FAQs
If you have general questions about Chiropractic, or about some of the procedures we perform, our FAQs may be helpful. Select a topic from the list at the right.
For specific questions, call us anytime.
Bike Fitting
What is a bike fitting, and why have one?
A bike fitting is like having a session with a tailor. When it fits right, a bike feels better AND you’re more efficient. You’re faster with less effort. More fun, less pain.
Chiropractic
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a form of health care that is drugless, non-invasive, and actively promotes health.
Chiropractic care is holistic, meaning that the entire body and a person’s lifestyle are examined and treated. When a chiropractor works with a patient, the cause of the patient’s physical problem is addressed and lifestyle factors that may affect the problem (such as diet, posture, exercise, and others) are modified to speed recovery and prevent recurrence.
Chiropractic care uses natural health methods such as exercise, nutrition, and diet, and lifestyle modification to promote wellness.
What Education is required to practice Chiropractic?
Chiropractic’s foundation in the basic life sciences includes coursework in anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, physical and laboratory diagnostics, radiology, physiology, pathology, nutrition, and public health. In addition, chiropractic education involves a detailed study of clinical sciences as well as clinical experience.
Chiropractic education is similar to medical and osteopathic education except that those practitioners study surgery and pharmacology, while Doctors of Chiropractic focus on the diagnosis of musculo-skeletal and nervous system disorders and non-surgical, drug-free treatment.
Doctors of Chiropractic have the expertise to diagnose, treat and/or manage many different health problems. If diagnosis indicates that another type of care is more appropriate for you, a referral will be made.
What can I expect from treatment?
You will be asked to complete a comprehensive health history, including past health problems, diet exercise, occupation, and other information of importance. Examination may include palpation (examination by touch), x-rays, and range of motion, strength, neurological, orthopedic, or other tests.
Besides the adjustment, Doctors of Chiropractic may use other modalities such as electric muscle stimulation, ultrasound, moist heat, ice, massage, laser therapy or others. Your chiropractor will also take the time to counsel you about the prevention of disease and the methods for living a healthy lifestyle. You may not receive an adjustment at every appointment. The treatment you receive will be designed specifically for you – based on your symptoms and examination findings.
What is an adjustment?
Chiropractic care is known (but not exclusively) for its use of the adjustment, sometimes called manipulation. An adjustment is a precise procedure in which the trained Doctor of Chiropractic exerts specific corrective pressure at specific places on your spine or other joint. When a thorough examination reveals joints that are not in proper function, adjustments are applied to correct joint alignment/mobility, relieve associated muscle and nerve tension, improve balance and assist healing. In most cases, adjustments are performed manually or with a handheld instrument by the Doctor of Chiropractic.
What information should I bring to my first visit?
If you have already had tests (such as x-rays) regarding your problem, bring them and any reports to the Doctor of Chiropractic’s office.
Be prepared to discuss: when the problem started; how it started; how long you have had it; what makes the problem worse or better; treatments you have tried so far and how well they worked; and any other information you believe is relevant.
Bring notes regarding comments or questions you want to ask the Doctor of Chiropractic.
If your health insurance company requires a referral before treatment, please obtain one.
Bring your insurance card and know the amount of your deductible or co-pay.
Communication
Discussion and open communication about your health concerns are always encouraged. Please feel comfortable to address any of your concerns with the doctor or staff at any time – so that your goals and ours will combine to achieve maximum improvement in your health.
Your progress
We will carefully monitor your progress. We will note subjective improvement as well as objective findings, and your treatment plan will be modified to meet your changing condition. We encourage communication between your chiropractor and other health care providers for your benefit.
EPAT Shockwave Therapy
What is EPAT? Why do they call it Shockwave therapy?
EPAT stands for Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology. It is a non-invasive office-based treatment method that accelerates healing of injured tissues. It works by applying a set of acoustic pressure waves (a “shockwave”) to the site of pain/injury.
Why consider EPAT?
EPAT has proven to be very effective in treating many soft tissue injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, tendon insertional pain, and muscle pain.
EPAT has a proven success rate equal to or better than traditional treatment methods without the costs, risks or lengthy recovery time of alternatives such as surgery.
How is EPAT treatment performed?
The doctor applies ultrasound gel over the treatment area, then uses a special applicator to deliver the pressure waves. Sessions typically take approximately 15 minutes per site. Three weekly treatment sessions are generally necessary.
Does insurance pay for EPAT?
No. EPAT is FDA-approved and widely used, but no US insurance companies pay for EPAT therapy at this time.
However, EPAT can be paid for from a qualified health savings account or flex account.
What results can we expect?
Some patients report immediate pain relief after one treatment. Most people experience pain relief after 3 treatments. In some cases, full recovery can take up to four weeks after the last treatment.
Any special conditions or instructions?
All patients receiving EPAT therapy should be off all anti-inflammatory medication for a minimum of 1 week prior and 4 weeks after the procedure. This includes common over the counter medication such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve) and aspirin.
Please ask your doctor if you have additional questions.
Who shouldn’t have EPAT therapy?
EPAT should not be used on people who have venous disorders or any form of cancer. It is also best to avoid the procedure if you are taking blood thinners. EPAT should only be performed by a qualified medical professional.
Foot Orthotics
Will my medical insurance cover it?
That depends upon your specific insurance plan, but medical insurance often does cover the cost. If you are unsure about your coverage, please ask our staff. We will be glad to check your benefits for you.
Do I need special shoes?
No, Sole Supports® can be designed to fit in most shoes, from running and cycling to fashion pumps. Many of our wearers have several sets, for different shoes.
Why Sole Supports® Orthotics?
Most foot orthotics are designed to correct problems by using wedges under the heel and forefoot. Usually the arches in these orthotics are minimal because manufacturers feel that there is less chance in making the user uncomfortable. Because they avoid full arch support they cannot be effective in preventing the arch from collapsing.
Sole Supports® orthotics are designed for whole-foot correction, and provide whole-foot support. They look different from most orthotics in that they typically have a much higher arch that conforms to your foot perfectly. Additionally, Sole Supports® are designed according to your weight and activity levels. This creates a very effective and comfortable orthotic.
Why does the Spine and Therapy Center provide orthotics?
Dr. Pleskovitch is an expert in biomechanics, interested in providing solutions for a wide range of problems. Foot orthotics are the best solution for some problems that can have wide-ranging impacts throughout a body – and a lifestyle.
As an avid runner and cyclist, Dr. P. is personally very interested in low-cost, easy-to-use products that can help improve comfort and athletic ability. She is her own – highly motivated – test subject. After 20 years of experimenting with orthotics, the unique Sole Supports® solution is the best Dr. Pleskovitch has ever found. She wanted to share this with her patients.
Why would someone need orthotics? How would I know if I needed them?
Many injuries are the result of poor biomechanics of the feet, to a greater or lesser degree. For some, it’s almost impossible to walk without pain; others might be largely pain-free but less efficient than they could be while walking, running or cycling.
Foot orthotics are most often used to correct structural problems in feet, and foot/leg alignment problems. Those conditions can lead to pain and/or weakness that you don’t need to live with.
Dr. Pleskovitch can help you determine if orthotics would help you.
Laser Therapy
What is Laser Therapy?
Low level laser and LED Therapy or “photobiomodulation,” is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near infrared) to create therapeutic effects. These effects include improved healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling. The light may be provided by a low power laser or an LED (light emitting diode).
What is Laser Therapy used for?
Soft tissue injuries, degenerative joint conditions, chronic non-healing wounds and neurogenic pain such as Herpes Zoster (shingles) and fibromyalgia have all shown benefits from Laser Therapy.
Does laser treatment hurt? What does it feel like?
There is little or no sensation during treatment – occasionally one feels a mild, soothing warmth, or tingling.
Can laser treatment be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment?
Yes, Laser Therapy is often used with other forms of therapy, including physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, massage, soft tissue mobilization, electrotherapy and following surgery. Other healing modalities are complementary and can be used with laser to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
How long before the results of laser treatment are felt?
You may feel improvement in your condition (usually pain reduction) after the very first treatment.
Sometimes you will not feel improvement for a number of treatments. This does not mean that nothing is happening. Each treatment is cumulative and results are often felt after 3 or 4 sessions.
How many laser treatments is normal?
That depends on the nature of the condition being treated. For some acute conditions 1-6 treatments may be sufficient. Those of a more chronic nature may require 10 to 15 (or more) treatments. Conditions such as severe arthritis may require ongoing periodic care to control pain.
How often should a patient have a laser treatment?
Acute conditions may be treated daily, particularly if they are accompanied by significant pain. More chronic problems respond better when treatments are received 2 to 3 times per week tapering to once a week or once every other week, with improvement.
How long does a laser treatment take?
The typical course of treatment is five minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.
Are there any side effects or associated risks with laser treatment?
If a patient is allergic to light then they may get a rash or blister for a few days. Occasionally some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days, as the healing response is more active after treatment. During more than twenty years of use by healthcare providers all over the world, very few side effects have ever been reported.