All members of our staff are available for a complete and thorough discussion with the patient.

The first step for a Stow-Kent Chiropractic patient is filling out a complete health history form. Old injuries, chronic problems and the patient's present symptoms are recorded on the form for study.

After reviewing the health history, the Doctor meets with the patient to discuss their problems and to determine how they can be best treated through Chiropractic care. New patients are questioned by the Doctor about how the physical strains have affected their health by precipitating spinal misalignments (called subluxations) and subsequent impingement of the nervous system.

Checking the spinal range of motion is a regular part of the physical exam. Other Chiropractic tests, such as reflexes, are done.

The Examination X-rays

A Chiropractic physical includes full-length X-rays of the spine, an important innovation of Chiropractic. These X-rays show the spine in its natural weight-bearing state. Subluxations are determined by careful analysis of the X-rays, palpation of the soft tissue of the spine, the range of motion studies and the results of tests with instruments.

The Explanation (Report of Findings)

After studying the health history, examination tests and x-rays, the Doctor meets again with the patient to explain the results of the exam and the recommended course of Chiropractic care. A complete information panel is available along with other aids so that any and all questions the patient has can be answered. Also, the Doctor will explain the spine and subluxations. Each nerve root serves a certain portion of the body and its organs. Impairment of a nerves functions can cause or complicate many disease processes.

The adjustment or correction of a subluxation is the means of care provided by the Chiropractor. Padded tables of several types are used for adjusting. The first adjustment begins to restore the vertebra to its natural position. Normally, proper muscle tone, ligament position and the shape of the vertebrae will keep the vertebra in place. When the vertebra is in an unnatural position the soft tissues, muscles and ligaments are stretched. Therefore, these tissues must have time to rehabilitate. Most patients will have a treatment period ranging over a couple of months and will continue Chiropractic care on a regular basis so they will benefit from the health preservation that Chiropractic provides.

Just as exercise compliments a healthy diet, so do physiotherapies compliment the Chiropractic adjustment. Physiotherapies promote soft tissue healing and reduce muscle spasms to assist in keeping the vertebrae in proper alignment.

Intersegmental Traction - Patients enjoy laying on this bench/table with gentle rollers beneath the surface that travel the length of the spine. Traction increases mobility, makes joints more flexible and helps prevent disc degeneration.

Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS) - A relaxing flow of electricity dispersed through the area of complaint makes electric muscle stimulation one of the most requested forms of physiotherapy. EMS helps to reduce muscle spasm, pain and swelling while it increases circulation and the supply of nutrients to surrounding tissues.

Moist Heat - A soothing moist heat pack placed on a tight muscle penetrates deep into the tissues while increasing the blood supply to the area of complaint, which promotes healing.

Cryotherapy (Cold Treatment) - An ice pack wrapped in a wet cloth placed on an inflamed muscle reduces bruising, swelling and the possibility of scar tissue formation. Cold interrupts the spasm by relieving pressure on the nerves which in turn eases pain.

Rehabilitation - A process of exercise that benefits the weakened area in two ways: First, by stretching to allow for more flexibility and, second, by strengthening to improve tone and build resistance, thus helping to stabilize the injured area.

Ultrasound - A therapeutic treatment using high-frequency sound waves administered in the region of soft-tissues injuries. These sound vibrations, as fast as a million times per second, safely penetrate the tissues deep in the body, creating a heat response. Ultrasound can usually be administered directly to the area of complaint. The vibrations and heat are highly effective in treating calcium deposition, increasing metabolism, improving blood flow, relaxing muscle spasms, massaging damaged tissues and speeds the healing process by enhancing the body's natural healing ability. Ultrasound can often help shoulders, elbows and sports-related injuries.

Orthotics - Fitted shoe inserts, used as ordered by your Chiropractor.

Nutritional Therapy - Natural formulas for the nutritional support of the body's healing processes.

Home Instructions - Stretches and strengthening exercises.

The modern Chiropractor can be called on to provide care to patients of all ages. There is no age limit on those who might benefit from Chiropractic care. Children are the easiest to help, for their spinal problems are not long-standing and they respond quickly. Many patients come to seek relief from long-term problems that other healing avenues have not been able to help. In many of these cases, where these patients finally find relief, it is due to Chiropractic treatment of the cause (root) of the roblem rather than treating the effects of the problem.

Our staff is well trained in all aspects of insurance regulations. We can help you understand and utilize your insurance coverage, whether it is private insurance, a group plan, Medicare, liability, Workers' Compensation or med pay for injuries suffered in an auto accident.

Chiropractic care is covered under your auto insurance for injuries sustained in automobile accidents.

If you are injured on the job, Chiropractic care is covered completely.

Medicare, Too!

By an act of Congress, Chiropractic care is included in the Medicare coverage provided to our senior Americans.

Stow-Kent Chiropractic is a "family practice" and we are always honored to be chosen as the "family doctor." If another member of your family requires care, please feel free to bring this to our attention, so that we can provide an immediate, thorough evaluation.

We do ask that the spouse of a new patient be present during the initial Report of Findings. This often saves time, as questions about care and procedures can be answered to everyone's satisfaction.

Our policy is to examine all members of your family.

Among the people you hold near and dear, perhaps there is someone who is suffering needlessly...simply because they do not know what you know about modern Chiropractic care.

A word from you to this friend, relative, neighbor or co-worker, about what Chiropractic has done for you, could very well prove to be the greatest act of kindness you could ever bestow upon a person.

This person will understand that you are not a doctor and will not expect a technical explanation from you. Just tell them in your own words how you have been helped, then urge them to investigate Chiropractic Care for themselves.