What Is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a health care profession in which the focus is on neuromusculoskeletal conditions. That means
chiropractors focus on how the nervous system and muscular system affect the skeletal system. Chiropractic
treats the patient as a whole, rather than treating only the symptoms.
Chiropractic care is drug-free and hands on. This approach allows chiropractors to get to know their patients
on a more personal level and allows for more one-on-one time with every patient.
History of Chiropractic
Chiropractic care can be traced back to the beginning of recorded history. The word Chiropractic comes from
the Greek words "cheir" and "practos" to mean "done by hand".
In 1895, D.D. Palmer performed the very first chiropractic adjustment. This adjustment was performed on Harvey
Lillard who was deaf. D.D. found a spinal misalignment in Mr. Lillard's spine and corrected it; Lillard then
reported that after years of being unable to hear, he could finally hear again. This lead to D.D. Palmer founding
and opening the very first chiropractic school. Since then, Chiropractic has grown in population and has become
widely recognized.
Are chiropractors doctors?
Yes. Doctors of Chiropractic (also known as chiropractors) are not medical doctors, but go through a similar
education process to become licensed in the field of chiropractic care. In fact, educational requirements for
chiropractors are among the most stringent of any health care profession.
Is Chiropractic Safe?
Absolutely! Chiropractic care is recognized as one of the safest drug-free and non-invasive health professions
for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints.
What types of pain do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors normally care for patients with back pain, neck pain, and headaches. They also treat sports injuries
and other disorders involving muscles, ligaments and joints. The benefits of chiropractic care go beyond
this and extend into general health as our core body structure affects overall function and health.
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is a method of using a specific, controlled force in a precise direction that is applied
to a spinal joint that is not moving properly or "locked up." The purpose of this adjustment procedure is to correct
structural alignment and eliminate interference in the nervous system. For the patient, this means improved spinal
function, reduction in pain, and an overall improvement in health and wellness.
Do adjustments hurt?
Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort because minimal force and
gentle pressure are used. In fact, most patients feel relief immediately following treatment. Any reported soreness
after an initial adjustment has been described as similar to that associated with starting a new exercise program.
Drinking plenty of water, using an ice pack, and engaging in light stretching after your first visit can help ease
any discomfort and promote healing.
Are there risks?
As with any health treatment, risk is involved. However, the risk with chiropractic is very minimal and chiropractic
care has an excellent record. Doctors of Chiropractic are well educated and experts in the field of neuromusculoskeletal
complaints. This means that each patient will be assessed and treated accordingly.
What can I expect on my first visit?
Your first visit will take approximately 1 hour. You will begin by filling out necessary paperwork, followed by a
consultation with the doctor. After that, Dr. Kate will perform an examination in order to decide upon the
best treatment options, and then treatment will begin. Subsequent visits usually last around 15-20 minutes.
Will I be required to remove my clothing at my appointment?
Some procedures may require you to remove some pieces of clothing, however most do not. If you have any questions or
concerns, bring them up immediately with Dr. Kate.
I'm sick, should I keep my appointment?
Absolutely! Getting adjusted while sick helps boost your body's immune system to shorten sickness time. Call and let
Dr. Kate know you're not feeling well, and she can work with you to find a time that works best to minimize exposure to other patients.
Do I REALLY need to do those exercises you showed me? I don't have time to do them.
Yes. Dr. Kate wouldn't take the time to prescribe and show you specific exercises to perform if they weren't going
to help you feel better. The good thing about stretches and exercises is that they can be performed almost anywhere
and don't take a very long time! Do them and you WILL benefit from it.
If I begin treatment, will I have to come forever?
Not at all. Every person is different and the amount of treatment needed differs widely. While two patients may come
in for the same complaints, each body will react differently to the treatment given. One person may need only a few
treatments while another may find that he or she need more. Most people find that coming in regularly for treatment
helps them feel their best on a daily basis.
Why should seniors see a chiropractor?
Many seniors find chiropractic care as an important health care component to keeping up with their active lifestyles.
After treatments most seniors report a better range of motion, decrease achiness, and better sleep.
Chiropractic care is safe and helpful to seniors suffering from arthritis and other degenerative processes in their
spine. Chiropractic care can offer seniors a primary way to prevent disabling degeneration and also as a
means to halt already progressive degeneration.
Is chiropractic treatment appropriate for children and adolescents?
Yes, children and adolescents can benefit from chiropractic care. Children and adolescents 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 or adolescents, very gentle.
I'm pregnant, is it still safe for me to see a chiropractor?
Yes! Many changes are happening in the body during pregnancy and chiropractic care helps maintain healthy skeletal
structure and movement throughout the pregnancy. Regular chiropractic care has even been shown to reduce labor time.
Who is chiropractic for?
If you have a spine, chiropractic is for you! Every single person can benefit from chiropractic care. Chiropractic
care is safe for all ages, even children and babies. Among the many health benefits of chiropractic care, the
most common are: Improved sleep, improved immune system, improved range of motion and a feeling of wellness.
What insurance plans are accepted?
At Randlett Chiropractic, Anthem, Aetna, Community Health Options, Signa, and Medicare are all accepted forms of
insurance. We are also in network with Eastern Maine Medical Insurance. Call if you have any questions about whether
or not your insurance is accepted.
Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD?
A referral is usually not needed to see a doctor of chiropractic; 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.