo
chiropractic care is a wise investment into your health.
14. If chiropractors just “pop” and
“crack” necks/backs, can’t I just do that
myself?
While many people do attempt to “pop” or “crack”
themselves, they are actually not doing themselves any benefit.
These people are simply getting some good, healthy, freely-movable
segments to make a little noise. Doctors of Chiropractic
are trained to specifically adjust bad, non-healthy segments
with abnormal motion. Chiropractors use the term “adjustment”,
as opposed to the term “manipulation”, to describe
the procedure used to help a patient function at their optimum.
The adjustment has a powerful effect on more
than just a non-freely moving joint. The adjustment
also allows proper function of the nervous system, muscles
and tissues.
15. How do I choose a chiropractor that is right
for me? What can I expect during my first visit with a chiropractor?
There are many chiropractors out there. Each chiropractor
has a unique philosophy and many of the doctors have a variety
of different training backgrounds. Just because a chiropractor
has the biggest yellow page ad, doesn’t mean that
they are the right chiropractor for you. Chiropractors that
offer you a free exam might not give you the time or detail
necessary to get a good handle on your condition. Find a
chiropractor who is willing to listen to your problem during
a thorough case history.
A good chiropractor will then perform a detailed orthopedic,
neurologic and chiropractic examination. If the examination
warrants the need for x-rays, these will usually be secured.
Once the chiropractor has collected all necessary information
pertinent to your case, it is essential that they educate
you on your condition. Make sure they let you know
exactly what is going on and that it is explained to you
in a way that you can understand.
A good chiropractor will not initiate treatment until all
of the necessary diagnostic testing has been performed.
For example, a Doctor of Chiropractic’s exam could
reveal the need for an MRI. If this is the case, you would
be referred out for the study before initiating treatment.
If the chiropractor thinks that he/she can help you, they
will outline a treatment plan necessary for resolution and
stability of your condition. Treatment techniques needed
for your condition will be chosen.
If the Doctor of Chiropractic feels as if your condition
is not appropriate for their scope of practice, they will
find someone who can help you. A good chiropractor will
typically give your condition two weeks to make a change
in the positive direction. If the chiropractor is not making
progress at the time of their re-evaluation in two weeks,
they will change their treatment plan or refer you to someone
else.
16. What can I expect during a subsequent visit,
to a Doctor of Chiropractic’s
office?
The treatments will vary based on where you are in your
course of care. Typically, you will receive an adjustment
from the chiropractor. Sometimes, therapies (such as electric
muscle stimulation, ultrasound and ice/heat) are utilized
in conjunction with the chiropractic adjustment. Active
care rehabilitation in the form of exercise, stretching,
strengthening and stabilization can be used in the course
of treatment as well. If the doctor feels that massage therapy
and soft tissue work is needed, they might refer you to
a massage therapist. Nutrition can also be incorporated
into your treatment protocol. Your subsequent visits to
a chiropractor will be unique and specific to your condition.
There is not a “cookie cutter” type of treatment
plan.
17. What can The Hetrick Center offer me that other
chiropractic offices cannot provide?
The Hetrick Center has a unique multidisciplinary approach
to healthcare. We strive to be the leaders of the wellness
revolution of the 21st century. We have a team approach
to helping our patients and our number one value is communication.
Our staff consists of Chiropractors, Physical
Therapists, Nutritionists, Massage
Therapists, Aquatic Therapists and more! Our team holds
regular meetings to discuss cases and provide insight that
will help progress patients and make their treatment at
The Hetrick Center second to none!
18. What is chiropractic?
- an approach to health that utilizes the body's inherent
and natural recuperative powers.
- a healing science that places emphasis on maintaining
the structural integrity of the body.
- method of health care that is conservative and that
does not utilize drugs or surgery.
Chiropractic, from its early beginnings, has endorsed the
idea of wellness. It is a total, preventive approach to
health that deals with addressing the cause of the problem
rather than just the symptoms.
Chiropractic considers all aspects of the patient's life:
family history; work; lifestyle and environment; diet; exercise
regimen; the attention to prevention; and the patient's
physical and emotional stress factors.
19. Why does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works by restoring a human being’s inborn
ability to be healthy. When under the proper control of
your nervous system, all the cells, tissues and organs of
a person's body are designed to resist disease and ill health.
The chiropractic approach to better health is to locate
and remove interferences to a human being's natural state
of being healthy. An accessible interface with the nervous
system is the system of 24 moving bones of the spinal column.
A loss of normal motion or position of these bones can irritate
or impair the function of the nervous system. This can disrupt
the transmission of controlling nerve impulses. With improved
spinal function, there may be improved nervous system function.
Your chiropractor can help remove interferences that may
be impairing normal health.
20. What is the definition of chiropractic?
Chiropractic is the clinical science that is based upon
a law of biology that there is born in living things an
ability to be healthy, and secondly draws on the theory
of physiology that there's a system in the body, the nervous
system by name, that controls and coordinates all other
organs and structures and relates the organism to its environment.
Chiropractic clinical science hypothesizes an association
between that system and health in the body, and chiropractic
was originally conjectured by its founder as that science
that was going to investigate how the framework could interfere
with the integrity of the nervous system and its ability
to control and coordinate all other organs and structures.
21. What is the chiropractic adjustment?
The intent of a spinal adjustment is to restore normal motion
and function of the framework in order to restore normal
function of the nerves. Chiropractors use several adjusting
techniques to accomplish that, many characterized by a precise,
specific thrust. The chiropractic adjustment generally differs
from spinal manipulation practiced by a physical therapist
or an osteopath because the chiropractic adjustment is more
specific. It is done not just to mobilize a joint but to
remove a subluxation. Indeed, the technique of chiropractic
adjusting is a manual art requiring considerable knowledge
and dexterity. Mastery of the art of adjusting takes extensive
training and practice as does any other art.
1. What’s the difference between the herbs
The Hetrick Center sells and those at the drug store?
The Hetrick Center uses herbal supplements from Standard
Process. The Wisconsin-based company organically grows all
the herbs and then uses a low-temperature procedure to extract
nutrients. This process ensures that vital nutrients are
retained, unlike many other brands which heat their products
destroying the essential components. The supplements are
whole-foods based in contrast to drug-store brands which
are usually synthetic.
2. Which herbs do I need?
The Hetrick Center’s Nutrition Counselor will enable
you with information and guidance to make the best decisions
about which herbs are best for your body and budget. We
use a symptom survey to evaluate what kind and what form
of herb will work for you.
3. Will the herbs counteract my medication?
The Hetrick Center’s Nutrition Coordinator will research
your current medications and the recommended herbs to determine
if there is any contraindications.
4. Can I get off my medication with herbs and diet?
For some people, leaving their medications behind is an
easily achievable goal with diet and herbal supplements.
For others, it might be a process of weaning off medication.
We can work with your physician to help you make the best
decisions to get you feeling healthy.
5. I eat a healthy low-fat diet, why can’t
I lose weight?
Many people eat too little fat and too few calories to keep
their body functioning properly. The Hetrick Center’s
Nutrition Coordinator will co-create with you an eating plan
that is best for your body’s needs as well as your
lifestyle and schedule.
6. Is the Atkin’s diet good for me? How about
vegetarianism?
Confused about diets? Different plans work for different
people. The Hetrick Center’s Nutrition Coordinator
will help you discover if there is a specific plan that
works best for you or a combination of ways of eating which
will keep you healthy.
7. How much do I need to exercise?
How much exercise depends on a number of factors including
how much movement is involved in your job, your diet, other
conditions, your energy and likes and dislikes. The Hetrick
Center’s Nutrition Counselor will design a program
specific to your needs including use of The Hetrick Center’s
gym.
8. My knees hurt from my weight, how can I exercise
until I lose weight?
Exercise isn’t just walking for miles or spending
hours on a treadmill. The Hetrick Center’s Nutrition
Counselor will provide ideas to get you moving with minimal
impact. A plan may include working with The Hetrick Center’s
Physical Therapists and the use of the HydroWorx® Pools here
at The Hetrick Center.
9. What is the detox/purification program?
The detox/purification program is designed to help clients
cleanse their livers of toxins from processed foods and environmental
toxins from traffic and workplaces etc. There are three
options for the purification program ranging from a mild
cleanse which involves eating the food you usually eat with
cleansing products from Standard Process to a moderate cleanse
with a limited diet to a fast. The Hetrick Center’s
Nutrition Counselor offers support through meetings, phone calls and e-mail.
10. How much will a nutritional program cost?
The cost depends on the program and if you choose to purchase
supplements. The cost of supplements can average $2.00 per
day. The cost of an intensive nutritional counseling
program could cost up to $10 per day.
11. Can I take the herbs without making changes
to my diet? Will they be effective?
For some conditions, a diet change would also be recommended
for people to truly find a healthy way of living. The herbal
supplements offered through The Hetrick Center can help
support reduction in cravings and an increasing digestion.
Physical Therapy FAQs
1. Do I need a prescription?
In the state of Pennsylvania, you must have a prescription
from a medical doctor.
2. Does my insurance cover Physical Therapy services?
Most insurance companies do pay for Physical Therapy services.
How much they pay varies according to your policy. You may
call your insurance company to get specific details on your
coverage.
3. Can I have Physical Therapy treatments while
being treated by a chiropractor or massage therapist?
Yes. It is important to address all your healthcare needs,
which may include multiple services.
4. Does Aquatic Therapy fall under Physical Therapy?
Yes. Aquatic therapy can be provided by a Physical Therapist.
5. Can Physical Therapy help me lose weight?
Physical therapy will help to get your muscles conditioned
and can promote weight loss.
6. Will I see one therapist or several?
We attempt to make sure that you see the same therapist
on every visit or the same Physical Therapist Assistant.
7. What can I expect during my first visit to Physical
Therapy?
On your first visit, you will be evaluated. We will look
at where you are having pain and try to determine the source
of your pain. After the evaluation, we will discuss what
treatment we feel is pertinent to your needs and may
begin some exercises that day.
8. How long will I need to come to Physical Therapy?
This will vary depending on what is wrong. The typical treatment
may be anywhere from one to two months.
9. How long is each Physical Therapy session?
This may vary. A typical session is approximately one hour
10. What will I do in Physical Therapy?
In Physical Therapy you will be doing different exercises that will help
to alleviate your pain. This may include stretches, strengthening
exercises and aquatic therapy.
11. Can I get massage?
During your evaluation, the Physical Therapist can determine if
Massage Therapy performed by the Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist's Assistant is indicated as part of your treatment.
12. Do you teach people how to use crutches, canes,
etc?
We do train people on proper use of assistive devices.
13. Do you treat balance problems or walking problems?
Yes. We work on improving balance with various exercises
and we also work on teaching you to walk the correct way through Vestibular Rehabilitation.
14. Do you treat stroke patients?
Yes we do.
15. Do you treat cardiac patients?
We are able to treat all cardiac patients that do not require
EKG monitoring
16. Do you treat sports related injuries?
Yes we do. We provide treatment plans that are specific
to your individual sport.
17. Do you treat incontinence and other women's
health issues?
Yes we do.
18. How long do I have to wait to get an appointment?
We typically are able to schedule an appointment 24 hours
from the time you call.
19. Do you keep in contact with my doctor?
Yes we do. We send monthly notes to the doctor and we also
send a note before every visit you have with your doctor.
20. Do you treat children?
Yes we do.
21. Can you treat pregnant women?
Yes we can. We can individualize a program to meet the needs
and concerns of a pregnant woman.
22. Do you do wound care?
No we do not provide wound care at our facility.
23. Do you do lymphedema drainage?
Yes we do.
Massage Therapy FAQs
1. Can someone come to the Hetrick Center for a relaxation
massage?
Yes, one can come to the Hetrick Center for a relaxation massage.
We also encourage you to see one of our chiropractors to
have your spine aligned to maximize your massage therapy
experience.
2. What is the fee for a half hour massage and an
hour massage?
The fee for a half hour massage is $30.00 and $50.00 for
an hour.
3. Other than neuromuscular (deep tissue) therapy, what
other types of massage do you offer?
Russian, Pregnancy, Relaxation, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Connective Tissue Therapy, Trigger Point, Myofacial Release, and Sports.
4. Is it normal to feel somewhat sore after Massage
Therapy?
Some people may experience some discomfort or soreness the
day following Massage Therapy. This sometimes happens
as a result of working the deeper tissues in chronically
contracted muscles. To minimize this effect, exercise, stretch
(after warming up) and drink lots of water (64 ounces per
day) for up to 48 hours after receiving a massage.
5. I heard that you should drink lots of water
after a massage. Why?
Massage stimulates the lymphatic and vascular systems
on down to the cellular level. Cells eat, drink and get
rid of wastes. Drinking water facilitates the flushing
of toxins out of the body, hydrates the body, skin to the cellular level.
6. Do you offer gift certificates or other incentives
for massage therapy?
Yes, we do offer gift certificates for half hour and hour
appointments. We also offer a frequent relaxation massage
therapy program. For every 10 massages, you receive 1 free!
7. What are some of the benefits of massage therapy?
Some of the benefits of receiving regular massage therapy are
as follows:
- Improves circulation
- Reduces blood pressure
- Improves delivery and removal of nutrients and wastes
- Decreases heart rate, “relaxation response”
- Increases number of functional red blood cells
- Increases oxygenated blood supply to muscles relieving
tightness, soreness, stiffness and spasms
8. Can massage therapy help relieve or prevent
frequent headaches?
Massage Therapy can relieve some headache pain when it is
a result of tight, stiff muscles, and frequent massage therapy
can help in the prevention of some headaches. However, headaches
can be a result of many different causes and frequent painful
or debilitating headaches should be brought to the attention
of your doctor, chiropractor, or any other healthcare provider
you are currently seeing. Headaches could also be a result
of a “food allergy” for which a visit to a holistic
nutritionist would be appropriate.
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