FAQs

What can I expect on my first visit?

On your first visit at Draeger Chiropractic, you will meet with one of our New Patient Chiropractic Assistants (CA). They will help you to complete the necessary paperwork. If you prefer to complete your paperwork prior to your visit, our most frequently used forms are available for download here. The CA will also call for your insurance benefits and she will review our office policy with you. After that you will be given a quick tour of our office. One of our doctors will meet with you to discuss your symptoms and order whatever tests are appropriate to make a diagnosis. This could include orthopedic or neurological testing and x-rays if needed. We will take a digital photograph of you for your file. You will then be asked to put on a gown and shorts for the evaluation process. Our doctors normally do not adjust patients on the first visit as they need time to review your test results and x-rays before adjusting a patient. However, if you are experiencing a lot of pain and discomfort, we can administer therapy after your evaluation to help reduce your pain. A report of findings (ROF) will be scheduled, usually the next day, so that the doctor can discuss his or her findings and explain what course of treatment is recommended for healing process. A payment will be expected, the amount will be determined after we know your insurance benefits.

What is a ROF (Report of Findings)?

This appointment is a special time set-aside just for you. You will meet with one of our doctors. You will have the opportunity to view your x-rays and your exam findings will be discussed with you. Our doctor will explain your condition, treatment options and the goals of chiropractic treatment. You will then be able to ask any questions that you have. At this time frequency of care will also be established.

COLD LASER

What is cold laser therapy?

Laser therapy is also known as phototherapy and low-level laser therapy. The word “laser” is used to describe a device that directs light energy into the body’s cells, which the cells then convert into chemical energy to promote natural healing and pain relief. Laser therapy is a complete system of treating muscle, tendon, ligament, connective tissue, bone, nerve, and dermal tissues in a non-invasive, painless drug-free way.

What should I expect during a laser therapy treatment session?

For most people, laser therapy is quite passive. There are no pulsating shocks felt and the most noticeable sensation will be the probe head of the laser if it comes in contact with the skin. Some patients (3-5%) have reported a slight tingling or tapping in a nerve or along a nerve pathway. Some have noted that they are able to sense a slight feeling of warmth. But for the most part, the treatment, which may last form 2 to 10 minutes, is not noticed at all.

Following (and even during) a laser session, 75-80% of patients can notice an immediate improvement in their condition. This will depend primarily on the type of condition and the length of time the condition has been present. Generally, the more chronic or severe the condition, the longer it takes to respond. The majority of conditions will take from 20-25 treatments. Once again the number of treatments depends upon the severity of the condition and duration. If your condition does not change immediately, it may take 3-4 sessions before a dramatic or marked change is perceived.

Is laser therapy safe?

Yes. Lasers have been used in Europe for over 30 years and are considered the most effective treatment for pain and inflammation in muscles, tendons and joints. Laser therapy is a drug-free, non-invasive therapy with superior healing ability. However, since lasers produce a high intensity light, one should never shine the laser directly into the eye. Protective eyewear will be provided. Further it is recommended that the laser device not be used directly on any neoplasmic (cancer) tissue, or on the thyroid. Pregnant patients should refrain from laser therapy applied directly on the abdomen.

Can laser therapy cause heat damage or cancer in the tissue?

No. The average powers and the type of light source (non-ionizing) do not permit heat-damage or carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effects. Due to increased blood circulation there is sometimes a minimal sensation of warmth locally.

OSTEOPOROSIS

What is osteoporosis?

Your body loses bone and replaces it with new bone throughout your entire life. As you age, your body tends to lose bone faster than it replaces it. If too much bone is lost, osteoporosis can develop. It is a disease that weakens the bones, makes them fragile and more likely to break. It occurs four times more often in women than in men, particularly after menopause. The symptoms are painless and usually discovered only after an individual suffers a fracture, typically in the wrist, hip or spine.

Why is diagnosing osteoporosis important?

• Osteoporosis fractures are more common in women than breast cancer, heart attack or stroke.
• Women now live longer and spend 1/3 of their lives after menopause.
• It can be treated successfully if it is detected early.
• By assessing your (BMD) bone mineral density your doctor can accurately determine if you are at risk of osteoporosis and recommend the proper treatment.

What diagnostic test do you use?

An Osteometer Dexacare forearm scan. Dexacare densitometers are advanced new imaging systems that perform a fast, precise and accurate bone density analysis right here in the office. In about three minutes, while you remain fully clothed, Dexacare performs a painless, very low dose x-ray scan of your forearm. The scan examines the internal structure of the bone. It helps your doctor diagnosis whether you are at risk for osteoporosis. Its computer also monitors the rate of the bone loss over time. Your test results guide you and your doctor’s choices in deciding what, if any, lifestyle changes or treatments are needed.

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION

What is spinal decompression?

Spinal decompression therapy is a leading non-surgical alternative for disc related syndromes of the lumbar and cervical spine. It is a non-invasive, non-drug, and painless therapy. The decompression therapy affects the discs of the spine as directly as possibly without surgery.

How does it work?

The decompression unit creates gentle distractive forces creating decompression, unloading pressure upon the disc, improving blood flow and nutrient exchange to the injured area. This gentle traction and relaxation is repeated over several minutes helping not only the disc but also supports the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the injured areas. Is spinal decompression safe?

Most patients report a mild sense of stretch on their back or hips and often are relaxed enough to fall asleep during a treatment. Our spinal decompression unit allows you to choose a position that is most comfortable. Your comfort is very important for us to achieve rehabilitation of your disc and spine.

What should I expect during a spinal decompression treatment session?

You will be comfortably positioned on the table and fitted with a wrap-around harness. This restraint is what allows the unloading of the spine and discs by the traction motor. Your position on the table, the harness and the angle of the gentle distraction allows for accurate and focused treatment to the affected disc or discs. Once comfortable on the table the computer controlled traction device is programmed to deliver a gentle stretching force to the spinal vertebra. This force is delivered directly to the harness system. The system applies the gentle force and then releases it for a determined amount of time and then repeats throughout the session. Most sessions take approximately 25 minutes total.