Frequently Asked Questions

When I speak with individuals in the Ann Arbor Community regarding chiropractic care and massage therapy, I tend to receive some common questions.

Here are answers to the most frequent questions I receive.

What conditions do chiropractors treat?

Since chiropractors utilize a wide variety of approaches, I cannot speak for all of my colleagues. However, the primary condition we treat are structural shifts in the spine and skeleton.

A structural shift refers to a misalignment in the vertebrae of the spine or other bones in the body (i.e. pelvis, shoulder, knees, ankles). The presence of this primary condition may result in a variety of secondary conditions such as pain, numbness, tingling, decreased range of motion, tension, headaches, etc.

Does an adjustment hurt? Will you be cracking my spine?

In our office, we practice a tremendously safe method of chiropractic known as Precise Structural Correction. We correct structural shifts in the spine using a handheld instrument which is very gentle.

We do NOT perform any popping, cracking or snapping. Generally, our clients report the treatments as completely pain free.

I noticed you offer massage therapy in your office. How does massage fit into what you do?

Our massage therapists offer therapeutic sessions to help clients work through specific health issues. They are very well trained individuals that utilize a variety of methods.

I work closely with our massage therapists. We identify specific muscle, tendons and fascia to stretch and strengthen in order to maximize the benefit of their care.

What is therapeutic massage and how does it differ from normal massage?

Therapeutic massage refers to treatments that help a patient overcome a specific health condition. This differs from Swedish massage which is commonplace in many spas and intends to provide a decrease in stress and relaxation.

Our massage therapists are trained in both therapeutic and Swedish massage. However, most of our clients seek treatment due to their advanced therapeutic training.

What types of massage do you offer?

Our therapists are trained in a variety of different massage techniques.

Examples include:

• Swedish, Therapeutic Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Orthopedic, Sports, Pediatric, Specialized Oncology, Pre/Post Surgical, Reiki, Craniosacral and Prenatal.

If you have any questions regarding these specific types of massage, feel free to contact our office and one of our staff members will be happy to address your questions.

Are massages completed in the same room as chiropractic adjustments?

Therapists complete sessions in 100% private massage therapy rooms.

These rooms are designed to be quiet and relaxing with dim lights and soft music similar to what you may find in a spa. Although our focus is therapeutic massage, you will find that the treatment and environment is not only therapeutic but relaxing as well.

My posture is not very good. Can you help with this?

Studies have shown significant change in posture with chiropractic care.

We treat structural shifts in the spine, which when left untreated result in postural changes. Additionally, our massage therapists will target specific muscle groups that cause postural changes.

In some cases, clients are given exercises to complete at home in order for them to reinforce the changes we are making during their chiropractic treatment.

I've been dealing with back pain during pregnancy. Do you treat pregnant women? Is it safe for the baby?

We treat a large number of pregnant women at our chiropractic office in Ann Arbor.

Pregnant women experience a lot of stress on their spine due to changes in weight bearing and hormones that cause changes to ligaments. Our method of gentle precise adjustments is not only effective, but it is perfectly safe for mother and child.

Do you treat children? Why are kids checked by a chiropractor?

At our practice, we frequently provide chiropractic treatment for children.

Children are one of the most important demographics to receive care. The period of infancy through adolescence is filled with small physical traumas. The birthing process is one of the most physically traumatic events that occur in our entire lifetime. The toddler years are full of small tumbles, falls and accidents. These are all a normal part of the learning process.

However, these small traumas impact the spine of the child. These events may contribute to small structural shifts in the spine and pelvis. When left untreated, these structural shifts lead to additional issues later in life.

Is chiropractic safe for children?

Chiropractic has proven safe and effective for treating children for over 100 years.

All of our adjustments are gentle and precise without the use of popping cracking or snapping the spine. Our treatment of children uses extremely little force and is still effective. Children should not feel any discomfort during the treatment and generally jump off the table feeling wonderful.

Is chiropractic care expensive?

Studies have shown that chiropractic care is very cost effective in the treatment of various conditions. A recent study of 85,000 individuals receiving care for low back pain indicated the cost of treatment by a chiropractor was 40% lower than that of a medical doctor.

Will I have to continue to go for the rest of my life?

Absolutely not!

Our goal is to achieve long term change in client's spinal alignment and empower them with the tools to maintain their spinal health outside of our office.

After we correct structural shifts in the spine, many clients return only if they feel like they need to see us. Some of our clients experience such tremendous results that they choose to stop in for periodic checkups to ensure that the structural alignment of their spine is still at optimum.

Are services covered by insurance?

Our office does accept some insurance.

Do to the variety of different insurance plans, it is best to contact our office and speak to our insurance specialist. She will be happy to review your coverage and give you an indication of what your insurance covers.