FAQ
What can I expect on my visit?
Expect to fill out a detailed health history intake form prior to arriving to the clinic. Typically, you will receive an email with a link to fill out after booking your appointment. Dr. Natalie will take a thorough history to get a better understanding of your current complaints and overall health goals. She will then perform a biomechanical exam, which can include evaluating your posture, range of motion of your joints, muscle strength, neurological testing, and functional movements (squats, lunges, etc). There will then be a discussion of your treatment options to see what best works for your current complaints.
A typical treatment can consist of adjustments or mobilizations, soft tissue therapy, acupuncture, and/or rehabilitation based on your injury or concerns. A big portion of your treatment regardless of your diagnosis will be education on what is going on and what can be done to get you in Tip Top Health. This entire session will take an hour and will always include some kind of hands-on care and/or exercise therapy.
What should I wear?
We recommend that you wear loose comfortable clothing for your assessment and follow up visits so that a thorough assessment can performed and to be able to provide an effective treatment. It is recommended to try to expose the area where the problem is. For example, if it is a shoulder issue, it is best to wear a t-shirt or tank top. If it is a knee issue, it is best to wear shorts and if it is a back issue, it is best to wear a loose top that can be lifted up for assessment purposes. If you are unsure how you should dress for your condition, don’t hesitate to ask us before you come.
Are chiropractic treatments safe?
Chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for treating headaches, neck, and back pain, as well as other joint, muscle or nervous system issues. Chiropractic adjustments are well researched. Complications with treatment are rare and side effects, such as temporary soreness, are usually minor and short lived.
What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is a highly skilled, precise, and quick movement applied by the hand to a joint in the body. The adjustment itself only moves the joint a few millimetres to restore the motion and improve function to the area. It can also help decrease tension in the muscles around that joint due to receptors in the muscles responding to the quick movement of the adjustment. Think of a rusty door hinge, the door still opens but not as well as when it is given some oil.
What is the sound during an adjustment?
It is the release of gas that is compressed between a joint. There is a common misconception that the sound is bones rubbing together or “cracking” but is just the change in internal pressure within that joint that causes the noise. Just think about when cracking your knuckles, it is the same thing just occurring in a different joint and performed by a professional.
Is acupuncture painful and how does it work?
Acupuncture needles are uniquely designed so that they are very fine and flexible, oftentimes minimal or no discomfort is experienced during treatment. Fine acupuncture needles are inserted into muscle areas to address the underlying cause of musculoskeletal conditions. The needle insertions are beneficial in improving blood flow, decreasing pain, decreasing muscle tension, and improving overall function.
Although acupuncture is an invasive treatment, few patients have been documented to experience injuries resulting from this treatment. It is common to feel a tingle with the acupuncture needles as they are inserted in the body, however, no pain should accompany this.
Do I need to see a chiropractor forever?
No! The length of time will be determined by your injury, how long you have had this injury, and your recovery goals.
Dr. Natalie will work with you to help you either get out of this injury state or to help you prevent related injuries in the future. The time frame of treatments will be based on your needs and goals.
Do you offer direct billing?
We do offer direct billing through your extended health benefits plan for some insurance providers. If you have coverage, we may be able to bill your insurance company directly so that you can save time and avoid the paperwork.
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