Frequently Asked Questions
OUR TREATMENT
WHO CAN BE TREATED
- Can infants and the elderly be treated?
- Is chiropractic safe for pregnant women?
- Arthritis and chiropractic?
- Osteoporosis and chiropractic?
- How soon after surgery can I be treated?
INSURANCE – FEES – PAYMENT PLANS
- What Insurances cover chiropractic?
- Does Medicare cover chiropractic?
- Does Labor & Industries cover chiropractic?
- What is the cost of treatment?
- What if I have no insurance?
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:
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If you have questions about a particular condition, please feel free to e-mail us by clicking here.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Does Medicare cover chiropractic?
Medicare does cover chiropractic treatment for manipulation of the spine. (Medicare pays 80% and patients are responsible for 20% coinsurance.) Medicare does not cover evaluation fees or x-rays.
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.
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(dos & don’ts, exercises, etc.) you about your condition.
- Evaluation fees for new patients range from $57 - $212.
- Treatment fees range from $40- $72.
- X-ray fees range from $65- $95 for basic views of each spinal region. (X-rays are taken only as needed and at the doctor's discretion.)
Upon request, the doctor can give you an estimate of charges after reviewing your history and complaints.
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.
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.
