What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health.  Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.

Doctors of Chiropractic – often referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians – practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling.

The most common therapeutic procedure performed by doctors of chiropractic is known as “spinal manipulation,” also called “chiropractic adjustment.”   The purpose of manipulation is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become hypomobile – or restricted in their movement – as a result of a tissue injury. Tissue injury can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as improper lifting of a heavy object, or through repetitive stresses, such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period of time. In either case, injured tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished function for the sufferer. Manipulation, or adjustment of the affected joint and tissues, restores mobility, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, and allowing tissues to heal.

Chiropractic adjustment rarely causes discomfort. However, patients may sometimes experience mild soreness or aching following treatment (as with some forms of exercise) that usually resolves within 12 to 48 hours.

In many cases, such as lower back pain, chiropractic care may be the primary method of treatment. When other medical conditions exist, chiropractic care may complement or support medical treatment by relieving the musculoskeletal aspects associated with the condition. 

Doctors of chiropractic may assess patients through clinical examination, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging and other diagnostic interventions to determine when chiropractic treatment is appropriate or when it is not appropriate.  Chiropractors will readily refer patients to the appropriate health care provider when chiropractic care is not suitable for the patient’s condition, or the condition warrants co-management in conjunction with other members of the health care team.

What conditions do chiropractors treat?

Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) care for patients of all ages, with a variety of health conditions.  DCs are especially well known for their expertise in caring for patients with back pain, neck pain and headaches…particularly with their highly skilled  manipulations or chiropractic adjustments. They also care for patients with a wide range of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, involving the muscles, ligaments and joints.  These painful conditions often involve or impact the nervous system, which can cause referred pain and dysfunction distant to the region of injury. The benefits of chiropractic care extend to general health issues, as well, since our body structure affects our overall function. DCs also counsel patients on diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy habits, and occupational and lifestyle modification.

Is chiropractic treatment ongoing?

The hands-on nature of the chiropractic treatment is essentially what requires patients to visit the chiropractor a number of times. To be treated by a chiropractor, a patient needs to be in his or her office. In contrast, a course of treatment from medical doctors often involves a pre-established plan that is conducted at home (i.e. taking a course of antibiotics once a day for a couple of weeks). A chiropractor may provide acute, chronic, and/or preventive care thus making a certain number of visits sometimes necessary.  Your doctor of chiropractic should tell you the extent of treatment recommended and how long you can expect it to last.

Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?

Adjustment (or manipulation) of a joint may result in the release of a gas bubble between the joints, which makes a popping sound. The same thing occurs when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint, which results in gas bubbles being released. There is usually minimal, if any, discomfort involved.

This information comes from the American Chiropractic Association.

What is a Physical Therapist? 

Physical therapists (PTs) are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility – in many cases without expensive surgery and often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects.

Physical therapists can teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan, using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinic, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices.

Restore Range of Motion and Decrease Pain

Physical therapists can help relieve pain and improve or restore mobility and function necessary for activities of daily living and recreational or competitive sports. Physical therapists teach patients how to prevent or manage their own condition, so they can achieve long-term health benefits.

Evaluate, Diagnose and Manage Your Needs

Physical Therapists also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. Our highly skilled and caring physical therapy team will provide a one-on- one approach that has earned the trust of many local doctors and specialists who choose Select Wellness to care for their patients.

What is Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine?

History and Philosophy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine have been around since the early days of civilization and have over 3,500 years of successful documented medical history. More than 14 million Americans have used acupuncture these days.  

There are two opposing forces in the body according to ancient Chinese philosophy – Yin and Yang. The body is healthy when the Yin and Yang are balanced. When the body is healthy, in return, vital energy called “Qi” flows along its pathways, called “meridians”, throughout the body, which keeps the Yin and Yang balanced. The disruption of the flow of Qi and harmony of the Yin and Yang are expressed as the pain and illness. Oriental medicine and acupuncture facilitate the Qi flow and restore the Yin and Yang balance to treat the pain, further prevent illness and maintain the optimal health.     

Diagnosis in Oriental Medicine

Oriental medicine has its own and unique diagnosis deeply related to Yin and Yang theory. Tongue and pulse diagnosis are two of the more important diagnostic tools along with general inspection/observation of the patient, auscultation and olfaction (listening and smelling), and obtaining information about patients’ medical histories and symptoms. 

What is Pulse Diagnosis?

Pulse diagnosis is an essential diagnostic tool in Oriental medicine to check the various conditions of a patient’s blood and Qi and to gain a deep understanding of the patient on many levels. Pulse diagnosis is meridian specific. It helps find out areas of the body that may have blockages of Qi and blood and may assist to determine the condition of certain internal organs. 

What is Tongue Diagnosis?

Tongue diagnosis shows the nature of an imbalance of Yin and Yang and the depth of the imbalance. It is less meridian specific than the pulse. Tongue diagnosis helps measure the progression of disorders.  

What are the Treatment Modalities of Oriental Medicine?

Oriental medicine allows the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning without side effects of prescription drugs. There are different modalities in Oriental medicine to use for promoting body functions based on the philosophy and principles of Oriental medicine. They include – but not limited to – needles, moxa, cupping and Chinese herbal medicine. 

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping is one of the oldest methods of Oriental medicine. It may mobilize blood and lymph flow to reduce the pain and promote healing. 

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is another old method of Oriental medicine using moxa to apply heat over the skin in order to warm the body, strengthen the Qi in the meridians and soothe the pain. 

What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Herbal formulas are an integral part of Oriental medicine treatment.  Herbal medicine is significantly crucial to restore the balance in the body and relieve the pain and illness. Herbs are used to promote body functions to normal and facilitate the body’s natural healing ability with few or no side effects.  

Customized herbal formulas are made based on ancient combinations and can be purchased at our clinic during your visits. 

Can Acupuncture be used in the Treatment for Car Accident Injuries?

Car accidents can cause minor to significant pain and discomfort in the various parts of the body as well as emotional and psychological problems such as insomnia, fear, anxiety and other side effects of the accident. 

No matter how minor the injuries may seem following automobile accidents, it is very important to seek medical treatment right away to shorten the recovery time and prevent long-term medical problems. 

Acupuncture is a holistic medicine which treats the body, mind, and spirit. Therefore, acupuncture can also improve the emotional and mental effects related to car accidents. Acupuncture may also help quickly decrease inflammation and pain by unblocking the Qi and speed up the rehabilitation process.

What are the possible benefits of massage therapy?

It’s believed that stimulating muscles increases the production of endorphins. Originating in the pituitary gland in the brain, these hormones are the body’s natural pain-relievers that help ease sensations experienced within the peripheral nervous system. There’s also evidence that massage therapy may have the following benefits:

• Naturally increasing deeper, recuperative stages of sleep
• Release of tension or stiffness within muscles
• Reinforcement of natural movements
• Improved posture
• Minimize pressure on muscles and joints

Several studies on massage therapy show that patients experience  increased range of motion, less stress and anxiety, reduced fatigue, and noticeable improvement with pain management.  Massage therapy for chronic pain is often more effective when an accurate diagnosis of the source of pain has been made since sessions can be better tailored to address specific trigger points or muscle groups.

What is Epidural steroid injection (ESI)?

The treatment involves an injection of corticosteroid and numbing medicines directly into the space around the spinal nerves. X-rays are used to help guide the needle to the correct location. Pain relief may last a week to a year. The goal is to enable you to work, resume daily activities, and perform physical therapy.

What is a Facet joint injection?

This treatment involves an injection of a corticosteroid and numbing medicines into a painful facet joint in the back or neck. The injection can relieve inflammation and pain; it also can be used as a diagnostic test to determine which joint is causing the pain.

What are Joint injections?

During this procedure, corticosteroid and numbing medicines are injected into the knee, hip, ankle, shoulder, elbow, or hand. The injection is likely to provide a temporary reduction in pain that could enable you to work, resume daily activities, and perform physical therapy.

What is a Sacroiliac (SI) joint injection?

During this procedure the doctor injects a corticosteroid and numbing medicine into the large joint in the area of the lower back and buttocks. The injection relieves pain and help determine whether the SI joint is causing your pain or whether the pain is originating from another location.

What is a Nerve block injection?

This test is used to determine whether your pain is coming from a nerve or joint. An injection of anesthetic is delivered on or near a pain receptor. Over the next couple hours, patients log their pain relief. If the block is successful, then a radiofrequency ablation may be recommended.

What is Radiofrequency ablation (rhizotomy?

This procedure may be recommended if you have had a successful nerve block. The physician applies a radiofrequency current to burn the sensory nerves surrounding a painful joint and prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. The expected benefits of radiofrequency ablation include pain relief that may last from 6 months to more than 2 years, allowing you to work and engage in daily activities comfortably.

What is a Spinal cord stimulator trial?

This test involves the temporary placement of electrodes that deliver electrical pulses to the spinal cord. The electrodes are attached to a small device that resembles a pacemaker. If the electrical pulses successfully override pain signals, thereby reducing pain, the trial is considered a success. The electrodes and stimulator device can then be surgically implanted.

What is IV Vitamin Therapy and Who Benefits from it?

We all know the benefits of taking supplements, which is one reason why the vitamin and supplement market is booming.

Oral vitamins and supplements are available everywhere you turn and claim to aid in a variety of health and wellness issues. IV vitamin therapy, however, takes your supplemental vitamin regimen to the next level. A trained naturopathic doctor has the ability to create a customized IV therapy specific to your individual needs to treat a variety of health and wellness issues — or even to just help you feel your best! No matter where you are on your health and wellbeing journey, consider IV vitamin therapy to assist your progress.

What Does IV Vitamin Therapy Treat?

IV vitamin therapy, also known as vitamin infusion, can:

• provide stress relief
• detoxify your liver
• help aid in post-surgical recovery
• enhance your athletic performance
• strengthen your immune function to prevent illness
• speed the recovery of a cold or flu symptoms
• increase energy levels
• improve sleep quality — including issues with insomnia
• promote anti-aging

What Is In The IV Drip?

Each intravenously administered vitamin therapy contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Each nutrient included in the drip is specific to the patient’s needs. Some of the most commonly used nutrients include:

• Amino acids
• B vitamins
• Magnesium
• Electrolytes
• Vitamin C
• Zinc

Why Administer Vitamins Intravenously?

The vitamins and nutrients are infused directly into the patient’s bloodstream. This delivery method is an improvement over typical ingestion of these vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants because it bypasses the digestive system. This allows the nutrients to be directly delivered to the body at the cellular level, and gets them to where they need to go as quickly as possible. The potency of the nutrients are maximized for enhanced effectiveness. In fact, many patients report feeling notable results immediately after the infusions. Another benefit to the therapy is patients receive high-quality nutrients at a higher dose and optimal absorption. Your body is not pressured or overextended to digest the additives found in oral supplements. Some oral supplements are synthetic, which also burdens the body during the digestion process. IV vitamins are a superior delivery method of the nutrients your body craves.

Why do chiropractors take x-rays?
X-rays provide a blueprint for correcting the spine back to optimal health and alignment. Chiropractors take X-rays to reveal the internal structure and alignment of the spine. X Rays are also used to look for underlying disease processes and disorders of the spine such as:

• Spinal Deterioration
• Arthritis of the Spine
• Abnormal Development
• Bone Spurs
• Disc Disorders
• Tumors
• Spinal Curvature

What are nerve tests?

NCV testing, also known as Nerve Conduction Velocity tests, measures the speed of conduction of an electrical impulse through a nerve. This test is very useful in determining nerve damage in the body.

The nerve is stimulated with a mild electrical impulse and then measured by calculating the distance between the electrodes and the time it takes for the impulse to travel between the electrodes.

What do you use nerve tests for?

We use nerve tests to gain insight into the patient’s symptoms. This test gives valuable insight into the pain patients feel and where it is actually coming from. NCV testing also can measure the progression or regression of nerve damage.

What are the possible benefits of nerve tests?

In addition to measuring back pain, nerve tests a used in diagnosing:

• Guillain-Barre Syndrome
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Disease
• Herniated Disk Disease
• Chronic Inflammatory Polyneuropathy & Neuropathy
• Sciatic Nerve Problems
• Peripheral Nerve Injury

Do you accept insurance?

We do accept many insurance plans. We will work with you to create a plan.  Please contact us so that we can address your concerns and questions regarding your specific insurance company.

Do you work with No Fault or Motor Vehicle Accident Cases?

Yes! We will work with you and your representatives.  Please contact us to discuss the specifics of your case.