Palmetto Clinic of Chiropractic, LLC.
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Chiropractic FAQ’s

Do you take x-rays or other diagnostic tests prior to treatment?
If I have to have multiple x-rays, isn’t the radiation harmful to me?
Do I have to take off my clothes during a chiropractic examination?
Do I have to take off my clothes during a chiropractic adjustment?
Are there contraindications for chiropractic?
Is there anyone who should not see a chiropractor because of their existing medical condition(s)?
What is a subluxation?
What is an adjustment?
Why do I need more adjustments after the pain stops?
Why is it so loud when I get adjusted (especially my neck)?
What’s the difference between a manual adjustment and a instrument or computerized adjustment?
What problems can be solved or minimized by chiropractic treatment?
What is ultrasound therapy?
What is electric muscle stimulation (EMS)?
What is traction?
What is spinal decompression?
What is computerized range of motion testing?
How does my range of motion effect how I feel?
What is computerized muscle testing?
What is a foot scan and why would I need it?
What are orthotics?
What is vibration therapy?
What is the Pettibon System? 
What are hydrotherapy tables?
Can chiropractic help me with things other than pain?
What are my chiropractor’s responsibilities to me?
What are my responsibilities as a patient?

Nutritional Counseling FAQ’s

What does a nutritional consultation consist of?
What does nutritional counseling cost?
Do I need to bring in all the supplements I’m currently taking?
How does nutritional counseling help with weight loss?
What is Biomeridian testing?
What is Vitamin D testing and why should I be tested?
What is cardio metabolic risk testing and why should I be tested?
What are whole food supplements & why is it important I only consume whole food supplements?
Where can I buy whole food supplements?
What is a purification system & how does purification work?
What is ionized water?
Why should I drink ionized water?


Do you take x-rays or other diagnostic tests prior to treatment?
YES.  PC believes detailed diagnosis using the most sophisticated and up to date technology brings the best therapeutic results and best possible analysis of the length, depth and elements of appropriate treatment.

If I have to have multiple x-rays, isn’t the radiation harmful to me?
PC uses the most recent x-ray technology available to minimize your exposure to radiation and ONLY takes x-rays that are necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment.  We are trained to ensure your safety.

Do I have to take off my clothes during a chiropractic examination?
YES. It is sometimes required that you change out of your shirt/bra and into a gown so that we can obtain an accurate x-ray or various other analyses.  Your privacy and comfort are of the utmost importance to us.

Do I have to take off my clothes during a chiropractic adjustment?
NO.

Are there contraindications for chiropractic?
There are rarely any contraindications for chiropractic. Doctors will determine during your free initial consultation whether chiropractic is appropriate for you.

Is there anyone who should not see a chiropractor because of their existing medical condition(s)?
Chiropractic is very safe and rarely conflicts with any pre-existing medical conditions. Doctors will determine during your free initial consultation whether chiropractic is appropriate for you.

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What is a subluxation?

A subluxation is a misalignment of a joint, specifically a vertebral joint, which leads to interference in the nerve signaling at that joint.  Subluxations are also known as “silent killers” as they can occur without any outside signal of occurrence, such as pain or discomfort, and over the long term they cause breakdown in the function of body organs and systems.

What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is a physical manipulation of a joint in order to increase movement/mobility while also relieving any subluxation or misalignment of the joint. 

Why do I need more adjustments after the pain stops?
“Pain” is typically the last “symptom” to present and the first symptom to retreat during the disease process in the body, which means that just because a nerve stops signaling pain it does not mean that the body is completely healed.  Repeat adjustments and maintenance adjustments long-term stimulate maximum healing and help insure that a recurrence is not as likely.

Why is it so loud when I get adjusted (especially my neck)?
The short answer is it's loud because of escaping gases, movement and rough surfaces. For a more thorough explanation, click here.

What’s the difference between a manual adjustment and a instrument or computerized adjustment?
There are literally hundreds of different techniques to adjust patients. We adjust our patients using a variety of techniques and tools based on the attributes and circumstances of each individual. Click here to read more about some of the techniques used.

What problems can be solved or minimized by chiropractic treatment?
This is not a complete list because chiropractic care addresses underlying problems with the nervous system, so many patients experience other benefits as well, but some of the conditions helped by chiropractic care are as follows: sciatica, low back pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, neck pain, leg, knee, foot, and arm pain/numbness/tingling, plantar faciitis, migraines, sprains/strains, shoulder pain, hip pain, muscle spasm, “pinched nerves”, fatigue or loss of energy, whiplash injuries, carpal tunnel, disc degeneration, disc bulging/herniation, stiff joints, sore muscles, and sports injuries.

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What is ultrasound therapy?
Ultrasound therapy uses high-energy sound waves (those above the range we hear) to help ease painful joints and muscles.

What is electric muscle stimulation (EMS)?
Also known as neuromuscular electrical stimulation or electromyostimulation, EMS is the elicitation of muscle contraction using electric impulses. The impulses are generated by a device and delivered through electrodes on the skin in direct proximity to the muscles to be stimulated. The impulses mimic the action potential coming from the central nervous system, causing the muscles to contract. The electrodes are generally pads that adhere to the skin. EMS is both a form of electrotherapy and of muscle training.

What is traction?
Therapeutic spinal traction uses manually or mechanically created forces to stretch and mobilize the spine. Traction may alleviate back pain by stretching tight spinal muscles that result from spasm and widen intervertebral foramen to relieve nerve root impingement.

What is spinal decompression?
Spinal decompression is a term that describes the relief of pressure on one or many pinched nerves (neural impingement) of the spinal column.

What is computerized range of motion testing?
Generally speaking, range of motion refers to the distance and direction a joint can move to its full potential. Each specific joint has a normal range of motion that is expressed in degrees after being measured with a computerized goniometer (i.e., an instrument that measures angles from axis of the joint). This system helps determine your body's precise range of motion before experiencing chiropractic care and rehabilitation in order to show definitive progress in the range of motion in your spine and other areas of your body.

How does my range of motion effect how I feel?
Generally speaking, range of motion refers to the distance and direction a joint can move to its full potential. Limited range of motion refers to a joint that has a reduction in its ability to move. The reduced motion may be a mechanical problem with the specific joint or it may be caused by diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other types of arthritis. Pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with arthritis can limit the range of motion of a particular joint and impair function and the ability to perform usual daily activities. Our goal is to increase your range of motion, minimize any pain or discomfort you feel and make sure you are able to perform your usual daily activities optimally.

What is computerized muscle testing?
Computerized muscles testing brings science to what was once an art and allows us to objectively document treatment efficacy and patient progress throughout chiropractic care.

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What is a foot scan and why would I need it?
A foot scan uses technology to find out how you are walking and using your feet, which in turn can help us effect positive change in your posture, gait, and ability to perform in your body.  Your feet support you when you stand, walk or run and they help protect your spine, bones and soft tissues from damaging stress as you move.  Your feet perform better when all their muscles, arches, and bones are in their ideal (stable) positions. Click here to learn more about your feet.

What are orthotics?
Orthotics are custom inserts for your shoes that help to stabilize and balance your feet.  When you have a stable and firm foot foundation, your body improves in overall performance, efficiency, total wellness and functioning without any pain.  Orthotics complement chiropractic treatment when you stand, walk or live your active life. 

What is vibration therapy?
Vibration therapy is part of the Pettibon rehabilitation system for spinal rehab. It is used to strengthen the spine and to help with mobility. Vibration therapy is particularly useful for patients with severe arthritis conditions.

What is the Pettibon System?
The Pettibon System is a comprehensive rehabilitation program for the spine's hard and soft tissues. It uses x-rays for diagnosis, assessing progress, and proof of treatment effectiveness. It tests each patient's ability to respond to care, and trains patients in home care for faster correction. This system is based on years of scientific research and has proven it can transform the human spine so that it can maintain its optimal structure for normal function. Learn more.

What are hydrotherapy tables?
These tables provide soothing heated hydromassage. Hydromassage provides a non-mechanical type of massage that is far more thorough than hand massage. It penetrates deeper into muscle tissues than one could imagine water would do. As tension is released you feel better physically, emotionally and mentally. When your body relaxes, your mind relaxes as well.

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Can chiropractic help me with things other than pain?
YES.  Chiropractic care not only alleviates nervous system interference that causes the feedback we know as “pain,” but it also helps revitalize the entire nervous system , increase nerve conduction and blood f low, and stimulate the body’s innate healing system.  Most patients who may have begun chiropractic because of a specific injury, pain or ailment find that they continue treatment because chiropractic treatment improves overall health. 

What are my chiropractor’s responsibilities to me?
As Chiropractic Physicians, it is our responsibility to locate and treat your problem areas.  We will make adjustments, addressing only misaligned vertebrae.  (Areas of pain or discomfort do not necessarily indicate misalignment.)  It is also our responsibility to help insure that we are communicating with you, especially in the beginning of the evaluation and treatment process.  Using testing and technology, we will know how you are healing.  However, only YOU know how you are feeling.  Please share openly with us.

What are my responsibilities as a patient?
We may assign restrictions, exercises, supplements or other procedures for you to do outside of our office.  It is your responsibility as a patient to follow through with the assignments given.  Your most important responsibility is to keep all appointments and to communicate with us how you are feeling.  Remember that we are a team to help you achieve your best health, so your participation is key.

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What does a nutritional consultation consist of?
We provide an initial assessment of your current supplements and needs (using a thorough "symptom survey" questionnaire). You will also meet one on one with Dr. Angela.

What does nutritional counseling cost?
$100 for your initial assessment (Receive a $25 discount on your initial nutritional consultation!)
$50 for follow-up biomeridian testing and consultation
$25 for follow-up consultation(s) only

Do I need to bring in all the supplements I’m currently taking?
YES. Please bring the supplements you are currently taking to assist in nutritional evaluation.

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How does nutritional counseling help with weight loss?
By addressing the underlying cause or causes of weight gain, nutritional counseling helps individuals better balance their nutrition and therefore their bodies overall. Oftentimes, the underlying cause for weight gain/inability to lose weight is not caused by such common ideas as "over eating," and instead has a basis in nutritional deficiencies.

What is Biomeridian testing?
Based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, biomeridian testing sends a tiny current through various meridian points on the body in order to give insight into what is happening with your body's organs and overall health. Biomeridian testing is safe, non-invasive and completely painless.

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What is Vitamin D testing and why should I be tested?
Vitamin D is a vitamin our bodies need for protection from a wide range of diseases including cardiovascular disease, stroke, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, cancer, autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes (types 1 and 2), and schizophrenia. 
You should be tested because Vitamin D deficiency is very common, and particularly so in climates with little sunshine or in people who spend little time outdoors.  Testing is easy, virtually painless, and will let you know how to take control of your health with proper nutrition and whole food supplementation.

What is cardio metabolic risk testing and why should I be tested?
Cardio-metabolic risk testing gives a profile of risk markers found in dried blood spots:  insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL/HDL/VLDL cholesterol breakdown, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).  This profile was developed to help doctors identify which patients present metabolic syndrome, which is closely associated with increased risks for type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases including heart attack and stroke.  The same testing is highly effective in monitoring the success of various treatment interventions used to treat or maintain these health issues.
You should be tested so that you know where you stand in the field of risk factors for major diseases so that you can be proactive in controlling your health with better lifestyle, diet, exercise, and supplementation choices.  Remember that knowledge is power and being in control of your own health will make you feel better.

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What are whole food supplements & why is it important I only consume whole food supplements?
Most supplements available "over the counter" at such places as drug stores and supermarkets are either synthetic compounds or isolated compounds. Whole Food supplements, as the name implies, are produced directly from food sources. It is important to consume whole food supplements instead of isolates or synthetics because they contain micronutrients needed for the body's long-term health. With long-term use, synthetics and isolates actually have a detrimental effect on the body's cells and tissue.

Where can I buy whole food supplements?
PC carries the most affordable and highest quality whole food supplements available today.

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What is a purification system & how does purification work?
A purification system is a way to rid the body of toxins. A lot of systems available can help the body release toxins from cells ("phase 1" of purification). Phase 2 of purification is more difficult and it involves capturing the toxins released and then helping the body actually eliminate the toxins from the system. The system offered by PC includes both phase 1 and phase 2 of the purification process.

What is ionized water?
Ionized water has undergone a molecularly transformation so that it is (a) filtered to 99.99% purity (b) micro-clustered (i.e., contains only five to six water molecules of H-O-H per cluster instead of the ten to thirteen molecules per cluster of plain water) and (c) contains hydroxyl ions which seek out and neutralize free radicals in the body when ingested. 

Why should I drink ionized water?
There are many universal benefits of drinking of ionized water.  First of all, since the water is almost 100% pure, you have no worries about introducing outside toxins or invaders to the body.  Secondly, the availability of hydroxyl ions means that ionized water is a potent antioxidant, like such “super foods” like blueberries, acai berry, dark leafy greens and other amazing foods.  As these ions neutralize free radicals they also prevent aging and damage to our cells that bring about disease and premature aging.  Ionized water also makes sure your body has plenty of life-giving oxygen, which nourishes cells.  And last, ionized water is a super hydrator.   The mirco-clusters are six times more hydrating than conventional water molecules, which is great news for anybody because dehydration is a leading cause of a variety of common complaints and diseases. 

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Dr. Angela Sink Dr. Michael Lamascolo