F.A.Q.
Please select a question from the dropdown to see an answer.
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is a system-based medicine where the clinician investigates the root causes of a patient's concerns. Rather than symptom suppression the clinician is concerned about the systems (nervous, gastro-intestinal, immune, etc.), which may be affected, and how to support those systems so their homeostasis will be restored. It draws upon modern diagnostics, intuitive information gathering and will tie everything together into a story so that the patient not only understands what their problem is, but more importantly how to become empowered by this information and take charge in restoring optimum health.
Do you take Insurance?
We do not participate in any networks, HMOs or PPOs and any service rendered will be considered - out of network - by your insurance carrier. We would be happy to provide you with a HCFA (CSA 1500) form, which you then submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Please contact your insurance company to inquire about your out of network benefits.
How much is an initial visit?
Initial chiropractic visits, which include history, orthopedic, neurologic and musculoskeletal examinations and the first treatment, are $150. If Dr. Karen or Ian feel that there may be risk to proceed with care diagnostics will be ordered to rule out pathology and treatment will be deferred on the first visit. Please dress in comfortable clothing and plan for a 90-minute initial visit. Initial functional medicine visits are $175, which includes a full history, detailed examination and potential chiropractic treatment. Any laboratory tests to be ordered will be discussed with the patient. Payment will be rendered to the lab or Red Tail at cost (we do not mark up labs).
What do I bring to my initial appointment?
Please make sure you have faxed or completed the online forms and e-mailed them to the office. This is very important as the Drs. Need to familiarize themselves with your case so that the initial examination is as efficient as possible. Please wear comfortable, loose clothing (not jeans) and bring any supplements or medications you are currently taking. If you have relevant lab work performed within the last year please make arrangements to have it faxed or delivered to the office before the appointment.
Will Dr. Ian & Karen work with my medical doctor?
We take pride in being a team player in your healthcare and feel comfortable working with any medical provider. We can contact them at your discretion and inform them of your health goals. We will do our very best to educate them on functional medicine and hope they join the team to help you achieve optimum health.
How does Chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nervous system. Billions of instructions flow from your brain, down your spinal cord and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if your body is working right. Improper motion, position or tension in joints or muscles, called a subluxation, can interfere with this vital exchange of neurological information and thus compromise the function of all systems and tissues controlled by the nervous system. Specific adjustments to joints and muscles throughout your body can help improve brain/body communications. Health often returns with improved nervous system control of the body.
What's an adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust which helps add motion to specific joints in your body that aren’ t moving properly. Some methods use the doctor’s hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the joints of the body. Adjustments are powerful ways to stimulate the bodies ability to heal itself and are one the most powerful tools a chiropractor possesses.
Are Chiropractic adjustments safe?
Yes. A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are "remarkably safe." By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might be unsuited. Compare the statistics. Adjustments are about 100 x safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
What is that popping sound?
Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It’s much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn’t a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.
How many adjustments will I need?
The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits become less often as your body stabilizes. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years. During your second visit and report of findings the doctors will have a better idea on how many visits you should expect to address your health concern.
How long until I feel better?
Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months.Many factors can affect the healing process. How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping your appointments? Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good condition? Within a short period of time, most patients sense enough progress to fully carry out their doctor’s recommendations.
How do you get subluxations?
There are three basic causes of subluxations. Physical causes include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Emotions such as grief, anger, and fear can cause subluxations. Chemical causes could include alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet.
How do I know if I have a subluxation?
You can have subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.
Why do children get adjustments?
Even today’s "natural" childbirth methods can affect an infant’s spine. Preliminary studies suggested that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Pediatric adjustments are gentle. Knowing exactly where to adjust, the doctor applies no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato.
How long are appointments?
Initial examinations are approximately 60-90 minutes long.Regular treatment visits are 20-30 minutes. Functional nutrition appointments are 30-45 minutes. Massages are approximately 70 minutes long.
What if I live to far?
Our patients have traveled out of state to seek our knowledge and guidance in their health care. We can work across distances if we have performed our detailed physical examination. No care or advice can be given without a proper physical examination. If you cannot make travel arrangements then please contact our office and we will do our best to put you in touch with a capable doctor in your area.
What if Chiropractic and Functional medicine don't work?
If we are unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health problem, we will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help. Your health is our primary goal.
What are your Hours of operation?
We are open Monday through Wednesday 8 : 00 AM-6 : 00 PM with a 12 : 00-1 : 00 PM lunch. Thursday 10 : 00 AM-12 : 00 PM and 1 : 00-6 : 00 PM. Closed Friday and weekends.
The information on this site is not intended to serve as a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment
recommendations given by a health care professional. Be sure to consult your doctor before making any changes
in your healthcare routine.
