FAQ: Chiropractic

How does Chiropractic work, what is it?

Chiropractic restores proper function to joints in the body or spine that are "stuck". If you have a bone that is not in place, muscles will be spasmed, joints will be inflamed and this will cause pain. By putting that bone or bones precisely back into place, you relieve those symptoms. It can take more than just a few adjustments to keep the bone in its proper place.

What is an adjustment?

The use of direct pressure to a specific joint in a precise vector, whether in the spine or in an extremity, in order to restore function and improve motion within that joint. Often times this relieves muscle spasm as well. The Doctor usually uses his hands to perform the adjustment and may employ the use of a table to assist in certain type of adjustments.

What's the noise or pop?

The noise is caused by the release of nitrous gas inside the joint. Each joint has a capsule that has a certain amount of pressure. When the pressure is released, similar to popping ones knuckles, there is a sound. This is referred to as an "audible".

Can it hurt me?

The adjustment does not hurt, but muscles may be sore for a short time after the treatment.

Can I adjust myself?

No. Some people can make their joints "pop," but that's not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.

Can I have Chiropractic care after surgery or fracture?

Yes. Rest assured that your doctor of chiropractic will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved levels. Often times these areas will be more likely to degenerate further and be weaker. These areas will often times be the focus of your chiropractic care.

Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?

Yes, of course. When developing a care plan, if the Doctor can accept your case. He will consider the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the joints of the body. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition.

Is there always pain associated with back or neck problems?

No, often times it goes unnoticed for a VERY long period of time. Some patients have had a disc problem for several years, and one day, pick up a pencil, or sneeze and cause the already manifested problem to become a severe injury. You will often hear of this as "throwing out your back".

Do Chiropractors treat infants or children?

Yes! Most people think it is only for adults, but many times kids have experienced mild or severe traumas. Birth is often times very traumatic. Many times, the kid falls out of the crib, or tumbles and hits his head. These traumas (which at the time usually go unnoticed and without treatment) over a period of time can cause as much trouble as an adult getting in a car accident at 50 miles per hour. The Doctor will let you know, once he checks your kids, if they are candidates for chiropractic treatment.

Is it okay to see a Chiropractor if I'm pregnant?

Yes. Pregnant mothers have found that chiropractic adjustments improve their pregnancy when it comes to the nausea, pain and headaches. It makes the delivery easier for both the mother and baby. Motion Chiropractic features a Flexion Technology table which adapts for the baby and enables treatment of patients regardless of a patient's size, weight, age, or health condition.

FAQ: Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is approximately 3,000 years old and may be the oldest healing therapy. Acupuncture is the insertion of very thin, sterile, stainless steel needles into certain specific points on the body to simulate and balance energy flow to help the body heal itself. The needles access and move the electromagnetic energy within the body, which flows through specific channels called meridians. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine's theory, the basic energy force of life, which flows through all living things is called Qi. Qi circulates through your organs, muscles, nervous system, the skeletal system, and along several meridians or channels in the body. Along these channels there are 365 major acupuncture points. Modern science has shown that acupuncture stimulates the brain and nerves causing a release of natural powerful pain killers, along with treating many other systemic disorders, addictions, and weight loss. We use only sterile, disposable Acupuncture needles, which are small and painless. In our office we combine Acupuncture with Chiropractic for the fastest results.

Do the needles hurt?

Acupuncture in our office is not painful, in fact, most people find it very relaxing. Acupuncture treatments include the insertion of very fine needles just under the skin, in various points along the energy meridians. Sensations will vary from person to person, however, many people describe it as a slight tingling, ache or prick. Some people feel nothing at all. Most needles are slightly larger than that of a piece of hair on your head!

What are some of the conditions commonly treated by acupuncture?

Typical ailments usually responding to acupuncture health care include: headaches, muscle spasms, tennis elbow, arthritis, stomach problems, diarrhea, asthma, menstrual cramps, allergies, skin conditions, smoking addiction, and weight loss. Please be mindful of the fact that acupuncture is not like one drug used for one condition, but on the contrary, it is a complete healing art within itself. It is concerned with the systems of the body such as nervous, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, eliminatory, reproductive, hormonal, musculoskeletal, etc., and seeks to correct health problems within those systems.

What is Cosmetic Acupuncture?

Cosmetic acupuncture, also known as facial rejuvenation, is a virtually painless, non-surgical method of reducing the signs of the aging process. The technique uses acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to erase years off of the face. Based on the principles of Oriental Medicine, it helps the whole body look and feel younger by addressing the physical, mental and emotional patterns that cause disease and contribute to the aging process. The use of acupuncture to slow the visible effects of aging began in China in the Song Dynasty (960-1279AD). In traditional Chinese medicine, it is known as "Chinese Medical Cosmetology."

What are the effects?

Cosmetic Acupuncture reduces or eliminates fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, sagging, and discoloration of the face while simultaneously supporting overall health. In general, it may erase as many as 5-15 years from the face, and with results after just a few treatments. Fine lines may be eliminated and deeper wrinkles reduces. Bags under the eyes can be diminished; drooping eyelids, brown lines, sagging jowls, and double chins lifted. It help to eliminate puffiness by eliminating excess fluids and improving metabolism. Treatments tighten pores, improve muscle tone, and dermal contraction, increase collages production and affect its distribution. Moisture in the skin and evenness of skin color will be balanced by increasing local circulation of blood and lymph to the face. Any stress that is evident in the face will be reduced. Most importantly, cosmetic acupuncture brings out your innate beauty and radiance. It's sometimes called an " Acupuncture Facelift", it is much more than just a cosmetic procedure.

What is the procedure?

Each treatment involves the insertion of tiny acupuncture needle into specific areas of the face, ears, neck, hands, feet, and legs to affect changes in the face as well as the whole body. On your first visit we will do a thorough consultation, discussing your overall health history, including physical, mental, or emotional issues in your life. We will evaluate what changes you would like to see in your face and skin, and then you will receive an acupuncture treatment. The needles are inserted while you are relaxing and lying down in a comfortable, stress free setting. Once the needles are in, you will rest for about 20-30 minutes. The total treatment time may last up to1 hour.

How Does Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture Work?

The principle comes from the beauty within. If you think you are aging in a way that looks and feels unhealthy then it is possible that there is some imbalance that is causing you to age in this way. When balance is then restored, you will feel and look more radiant and alive!! On a physiological level, acupuncture has been shown to increase circulation of blood and lymph throughout the body. Increased blood flow can balance out skin discolorations and can help maintain healthy skin and muscle tone. By increasing lymph flow, the buildup of toxins in the skin can be eliminated by the body.

Acupuncture has been shown to strengthen the immune system, and since our skin is our largest organ, it is a very essential part of this immune system. The needles inserted into the face affect collagen and elastin. Collagen is a protein produced by our bodies that is responsible for our skin's durability and resilience. Elastin is responsible for the elasticity of our skin. Aging and sun exposure degrade and decrease the production of our collagen and elastin. Acupuncture helps to stimulate the body's natural processes of cell reproduction and growth.

How many visits will I need?

Results vary from patient to patient, so it's hard to put an exact number on the amount of visits needs. On average a series of 10 Acupuncture Treatments are required for best results. This is a commitment twice a week for 5 weeks. After completing a course of treatment, maintenance sessions will prolong the results. Maintenance sessions usually occur monthly for 2 to 3 months and then seasonally for as long as you wish to maintain results.