FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractors use a specific type of manipulation called an adjustment to improve many health problems that are related to the musculoskeletal system. Spinal conditions such as lower back or neck pain, conditions of areas such as the knees and shoulders, as well as other health problems such as headaches and period pain, may all be helped by chiropractic treatment.
According to chiropractors, the skeleton and muscles should not be viewed as separate from other parts of the body. The body is a whole, and all its parts interact. In chiropractic theory, the spine is particularly important, as nerves link the spine with all parts of the body, including the internal organs.
What is Chiropractic Adjustments?
A chiropractic involves maneuvering bones in a specific direction to realign them. The purpose of this is to permit improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved health.
There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the chiropractor’s hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly-accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow, constant or indirect pressure.
After years of university training and clinical experience, each chiropractor becomes highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches.
Is Chiropractic Safe?
Yes, Chiropractic is safe, in particular our major practice technique (SOT) has not had any serious adverse events reported in the literature.
The corner stone of this technique is that each adjustment has a sign or signal that the we use to know when and where to adjust. For example, muscle tension at the knee may indicate the pelvis needs correction, and connective tissue fibers at the base of the skull (called occipital fibers) indicate different vertebra in the back or spine may be in need of an adjustment. This also tells us on the next visit if the correction has been completely or marginally effective.
From these indicators, we design a different adjustment set on each visit, listening to the body each time. It takes study to master this method of care, but it makes for an effective, precise adjustment without relying exclusively on x-rays.
What is SOT?
Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) was originally formulated by Major Bertrand DeJarnette (The Major) who was a Doctor (chiropractor and osteopath) and Engineer in the 1920’s. The Major was inspired to go beyond simple spinal adjusting and developed methods of correcting the Cranium, Pelvis, Extremities and Organs. This study brought about a system of adjusting patterns in the body, not just single body parts. The most significant pattern was the relationship between the sacrum and occiput (which became the name of the technique).
What can Chiropractic treat?
Chiropractic has significant bodies of evidence proving efficacy in treatment of neck pain, headaches, low back pain and other musculoskeletal issues. However, there is growing evidence about its ability to assist in management of many other conditions, not directly linked to musculoskeletal ailments.
Do you have to be “cracked”?
This is a matter of preference, SOT provides alternative adjustive procedures via the use of mechanical leverage, reflex stimulation and use of “the activator” instrument for spinal correction. These methods have been proven to be equally effective in the treatment and management of musculoskeletal problems. We do provide manual services when clinically indicated.
What is a “Sublaxation”
A subluxation is a complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity, and may influence organ system function and general health. The subluxation involves 5 components Osseous (bone), Nerve, Muscle, Soft tissue and Chemical.
Why does my arm go weak?
The Arm fossa test is unique in that it is a neurological test rather that a muscle test. The underlying principal is that if you challenge a part of the body and there is a problem in that area the arm will momentarily weaken due to that area sending a distress impulse to the brain and allow a lapse in arm response. Thus when we contact the area in your groin which we refer to as a “fossa” if there is an issue/weakness in stability the arm will weaken and once the blocks are placed in position to realign the sacro-iliac joint the arm will no longer be weak.
What do the “Blocks” or “Wedges” do?
The Blocks are designed to provide gentle but effective force to realign the Sacro-iliac joints and allow healing of the ligaments that provide both support at the front and back of the joint. Note no muscle actually join the sacrum and iliac bones it is purely ligaments.
What should I expect in the Initial Consultation?
On your first visit your Chiropractor will ask you extensive questions re your condition and previous medical history. Based on this information a comprehensive chiropractic examination is undertaken. X-rays and other clinical studies may be used if indicated. Conservative Chiropractic care will start on this visit. On your next visit a report is generated from all testing completed on the first visit, and recommendations for care is provided. This generally will take 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on each individual condition.
How long does a regular consultation take?
A regular visit takes approximately 15 minutes. On each visit a complete SOT analysis is done to monitor progress, and to focus any particular changes that have occurred, and adjust accordingly.
How quickly will I notice results?
Many factors are involved in a patients recovery such as degree of severity, length of time the condition has been there, is it a re-occuring injury and naturally the age of the patient. Considering those points changes can be immediate in some cases but normally most patients have significant improvement within a few visits and vastly improved within 1 month.