What Does A Chiropractic Physician Do?

Much like your other doctors, a chiropractic physician is a skilled, licensed healthcare professional. In fact, the doctor of chiropractic candidate has had 3-4 years of undergraduate education followed by 4 years of training at the doctorate level. This training is quite similar, at the beginning, to that of the doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathic medicine or the doctor of podiatry. Advanced training is achieved through internship and residency based programs. Many chiropractic physician's expertise is directed to the proper function of the body's musculoskeletal system. Xrays, CT or MRI scans and blood work may be ordered to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Our goal is to restore or maintain your strength, mobility and function, to improve your quality of life. The primary procedure used by most chiropractic physician's is manipulation (or the adjustment). This is directed to the spine, pelvis and extremities to restore proper joint mechanics. We may also use functional exercise and manual techniques during your course of treatment. Here are some of the procedures we may use in your treatment after a thorough consultation and examination:

• Spinal and extremity manipulation
• Directed therapeutic activities and exercises
• Re-education of muscle
• Manual therapies: mobilization of the joints and soft tissues
• Individualized home exercise program
• Strapping and taping
• Dry needling
• Durable medical devices (i.e. Knee braces, walking boots, wrist splints and braces, etc)
• Foot orthotics (Custom made and off the shelf)
• Modalities (therapeutic ultrasound and electric muscle stimulation) to reduce pain and/or swelling when necessary