Many patients find relief from receiving chiropractic care. Whether you have some back, neck, or shoulder pain that’s not going away, suffered a recent sports or work injury, have a specific medical condition that might benefit from seeing a chiropractor, etc., many benefits exist. However, you might have questions, especially if you haven’t seen a chiropractor before. This guide will explore some frequently asked questions patients have, including what chiropractic care can be used for and how to choose the right chiropractor.

Who Can Benefit From Chiropractic Care? 

Patients of all ages can benefit from chiropractic care or adjustments. While patients between the ages of 45 and 65 visit a chiropractor the most, these services are offered across the board, even to children. It’s crucial to receive a screening beforehand to ensure that you or your loved one is an ideal candidate for chiropractic adjustments.

Patients suffering from a specific medical condition, athletes, and an injury or trauma benefit from chiropractic care. While we think mostly of athletes, older patients, and workers in labor-intensive industries like manufacturing or construction needing chiropractic care, even office workers may need help sometimes. Back, neck, or shoulder injuries or pain don’t have to result from a heavy fall and can simply result from improper posture.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Chiropractic Care?

Many immediate and long-term benefits are associated with chiropractic care with some including the following:

• Reduces neck, back, and shoulder pain
• It can be used as an alternative to medication and sometimes even surgery
• Eases chronic migraines and headaches
• Possibly reduces osteoarthritis pain symptoms
• Reduces scoliosis symptoms
• Helps a patient improve their overall posture
• Athletes may improve their overall performance when they incorporate regular chiropractic care sessions.

What Are Some Ways to Enhance Your Chiropractic Care? 

For best results, patients can enhance their chiropractic care outside the office. Some examples include:

• Having a healthy diet filled with leafy greens and lean protein while minimizing sweets
• Abstaining from bad habits like smoking or binge drinking
• Making sure you’re receiving enough sleep every night
• Doing your take-home exercises
• Taking the chance to stretch throughout the day
• Practicing good posture
• Staying hydrated

How Many Sessions Do You Need Before Improvement?

There is no set amount of sessions a patient needs before they improve. Some patients find enough relief after a couple of sessions, while others — such as those with a specific medical condition — may need an indefinite number of sessions.

How Should You Choose the Right Chiropractor? 

There are some considerations to have in mind before choosing your chiropractor. Making sure your chiropractor has plenty of experience is ideal. However, you’ll also want to make sure your chiropractor has the right experience, i.e. they have experience working with patients with a similar injury or medical condition.

For actually finding a chiropractor, referrals are generally more beneficial than trying to read reviews online. When possible, obtain a referral from a trusted professional source like your primary care provider. Friends, family, and coworkers can be referrals, too, however. For a chiropractor in Bowie, MD, the Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic team can help when you call today!

Following a significant injury, it’s recommended to seek help from a physical therapist. Daily or weekly sessions can make a huge difference and even helps patients recover from injuries that leave them immobilized. However, there are some considerations to have in mind before choosing a physical therapist. Like how not every damage is equal, not every physical therapist will be the right choice for you and your needs. To make the process easier, we’ll review some of the basics of physical therapy and some considerations before choosing your physical therapist.

Who Can Benefit From Physical Therapy? 

Physical therapy can help various patients in all healing stages, from diagnosis to restorative to preventative measures. Some common conditions physical therapy can help treat include:

• Sports injuries, including tennis elbow and concussions
• Neurological conditions like strokes, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injuries, vestibular dysfunction, and spinal cord injuries
• Wounds, skin burns, and diabetic ulcers
• Muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Rotator cuff tears, back pain, and temporomandibular joint disorders

What Are Some of the Benefits of Physical Therapy? 

Physical therapy has plenty of benefits that can help heal current injuries and prevent future injuries. Some benefits include:

• Fall prevention
• Stroke or paralysis recovery
• Improving overall balance
• Sometimes allows patients to avoid surgery
• Improving overall movement and mobility
• Pain management
• Management of age-related issues
• Helps patients recover from trauma or injuries

How Can Physical Therapy Help Athletes? 

Physical therapy isn’t just for helping patients with an injury, medical condition, trauma, etc. Physical therapy can also help prevent patients from suffering future injuries and help them use their bodies in new ways. In the case of athletes, many sports players incorporate regular physical therapy sessions into their workout routines. A physical therapist can help athletes strengthen their muscles and use their bodies in new ways.

What Are Some Ways You Can Find a Physical Therapist? 

Today we live in a digital age where you can quickly load up Google and search “physical therapists near me.” However, while this approach is convenient, referrals should still be your first resource. When possible, go with referrals from a trusted professional source such as your primary care provider or any physicians you may know. Other referral sources might be your coworkers, family members, or friends.

It’s essential to keep in mind that a referral may not always be the best choice. To narrow down your options, other factors you should consider: 

• The physical therapist’s experience: Along with wanting a physical therapist with plenty of experience, you also want a physical therapist with the right expertise.

• Is the location convenient: A physical therapist across the other side of town or a couple of hours away isn’t suitable. While the office doesn’t have to be next door, aim for a location close to your work or home.

• Consider overall compatibility: People have different personalities and chemistries, and working with someone you feel comfortable with is essential. Also, make sure they’re covered by your insurance.

These are some things you need to know about physical therapy. So, for physical therapy in Baltimore, MD, give Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic a call today!

Chiropractic care carries a vast host of benefits. So whether you’re dealing with a recent sports injury, a chronic health condition, are noticing stiffness or pain that’s not going away, or want to incorporate chiropractic therapy into your everyday routine, you’ll want to make sure you’re receiving care from the right chiropractor. That’s why we’ll answer some questions regarding choosing the right chiropractor for your spine and back health.

How Do You Get Referrals? 

Choosing the right chiropractor often begins with using referrals from trusted sources. When possible, obtain referrals from your primary care doctor or any specialist you work with. Other referrals sources might include:

• Family
• Friends
• Colleagues (such as co-workers)

How Do You Research A Potential Chiropractor’s Credentials? 

Ensuring your chiropractor is licensed to practice chiropractic care in your area is always your first step. But, of course, just because a chiropractor is licensed doesn’t automatically mean they’re a good fit as a chiropractor. However, being licensed will indicate they have the skills and experience to perform the tasks. You’ll also want to ensure they don’t have a history of medical malpractice.

How Do You Take Your Chiropractor’s Experience Into Account? 

Chiropractic care isn’t a “one size fits all” type of care. Instead, patients receive chiropractic care for a wide list of reasons. For example, while a potential chiropractor might have years of experience helping patients with sports injuries, they might not have much experience assisting patients with specific medical conditions. Therefore, hire a chiropractor with specific experience dealing with injuries or medical conditions similar to yours when possible.

Do They Have Telehealth Options? 

We live in a digital age, and more healthcare providers are incorporating telehealth options into their medical treatments. While sometimes it’s essential to see your care provider in person, virtual calls can do the trick, meaning fewer visits to the office. For example, for chiropractic care, a telehealth visit means your care provider can help you manage minor symptoms or for asking questions or complaints.

How Should You Evaluate Patient Reviews? 

While patient reviews aren’t a substitute for referrals from trusted sources, they can help you gain insight into whether or not a chiropractor is right for you. Don’t assume a couple of one-star reviews mean subpar service. Likewise, a few five-star reviews don’t mean the best service. Instead, prioritize detailed written reviews that comprehensively cover a chiropractor’s service. Many reviews focus on factors like wait times, the office’s environment, scheduling appointments, etc. For example, a person who had to wait ten extra minutes might give an unfavorable review that doesn’t even mention how service from their chiropractor was.

How Well Do You Work With Your Chiropractor? 

Being comfortable around your chiropractor is very important. You should feel relaxed every time you visit and have no problem communicating. The right chiropractor should show interest in getting to know you right from the start and will respect your treatment preferences and any decisions you make.

These are some questions to consider when choosing the right chiropractor. When you need a chiropractor in Baltimore County, MD, we at Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic are eager to assist!

Chiropractor

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat neuromuscular disorders. They can treat everything from back pain to headaches and offer non-invasive treatments. Here are a few signs that you may need to see a chiropractor.

You Have Chronic Back Pain

It is one thing to experience a sore back every once in a while. However, if you deal with chronic back pain on a daily basis, it is a cause for concern. Instead of relying on pain medication, which only masks symptoms, you should consider going to a chiropractor. He or she may perform spinal adjustments and mobilization to treat your back pain. When you reduce your back pain, you can move around much easier and improve your quality of life.

You Work a Desk Job

If you have to sit in front of a computer all day for work, you may develop poor posture. Having poor posture can put extra stress on your shoulders, neck and back, which can lead to discomfort. This is why it may be a good idea to see a chiropractor soon. A chiropractor can show you how to improve your posture and may suggest a standing desk or ergonomic chair.

You Get Headaches Often

Many people get a headache now and again. However, if you experience multiple headaches a week, it can disrupt your life. In this situation, you may benefit from seeing a chiropractor. Your headaches may be a result of a misalignment in the spine. A chiropractor can help you find the appropriate solution.

You Have Limited Range of Motion

If you have difficulty turning your neck far enough or have lost flexibility in your arms or legs, you may have limited range of motion. A chiropractor may be able to help increase your range of motion through various therapies, such as manipulation and massage.

You Were Just in an Accident

If you were recently injured in an accident, like a car or motorcycle crash, it may be a good idea for you to see a chiropractor. Many chiropractors actually have a lot of experience treating accident injuries, like whiplash and back pain, and can help you make a full recovery without resorting to invasive methods.

If you are dealing with any of these issues, schedule an appointment with a chiropractor, like one from Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic, today.

Physical Therapist

If you’re recovering from an injury or dealing with chronic pain, your family physician may have referred you to a physical therapist. These healthcare professionals perform non-invasive treatments to reduce your pain, increase your function and restore mobility. Here are some tips to get the most out of your physical therapy sessions.

Go to All of Your Physical Therapy Sessions

This might sound like a no-brainer, but some people stop attending their physical therapy sessions if they don’t see results quickly enough. It is important to understand that it often takes time to notice results. If you don’t notice a difference after a couple of sessions, don’t give up. Continue to attend all of your physical therapy appointments and you may see results in no time.

Do Your Assigned Exercises

If you want to achieve maximum results, it is not enough to just go to your physical therapy appointments. Your physical therapist will also assign you various strengthening exercises to perform at home. Although doing these exercises might be tedious at times, they are critical for your recovery. If you perform these exercises regularly at home, you may see results faster.

Be Honest with Your Physical Therapist

When it comes to communicating with your physical therapist, honesty is the best policy. Your physical therapist can’t help you if he or she does not know the truth. For example, if you have been experiencing pain when performing exercises at home, you should let your physical therapist know right away. He or she may be able to come up with an appropriate solution.

Set Goals

It is a good idea to set goals in many aspects of your life, including your physical therapy  sessions. For example, you might want to recover from your injury and get back to playing your sport or just go on a walk without feeling pain. If you have specific goals in mind, you will be more motivated to stick to your physical therapy sessions.

Ask Questions

There is no such thing as asking your physical therapist too many questions. In fact, your physical therapist will likely encourage you to ask questions. For instance, if you’re not sure why you’re performing a specific exercise, bring up your concern to your therapist.

Schedule an appointment with a physical therapist, like one from Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic, today.