Are chiropractors real doctors? Yes. They are physicians, licensed by the state, to diagnose and treat both chiropractic and medical conditions. Like your dentist, the chiropractor is a specialist. For them, medical school is not appropriate, because the curriculum is too broad. All doctors require essentially the same courses for the first two years of their professional education; it is the next two years that separate one kind of doctor from the next. The chiropractic profession takes a drug-free approach when assisting their patients to improve and/or maintain their health. A typical new patient has already tried drugs, or is not interested in taking them at all, because of valid safety concerns, unwanted feelings of intoxication, or the dangerous masking of symptoms.

Is it safe? Yes. Many studies have been done comparing chiropractic to the various drugs and surgeries so often prescribed. The spinal adjustment is only dangerous in poorly qualified hands. Some healthcare providers attempt to make a spinal correction with little or no formal training. This has led to many of the injuries sometimes quoted against the safety of chiropractic. Buyer beware; only a chiropractic physician MUST spend years learning the skills needed to know how, where, when, and when not to adjust. Their license, unlike any other, guarantees a level of competency to the public for which they are held accountable.

How long will it take? First and foremost, it is not reasonable to expect a one-time adjustment to “cure” a problem. There are cases every week where this happens, but this is with certain conditions and even here there are exceptions. As any doctor will tell you, two people can come in with exactly the same concern and respond very differently. At Gentle Care it is important to the doctors to observe a steady overall improvement. Highs and lows are normal. Again, it’s the positive trend that the doctor and patient are looking for. The goal is to maximize an increase in health as quickly as possible and then keep things in check with a wellness visit on occasion.

I heard I have to keep coming back, is it true? People continue to return because they have personally experienced the effectiveness of chiropractic and want to continue to feel their best and enjoy life to the fullest. We recommend continued treatment with all patients showing and reporting improvement. At maximal health we encourage an occasional wellness chiropractors in rochester nycare visit instead of crisis management. Crisis management nearly always takes more time and resources than wellness care. The wellness care patient also enjoys a more stable state of health. At times, an informed patient candidly chooses to only come in when in pain. We always respect their choice and provide what help we can as we are given the opportunity.

Do I have to be “popped?” The cavitations, or “popping” sound, often associated with a chiropractic adjustment, are surrounded by mystery and myth. The phenomenon is actually well understood. When certain joints in the body, known as synovial joints, are adjusted, they may quickly release a small amount of gas that is mostly made up of nitrogen. This quick release is responsible for the famous sound. It is often thought that cavitations equal success. This is not true. With many conditions, when less than the amount of force needed to achieve a cavitation is applied using a special technique, the results are equally impressive, as seen with light-force techniques.
Does it hurt? Gentle Care Chiropractic lives up to their name. With many treatment options and a philosophy that is patient focused, one can expect to be treated with the utmost compassion. Techniques now available, allow chiropractors to address a patient’s concerns more effectively than ever before. The doctors at Gentle Care Chiropractic utilize several specialized techniques to deliver safe and effective chiropractic adjustments, such as Activator Method, Sacro-Occiptal Technique (S.O.T.), Muscle Energy Technique (M.E.T.) and Toggle are light-force techniques that are rarely accompanied by a cavitation or “popping” sound and are particularly well suited for geriatric patients, those in severe pain and those not comfortable with cavitations. They also provide classical adjustments using diversified and drop table technique.

Will I be cured? Have you ever heard a story about an old injury which had “healed” many years ago coming back with a vengeance. An injury affecting the quality of your life for more than a week may mean a permanent “weak link” will be left in the body. Scar tissue is weaker and less elastic than the surrounding soft tissues. The chance for re-injury or chronic pain without proper care and guidance can be high. The public is raised and trained through advertising to focus on symptoms, because drugs are most often designed to treat symptoms, not the cause. In reality, symptoms are an indicator that your health HAS been failing for weeks, months or even years. This is why many of us see the value in having our teeth, eyes or spine checked even though we are not yet having pain.

How well educated are chiropractors? Candidates for entry into most chiropractic colleges are required to complete a four-year undergraduate program. Ten trimesters of chiropractic college training (four years) must be completed to graduate. The first eight trimesters are primarily didactic training. Courses include human anatomy and dissection, branches of physiology, pharmacology, diagnostic imaging, nutrition, rehabilitation, spinal manipulation and medical patient management strategies. The ninth and tenth trimesters are completed through an internship under the direction of a licensed chiropractor. Upon graduation, most chiropractors enter private practice after successfully passing national and state board examinations. Residency programs after chiropractic training are optional and include specialties in Orthopedics, Diagnostic Imaging, Clinical Studies, Rehabilitation and Research. A multitude of post-graduate lectures are also offered.

Who can see a chiropractor? Chiropractors are trained to treat all manner of people, including pregnant women, new-born babies, children, athletes, the elderly and frail. A thorough history is taken and physical examination performed before any treatment is recommended or given to any new patient. Everyone is treated according to diagnosis and their own specific needs; therefore, a baby would not be treated in the same manner as a healthy adult. In some cases health issues may be uncovered that need to be addressed by you, or by another health professional. We regularly work with health professionals from a range of disciplines as we do not believe that we have all the answers to all problems. We will assist you in prioritizing your health care, and in seeking the best help at that time. Victoria Point has very experienced massage therapists working within the practice. Massage therapy can be recommended in conjunction with chiropractic care to improve the outcomes of some patients

Why see a chiropractor? Headaches, back pain and stiff necks are common reasons for seeing a chiropractor; however, more and more people are requiring preventative care as they find they maintain better health and have less down time from work and play. Interestingly, pain is not always associated with early spinal dysfunction and degeneration can be advanced before pain becomes a symptom. On the other hand, patients can present in a great deal of pain but have less complex problems to resolve. Some patients report weakness in their arms, hands, legs, or a pain in their elbow, ankle or knee as reasons for making an initial appointment to see a chiropractor. All of these symptoms can result from spinal dysfunction and associated nerve interference. We recommend that everyone should have their spine checked.

How long will it take for me to get better? Chiropractic results vary. Some patients get results soon after commencing treatment. Others find recovery takes several months or longer. Children often respond quickly, whilst adults with long-standing spinal problems heal more slowly. Once you are experiencing better health, you may choose ongoing chiropractic care. Like brushing your teeth, eating wholesome foods and other healthy habits, a regular chiropractic checkup makes sense. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.

What can I do to help?

Strengthen your spine: Specific exercises may be recommended by your chiropractor as muscles that support your spine often need to be retrained to assist recovery.

Lift with your legs:Keep your back straight and the load close to the body, as you lift with your legs. Improper lifting can invite a relapse.

Avoid extreme bending: Use caution when bending or working overhead. Avoid sudden twists and turns.

Get adequate rest: Proper rest is an important element of the healing process. Use a mattress that offers firm support and avoid sleeping on your stomach.

Watch your diet: During the healing process, good nutrition is more important than ever.

Ask questions: Spinal care is new for most people. Understanding your condition and the treatment process is important to assist recovery. We welcome your questions.

Keep appointments: Those that take responsibility for their health generally get faster relief and better results. Your chiropractor has scheduled your care according to your individual needs. Try to avoid changes to a schedule of care without first discussing them with your chiropractor.

Refer others: Share your chiropractic experience with others. Explain that proper spinal and nervous system function are interrelated and influence our overall feeling of well-being.