Contrary to Popular Belief…
Ooooh, this is going to ruffle some feathers….but this is me and how I roll! ….so let’s dive right in to the things I do not believe in and the ways I do not practice!
Over adjust. You’re not a number or a dollar sign. You are not your copay, your deductible, or your max visits. I believe in maintenance care, which varies depending on lifestyle. I have patients that come every 2, 3, or 4 weeks because that is what works for them. At first, if you’re experiencing an acute situation, then yes I will see you more frequently for a few visits, but I will get you to your maintenance stage. So when people tell me they’re afraid to go to a Chiro because then they have to keep on going, I cringe, my whole soul cringes, because I do not practice like this.
Certifications. Now, don’t get riled up just yet….let me explain. Depending on what Chiropractic school you went to, you most likely learned how to perform many different therapies and techniques and you didn’t get certified for it because it was part of your curriculum. With that said, I learned how to take blood, take x-rays and write the reports, I can perform physical exams, diagnose and refer out accordingly, I can perform the Webster Technique on pregnant mommies, I can treat prenatal, postnatal and pediatric patients, I can treat geriatric patients, sports athletes of all varieties…and I have, I have been blessed to be able to treat some of linebackers of the Dallas Cowboys when they practiced closer to my practice….those were the most challenging yet most rewarding days! We all put in work…they called it going to battle and I fully agree, that is exactly what it was!
Diagnostic Imaging or Surgical Referrals. I am not quick to send off to imaging or surgery. Unless objective and subjective findings lean toward imaging or referrals, I will exhaust all our natural and holistic options before calling it and referring out. I err on the side of caution when it comes to treatments and refer accordingly. Most patients that visit my office are doing all they can not to need surgery, that is why I offer all the therapies I do and why I have catered to you protocols and plans.
Cryo not Thermo. Ice improves flushing of toxins, inflammation, healing, and reduces pain. Heat traps inflammation and toxins in muscles and fascia making conditions and pain worse. This is why I advise patients to always ice in acute situations, after treatments, workouts, and injuries. Once your condition is chronic, after you have iced for 3-5 days, you can apply heat to help release/loosen the muscles and help you move easier. Never lay on an ice pack or heating pad, always lay them on you for 10-15 mins at a time, two hours between sessions. If your skin is sensitive, add a light towel between the ice pack/heat pad and your skin. If you have or suspect vascular or neuropathic conditions, please speak to your healthcare provider before doing any of these therapies.
Diet fads/hacks. This is a big one. It’s not just about the food you eat, but also about the supplements you take. Having gut and inflammation issues my whole life, I keep this one close to the chest and I advise patients on this in almost all cases. Most of these fads are for short term implementation with short term results. To ensure true health and wellness, nutrition and diet is for life. You will constantly be working on this as is you do healing. The key is to find out what your goals are, list of all the symptoms you are experiencing, what your blood work indicates, and go from there. Obviously I am always going to start with inflammation and gut health as that is the precursor to all other health concerns and conditions.. Making sure your diet consists of foods that are anti-inflammatory and easily digestible for you, supplements that are clean and correct in dosage for you and lifestyle modifications specific to your needs, All the things that promote healing is what we put in the forefront of your care, anything else is just temporary and poor healthcare management.
I hope this not only gives you insight into the type of practitioner I am, but also address some concerns you may have regarding chiropractic. While I consider myself a heart forward chiropractor, I also stand ten toes down on my philosphy and ethics when it comes to patients and treatments. That is just who I am and how I roll!
