
Feel free to call Dr. Clemens any time to ask about any question that you don't find here or if you want any further explanation.
Why should I come to your office?
That answer is simple, because we treat you exactly how we would expect to be treated if we were the patient. We offer a comprehensive care package tailored to your individual needs consisting of chiropractic, acupuncture, nutrition and exercise. We have both evening and weekend appointments available for your convenience. If you need any further imaging or testing, Dr. Clemens will not hesitate to refer you to the proper facilities.
Why chiropractic and acupuncture together, and can I use them separately?
Yes, you may choose to use them independently of each other.
However, we have seen the best results using a combination of both! Remember, our goal is to restore the body to a state of optimal health. Chiropractic treats the spine and extremities, removing fixations that can lead to muscle imbalance and possibly functional imbalance. Acupuncture treats the body's energy levels, removing imbalance and disharmony created by the upset of Yin and Yang. When both techniques are utilized together, the body benefits the greatest, many times allowing the patient to heal quicker, more effectively and long-lasting.
I heard that once you start chiropractic care, you have to go forever...
This could not be farther from the truth. We will make recommendations based on previous results with similar conditions and what we feel is best, but ultimately, the decision to receive or end care is completely up to you. We will not pressure you into lifetime chiropractic care.
That being said, many times once a patient begins care, they DO continue with periodic maintenance visits. This is neither a requirement of our office nor chiropractic in general, but a choice that millions of patients have made.
Nobody says you have to go forever, but many patients just like you have made the choice to do so because they found a healthcare option that works for them.
Does Acupuncture hurt and is it safe?
For the most part, acupuncture is painless. The needles used are very tiny, about the size of a human hair and most needles only penetrate the skin 2-3mm. I have had many patients ask me when we are going to start after already placing several needles. Don't get me wrong, there are some painful points, but we generally don't use needles on them. I have had most every point needled on me, so I know what they feel like.
And that's only if you use needles. We can also treat you painlessly through EMI, making it harmless for children of all ages and adults who fear needles!
As far as safety, the only real risks associated with acupuncture is some occasional bruising, blood spotting at the site of insertion, and dizziness, though this usually stems from a fear of needles. We utilize only sterile, single-use needles in our office and open the packaging right in front of you.
What does acupuncture treat and can it help me with ___________?
This is probably the most common, yet most difficult question to answer and one that is best answered in the office. The short answer to it is probably. Remember, our treatments are aimed at correcting dysfunction within the body, and usually individual conditions are only a symptom.
The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health have recognized dozens of conditions treatable by acupuncture which may include:
| Allergies | Diverticulosis | Irritable Bowel Syndrome | Psoriasis | | Anxiety | Endometriosis | Joint Pain | Rheumatoid Arthritis | | Arthritis | Flu, Cold, & Cough | Low Energy | Sciatica | | Asthma | GERD | Meniere's Disease | Shoulder Problems | | Back Pain | Glaucoma | Menopause | Sinusitis | | Carpal Tunnel | Hayfever | Menstrual Disorders | Sleep Disorders | | Chronic Fatigue | Headaches | Migraines | Smoking Cessation | | Chronic Pain | Heartburn | Obesity | Stress | | Constipation | Hemorrhoids | Osteoporosis | Thoracic Outlet-TOS | | Crohn's disease | Indigestion | Parkinson's | Trigeminal Neuralgia | | Depression | Immune System | Plantar Fasciitis | Ulcerative Colitis | | Diarrhea | Infertility | Pregnancy | Urinary Incontinence |
Don't assume that acupuncture will cure or even help any of the above conditions in all cases, but results have been favorable with treatment. The best way to find out whether acupuncture can help or not is to try it. It hasn't been practiced for 5000 years because it doesn't work.
How long will it take?
This is a difficult question to answer as well. The truth is, until we sit down together and discuss your individual problems, there is really no way to tell how long it will take. Many factors contribute to length of treatment including what you have, how long you've had it, how severe it is, not to mention what you are doing or not doing to aggravate or alleviate the symptoms such as diet and exercise.
All that will be discussed and evaluated in your initial pre-visit. Rest assured, based on the information provided, we will provide you with our best estimate of treatment time and what you can expect. If you choose to accept treatment in our office, a more accurate time frame can be established after a thorough examination, including postural, neurologic, and orthopedic exams in addition to the meridian imaging.
In general, most people will notice a difference after their first visit, and usually feel energized and more relaxed which leads to a great night's sleep. Every visit puts more and more energy into the body, and symptoms tend to diminish with time. Some problems can resolve in only a handful of visits, and others can take months.
Everyone responds at different rates, but if we can provoke a change within the first dozen or so visits, we should eventually be able to control the problem. Every treatment plan will be different, but for the best results, you should expect a couple visits a week for the first 2 or 3 weeks. As you improve, time between visits will increase until we find what works for you.
What are your office hours?
Our office hours are by appointment, but appointments are available any time of day including evenings and Saturdays to fit your busy schedule. We believe your time is just as important as ours and will strive to do everything we can to ensure the shortest wait possible. Often, you can get a same day appointment and walk-ins are always welcome, but priority will be given to patients will a scheduled appointment time.
For your convenience and to decrease wait time in the office, you can fill out the new patient paperwork prior to your visit and even fax us your insurance card so we can verify your benefits for you.
Does your office accept my insurance?
We are committed to providing you with the best possible care, and because of this, we are not a participating provider in any insurance plans, which doesn't necessarily mean you have no insurance coverage.
Many insurance plans don't cover acupuncture, but have out of network benefits which may or may not cover the chiropractic services you receive. It depends on the individual plan and this will be verified PRIOR to treatment.
Payment for services is due at the time the services are rendered unless payment arrangements have been approved in advance. Your insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company, and we emphasize that as a health care provider, our relationship is with you and not your insurance company. For your ease and convenience, we will provide you with a superbill including all required codes for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
We realize that temporary financial problems may affect timely payment of your account. If such problems do arise, we encourage you to contact us promptly for assistance in the management of your account.
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