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As residents of Illinois, we are all experiencing a time of significant anxiety and stress. At Grandview Health Partners, we are impacted too, and we truly want to help. Learn more about the steps we are taking.
Chiropractors in Chicago IL
Have you been injured at work, in a car accident or have a nagging injury that continues to give you pain? Are you searching the internet for the a well known Chiropractor near me, or in need of a Doctor who thinks first about what is most effective for you, the patient? Well, look no further, Grandview Health Partners is a leading chiropractor clinic in Chicago with several locations in the greater Chicago area ready to serve you.
At Grandview Health Partners we pride ourselves on being a full service patient-first facility. This means that if your Doctor feels you need a particular type of treatment, or a diagnostic study, we have the network of medical doctors, specialists, chiropractors, physical therapists and diagnostic facilities to get the job done quickly without unnecessary delay.
On an almost daily basis we have patients come to us telling stories of a previous Doctor doing a brief exam, giving them some pills and sending them on their way back to the same job that created their injury in the first place. In most cases, this is not how to effectively help someone recover from a random or sports injury, get them feeling better, back to work and on with their life. If you have questions about a work injury, sports injury or other personal injury call Grandview Health Partners today for answers.
Whether you need Medical treatment, such as surgery or pain management, chiropractic care or physical therapy, Grandview Health Partners is a good choice to ensure a fast and complete recovery.
Chiropractic Office in Chicago
With multiple offices in Chicago and Aurora our medical providers are always ready to accommodate same day appointments with no obligation whatsoever. There is absolutely nothing more important to us than getting you better and back to work. At Grandview Health Partners, we all chose careers in healthcare so nothing makes more sense to us than caring about your health!
If you have questions or would like to meet with one of our doctors, please contact our chiropractors in Chicago to get the appropriate treatment for you. Call or contact us today to schedule an appointment. Each of our providers have years of experience treating people with back pain, sciatica, neck pain, whiplash, shoulder and arm pain, hand pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, hip and knee pain, foot pain and plantar fasciitis, numbness, tingling and referred or radicular shooting pains.
Grandview Health Partners is a full service patient-first facility
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Client Testimonials
Charles K.
Very pleased with my treatment and care. Having undergone two lumbar surgeries over seven years Dr. Karwowski helped develope a plan that allowed me to return to work in a timely manner. I’m feeling better, I’m more active than I have been in months and most of all I am back to work.
Stacy P.
As an former athlete I still continue to exercise and work out at a very high level. Over the course of the past year I injured my back and shoulder very badly. Dr. Karwowski helped rehab me back to my normal fitness level and allowed me to continue to pursue my goals, but most of all he help me to avoid surgery to my back and shoulder. I had visited with other medical and rehabilitation offices and was not offered the same type of treatments that Dr. Karwowski provided. He was very knowledgeable and his staff was wonderful to work with.
Claudia A.
Very happy with my treatment. The Doctors, Chiropractors and staff were great in helping me recover from my injuries.
Breanna W.
My Physical Therapy session was great, everyone was nice to me and made sure everything was good to me. After my Therapy sessions I felt great, no more pain at all. The Therapy definitely helped. Thank you.
Maria B.
Therapy helped me a lot. When I first came in I couldn’t even walk, now I feel great and much better!
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Is acupuncture treatment safe?
Yes, as long as a licensed Acupuncturist performs it. Licensed Acupuncturists are highly trained and know the human anatomy very well. Since we are interested in a patient’s health holistically, we take our time and don’t rush treatments. The safety and comfort of the patient is always taken into consideration during treatments. The needles we use are pre-sterilized and disposed after a single use.
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What does it feel like?
Acupuncture needles are hair thin. They are individually wrapped, pre-sterilized, single use needles. Patients typically report a sensation of pressure at the acupuncture site when receiving a treatment. Some spots may feel like a hair is being plucked. Even patients who claim to be afraid of needles are surprised at the fact they really can’t feel the needles. Many patients have also been known to fall asleep when the needles are in and later report they get their best night of sleep on the days of treatment.
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Who can benefit from treatment?
Patients of acupuncture range from infants to senior citizens. They may be seeking an alternative to Western medicine or it may be their last hope for relief, having exhausted other methods of treatment for a chronic condition. Or, an acupuncturist may be their first choice of health care practitioner for a low-risk form of treatment with few side effects.
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What do I need to do after a treatment?
Please drink water to flush out any impurities (Acupuncture will get your blood moving). Continue taking your medications, as prescribed by your medical doctor. Notice how you feel for the next hours or days. I will be asking you questions about changes on your next visit to see your progress. Pay particular attention to any changes in your pain level, quality of sleep, energy level and appetite.
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If I am healthy, will I benefit from acupuncture?
Yes. Everyone can benefit from acupuncture when it is done correctly. Even though you feel healthy now, your body is in a constant state of defense and repair. Acupuncture will help boost your immune system and keep your body’s energy more balanced. Acupuncture is a great preventative medicine. By finding the small imbalances now, we can avoid big health problems later. By allowing your body to function at its highest level, you are able to fight off the daily pressures of work, stress, illness and weather changes.
This improved efficiency will lead to a healthier, happier, less stressful and possibly even longer life.
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Where on the body do you insert needles?
There are over 1000 specific points on the body that can be used. However, most of the points I use are on the extremities (hands, feet, arms, legs), the abdomen (between the ribs and just below the navel), and the upper and lower back.
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How big are the needles?
The acupuncture needles come in different diameters and lengths. The diameters range from .12mm to .30mm. The length range from .5 of an inch to 3 inches. The average size or most commonly used needles are .20mm in diameter and 1 inch in length. Basically, they’re about the size of the fine whiskers of a cat. Thin and flexible.
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Are the needles reused?
NEVER. The needles are only used one time and then placed in a bio-hazard container. So, to clarify, they are NEVER reused.
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How deep do the needles go?
The depths of the needles vary depending upon where the acupuncture point is located. Needles used on hands, feet, chest, and upper back are all inserted superficially, meaning less than .25 of an inch. The abdomen, gluteal region, and the legs are needled slightly deeper depending upon the size of the patient, meaning between .25 to 1.0 inch.
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Do you suffer from pain and are looking for an alternate treatment option? At our chiropractic clinic for dry needling and acupuncture in Chicago, we offer several treatment options including a natural solution to relieve and manage pain using acupuncture.
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Will acupuncture treatment hurt me in any way?
Acupuncture treatment should be painless for the most part. Some people experience a slight sharp sensation depending on how sensitive they are and where the needles are inserted. Once the needle is in place, it’s normal to initially feel a tingling sensation, numbness, mild pressure or warmth. If these different sensations became uncomfortable or too strong, be sure to alert your doctor so that the needles can be adjusted to make you feel comfortable.
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How do I find a good acupuncturist and which license(s) should they have in order to make them qualified for this treatment?
Look for an acupuncturist who is a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.) or an acupuncturist who is a doctor of Oriental medicine (O.M.D. or D.O.M.). Sometimes, word-of-mouth referrals is often the best way to find a good licensed acupuncturist. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) has standards that have are recognized and adopted by most states. You can do an internet search on the group’s database (NCCAOM.org) state by state search for a licensed acupuncturist. There are about 40 states which have training standards for acupuncture certification. Some states have additional requirements for obtaining a license to practice acupuncture treatment.
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How does acupuncture treatment work?
There is a known term in this field that acupuncturists call qi (pronounced “chee”), which determines our health. This qi circulates along certain energy pathways called meridians of which many are linked to specific organs in our body. A disease results when the qi becomes blocked in the body and it can’t circulate freely. In order to re balance the energy flow and restore health once again, licensed acupuncturists insert needles into key points on the body to unblock the qi.
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Is it alright for me to eat before or after an acupuncture treatment session?
You can eat a small portions of food before a session because low blood sugar could increase sensitivity to the treatment and cause you to feel faint. Do not under any circumstances eat heavy meal or eat too much before an acupuncture treatment, it is not recommended.
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Can I exercise before or after an acupuncture treatment session?
In regards to exercise, the reverse holds true. Before you arrive to your session, you can do your usual exercise routine. However though, most acupuncturists advise that after a treatment, you should only exercise mildly after several hours of the completed treatment. Exceeding your food intake or vigorous exertion while exercising can disrupt the corrective flow of energy that follows an acupuncture session.
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How many acupuncture treatment sessions do I need in order to start feeling the benefits?
There is no pre-determined amount of sessions to expect results. Results depend on the severity of the condition that is affecting you while you are receiving treatment. For some people, the effect of acupuncture can be noticed right away. They may feel the benefits after just one session. On the contrary, for other patients the response may be more gradual and may be noticed after several sessions. In general, you should notice changes in your condition within four to six treatments.
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Do I have to believe in acupuncture treatment in order for it to be effective?
You do not have to believe in acupuncture treatment but a positive attitude and state of mind will definitely help any healing process. It is not necessary though that you believe in acupuncture for the treatment to be successful and for you to feel the benefits.
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Can children receive acupuncture treatment as well?
Children can receive acupuncture treatment and they typically do well with acupuncture because their energy is very responsive. Since they may be very responsive to the treatment, the duration of the treatment may be shorter and fewer needles may be required. The younger the child the more training the practitioner needs to apply the treatment.
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Are there any side effects associated with acupuncture treatment?
During the first couple of treatments it is common to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These symptoms go away within a short period of time. All you need is nothing more than a bit of rest to overcome them. Sometimes the original symptoms being treated may worsen for a couple of days, or may cause changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or even changes in emotional state may be triggered. These should not be a cause for concern though, as they are simply indications that healing is occurring.
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Do you suffer from constant physical pain and are looking for an alternative and effective way to treat your problem? Our office is the best chiropractic clinic for chiropractic care in Chicago. We offer many effective treatment options which include a natural solution to relieve and manage the stubborn physical pain you may be experiencing.
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What type of medical conditions do chiropractors treat?
Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) care for patients of all ages, with a variety of health conditions. DCs are especially well known for their expertise in caring for patients with back pain, neck pain and headaches…particularly with their highly skilled manipulations or chiropractic adjustments. They also care for patients with a wide range of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, involving the muscles, ligaments and joints. These painful conditions often involve or impact the nervous system, which can cause referred pain and dysfunction distant to the region of injury. DCs also counsel patients on diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy habits, and occupational and lifestyle modification.
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How do I select a doctor of chiropractic?
One of the best ways to locate a doctor of chiropractic (DC) near you by consulting your health care provider or doing an internet search for a DC that is in your health care network. You can also select a DC is by getting a referral from a friend, family member, colleague, or another health care provider.
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Is chiropractic treatment safe for me?
Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness, stiffness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current research shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.
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Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD?
A referral is usually not needed to see a doctor of chiropractic (DC); however, your health plan may have specific referral requirements. You may want to contact your employer’s human resources department—or the insurance plan directly—to find out if there are any referral requirements. Most plans allow you to just call and schedule an appointment with a DC.
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Is chiropractic treatment appropriate for children?
Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.
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Are chiropractors allowed to practice in hospitals or use medical outpatient facilities?
Chiropractors are being recognized to admit and treat patients in hospitals and to use outpatient clinical facilities (such as labs, x-rays, etc.) for their non-hospitalized patients. Hospital privileges were first granted in 1983.
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Do insurance plans cover chiropractic?
Yes. Chiropractic care is included in most health insurance plans, including major medical plans, workers’ compensation, Medicare, some Medicaid plans, and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans for federal employees, among others. Chiropractic care is also available to active-duty members of the armed forces at more than 60 military bases and is available to veterans at more than 60 major veterans medical facilities.
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What type of education and training do chiropractors have?
Doctors of chiropracticare educated as primary-contact health care providers, with an emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system (the muscles, ligaments and joints of the spine and extremities) and the nerves that supply them. Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions. The typical applicant for chiropractic college has already acquired nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work. Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are the standard. Doctors of chiropractic are educated in orthopedics, neurology, physiology, human anatomy, clinical diagnosis including laboratory procedures, diagnostic imaging, exercise, nutrition rehabilitation and more. Because chiropractic care includes highly skilled manipulation/adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical technique training to master these important manipulative procedures. In total, the chiropractic college curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience. The course of study is approved by the Council on Chiropractic Education, an accrediting agency that is fully recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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Is chiropractic treatment ongoing?
The hands-on nature of the chiropractic treatment is essentially what requires patients to visit the chiropractor a number of times. To be treated by a chiropractor, a patient needs to be in his or her office. In contrast, a course of treatment from medical doctors often involves a pre-established plan that is conducted at home (i.e. taking a course of antibiotics once a day for a couple of weeks). A chiropractor may provide acute, chronic, and/or preventive care thus making a certain number of visits sometimes necessary. Your doctor of chiropractic should tell you the extent of treatment recommended and how long you can expect it to last.
Chiropractors at Grandview Health Partners in Chicago IL
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Perform spinal manipulation or chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal function and alleviate stress on your system.
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Provide nutritional advice, recommending a change in diet or the addition of vitamins.
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Offer advice on posture, ergonomics, exercises and relaxation techniques.
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Chiropractors can release muscle tension, one effect of chronic stress that leads to nerve irritation and creates uneven pressures on the body’s bony structures, which can cause the spinal column to become misaligned. This, in turn, helps the body return to a more balanced, relaxed state.
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Chiropractic adjustments can reduce spinal nerve irritation and improve blood circulation, which can help signal the brain to turn off the “fight or flight” response and begin the healing process.
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A doctor of chiropractic can suggest nutritional supplements, like B complex vitamins, to help the body cope with stress.
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A chiropractor can also recommend relaxation techniques and discuss posture and environmental changes to help you recover from chronic stress.
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Chiropractic care can treat pressure points, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches and pain from musculoskeletal injuries.
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Chiropractors can also reduce a patient’s overall pain through spinal adjustments that increase the mobility between spinal vertebrae, which have become restricted, locked or slightly out of proper position, thereby increasing cervical and lumbar range of motion.
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A chiropractor uses spinal adjustments and manipulations to other parts of the body to realign the bones and joints so as to reduce pain, restore range of motion and improve flexibility, balance and coordination.
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Your chiropractor can also recommend specific exercises that can be done at home to increase your strength and flexibility so that you’re able to maintain and build upon the gains from your chiropractic adjustments.
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Regular chiropractic care can reduce or eliminate the source of your back and joint pain, allowing you to resume your normal activities and to remain more flexible into your golden years.
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What is Pain Management?
Pain Management is the medical subspecialty dedicated to the treatment of patients with serious chronic and acute pain problems. Treatments may range from prescribing medications and physical therapy to manual medicine (manipulation) to nerve blocks and other injections for specific types of pain problems.
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What is a Pain Management Specialist?
A Pain Management Specialist is a physician who devotes himself/herself primarily to the treatment of patients with acute and chronic pain. Most often, the Pain Management Specialist is an Anesthesiologist or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist by training. However, many other types of Physicians are actively involved in the treatment of pain.
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Do I need to see a pain specialist?
Usually your Family Physician or other treating Physician will help you to determine this. When your pain problem does not respond to conservative treatments such as medications, manipulation, and physical therapy, you may want to ask your Doctor about the services of a Pain Specialist. If your pain problem is significantly affecting your daily life, a Pain Specialist may be able to help you.
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Does my insurance cover the cost of a Pain Management Specialist?
Generally, yes. Please check with our office regarding your insurance coverage. We participate in most major health plans and accept Worker’s Compensation and Motor Vehicle Liens. For the most part, these services can be covered.
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What can I expect when I see a Pain Management Specialist?
First of all, the Pain Specialist will get to know you, both personally and medically. He or She will discuss your pain problem, in detail, as well as your medical history. The Pain Specialist will also discuss your pain problem as it affects the rest of your life. A physical examination will also be a part of your first visit to a Pain Specialist. Any X-rays, MRI’s or other available studies can be evaluated at the same visit. In this way a diagnosis and a plan of action can be determined. In other words, a strategy for managing your pain problem will be developed.
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What are nerve blocks?
Nerve blocks are injections in specific areas of the body directed at specific types of pain problems. Examples are epidural injections for disc problems in the back or neck, facet injections for arthritic pain in the spine, and trigger point injections for severe muscle pain. Medication injected via nerve blocks often includes a local anesthetic such as xylocaine and medications similar to cortisone.
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What can I expect from a nerve block procedure?
Most patients are a little apprehensive if they have never had a nerve block. Your Pain Management Specialist will clearly explain the procedure to you before beginning and will answer all of your questions. In skilled hands, nerve blocks are extremely safe. However, your Doctor will discuss potential risks and benefits ahead of time. In this way, you will understand what to expect from the procedure. Most patients find nerve blocks to be surprisingly easy and comfortable.
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What are the long term goals of a Pain Management Specialist?
Simply put, the long-term goals of the Pain Management Specialist are reduction of pain and improvement of function. This may not be as simple as it sounds. Many factors are involved in making the long-term changes necessary to overcome chronic pain.
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What about prevention of chronic problems in the future?
Your Pain Management Specialist will work with you to develop a plan to prevent or reduce chronic pain problems in the future. The plan may include: improving physical conditioning, reducing tobacco, alcohol and caffeine use, and attention to emotional issues, which may impact on your pain problem. Together, you and your Pain Management Specialist can agree on a strategy that suits your needs and will serve you well in the future.
Chicago Chiropractors | Physical Therapy Chicago | Back Pain Doctors
Neck Pain Specialists | Pain Management
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Are you qualified to provide treatment as a physiatrist?
You may want to ask if they are qualified as a physiatrist before you even set up an appointment. It’s important to keep in mind the difference between a personal trainer and a physiatrist. This difference is crucial for your physical medicine diagnosis and orthopedic rehab.
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What types of injuries do you have experience with while treating other patients in the past?
Not all areas of physical medicine are the same. That’s why some of the best centers for total health will offer various treatments. Your physiatrist may offer everything from medical massage and acupuncture to physical therapy.
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Are there any exercises I can do at home to improve my health?
Your physiatrist may be able to teach you simple, but effective, exercises that you can do at home to help promote healing and reduce pain. Stretching is one thing that is crucial for the health of your muscles, and your physiatrist may know specific stretches that can target your problem areas.
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Are my activities attributing to my overall health and well being?
You may prefer certain sports and activities, but your physiatrist may be able to recommend activities that are conducive to your overall health. Depending on your physical medicine needs, for example, a physiatrist may encourage a low-impact exercise for you, which will also be a new challenge.
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Who will be providing my care at this clinic?
Physical therapy clinics may employ a number of different types of healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, or certified hand therapists. The type of therapist you see will typically depend on your diagnosis.
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What qualifications and experience do your providers have?
Physical and occupational therapists have advanced degrees and typically pursue continuing education courses throughout their career. In addition, many therapists obtain additional certifications to expand their knowledge and offer more treatments to their patients.
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Will I see the same physical or occupational therapist each time I visit this clinic?
To build rapport and trust with your provider and ensure consistency of care, it is important for the same provider to treat you or supervise your care at each session. There may be times you are treated by a physical or occupational therapist assistant (PTA/OTA), but they are always overseen by the primary PT or OT and will follow the established treatment plan.
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How many therapy sessions will I need and what is the duration of each session?
This will depend on your diagnosis and compliance with your treatment plan. Your therapist will discuss a treatment plan with you in detail at the initial consultation.
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What will a typical therapy session entail?
Your first PT visit includes a comprehensive evaluation. You will describe your medical history, your current problems and level of pain, what aggravates and eases your problem, how your pain or lack of mobility impacts or limits your daily activities, and what your goals are for physical therapy.
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Should I expect physical therapy to be painful?
People are referred to physical therapy for pain relief or to improve mobility. Your therapist will devise a treatment plan to address your specific complaints and goals for therapy. In some cases PT may be painful, especially after surgery. If you do experience pain during your therapy sessions, it is important to communicate this to your therapist, noting the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain. Your therapist will then adjust your treatment plan to work around or through the pain.
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Does this clinic accept different types of insurance?
This will typically dictate which physical therapy facility you can visit. Be sure the facility clarifies your insurance coverage prior to scheduling your initial appointment.
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What are your hours of operation?
Convenience is key to ensuring you attend all your therapy sessions. Make sure your PT provider offers hours that are compatible with your schedule. Many offer early morning or evening hours to accommodate working patients.
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What exactly is a Sports Massage?
Sports Massage is a style of bodywork that addresses the particular needs of athletes. Sports Massage is a special form of massage and is typically used before, during, and after athletic events, as well as off-season, pre-season and post-season massage. The purpose of the sports massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Sports Massage utilizes a mixture of techniques ranging from Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofacial Release, and Facilitated Stretching. The final ingredient is a therapist that understands the demands that your sport has on your body, and how do address those demands with Sports Massage.
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What are the benefits of getting a Sports Massage?
Some of the most exciting benefits of Sports Massage are: enhanced athletic performance, faster workout recovery, fewer injuries and faster recovery from injury, restored flexibility and range of motion, removal of lactic acid buildup, extending the overall life of your athletic career, reducing feelings of stress, and maintaining the body in better condition.
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Will Sports Massage help me recover from my injury?
Yes. Sports massage is proven to reduce recovery time, sometimes dramatically, by shortening the time it takes for injuries to heal, and makes the after effects “better”. Sports Massage reduces the swelling and edema associated with soft tissue injuries. After a serious injury, Sports Massage helps form strong pliable scar tissue instead of the usual random stiff scar tissue, so that range of motion and tissue extensibility are maintained.
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Will Sports Massage really make me stronger or faster, or increase my performance?
Yes, in an indirect way. Sport Massage tweaks your body to a state of higher efficiency so that you can get an extra 20% more – more speed, more strength, more performance. Sports Massage breaks down muscle adhesions, relieves knots, increases range of motion, decreases pain, increases circulation, stretches tight muscles, reduces stiffness and generally reduces the negative after effects of hard training. This means you can train harder than you ever have before. You can excel to higher levels than you thought possible.
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How often should I schedule an appointment to get a Sports Massage?
That depends on several factors such as training volume and intensity, whether or not you have chronic pain or acute injury, and other factors. For some athletes, a weekly massage gives huge results. Other athletes only get an occasional Sports Massage if they’re in pain. The best way to reduce the effects of hard training is with regular Sports Massage. We suggest you try a series Sports Massages to see how you feel when the positive effects accumulate. Then you’ll be able to decide how often you need a Sports Massage. However, it is a fact that even getting massaged once a month regularly has long lasting positive impact.
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Will one single Sports Massage session “fix” my problems?
Sometimes yes. If you have a tight painful neck and shoulder complex you can expect to come away from a Sports Massage experiencing a lot of relief, at least for a while. But it probably took you months or years to get that way. It’s not reasonable to expect permanent relief from an hour session of Sports Massage. The effects of Sports Massage are very much like the effects of athletic training. Your first bike ride won’t turn you into a Tour de France Champion, but a consistent training program will turn you into a competitive cyclist. So it is with Sports Massage. Consistent Sports Massage can offer very positive results to chronic issues and painful conditions.
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What is lactic acid buildup and how does s Sports Massage session help with that?
Lactic acid is a constituent part of the cellular metabolic cycle. During strenuous anaerobic exercise the levels of lactic acid can rise to high levels, causing fatigue and a burning feeling in the muscle tissues. The high levels of lactate can linger longer than most of us would wish for. One way to diminish that burning feeling in our muscles is with a recovery style Sports Massage. The long strokes of a recovery Sports Massage aids circulation. The stagnant blood and fluids are “pumped” toward the heart and liver. Freshly oxygenated blood rushes into the muscle tissue, giving a refreshed relaxed feeling to sore muscles. After a post-workout Sports Massage, recovery from a grueling workout or training session is much more brief.
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Should I expect any pain from a Sports Massage session?
No, not usually. If your therapist is mindful and experienced they will work up to your individual capacity for pressure. For example if you’ve just ran a marathon they know you can’t take a lot of pressure on your legs. If they see you wincing or resisting their strokes, they know to back off. But sometimes individuals develop knots, contractures, or trigger points that require stronger bodywork and may cause discomfort. If this is the case, the therapist and client communicate about pain levels, working together to make the session as productive as possible, as pain free as can be. But all of this aside, a typical Sports Massage is a pleasurable experience, not a painful one.
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Are there times that I should not consider getting a Sports Massage?
Yes. Contraindications are conditions when you should not be massaged. The most common condition among athletes is that of an acute injury or inflammation. Usually the first 72 hours after an injury is the acute stage. After the swelling and pain begin to diminish, massage is recommended. A partial list of contraindications are: fever, vascular conditions, severe heart disease, contagious skin conditions, inflammation, abrasions, cuts, hematomas, cancer, neuritis, recent surgery, infectious diseases, diabetes with vascular dysfunction, fractures, and acute injury. There are too many possible conditions to list here so it is your responsibility to alert the therapist of any medical condition or injury before a massage begins. Some conditions are localized so massage may take place except in the affected area. Always consult with your doctor prior to starting any new program after an injury or surgery.
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Can foot massages help athletes?
Many athletes, especially runners, do find that massage is quite beneficial to them. Massage works by helping to relax sore muscles and stimulate blood flow, which can reduce soreness after a hard workout.
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Can working out too much cause muscle pain?
Delayed onset muscle pain is very common, especially after increasing the amount or intensity of your exercise or starting a new type of exercise regimen. Although it can be concerning, as long as your muscle pain is not severe or acute pain, it is your body’s normal response. Your body is recovering and the pain is thought to be due to microscopic tears in your muscle fibers which are then repaired and result in hypertrophy which causes bigger muscles.
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Is my sport injury due to dehydration?
A pulled muscle (also known as a strain injury or a strained muscle) can be a painful injury where the a muscle is overstretched causing small tears in the muscle. Dehydration usually does not play a major role. Sometimes dehydration can cause abnormalities in the sodium and potassium (electrolyte) levels in our blood.
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Can working out cause a hernia?
Hernias occur due to a weakening in the abdominal wall that then causes a defect through which intraabdominal organs or fat can protrude. Generally, whenever there is a increased pressure in the intraabdominal compartment, there is an increased chance of developing a hernia because the wall is weakened. In addition, hernias may also have a congenital component, (present since birth), and have a tendency to increase with age.
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Can you still be injured without experiencing pain?
Almost always, when you damage a knee playing sports, there is pain afterwards. This pain comes from stretched or otherwise inflamed ligaments and connective tissue. It is generally reasonable to assume that, if you don’t have any pain, then you probably haven’t caused any significant damage to these tissues.
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How do I treat my pulled hamstring?
This is a very common occurrence where sudden strenuous activity can cause muscle strain very commonly in the hamstring. The level of injury can be graded depending on certain findings. Grade 1 injuries are characterized by soreness and intermittent pain. Grade 2 injuries are more severe with more severe pain. A Grade 3 injury is the most severe with stabbing pain and inability to walk without pain. The muscle maybe completely torn and a large lump maybe visible above the tear. There may even by significant bruising. It is important to make an appointment with your primary care doctor to undergo a thorough examination of the area to ensure that you have not torn your muscle as soon as possible.
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Do you have to stretch before you exercise?
Stretching routines performed during warm-up procedures may help you improve flexibility for a short time. However, there is little evidence to prove that stretching reduces delayed-onset muscle soreness, prevents injuries or improves performance so it is not really possible to answer the question with absolute certainty. With that said, I think it is fair to say that most people who stretch do feel better as a result of it.
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What does a sports medicine doctor do and is there such a specialty as a sports medicine physician?
Anyone can call themselves a “Sports Medicine” specialist, and this can be very misleading. In the United States, “sports medicine” is not a recognized residency training specialty. However, a doctor can achieve special qualifications in sports medicine after completing a residency program in another specialized area.
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Is there an additional examination in “sports medicine” for sports medicine physicians?
For orthopedic surgeons, there is not. For primary care doctors, there is, and it is called a “Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in sports medicine.” It is a rigorous examination that covers the medical and musculoskeletal aspects of sports medicine. The two organizations that certify physicians are the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists. Any claim of “board certification” or “certificate of added qualifications” must be accredited by one of these two organizations.
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Can my primary family doctor treat my sports injury or do I have to be referred to a sports medicine physician?
Not anymore. Since 1999, a fellowship is required to even be eligible for the examination.
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If I suffer an injury, who should I consult with first, a primary care sports medicine doctor or an orthopedic sports medicine doctor?
There are some cases that are so obviously surgical that you would be better off seeing an orthopedic surgeon first, if your insurance allows it. However, most sports injuries and common fractures can be comfortably managed by a primary care sports medicine physician. Even if your injury will require surgery, a primary care sports medicine doctor can often make this determination. As you may imagine, they also know the local orthopedic community very well in case you need a good recommendation for a surgical referral.
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Is there a difference between doctors who are D.O.s and doctors who are M.D.s ?
D.O.’s (Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine) and M.D.’s are considered to be equivalent degrees. D.O.’s, however, place additional emphasis on the musculoskeletal system, and also can perform hands-on manipulation (called osteopathic manipulation). This can be a very effective tool when treating various sports injuries. However, D.O.’s are not limited to manipulation, as they also prescribe drugs, do surgery, and practice a full scope of medicine. Only D.O.’s and M.D.’s are recognized by the American Medical Association as fully licensed physicians in the United States.
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What is the best way to locate and choose a sports medicine doctor?
To locate a primary care sports medicine doctor in your area, you have the option to contact the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine or you can simply get a referral from a friend or family member that has previously been treated by a sports medicine doctor.