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Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on the relationship between the body's structure and its function. The primary goal of a chiropractor is to restore and maintain the health of the spine and nervous system in order to support the body’s natural inborn ability to be healthy. Your nervous system consists of your brain and spinal cord.  The spinal cord is protected by your vertebral column, or spine.  Any misalignments (or subluxations) of your spine may cause interference with your nervous system and can result in function impairment and lowered resistance to disease.  This is often times expressed by the feeling of pain. Although practitioners may use a variety of treatment approaches, they primarily perform adjustments to the spine or other parts of the body with the goal of correcting alignment problems, alleviating pain, and improving function.

The chiropractic adjustment restores the spine to a more functional and stable position, which in turn allows the nervous system to function more effectively.

What to Expect:

On your initial visit you will complete a patient intake form that will ask questions about why you have chosen to see a chiropractor and other past medical history questions.  Dr. Hicks will then discuss this information with you to see what health goals you would like to achieve and any concerns you may have.  Any necessary exams will then be performed.  Once your history is taken and your exam has been completed, a report of findings will be given to you.  Dr. Hicks will go over what she has found during your examination and will discuss with you in detail about what your treatment plan will entail.  Your treatment plan may include chiropractic adjustments, x-rays, or co-management with another healthcare provider.  You are also encouraged to ask any questions you may have.   Following the report of findings your first treatment may be given that same day with your consent.  Along with adjustments, stretching, soft tissue techniques, electric stimulation, ultrasound, or heat may be utilized.

Services & Techniques:

Manual adjustments are performed using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that may be subluxated, or not moving properly.  You may hear a “pop” or “crack” during the adjustment, but not always.  This sound is caused by gas rushing in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joints are slightly separated and is completely harmless.

Activator—An activator is a tool used to apply a gentle specific force to areas of the spine where there is a subluxation.

Graston Technique—Graston technique is an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions using stainless steel instruments.

Flexion-Distraction—A technique used to increase the intervertebral disc height to remove tension on the annular fibers and spinal nerve by making more room and improving circulation.  It also decreases the amount of pressure felt within the disc, and restores vertebral joints to their proper alignment.

Electric-stimulation—During this therapy, electrodes are placed on the skin that send light electrical pulses to different areas on the body with the purpose of reducing inflammation, easing muscle spasm, increase blood flow, and ultimately relieving pain.

Ultrasound—Therapeutic ultrasound creates sound waves that generate deep heat therapy that is applied to soft tissues and joints.  These sound waves help reduce pain, stiffness and spasms.  And also increases blood flow and accelerates the healing process.

Kinesiotaping—Much different than sports taping, kinesiotaping is a rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to facilitate the body's natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body's range of motion.