Category: Health

Reasons Why You Should Choose A Holistic Veterinarian

They practice holistic medicine. Holistic medicine is a way of treating a patient by using natural methods such as acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal medicine and diet, to treat the whole patient. Holistic veterinarians not only look at symptoms like a regular veterinarian would, but also look at diet, the environment, stress, genetics and past history. With this all this information they can treat the whole problem, not just fix the complaint.

The treatments they use are more natural. The types of treatments used are safe and natural substances such as herbs, vitamins, homeopathics and even foods. They are safer for the animal, the animals respond well to them, and they have little to no side effects.

They are very knowledgeable. Not only has your holistic veterinarian gone through the traditional medical training that a regular veterinarian goes through, they have also gone through additional training and certification in things such as acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy and herbal medicine.

They practice complementary medicine. Most holistic veterinarians provide treatments and therapies that are a complement to what your regular veterinarian is doing. They can also use traditional diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays to help formulate a diagnosis. Occasionally holistic vets will recommend surgery or drugs in combination with the natural therapies, if they think that will be the best form of treatment for your pet.

Your pet is going to live longer and feel better! While holistic medicine can treat many different conditions, its main focus is in preventive medicine and keeping the body healthy and in balance. All this will make for a happier, healthier, less stressed pet!

 

How to find a holistic veterinarian that utilizes a natural approach

Choosing a vet is hard, especially if you want to find holistic veterinarian that utilizes a natural or integrative approach.

Although it can take more work and time than it does to find a conventional vet, if you do your homework and think through what you are truly looking for before you start your vet search, you can find a clinic and practitioner that will provide your pet with care you feel confident about for the pet’s entire lifetime – and that’s huge.

So what is the best approach to finding a holistic veterinarian that really clicks with you and your pet? Follow the steps below.

Think through the following factors and decide what you prefer/need in each category.

Cost

You need to think through cost in the short term and long term.

On the one hand, going to a holistic veterinarian can save you money in the long run because you are treating the whole dog and looking at the root cause of any issues, not just treating the symptoms.

You may pay more in the short term for appointment fees and supplements, but your dog may avoid larger more expensive problems down the road like surgery or prescription medications.

On the flip side, you may simply not be able to afford certain vets: I’ve been to vets that had prohibitive appointment fees, and when they investigated an issue, wanted to run every test in the book to find out what was going on.

At that point in my life, I just couldn’t afford what they recommended. In that case, I opted to go to a vet that was conventional, but was open to trying more natural things, I just had to do the research and talk to him about it.

He also respected my choices to vaccinate certain dogs less frequently because of health challenges they were facing – that was a huge factor for me.

It’s hard, but you have to find a balance. In general, you get what you pay for, but not always – sometimes you get more, sometimes you get less.

Expertise

Think about what type of holistic medicine you want to have access to, and investigate if the vet office you are considering offers it.

Different holistic vets specialize in different modalities, so know what each office you are considering offers. Examples of different specialties include:

• Homeopathy
• Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (acupuncture, herbs, and foods)
• Herbal Medicines
• Flower Essences
• Osteopathy
• Chiropractic
• Nutrition/Nutritional Support
• Reiki
• Tellington Touch

 

Philosophy

You want to have an idea of what your philosophy is and what you are looking for in your vet’s philosophy.

Holistic vets range from integrative (using both conventional and holistic treatments) to having a narrow specialty (for example only homeopathic or only Chinese medicine), to really off the beaten path of what we’re used to.

For example, at one point in my life I tried a natural practitioner who said she could tell what my dog was trying to say to me and wanted me to say reaffirming things to my dog to help him heal.

This was so, and I mean SO, beyond my comfort zone it wasn’t even on the same PAGE as the rest of my comfort zone.

This type of approach made me extremely uncomfortable – so not a good match for me – but a good learning experience on doing your homework before making appointments.

 

Choosing the Right Holistic Veterinarian

When I was searching for a holistic veterinarian, I started with referrals.  I asked friends and people on Facebook who they liked in the area.  There was one veterinarian who received loads of high praise, and I fell in love with him when I took Rodrigo to see him.  However, the distance was too much, and it didn’t work out in the long run.

So I was on the hunt again, and I learned three things:

• Some holistic vets aren’t familiar with or condone raw feeding as a diet option.
• Some holistic vets still promote regular, unnecessary vaccinations.
• Some holistic vets are expensive when compared to traditional vets.

 

So what is holistic veterinary medicine and what can it do?

Holistic is derived from the word whole, and refers to the treatment of the whole organism, rather than the treatment of individual body parts, or the removal of symptoms. Conventional or Western medicine tends to concentrate more on the removal of symptoms. Holistic veterinary medicine encompasses many modalities, including conventional medicine where it is required or appropriate. Modalities such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism or nutrition are better referred to as complementary rather than alternative, as they can complement more traditional methods not just be last resort alternatives. It is required that the practitioner treating animals with whatever holistic method be first and foremost a licensed veterinarian. This is because veterinarians are rigorously trained in the diagnosis of disease and the practice of veterinary medicine and can determine the best approach for an individual patient. For example a broken leg often requires surgical intervention, although homeopathic remedies can subsequently be used to increase healing, and decrease pain and inflammation. This is an example of true complementary medicine, where the best of all worlds is available. Holistic veterinary medicine includes many modalities and the following is a brief overview of the most commonly used .

NUTRITION

The key to good health and a healthy body is directly related to what is put into that body, and this applies to both animals and people. Good nutrition is the basis of a healthy pet. It is essential to feed as healthy a diet as you can. Many commercial pet foods include by-products and also chemicals that are known to have serious side effects. By-products include chicken heads and legs, tumors, diseased organs, and many other things that are not considered good for human consumption. If you wouldn’t eat it why should your pet? Chemicals to avoid include BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin, as well as any artificial coloring or flavoring. Ideally a natural home prepared diet is a lot healthier, providing that an appropriate vitamin and mineral supplement is added. With cats it is essential to add the essential amino acid taurine to their diet, as lack of this can lead to blindness. Foods that are good to feed include natural whole grains, such as brown rice, organic vegetables, and meats such as chicken, beef or rabbit. There are many good books that suggest detailed diets and some suggestions are given below. If it is not possible to prepare a diet then a good quality commercial pet food should be considered. Look for a food that is preserved naturally and keep away from artificial additives or by-products. Read the labels, and don’t just look at the bag, as this can sometimes be misleading. Many good natural pet foods are available, but even so it is good to add some natural foods in with the pet food, such as some left over vegetables or meat. Try and give as natural a food as possible and your pet will start to look and feel more healthy, vibrant and energetic.

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of treatment that most people have heard something about. It is based upon the concept that the body has meridians, or energy lines, running along it, and when the body is out of balance the energy lines are blocked or deficient in some way. The use of needles at appropriate acupuncture points will rebalance or redirect this energy and balance the body. The acupuncture points have been mapped over thousands of years by the Chinese and now have even been identified with modern scientific techniques. Some of the effects of acupuncture include pain relief, a strong sense of well-being, decreased inflammation and increased blood flow to the area being treated. By appropriate use of acupuncture, conditions such as hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc collapse, arthritis and nerve damage can be treated successfully. Additional benefits can include longevity and this refers to an increase in both the quality and quantity of life. Many old dogs treated with acupuncture live longer than average and enjoy less arthritis and increased energy and it is a joy to watch them respond. Acupuncture certainly offers a viable alternative to the use of pain killers and steroids, as well as surgery and has few, if any side effects when used appropriately.

HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy is a system of medicine that was developed in Germany by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in the late eighteenth century. It is based on the Greek words meaning similar suffering and the concept that a substance that causes a symptom in a healthy patient will treat that same symptom in a sick patient. A single homeopathic remedy is chosen to treat the whole animal, including their mental, emotional and physical symptoms. This is in contrast to conventional or allopathic medicine where symptoms are suppressed or removed by the use of drugs such as antibiotics or pain killers. Of course there are certain life threatening situations where antibiotics are essential, but homeopathy actually stimulates the body to heal itself, and strengthens the immune system, and consequently leaves the body in a better state of health than before it became sick. It can treat many conditions effectively, and it is said that there are no incurable disease, just incurable patients. What this means is that many diseases can be treated, which conventional medicine cannot cure, but some patients are so sick and suppressed that they will never be truly cured, though they may be helped and given some comfort. People and animals that are treated all their life with homeopathy are overall healthier and live longer, because their immune system is continually being strengthened and challenged rather than suppressed and weakened.

What should you avoid before plastic surgery?

The Number One Thing to Avoid Before Surgery

No smoking! This unhealthy habit is particularly dangerous during the weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine constricts blood flow and can dramatically affect both your surgery and your body’s ability to heal. Popular smoking cessation products such as nicotine gum, e-cigarettes, and nicotine patches are equally dangerous: the nicotine in these products is what complicates surgery and the healing process. Avoid all forms of nicotine at least one month before and after surgery.

Foods to Avoid Before Surgery

shutterstock_109517018This may be surprising, but there are a handful of healthy foods that can have a negative impact on surgery and healing. You should cross the items below off your shopping list before surgery:

• Green tea is touted as an antioxidant powerhouse, but this popular brew can also interact negatively with anesthesia, increase blood pressure, and cause accelerated heart rates. Stop drinking green tea at least 10 days before surgery, and be sure to ask your doctor when it’s safe to ingest again.
• Fruits and vegetables are typically a staple in a healthy, well-balanced diet, but not when you’re preparing for surgery. During the 24 hours before surgery, I tell my patients to avoid foods that are high in fiber. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains take longer to digest, and it is important to have as little food as possible in your system before surgery begins.
• Certain beverages, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic, can impact your surgery. Choose clear drinks, such as water, during the 24 hours before your procedure. As you prepare for and recover from surgery, you should avoid alcoholic drinks altogether.

Supplements to Skip Before and After Surgery

Patients should be aware that a number of vitamins and minerals can negatively impact recovery. Here are some common supplements to avoid leading up to and following surgery:

• Vitamin E is a blood thinner, which can complicate your surgery, negatively impact your wound healing ability, and increase risk during recovery. Be sure to also avoid multivitamins that contain vitamin E.
• Fish oil supplements are a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids that provide numerous health benefits. Unfortunately, they can also increase bleeding and bruising and should be avoided in the days leading up to surgery.
• Herbal supplements, like gingko biloba, can increase your risk of bleeding during and after surgery. St. John’s wort can prolong the effects of anesthesia, and even mild supplements like echinacea can have a negative impact on the safety of your surgery.

To ensure a safe and successful outcome, it is essential that you tell your surgeon about any over-the-counter supplements or prescription medications you take. Almost anything purchased at the health food store has the potential to increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Do not take any over-the-counter medications or supplements, with the exception of Tylenol, for two weeks before and after surgery without first consulting with your surgeon.

 

What to Eat Before Surgery

Plastic surgery is typically scheduled weeks or months in advance. You can use this to your advantage by increasing your intake of foods that have the nutrients your body will need for recovery. For example, be sure to eat plenty of:

• Protein: Protein is the essential nutrient in the creation of new blood cells and collagen. Collagen is the building block for skin, muscle, tendons, and bones—all of the physical structures that need to heal after surgery. Protein is also vital for a strong immune system. Women should aim to eat 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. That means a 120 pound (54 kilogram) woman should take in about 65 grams of protein per day. Men’s protein needs are typically higher at 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. For example, a 150 pound (68 kilogram) man should take in about 102 grams of protein per day. Foods like fish, eggs, chicken, turkey, beef, tofu, low-fat yogurt, nuts, quinoa, and beans are all good sources of protein.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Eat fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, selenium, and manganese. All of these nutrients fight what are known as free radicals. Free radicals appear in your body as a natural response to stress (like surgery) and can cause tissue damage and slow the healing process. You’ll find vitamin A in kale and spinach, and vitamin C in citrus fruits and green peppers. Mushrooms, cabbage, and spinach contain plenty of selenium. Raspberries, pineapples, and bananas are all good sources of manganese. In general, if you’re eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables each day, you can be sure you’re getting the nutrition you need.
• Water Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. 80 to 100 ounces is even better.

 

Why Nutrition Matters Before And After Plastic Surgery

Swelling and inflammation are the body’s natural response to physical trauma. They occur due to the body sending an increased amount of blood to the trauma’s site. The blood carries with it platelets and other nutrients that help the site heal itself. That said, there is such as a thing as too much swelling and inflammation. Heavy swelling and inflammation result in pain and can hinder healing. Common home remedies include elevation and icing. Elevation places the swollen area above the head to discourage additional blood flow. Icing calms irritation and soothes pain. A severely underestimated remedy is one that prevents excessive swelling and inflammation before they occur. That remedy is your diet. Various foods provide the body with their own nutrients or, sometimes, with their own grime. What you eat has a signification impact on your blood pressure, your weight, your body’s functionality, and your mood. Because food wields such great control over your body, it also determines how it responds to trauma.

 

Here are a few reasons why being prepared can make a difference:

1. Maintaining balance

Monitoring portions keeps patients on track without eating too much or too little. “We appropriately portion our meals — each meal is about 400 calories and the snacks come in at about 200 calories — so you don’t have to worry ‘Am I eating too much?’ and can just take pleasure from your food,” Boncompagni says of Eat Sunny. Rather than focusing on what you are cutting out, focus on what you are gaining through micro and macronutrients.

2. Saving time & energy

With everything going on in our day-to-day lives, food often becomes an afterthought. But nutrition cannot be overlooked. Following a meal plan or prepping food in advance will save time and energy during the recovery process, when preparing food from scratch may prove difficult.

3. Instilling healthy habits

Before a procedure, unhealthy habits (think: smoking and drinking) need to be curbed in favor of good ones. Having a plan in place — pre- and post-op — should help the patient to stick to healthier choices long term. After all, the outcome of the procedure depends on it.

 

Miracle Foods to Eat Before Cosmetic Surgery

Do you have an upcoming surgery? If so, you may just want to add these five foods to what you’re eating. Loaded with the nutrients you need to help make your surgery a success and your recovery a breeze, you’ll definitely want to stock up in the weeks leading up to your big day.

spinachSpinach

Mom was right to nag you about eating your spinach. It’s truly one of the most beneficial foods that any of us can incorporate into our diet. And pre-surgery, it offers even more value! Besides being packed with vitamins A, B2, B6, K, and folate, it also contains ample amounts of iron which can increase blood volume and help reduce recover time.

Beans

A serving of beans packs a tremendous protein punch that can help keep your blood sugar in check and your energy levels high – definitely important in the days leading up to surgery. Beans are also an excellent source of fiber which can help prevent post-surgery constipation.

Pineapple

Yum! This pre-surgery food is our favorite! Pineapple contains a proteolytic enzyme called Bromelain which has been scientifically proven to both prevent and reduce swelling. Often recommended to those who suffer from athletic injuries and arthritis, it also offers health benefits to individuals undergoing surgery. So, why not toast your upcoming procedure with a big glass of pineapple juice?

Beets

That often overlooked purple vegetable hiding at the salad bar actually delivers a host of nutritional benefits including the amino acid l-glutamine which can help reduce healing time by improving nitrogen balances and improving lymphocyte recovery. And, they really do taste good!

Oysters

How about some oysters on the half-shell? Oysters are one of the best sources of zinc – a natural wound healer. And, this miracle mineral also stimulates the immune system and improves stress levels. Both delicious and beneficial!

HOW TO CHOOSE A DENTIST

Finding the right dentist is important. After all, they will be caring for your oral health for years to come. You want to have a relationship built on trust and respect. However, it can be hard to make that decision, especially if you live in an area with multiple dentists. How are you supposed to know which one to choose? Let’s look at how to select the dentist who can best meet your needs.

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK MYSELF WHEN CHOOSING A DENTIST?

Here are a few questions you can use as a starting point when selecting a dentist:

Are their office hours convenient for your schedule?

How easy is it to get to the office from work or home?

What are the dentist’s qualifications?

Is the dentist in your insurance network?

What is the office’s policy on missed appointments?

WHAT SHOULD I ASK MYSELF WHEN VISITING THE OFFICE?

If you’re visiting a dentist’s office, there are a few things you should consider, such as:

Does the office look clean?

Is the staff friendly and eager to answer your questions?

During patient treatment, do the dentist and staff wear gloves, masks, and other protective gear?

WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS?

If you or someone in your family have special needs, then it’s crucial to find a dentist who can effectively and comfortably treat you. There are a few extra things you need to do, such as:

Let the dentist know about your condition.

Ask the dentist if he or she has any special training or interest in treating patients with your specific condition.

Ask if the dental office is accessible to patients with disabilities.

Find out if the office is part of your insurance plan.

How to Choose the Best Dentist

Educational Background

The first thing every patient should check when shopping for a new dentist is a solid formal education. To see their training, go to a dentist’s bio page on their website to see where they went to school. You can also see how long their training took, and what they’ve done to keep up with modern techniques. Pay attention to whether the dentist regularly attends continuing education courses, seminars, and workshops that focus on new, improved dental practices. Partnering with a dentist who believes in a lifelong commitment to education can help you to receive the most up-to-date dental care.

Professional Organization

Professional organizations, such as the American Dental Association, specialize in offering valuable information to dentists. They also set strict practice guidelines to keep patients safe. Ask your potential dental office if the dentist is a member of professional dental organizations. The Academy of General Dentistry or the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry are good examples. Professional memberships show a commitment to important industry standards and safety protocols

Services Offered

Before you start shopping for a new dentist, think about the types of dental services you might need. Look for a dentist that offers a wide range of services, so that you don’t end up hopping from specialist to specialist to get the care you need. If you want to have general work done on your teeth but also want teeth whitening, look for a dentist that specializes in cosmetic dentistry.

Patient Reviews

After you’ve narrowed down your potential dentists, look for patient reviews describing recent experiences. Pay attention to what services the patient needed, how the staff interacted with them, and their general experience. Besides checking the dentist’s website for reviews, look for other review sources, such as Google reviews. Viewing opinions from a range of different sources can help you to form a more complete picture of what it is like to visit that particular office.

First Impressions

First impressions matter, which is why it is worth it to visit the practice in person. Pay attention to how the building looks, how the staff greets you, and whether the team seems eager to earn your business. Pay attention to signs that the business is professional and organized. Look for typed sign-in documents, informational brochures, and policy and procedural information. You should also look for patient amenities that would make your dental appointments easier, such as places for kids to play. Also keep an eye out for signs of neglect or an outdated office. These kinds of details might seem small, but they can say a lot about the state of the practice.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Dentist

It’s a simple fact: if you like your dentist and the office staff, you are more likely to return for your check-ups, follow their advice and keep your beautiful smile. It’s very important that you find a dentist that you trust. This person will be your ally in creating a healthy mouth that will allow you to enjoy everything from eating your favorite foods to laughing with your friends for years to come.

Make sure the dentist understands your needs. You want a dentist who will take the time to ask questions to understand any issues you may be having. Are you sensitive to hot or cold foods, for example? You may have come in for a cleaning, but a good dentist will make sure he or she identifies and addresses any concerns you may have.

Make sure the dentist offers treatment options that address your needs and your budget. At Coast Dental, every patient is given a treatment plan for review before any procedure is started. You should feel comfortable asking questions so that you can understand the options and the consequences of the health decisions you make

Make sure the dentist is up-to-date on the latest dental technology and techniques and is using high-quality products. The dentistry field is changing constantly, Dr. Gibbs said. Does your dentist use advanced technology for oral cancer detection? Does your dentist incorporate laser technology when appropriate? You should always feel comfortable asking questions about the dentist’s experience and the number of times he or she has performed a procedure

Make sure the dentist understands your medical history. You would be amazed at what can influence your oral health, including conditions like diabetes and heart disease, certain medications, and allergies. Always look for a dentist office that asks you to complete a comprehensive medical history form.

How to choose the right family dentist

While having a pearly white smile is important, there is much more to your oral health than just the gleam of your teeth.  Truly healthy teeth and gums are imperative, and to maintain great oral health it is necessary to make regular visits to a Bakersfield dentist.

Research their qualifications and experience

Dentists must attain certain qualifications to practice, but that does not mean that all dentists are created equally. Look for a family dentist with a high standard of care to ensure that you find a practice with the experience to give you the best dental care.  Feel free to ask the office staff, hygienist, and dentist how long they have been working and what their specialties are- they should be more than willing to give you all of the information you want.

Look at the services they offer

Not all family dentists offer a plethora of services. While it is important to find a dentist who can perform a good cleaning, you should also look for a practice that offers a wide variety of services so they can help you and your family with all of your dental needs. Make sure to find a dentist that offers everything from teeth whitening to periodontal care so your family will have a dentist to call regardless of the situation. In times of dental emergencies, the last thing that you want to do is go from office to office or specialist to specialist. It is far better to build a positive relationship with one family dentist that can cover all of the bases than to have to bounce all around the city to fulfill your needs.

Reviews are important

Current and past patients are the best resource when searching to find the right family dentist for you. Check reviews for a number of different offices to see what prior patients have to say about the services, dentist, and overall experience. If you see mostly positive reviews for a family dentist, you should feel confident that they will offer you the care and attention you need. There are many places people review their dentists: Facebook, Google+, Yelp, HealthGrades, and several other websites. Although reading through pages of reviews may seem a bit daunting, spending the time now will help save a mountain of headaches in the future.

Check out the office culture and atmosphere

The culture and atmosphere of the office is important in choosing your family dentist. Before you decide on a particular Bakersfield dentist, you should go into the actual office to see how it feels- is the waiting room comfortable, are the staff friendly, is the office clean, etc. If you and your family feel comfortable inside, you will be less likely to miss or skip dental appointments. Making sure that your children have a positive experience with their dentist when they are young will help set the foundation for their future dedication to their oral hygiene.

How to choose the best dentist in your area?

You are definitely aware of preventive dental care and you also know that visiting a dentist every 6 months is a part of preventive dental care. But still many people neglect this simple cost-efficient dental care step and invite greater complications. The human tendency nowadays is to look for the required things/services only when the NEED arises and same goes with a dental clinic or a good dentist, as generally seen.

Let us assume for a moment that you have shifted to a new area or altogether to a new city and in such a scenario looking out for a good dentist is very important and especially if you land up in a dental emergency, you may not have so much of time to look out for a good dentist which will provide for the right treatment in the golden hour. In the former situation if you shift somewhere else how will you look for a good dental clinic housed with a good and experienced dentist? While to handle the latter situation, it’s better to be informed about the questions like “dental clinic near me” or “best dentist near me “to tide over such dental emergencies

Ask family, relatives and friends

Family, relatives and friends could be a good option to source this kind of information but be specific and ask about the hospitality, treatment, and how was in short the experience to arrive at an inference which will aid you in your decision to draw down on a good dentist in the area. You must also ask for the particular treatment availed by the member as to whether it was just an elementary/basic treatment like scaling/filling or more advanced treatment. This must be done since it may happen that the member may not be able to describe the ability, quality or expertise of the dentist’s skill or judge the treatment in totality.

Do your homework – Browse/surf the net

With the advent of the internet and technology, there is a sharp increase to empower you with correct information and there are many medical service aggregators to bridge this gap like Lybrate, Practo, 1mg and others which makes the process of finding a good doctor smoother and easier on the internet. Still, you need to be very careful here since they are not doing any social service, at the end of the day they mean business which is practically like the number of leads or patients that the aggregator generates for the doctor or any other medical service provider for e.g. diagnostics center.

In such a case, people are always on the reviews or ratings given by the other patients on their app or their website, but still they are not a good way to come to a conclusion, as they can boost their image through fake reviews too. If at all, you want to rely on reviews, look for Google Reviews and make a judgement. Google reviews are very much genuine and it’s difficult to cheat Google with fake reviews. With the help of exceptionally complex algorithms Google recognizes fake reviews. This will help you to find a good dentist near you and a good dental clinic also.

How To Select The Best Chiropractor

Chiropractic is a profession with a wide variety of practice philosophies and techniques, which makes it a challenge to select a chiropractor who is most compatible for an individual. Because the chiropractic treatment includes hands-on procedures, consideration must be given for both the preference of treatment style as well as the rapport with the chiropractor

Collecting Recommendations

One place to start is to ask a primary care physician, physical therapist, or spine specialist for recommendations of chiropractors who they view as competent and trustworthy. One way to phrase this question is: “If someone in your family needed a chiropractor, who would you recommend?” However, many medical professionals lack regular interaction with chiropractors and therefore may not be able to provide a recommendation.

Interviewing a Chiropractor

Before starting treatment, it is usually best to conduct a telephone interview or request an in-office consultation to learn more about the chiropractor, the clinic, and techniques used. The treating chiropractor will typically request a personal consultation to discuss these details.

Background Research

Patients may want to research if there are any disciplinary actions against the chiropractor. This information is available from each state’s chiropractic regulation and licensing board, which can usually be found on the state’s website.

Selecting any health care professional for treatment is something that should be done with care. Do not feel compelled to be treated by the first chiropractor interviewed. Many people interview several chiropractors before selecting one they feel is well suited to treat their condition.

How To Choose The Right Chiropractor

It is estimated that Doctors of Chiropractic treat over 27 million Americans annually, with a chiropractic adjustment being performed around 1 million times every business day in the US

There are many known benefits of chiropractic treatment, which has made it such a popular treatment. However, when choosing the right chiropractor you can be overwhelmed with the options, and with the average session costing around $65, it’s an expensive decision to make

What factors should I consider when choosing my chiropractor?

A quick online search should tell you a lot about your chiropractor, their specialities and any research projects or charities they’re involved with. Finding out about their area of expertise is important, so you can ensure you’re choosing a chiropractor with a focus or special interest in your condition.

Take a little time to research the different techniques that are used during chiropractic care. You can find a comprehensive list online that covers the vast array of different techniques used, however the most popular ones used in the treatment of back pain can be found here.

There are also additional treatments that Doctors of Chiropractic offer that may be beneficial to you when treating and managing your pain. Treatments include acupuncture, nutritional counselling, massage therapy, interferential electrical muscle stimulation, cryotherapy and heat therapies.

Tips for Choosing a Chiropractor

A Personal Decision

If you prefer a hands-on approach to healthcare that promotes healing without medications or surgery, chiropractic care may be the prescription for you. Your chiropractor is your partner in spine, muscle and joint health. You depend on your chiropractor’s knowledge and expertise to help you stay healthy or recover from an injury or spine condition. How do you find the best chiropractor who is right for you? Here are some important factors to keep in mind.

Get Referrals

Start by asking your primary care doctor for a referral list of chiropractors. You can also ask family, friends and other healthcare providers for recommendations. Take the time to research the chiropractors’ credentials and experience on Healthgrades.com. As you narrow down your list, call each chiropractor’s office to see if he or she is accepting new patients. If so, ask for an appointment to meet and interview the chiropractor.

Research the Chiropractor’s Credentials

Licensure is one of the most important factors to consider when you are choosing a chiropractor. It tells you that the chiropractor has the necessary training, skills and experience to provide chiropractic care. Also confirm that the chiropractor has no history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions. You can find the chiropractor’s medical school, training hospital, certifications, and malpractice and disciplinary history on Healthgrades.com and state websites.

Consider the Chiropractor’s Experience

Experience matters when you’re facing musculoskeletal or spine health issues. The more experience a chiropractor has with a condition or procedure, the better your results are likely to be. Ask how many patients with your specific condition the chiropractor has treated. If you need a specific procedure, ask how many of the procedures the chiropractor has performed and find out about complication rates—complications the chiropractor has encountered as well as your own risk of complications.

Consider Gender

It’s important to feel comfortable with your chiropractor’s gender because you will need to openly discuss personal information. When it comes to chiropractic care, your own gender is also an important consideration. Chiropractors are becoming more skilled in caring for women and men differently. Ask the chiropractor about his or her recent training and experience specifically related to your condition and your gender.

How to choose a chiropractor

Though there are many great resources for obtaining valuable information to assist you in your search for a chiropractor, it can be overwhelming, particularly if you are new to chiropractic. To help guide you in making an educated choice regarding your health care professional, keep the following five points in mind as you sort through the mass of information.

Honesty and confidence

The first thing to look for in a chiropractic doctor is honesty. An honest doctor has both trust and confidence in each and every one of his patients, and that confidence is a reflection of his pride in providing proper treatment and getting successful results for the patient. A good chiropractor will recommend only the best treatment for your quickest and best results; not-so-good chiropractors will recommend you sign up for a package of long-term treatment even before seeing how you respond to treatment. If chiropractic is not the proper treatment for you, a good chiropractor will have no problem referring you to another health care professional to manage or co-manage your case.

Techniques

There are a variety of techniques and methods of treatment in chiropractic, with no two being exactly alike. Each specific technique can work well with a specific patient, but no single technique will work perfect and heal everyone. This being said, any chiropractor that states her particular technique is superior to others or that absolutely guarantees results should be avoided. Although her techniques may be effective with certain patients, guaranteeing results is actually against the Laws of Chiropractic.

Word of mouth

This is always a great place to start. Positive word of mouth in every profession is a good sign. If you are considering chiropractic for the first time, or considering choosing a different chiropractor, listen to others in your community more than the ads in the phone book, on TV or placed on Facebook. It is easy to look good in a well thought out advertisement, but the right chiropractor for you may be more successfully found by listening to others around you that have experienced chiropractic practice firsthand.

Appropriate examination, diagnosis, and treatment

This is extremely important. Doctors of chiropractic have been through extensive training and education to become health care providers. This training included proper examination, proper diagnosis and proper treatment protocols. If a doctor lacks in any one of these three essential areas, he should not be treating you, period! What does this mean for you? If a chiropractor doesn’t talk to you about your health history and your current condition, doesn’t give you an initial physical examination (checking posture, reflexes, etc.), doesn’t give you a diagnosis regarding your condition, and won’t explain your treatment plan, find another chiropractor.

Helpful Tips for Choosing a Chiropractor

If you are looking for a health care provider that promotes healing without medications or surgery, Chiropractic Care may be the right fit for you. In the field of Chiropractic Care, our main focus in on the cause of your problem

Check Reviews

When deciding which Chiropractic Clinic will be the right fit for you, it is always important to look up reviews of the doctor and clinic before making an appointment. Google reviews are a great way to find out what others are saying about the particular clinic you are looking for.

Research the Chiropractor’s Credentials

Making sure the Chiropractor you are about to see has the proper licensure is a very important factor. It will tell you if the chiropractor has the proper training, experience, and skills to provide chiropractic care.

Ask About Experience

A Chiropractors experience matters when you are facing musculoskeletal or spine health issues. The more experience the chiropractor has with a particular condition or procedure, your results are likely to be better.

Ask What Techniques are Used

There are multiple techniques that can be utilized by Chiropractors to ensure optimal recovery.