Frequently Asked Questions in Marietta GA

Physical Therapy is a healthcare approach that aims to restore optimal health by reducing pain and improving strength, mobility, and joint function. While physical therapy has many forms of applications, typical therapy treatments include exercise therapy, manual therapy (ie., massage, cupping), joint manipulation and mobilizations and adjunctive modalities like heat, cryotherapy and electric stimulation

Physical therapists typically treat various orthopedic and neurological (nerve) conditions. Physical therapy is most often associated as a treatment for musculoskeletal conditions like low back and neck pain, headaches, tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis to name a few. Physical therapy treatment is also often incorporated as a primary therapy for neurological conditions like balance disorders, sciatica and “pinched” nerves.

A chiropractic adjustment is the application of a manual (by hand ) or mechanical force movement to the spine or other body joint. The goal of the “adjustment” is to reduce pain and improve function in the joint by restoring proper movement of the joint.

Chiropractic is considered one of the safest forms of healthcare when performed by a properly trained licensed practitioner. Although chiropractic is not without risks, treatment complications are exceedingly rare and mild as compared to alternate treatments (ie., pain medications and surgery) for similar conditions.

Good question. While every condition varies, customary chiropractic and physical therapy protocols often recommend a standard course of an initial twelve (12) therapy sessions to treat most common conditions.

Benefits of chiropractic care include pain relief, improved flexibility, joint mobility and posture. Other benefits include improvements in nervous function that can lead to the lessening of anxiety, headaches and fatigue.

Most risks associated with Chiropractic care are relatively mild. Minor body aches or soreness may be experienced post treatment. Some patients may experience mild headaches after treatment. Most symptoms resolve within a day of treatment.

A chiropractic adjustment should not be painful. If the chiropractic treatment is painful, it may indicte a secondary condition such joint inflammation or muscle strain.

One main benefit of choosing me as a chiropractor is my experience. I had almost 30 years of professional experience. While the by far the most common conditions we see include cervical pain, lumbago and tension headaches, I have had success with a multitude of conditions from achilles tendinitis to scoliosis.

A typical chiropractic appointment will last up to 10 minutes. If physical therapy is recommended, the treatment time may be considerably longer.

Chiropractors are granted the title of Doctor of Chiropractic after completing up to 4 years of postgraduate education. The first two years of the Doctorate curriculum is very similar to a that of medical doctor curriculum. The final two years of the Chiropractic program focus on the assessment and treatment of the common conditions seen by a chiropractor such as headaches, back pain, sciatica, disc herniations etc.

Absolutely. Pregnancy is often complicated by back and body pain. Natural, safe and effective treatment for these problems in Chiropractic and massage therapy as first line options.

The short answer is no. Unlike many forms of pain medications, Chiropractic care is 100% non-addictive (and safe). While many patients opt to continue Chiropractic care after the pain is gone is because the recognize the additional benefits of care that include better flexibility, less fatigue and optimal performance.

The “crack” is called a joint cavitation. This cavitation occurs when a joint is “stretched” or moved. This movement causes a release of gas (nitrogen and carbon dioxide) in the joint cavity to be released. This is a harmless occurrence and not a sign of “bones” grinding.

Not likely. While you can “pop” your joints it is unlikely you are applying the proper joint movement to the correct joint complex.

Yes. Most insurance policies cover Chiropractic care.

Yes. As a matter of fact, Chiropractic care and other forms of manual therapy and manipulation are universally considered the first and best treatment options for back pain.

Yes. Like back pain, Chiropractic care and other forms of manipulation are considered the first and best treatment options for neck pain.

Yes again. Thoracic and cervical manipulations are considered primary treatment options for cervicogenic, tension and whiplash-associated headaches.

While there are many common treatments between physical therapy and chiropractic tends to focus on joint treatment including joint manipulation and joint adjustments (manipulation).

Yes. Common sports injuries like golfers elbow, runner knee, rotator cuff syndrome are best treated with therapies that are often used in spots chiropractors office . These therapies often include corrective exercises, functional and balance training, manual therapy and massage, joint manipulations, shockwave therapy and kinesiology taping.

Yes. Chiropractic care in addition to postural exercise and patient education can be effective in treating postural disorders.