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What is a Chiropractor?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.
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What kind of training do Chiropractors receive?Chiropractors undergo extensive training before treating patients for spine-related ailments. To become a chiropractor, it typically takes around 6-8 years, including 3-4 years of undergraduate study followed by another 3-4 years in chiropractic school to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. Chiropractic students complete a supervised clinical during their doctorate program before working as a solo practitioner. Then, they must pass 4 sets of National Board exams and a legal exam in their state of licensure. All states require continuing education on an annual basis. Many chiropractors also pursue additional post-graduate educational opportunities and certifications to further increase their understanding of modern wellness techniques.
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Is Chiropractic care appropriate for babies and children?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 patients bring their babies in just after birth for a wellness check. Others bring babies or young children in for a variety of reasons including: - ear infections and/or frequent infections - colic, constipation, and other digestive troubles - feeding problems, - sleeping, - posture - or from all the falling down, bumps, and knocks that go with childhood.
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Can I receive Chiropractic care while I am pregnant?Yes, Dr. Ferguson has completed post-graduate studies and is certified in Webster's 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.
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Is Chiropractic Care Safe?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 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 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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Why is there a popping sound during an adjustment?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.
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Do I need a referral?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.
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Do I have to pay upfront for 3, 6, or 12 months of care?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).
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Is Chiropractic care expensive?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.
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How many visits does it take to get better?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.
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What techniques to you use?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. PALMER PACKAGE 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 so many techniques available to accomplish our goal of removing the 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 the manual adjustment that frightens 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 shines 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 allows the ACTIVATOR to be used in comprehensive treatment of all areas of the spine and extremities. FLEXION DISTRACTION Our office also offers the flexion-distraction technique which was specifically designed for the patient 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 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 click on the button below.
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What is Functional Health?This is a personalized, integrative and investigative approach to healthcare that looks at a patient's history, genetics, environment, and lifestyle to determine causation for long-term health and chronic pain or dysfunction. To simplify...I look at how to achieve the optimal function for each individual by assessing and addressing the root causes behind chronic disease.
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How is this achieved?By utilizing medical history, genetic profiles and in-depth specialized labs, I can gain insights to which systems need to be addressed to achieve better health. Treatment may include lifestyle changes (such as eating habits, sleep, activities, and self-care), nutraceutical supplements to support repair, stress management, etc.
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Are you a medical doctor?I am a Functional Medicine Practitioner (IFMCP) and Doctor of Chiropractic (DC). I received my doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic. My post doctorate education and training is in Functional Medicine and Clinical Nutrition. Therefore, I do not practice medicine and do not diagnose or treat diseases or medical conditions. I focus my practice on promoting health and optimal function by searching for and addressing the root causes of chronic illness through diet, nutrition, and lifestyle management. My services are not meant to substitute or replace those of a medical doctor but my programs are meant to work in conjunction with them.
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Is this covered by insurance?While you may be able to submit some of your labs to insurance, my services, expertise, and consultations are not.
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What is my training?I am a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) and a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner (CFMP). I received my doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic. My post doctorate education and training includes Functional Medicine and Clinical Nutrition. I have received complete training in the biological sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, histology, blood chemistry, neurology and pharmacology, conventional medical diagnosis and treatment, as well as, extensive training in clinical nutrition, botanical medicine and lifestyle counseling. I have also developed and taught curriculum and programs in higher education for 15 years.
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Do you prescribe medications?No. I do not prescribe or make recommendations about prescription medications or controlled substances. Your prescribing medical doctor will manage all medications. I use natural, noninvasive methods such as nutritional therapy, herbs, supplements, stress management techniques and lifestyle changes to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal function and health.
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How do I get started?Option 1: Sign up for one of our Programs. Option 2: To become a functional health patient, you will need to gather your records (all medical records and lab work). Contact the office and a link will be sent to you to complete your paperwork online. After all paperwork is received, your initial consultation will be scheduled. This appointment must be prepaid and is non-refundable. If necessary, the appointment may be rescheduled but will be subject to a rescheduling fee.
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How many consultations will I need?Option 1: The number of consults are built in to the programs. Option 2: This will depend on the complexity of your needs. Plan on the initial consultation and two follow up visits at the minimum.
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How much will it cost?The best answer is...it depends. Option 1: If you sign up for one of our Programs, the cost of the consults, supplements, webinars, and labs is built in to the Program. Extra labs or supplements will be additional but are, most likely, not necessary during the program. Option 2: This will depend on the condition, complexity, necessary labs to find your root cause, supplements, and consults with the doctor.
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What kind of results can I expect?While there can never be a guarantee of outcomes, by following the programs as designed you will be able to address the root causes behind your chronic health issues.
Eliminate Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis!!
Now you can relieve the pain and inflammation of the heel associated with plantar fasciitis. Our FDA market cleared laser has been proven in clinical tests to effectively treat this painful condition. The regenerative powers of this low-level laser technology can reduce inflammation and eliminate pain in the plantar fascia in only a matter of weeks and return your patients to an active life once again.
Unlike other lasers on the market, the FX 635 is proven to promote cellular regeneration through painless bio-stimulation. It provides patients experiencing chronic heel pain with a non-invasive, efficacious solution to quickly improve their walking comfort and quality of life without surgery. While other lasers may claim to treat this problem, only the FX 635 has been market cleared by the FDA to treat plantar fasciitis.
Neck & Shoulder Pain
A variety of low-level lasers are proven to be effective in reducing and eliminating acute and chronic pain in the neck & shoulders. Many patients find that this solution is a much more effective and immediate alternative to traditional pain medications. Combined with forms of chiropractic and therapy, the Erchonia lasers can help patients lead a normal, active, and healthy life without debilitating pain.
Dr. Ferguson says...
“Plantar fasciitis can be extremely painful and persistent. Erchonia’s FX 635 laser is ideal for chronic heel pain sufferers because it offers effective, pain-free treatment—without side effects. In just three weeks with two treatments per week, patients can have significant and lasting relief from plantar fasciitis.”
What can laser help?
Here are just a few of the things where laser can help:
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Low Back Pain
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Neck and Shoulder Pain
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Musculoskeletal Pain
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Post-Operative Pain
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Heel Pain
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Plantar Fasciitis
What about the brain?
Low-level lasers have been shown to have a positive impact on many aspects involving brain health.
My personal interest in laser for the brain started after my sister suffered strokes. Shortly thereafter, the news was flooded with the cases of CTE (chronic traumatic encephalitis) caused by repeated concussions. I, myself, played soccer through college and graduate school and suffered numerous concussions!
The more I read, the more I realized that this treatment needed to be a part of my health regimen and my patient's."
~ Dr. Ferguson
FDA
Erchonia Pain Market Clearances
Erchonia complies with the highest clinical testing. All Erchonia level (1) clinical trials have gone through the FDA pre-IDE process, IRB approval, and are based on pilot research to ensure customers that the laser they are purchasing has been proven safe and effective by the FDA. 90% of all medical devices are substantially equivalent with no clinical research, of the 10% that are, only few submit blinded and controlled studies.
United States Food and Drug Administration
• 2002 Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain
• 2004 Post-Surgical Pain after Liposuction
• 2008 Post-Surgical Pain after Breast Augmentation
• 2014 Chronic Plantar Fasciitis Pain
• 2018 Chronic Low Back Pain
• 2019 Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain using Red and Violet Laser
• 2019 Overall Nociceptive Musculoskeletal Pain
How is Cold Laser different from LED light?
Class II versus Class IV lasers? Infrared light?
What is cold laser?
The process of low-level laser therapy is based on a photochemical reaction in which discrete bundles of energy called photons are absorbed within the visible light spectrum of 380–700nm. The photon induced chemistry ultimately gives rise to the observable effect at the biological level. In order to achieve maximum photobiological effects, Erchonia (class II lasers) adheres to the following delivery fundamentals: Laser light has an output under 500mw. It is a non-thermal process for adjunctive use in pain therapy. “LLLT delivered at low doses tends to work better than the same wavelength delivered at high levels, which illustrates the basic concept of biphasic dose response or hormesis” (Calabrese 2001b) Fundamentals of Photochemistry
What are LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)?
LEDs cannot achieve the same narrow band of wavelength, instead, LEDs produce light that is disorganized or incoherent. Laser light is dramatically more effective in producing photochemical effects than LED. This is evident in over a dozen, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials using Erchonia lasers where test subjects established both statistical significance and clinically meaningful results over the placebo group which received LED treatment.
What is a Class IV laser?
Devices with a laser output above 500mw are not LLLT (Low-Level Laser Therapy). Instead, they are classified as High Intensity Laser (HIL) or Class 4 Lasers. These devices are intended to “provide topical heating for the purpose of elevating tissue temperature for temporary relief of muscle and joint pain and stiffness, arthritis pain, or muscle spasm, the temporary increase in local blood circulation and/or promoting relaxation of muscle”.
What is Infrared light?
Another type of electromagnetic radiation is infrared (IR) which includes wavelengths higher than 780nm. The infrared light spectrum exhibits strong absorption from vibrations of the water molecule. The result of infrared absorption is heating of the tissue since it increases molecular vibrational activity. Simply, while visible light can produce photochemical effects, infrared only produces molecular rotations and vibrations