Frequently Asked Questions
OUR TREATMENT
WHO CAN BE TREATED
INSURANCE – FEES – PAYMENT PLANS
What
conditions do you treat?
Though people often think of chiropractors as back doctors, we
actually work with muscles, joints and nerves throughout the body.
When not functioning properly, irritation of the muscles, joints
and nerves can present with a wide range of symptoms. Below is
a partial list of what we treat:
- Headaches
- Face and jaw pain
- Dizziness
- Poor balance
- Nausea
- Arm pain, numbness & weakness
- Carpal tunnel
- Tennis elbow
- Frozen shoulder
- Back pain
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- Muscle spasms
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Elbow pain
- Leg pain, numbness & weakness
- Knee pain
- Ankle pain
- Foot pain
- Nerve pain
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If you have questions about a particular condition, please feel
free to e-mail us by clicking here.
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What are your treatment
methods?
Chiropractic doesn't have to be rough and painful!
Our primary treatment is called an adjustment. We
use devices that generate a very fast stretch to the joint or muscle
being addressed. This is referred to as instrument
assisted adjusting. Because of the incredible speed (up
to 300 times faster than manipulation by hand) and controlled thrust
(a fraction of an inch in depth), you are able to lie in a neutral
position and the treatment is relatively painless.
Tight muscles may cause pain by themselves or via pressuring joints
or nerves. The very quick stretches (adjustments) allow
them to reset to a more appropriate tone by influencing
receptors within the muscles and tendons. Consequently,
joints are able to move more freely and nerve pressure is reduced.
In addition to the adjustment, when necessary we use different
forms of muscle therapy (various stretches, trigger point therapy,
etc.), traction, and give instruction on the use of exercises,
cold and heat therapy.
For more information on devices we use, visit:
Activator
Methods
Neuromechanical
Innovations
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Who can be treated?
Can infants and the elderly be treated?
Yes. We have treated patients ranging from hours old to 100 years old. Certainly
different ages require special consideration, but the gentle nature and adaptability
of our treatment methods allows us to treat all ages.
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Is chiropractic safe for pregnant women?
Yes. We have treated ladies on the way to the delivery room. The
gentle nature of our treatment methods cause no additional stress
to mom or baby. Chiropractic is often effective for reducing
the low back pain of pregnancy.
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Arthritis and chiropractic?
“My doctor told me my pain is due
to arthritis and there is no treatment other than pain medication.
Can chiropractic help?”
Many patients find relief of their “arthritic” pains
with chiropractic treatment. The most common form of arthritis
is the wear-and-tear form called osteoarthritis. Nearly
everyone over 50 years has this to some degree. In advanced
stages, such as when a knee or hip has lost all cushioning and
the bones are rubbing, this can be very painful. For such cases
a consultation with your orthopedic surgeon is indicated.
Mild to moderate cases of osteoarthritis are easy to identify
on x-ray. This arthritis likely makes your neck or back
or knee more prone to irritate. Chiropractic treatment
is often very effective at reducing such pain. Because
follow-up x-rays show that, even without pain, the arthritis
is still present, we are likely treating the effects of the arthritis
rather than the arthritis. The point is, you may not have
to live with the pain that is being blamed on arthritis.
Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid and gouty,
can be very painful. These forms of arthritis, unlike osteoarthritis,
do not share the same positive outcomes with chiropractic treatment.
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Osteoporosis and chiropractic?
Osteoporosis is a condition of decreased bone hardness, which
makes your bones more brittle and susceptible to fracture. Though
fractures can be very painful, osteoporosis itself does not produce
pain. We treat many patients with osteoporosis and, with
the gentle and controlled methods used in our offices, have provided
much pain relief. Once again, unless a fracture is involved,
the pain that is often blamed on your osteoporosis is probably
very treatable.
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How soon after surgery can I be treated?
You
can be treated with chiropractic as soon as you leave the hospital
or clinic. Certainly, we do not treat the surgical area
until the wound is fully healed, but gentle treatment around
the area can provide significant relief of accompanying symptoms.
If you fall from a ladder and fracture a hip, the hip
needs to be mended and allowed time to heal. But traumas
that fracture a hip often jar all other areas. The sooner
normal function can be restored to these areas with chiropractic
treatment, the better and quicker healing will take place.
Postural stressors from both positioning for surgery and
from bed rest following surgery can create problems such as
back or neck pain and numbness or tingling into arms or legs. Though
these are sometimes attributed to “residuals” of
surgery, they often resolve well with chiropractic treatment.
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Insurance
Coverage, Workers Compensation, Medicare, etc.
Most major insurance companies cover chiropractic treatment, and
our doctors are providers for nearly all of them, including Medicare and Labor & Industries. The
amount of coverage varies from plan to plan. You can either
reference your insurance agreement or call the telephone number
on your card to determine your plan benefits. If you have
questions or would like us to help determine your coverage please
feel free to call
or email.
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Does Medicare cover chiropractic?
Medicare does cover chiropractic treatment for manipulation
of the spine. Medicare does not cover evaluation fees.
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Does Labor & Industries cover chiropractic?
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries does cover
chiropractic, and our doctors are registered providers. Injured
workers have the right to choose the provider or their choice.
If you have been injured at work be sure to notify your employer
and inform our office when you schedule an appointment. The
paperwork required to open your claim will be completed and submitted
after your first visit.
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What is the cost of treatment?
All fees for services are based on the degree of complexity, the
number of areas involved, and the time spent evaluating, treating,
and instructing(do’s & don’ts, exercises, etc.)
you about your condition.
- Evaluation fees for new patients range from $52 - $196.
- Treatment fees range from $37 - $67.
- X-ray fees range from $50 - $80 for basic views of each spinal
region.
Upon request, the doctor can give you an estimate of charges after
reviewing your history and complaints.
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What if I have no insurance?
We strive to make chiropractic treatment affordable for
all by keeping our fees reasonable and by offering efficient
and effective treatment.
For all patients (including insurance) we offer a discount
of @ 10% for paying with cash or check at the time of service.
Though fees are due at the time of service, when necessary
our office staff will coordinate a payment plan.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, please speak with
one of our staff or doctors.
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