Question 1

What type of chiropractic adjustments do you use?

Accepted Answer

We utilize a number of techniques based on the needs of the patient, which may include manual (by hand) adjusting, table-assisted adjustments, and instrument-assisted adjustments.

MANUAL ADJUSTING

The doctors are both Palmer graduates and, hence, use what is referred to as PALMER PACKAGE (Gonstead, Thompson, Diversified, Toggle). These are considered "manual" techniques as the adjustment is delivered by hand with or without the use of specialized tables.  They are also trained in many other techniques, including Pettibon, Pierce, Activator, CBP, Flexion-Distraction, Mally & Charette Extremity, and more. These techniques utilize both "manual" and "instrument" adjustments.

INSTRUMENT ADJUSTING

There are numerous techniques available to achieve our goal of removing interference to the nervous system.  Over the years, I have encountered countless people who avoided chiropractic care simply because they were afraid of manual (hands-on) adjusting.  Don't get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with manual adjusting, and we still provide plenty of these techniques in our office.  However, instrument adjusting can be just as effective.  Our office utilizes several instrument-assisted adjusting techniques. This allows the patient to benefit from chiropractic care without the "twisting, cracking, and popping" associated with manual adjustments that can frighten some patients away from getting adjusted.  Here is an introduction to some of the instruments utilized by our doctors.

NeuroImpulse IQ 
The unique functionality and performance of the new Impulse iQ® Adjusting Instrument shine with simplicity. The instrument determines the appropriate frequency and recommended pressure for applying the adjustment. When delivering the adjustment, the instrument gently taps the spine.  The instrument can also be used in the treatment of extremities and soft tissue conditions.

Activator Instrument
The Activator instrument provides a gentle and controlled force to a patient’s spine and extremities. The high speed and low force allow the ACTIVATOR to be used in the comprehensive treatment of all areas of the spine and extremities.

FLEXION DISTRACTION

Our office also offers the flexion-distraction technique, which is specifically designed for patients with disc problems. This patient might have significant lower back pain and/or leg pain or numbness.  A specialized table is used to gently separate the joint while the doctor applies the adjustment.

EXTREMITY ADJUSTMENTS
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Our doctors are also trained and highly proficient in caring for the joints in the extremities (shoulders, wrists, ankles, feet, etc), utilizing a variety of techniques tailored to each patient.

An extremity is a joint of the body other than the spinal joints.  These joints include the ribs, shoulders and elbows, wrists and hands, hips, knees, ankles, and feet.  Similar to the spine, extremities can have joint restrictions and motion dysfunction.  You may be experiencing pain, weakness, stiffness, immobility, numbness or tingling, catching, or locking of a joint.  Extremity restrictions can even be related to or intensify back or neck pain.  These problems may be chronic or acute, and many people have great relief from their extremity adjustments.

PREGNANCY CARE

Dr. Ferguson is certified in Webster's technique, specifically designed for the pregnant patient.  For more information on Webster's and the benefits of prenatal chiropractic care, click here: https://www.ferncreekchiro.com/pregnancy (https://www.ferncreekchiro.com/pregnancy)

PEDIATRIC CARE

Dr. Ferguson sees infants and children. Techniques for this population are extremely gentle. For more information and the benefits of pediatric care, click here: https://www.ferncreekchiro.com/kids (https://www.ferncreekchiro.com/kids)

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Question 2

Why is there a popping sound during an adjustment?

Accepted Answer

Most patients experience a popping or cracking sound during spinal manipulation. This is not dangerous, and it typically does not cause discomfort for patients. This sound occurs because gas and fluids are moving through your spine. Your body depends on fluids to lubricate the bones between each section of your spinal joints, so it's normal to have this fluid in your skeletal system.

Question 3

Can I receive Chiropractic care while I am pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Dr. Ferguson has completed post-graduate studies and is certified in Webster's Technique.(https://icpa4kids.com/training/webster-certification/webster-technique/)

Chiropractic care in pregnancy is vital to the normal physiological function of both the mother and baby throughout pregnancy and birth. More women and birth providers are discovering the many benefits associated with chiropractic care in pregnancy and recognize this area of expertise through Webster Certification.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b403c9_926380f98aba4b269965ea0fedc159c6~mv2.png

Click here for more information (https://www.ferncreekchiro.com/pregnancy)

Question 4

Is chiropractic care safe for babies and children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, chiropractic care can be beneficial for children of all ages. Our own children have been treated since birth. Pediatric chiropractic uses specialized techniques to ensure the care is appropriate for children's developing bodies. Many parents bring their babies in just after birth for a wellness check. Others bring babies or young children in for various reasons, including ear infections, colic, constipation, feeding problems, sleeping issues, posture concerns, and the bumps and falls that come with childhood. Click here for more information.

Question 5

Is Chiropractic good for athletes?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  Chiropractic care benefits for athletes include pain relief, improved range of motion, injury prevention and recovery, and improved overall health.

Here are just a few famous athletes who are under chiropractic care:
1. Michael Jordan - “I didn’t know how much I could improve until I started seeing a chiropractor. Since I’ve been in chiropractic, I’ve improved by leaps and bounds both mentally and physically.” – Michael Jordan
2. Tiger Woods - “Lifting weights and seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis has made me a better golfer. I’ve been going to chiropractors for as long as I can remember. It’s as important to my training as practicing my swing.” – Tiger Woods
3. Evander Holyfield
4. Barry Bonds
5. Arnold Schwarzenegger - “What [chiropractors] do is really powerful. You, chiropractic doctors, are really miracle workers. I found out the best way […] is to use chiropractors, not only after injury, but also before injury.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger
6. Tom Brady - “Chiropractic just makes you feel so much better. When I walk out of the clinic, I feel like I’m about three inches taller and everything’s in place. And as long as I see the chiropractor, I feel like I’m one step ahead of the game.” – Tom Brady
7. Joe Montana
8. Wade Boggs
9. Usain Bolt - “When I was younger, the scoliosis wasn’t really a problem. But you grow and it gets worse. My spine was really curved bad. The early part of my career, when we didn’t really know much about it, it really hampered me because I got injured every year.” – Usain Bolt
10. Michael Phelps
11. Cristiano Ronaldo
12. Venus Williams - “Chiropractic gives me the flexibility I need to keep in the game. [T]he most important man on the team may have been the chiropractor. […] For me, it’s about trying to be as holistic as possible when healing my body.” – Venus Williams

Click here for more information (https://www.ferncreekchiro.com/athletes)

Question 6

How many visits does it take to get better?

Accepted Answer

Some patients only visit us a handful of times. Other patients require weeks or months of consistent care. The amount of time required for your recovery depends on a number of factors, including the severity of your condition and the level of improvement you want. Some patients want their pain to reach a manageable level, while others want to visit us until it disappears completely. Talk to us about your goals so we can develop a treatment plan tailored toward your wishes.

Question 7

Is Chiropractic care expensive?

Accepted Answer

It's a common misconception that chiropractic care is expensive. Many of our patients just pay a co-pay before insurance kicks in for their treatments, but they say it's better than covering the cost of a surgical procedure. You may also find chiropractic care more affordable than the numerous medications and injections some patients receive before visiting a chiropractor.

For those who do not have insurance coverage for chiropractic or for those services not covered by typical insurance, we offer a time-of-service rate for payment at the time of service.

Question 8

How much do I pay each visit?

Accepted Answer

If you have insurance, you are responsible for your copay or coinsurance on each visit. If you have a deductible, you will pay the allowable amount (determined by your insurance policy) on each visit.

You are also responsible for payment of any non-covered services which we will discuss with you prior to implementing.

If you do not have insurance or chiropractic coverage, you are eligible for our time-of-service discount which allows you to pay a reduce fee up front.

Question 9

What is a Chiropractor?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that cares for your neuromusculoskeletal system—the bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Chiropractic is focused on the body's ability to self-heal. Your treatment may include spinal and extremity adjustments,  soft tissue therapies, and treatments like nutrition and exercise.

By improving the neuromusculoskeletal system's ability to perform, chiropractors believe the benefits of spinal adjustment and realigning joints improve the functioning of other systems throughout the body.

Question 10

What kind of training do chiropractors receive?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractors undergo extensive training before they can treat patients. This typically includes 6-8 years of education: 3-4 years of undergraduate study followed by 3-4 years in chiropractic school to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. They also complete a supervised clinical course and must pass four sets of National Board exams and a state licensure exam. Continuing education is required annually, and many chiropractors pursue additional post-graduate education and certifications to stay updated on modern wellness techniques. Click here for more information on training to become a Doctor of Chiropractic.

Question 11

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

No, unless you have an HMO or your insurance company specifically requires referrals to all doctors outside of your primary care physician, the answer is generally no.

Question 12

Do I have to pay upfront for 3, 6, or 12 months of care?

Accepted Answer

NO, this is not how we offer care.  You will pay for services as you go.

There are exceptions where you may choose to purchase a group of adjustments or a particular therapy to receive an upfront discount.  Also, functional medicine programs are paid upfront (i.e. Cardiometabolic Transformation).

Question 13

Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic care is generally considered safe. However, there is a small chance that you may develop complications after chiropractic care.

However, these risks are minimal when compared with those of other medical treatments, including prescription drugs and surgical procedures. Each year, millions of patients (https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-interactions-labeling/preventable-adverse-drug-reactions-focus-drug-interactions)are hospitalized after experiencing adverse reactions to prescription medications. If you've ever undergone a surgical procedure, you may remember signing a waiver agreeing you understand the procedure has numerous risks, including permanent disability or death. These waivers aren't just an unnecessary precaution, as more than 250,000 people (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/study_suggests_medical_errors_now_third_leading_cause_of_death_in_the_us)die from medical errors each year. In comparison, the risk of injury or complications during Chiropractic care is far less of a concern.

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What is Chiropractic Care?

A natural, drug-free approach to healthcare that focuses on the relationship between your spine, nervous system, and overall body function.

What conditions do we treat?

Back pain and sciatica (leg pain)

Neck pain and arm pain

Headaches

Extremity pain (shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankles, feet)

Pregnancy chiropractic care

Chronic pain

Who do we treat?

Chiropractic is safe for all ages—from newborns to seniors. We specialize in gentle techniques appropriate for infants, children, pregnant women, athletes, and adults with various health needs.

Families seeking preventive wellness

Pregnant and postpartum mothers

Infants and children

Athletes and active adults

Seniors managing chronic conditions

Anyone seeking drug-free pain relief