Chiropractic FAQs
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is the science and art of joint and muscle manipulation for the purpose of recreating balance within the nervous, muscle and skeletal systems. Chiropractic not only has the ability to relieve pain, but also reintegrate all body systems so that they can function more efficiently. At the center of chiropractic philosophy is the notion that all body systems are connected. Chiropractors seek to counsel their patients with this knowledge in mind.
Once I’ve finished my active period of care, will I have to keep coming back?
That depends on many factors, such as lifestyle choices, (diet, stretching, activity level and stress management) how long the person had the problem, and genetics. Realistically, most people will need an occasional “tune up” to maintain a healthy working body.
How much does it cost
Most insurance polices include coverage for chiropractic examinations and treatment. For patients who do not have coverage, a payment at the time of service discount is offered. Please refer specific treatment expense questions to the talented office staff at Kettle Moraine Health Center. They can be contacted at 262-646-2123.
Is chiropractic safe?
The overwhelming consensus of research done on chiropractic care has determined that it is extremely safe, when practiced by a thoroughly trained and licensed chiropractor.
How long will my treatment take?
Most patients begin to feel relief after the first or second appointment. To achieve full resolution of a problem, the duration varies, depending on how long a patient has had the problem, their state of health, and their willingness to perform the prescribed at-home activities. The average patient will be involved in active chiropractic care for 6 to 8 weeks.
Massage FAQs
What can a massage do for me?
Massages can do a number of things for our bodies. They help us to relax our minds and bodies. Muscles become loosened and relaxed, increasing flexibility and movement. Massages are also a great way to reduce stress.
How long do the effects of a massage last?
If you are receiving a massage for injury or to relieve pain, massages should be received weekly until your goal has been reached.
What types of massages are performed?
KMHC offers Swedish Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Tui Na, Myofascial Release, Active Release, and Sports Massage Techniques.
Acupuncture FAQs
How Does Acupuncture Work?
The traditional explanation is based in ancient theories of Qi (Energy) and Xue (Blood). Qi and Blood are thought to circulate through the surface and interior of the body along channels or meridians, similar but not identical to the nervous and blood circulatory systems. These channels are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues and organs. Obstructions in the movement of these energy rivers act like dams to block smooth flow of Qi and Blood causing pain and disease.
By inserting fine needles at precise points acupuncture unblocks the obstructions or dams and reestablishes the regular flow of Qi and Blood through the meridians. Acupuncture can therefore help the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in absorption, and energy producing activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.
From the modern scientific perspective, we now know that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments needed will vary from person to person. For some complex or long standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months might be necessary. For acute problems, usually fewer visits will be required. For health maintenance, four sessions a year may be all that is necessary.
What Can Acupuncture do for you?
Acupuncture can influence three areas of health: promotion of health and physical and emotional well being, prevention of illness, treatment of various medical conditions.
Acupuncture can be effective alone or as an adjunct support treatment to other medical treatments, such as western bio-medicine, chiropractic manipulation, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions.
While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, it has much broader applications. The World Heath Organization (WHO), recognizes the use of acupuncture as treatment of a wide range of medical problems including neurological and muscular disorders, Emotional conditions, digestive disorders, respiratory disorders, and urinary, menstrual and reproductive disorders.
What Are The Needles Like?
Acupuncture needles are very thin so insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood samplings. Because practitioners use per-sterilized, individually packaged disposable needles there is virtually no risk of infections from treatments.
Does Acupuncture Really Work?
Yes. Many studies have shown that acupuncture has specific measurable effects on the body’s systems. In 1997 the National Institute of Health (NIH) released a consensus statement stating that there was sufficient proof to show that acupuncture was effective for a number of different disorders and encouraged further study.
In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with Acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. It is widely practiced in Europe and Asia and being used more and more in America by patients, physicians and hospitals.
Do They Hurt?
People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most people feel only minimal discomfort as the needles are inserted. Some people feel nothing at all. However, it is desirable in certain cases for the patient to feel some mild cramping, heaviness, distension, tingling or electrical sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the effected meridian.
Stress & Nutrition FAQs
What is stress?
You may feel stress when you take one more than you are used to doing. Your body reacts to stress much like it does when you are in danger, your heart rate and breathing increase. Stress can cause headaches, stomach aches, back pain, and insomnia.
Is there a link between stress and illness?
Being under constant stress can weaken your immune system which makes fighting off illness much harder for your body. Preexisting stomach issues may be worsened as a result of stress. Those with asthma may experience worsened symptoms. Since stress makes the heart beat faster, stress also causes high blood pressure. As a result those under stress are at a greater risk for heart attacks, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. When many people are stressed their muscles tense, causing neck, shoulder, and lower back pain.
Why is stress a problem?
Being under a great amount of stress over time can cause many health related problems. When you are under stress it releases stress-related hormones, putting more stress on your body. Over time this can cause serious health problems.
Why can’t I get everything I need from my diet?
The average person overconsumes calories but underconsumes nutrients. Today’s crops are generally grown on mineral-depleted soil. Most processed food is fortified with a few nutients, but woefully low in the majority of those needed to maintain health. Research supports quality supplements are necessary to promote optimal health.
What are the signs of stress?
Increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, sweating, stomach pains, high blood pressure, headaches, insomnia, and back and neck pains are all signs of stress.
Where do vitamins come from?
Vitamins are found in the foods we eat. Most research supports that organically grown produce is much higher in vitamin and mineral content. Organically grown produce does not contain high amounts of pesticides and herbicides.