Question 1

What should I expect at my first chiropractic visit?

Accepted Answer

Your first visit begins with a conversation about what is bothering you, how the problem started, what makes it better or worse, and any previous treatment or testing you have had. We then perform an examination based on your particular complaint.

We don't assume that every person who walks through the door needs an adjustment. The purpose of the first visit is to determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and whether your condition appears appropriate for treatment in our office. If additional testing, imaging, or evaluation by another healthcare provider is warranted, we'll discuss that with you.

Question 2

Do you take X-rays on every new patient?

Accepted Answer

No. We only recommend imaging when your history, examination, symptoms, or other circumstances indicate that it would be useful. Many patients can be evaluated without taking new X-rays.

If you already have recent X-rays, an MRI, CT scan, or other relevant testing, let us know and better yet bring us a copy of the Radiology Report. That information may be helpful in evaluating your condition and determining what type of care is appropriate.

Question 3

What types of chiropractic adjustments do you use?

Accepted Answer

We use several chiropractic techniques rather than treating every patient the same way. These include traditional manual adjustments, instrument-assisted adjustments, and gentler techniques such as flexion-distraction.

The technique we choose depends on the area being treated, your examination findings, your condition, and your individual comfort level. Some patients prefer traditional manual manipulation, while others are more comfortable with an instrument or lower-force technique.

Question 4

What is instrument-assisted chiropractic adjusting?

Accepted Answer

Instrument-assisted adjusting uses a small handheld device to deliver a quick, controlled force to a specific joint. It allows us to treat an area without some of the twisting or stronger forces that may be associated with a traditional manual adjustment.

We use instrument-assisted adjusting frequently in our office. It can be used by itself or along with other chiropractic techniques depending on the patient and the area being treated.

Question 5

What is flexion-distraction therapy?

Accepted Answer

Flexion-distraction is a gentle technique performed on a specialized chiropractic table. The table allows us to apply controlled movement and distraction to portions of the spine rather than relying on a traditional thrust adjustment.

It can be useful when we want a gentler approach or when a patient's condition makes other types of manipulation less desirable. Whether it is appropriate is determined individually after examining the patient.

Question 6

How many chiropractic visits will I need?

Accepted Answer

There isn't one treatment plan that is appropriate for everyone. A recent uncomplicated problem may respond differently than something that has been present for several years.

We base our recommendations on the condition, examination findings, severity and duration of symptoms, and how you respond to care. We also reassess progress rather than assuming that every patient needs the same number of visits.

Question 7

What if chiropractic care isn't the right treatment for me?

Accepted Answer

We'll tell you. Part of providing good care is recognizing when a patient's condition is outside what we should be treating or when another type of evaluation would be more appropriate.

If your examination raises a concern, you aren't responding as expected, or we believe another healthcare provider is better suited to address the problem, we can recommend referral or additional evaluation. Our goal is to help you determine the appropriate next step, even when that step isn't treatment in our office.

Question 8

What is dry needling?

Accepted Answer

Dry needling is a treatment in which very thin, sterile needles are placed into specific muscles and other soft tissues. It is commonly used for musculoskeletal complaints involving muscle pain, tightness, trigger points, and restricted movement.

The location and number of needles used depend on the area being treated and what we find during the examination. Dry needling may be used by itself or as part of a broader treatment plan.

Question 9

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

No. Although both treatments use thin needles, dry needling and acupuncture are based on different treatment approaches.

Our use of dry needling is directed toward musculoskeletal anatomy and specific muscles or tissues that may be contributing to a patient's pain or movement restriction.

Question 10

Does dry needling hurt?

Accepted Answer

People experience dry needling differently. Some needles are barely noticed, while others may produce a brief ache, twitch, pressure, or cramping sensation when a sensitive area of muscle is treated.

Mild soreness can occur afterward, similar to the soreness someone might experience after exercise or other soft-tissue treatment. We explain what to expect before beginning and adjust the treatment based on your comfort.

Question 11

Do you use electrical stimulation with dry needling?

Accepted Answer

We can incorporate electrical stimulation with dry needling when we believe it is appropriate. Small electrical leads are connected to selected needles to provide controlled stimulation to the area being treated.

It isn't necessary for every dry needling treatment. Whether we use it depends on the condition, treatment goals, and the patient's individual situation.

Question 12

What is non-surgical spinal decompression?

Accepted Answer

Non-surgical spinal decompression uses a specialized table to apply controlled distraction to the spine. We offer decompression for both the lumbar spine in the lower back and the cervical spine in the neck.

The treatment is intended for carefully selected patients with certain spinal and disc-related conditions. We evaluate patients before recommending decompression because it isn't appropriate for every type of back or neck problem.

Question 13

What conditions may be treated with spinal decompression?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the individual case, spinal decompression may be considered for certain patients with bulging or herniated discs, degenerative disc problems, sciatica, radiating arm pain from the neck and some types of persistent neck or low back pain.

The diagnosis alone doesn't determine whether someone is a good candidate. We also consider your symptoms, examination findings, medical history, previous imaging when available, and other factors before recommending decompression.

Question 14

Do you offer both neck and low-back decompression?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide both cervical and lumbar spinal decompression.

Cervical decompression is used for selected conditions involving the neck and may be considered when symptoms extend into the shoulder, arm, or hand. Lumbar decompression is directed toward the lower back and may be considered when appropriate for back pain, disc problems, sciatica, or symptoms extending into the leg.

Question 15

What does spinal decompression feel like?

Accepted Answer

Spinal decompression should generally feel like a controlled stretching or pulling sensation rather than a traditional chiropractic adjustment. The amount of force is customized to the patient and gradually adjusted as appropriate.

We want patients to communicate with us throughout treatment. If something doesn't feel right or symptoms change, we can modify or stop the treatment and reassess.

Question 16

Is everyone with a herniated or bulging disc a candidate for decompression?

Accepted Answer

No. An MRI showing a bulging or herniated disc does not automatically mean spinal decompression is the appropriate treatment.

Symptoms, neurological findings, medical history, previous surgery, the specific spinal condition, and other health factors all matter. We evaluate each patient before deciding whether decompression is a reasonable option or whether another type of care or referral would be more appropriate.

Question 17

What types of massage do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Our massage therapists offer several techniques, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, Thai massage, and Ashiatsu. The technique and amount of pressure can be adapted based on what you are looking for and your personal preferences.

Some patients schedule massage because of muscular soreness or tightness, while others simply want a relaxing therapeutic massage. You don't have to choose the technique on your own—our massage therapists can discuss your goals and help determine what type of session fits you best.

Question 18

Do I have to be a chiropractic patient to schedule a massage?

Accepted Answer

No. Massage therapy can be scheduled as its own service. You do not need to receive chiropractic treatment in order to see one of our massage therapists.

Question 19

What is Ashiatsu massage?

Accepted Answer

Ashiatsu is a massage technique in which the therapist uses their feet to apply broad, consistent pressure. Overhead support bars allow the therapist to carefully control the amount of pressure being applied.

It can be a good option for people who enjoy deeper pressure while preferring a broad, smooth technique rather than pressure concentrated through an elbow or thumb.

Question 20

What is Thai massage?

Accepted Answer

Thai massage incorporates assisted stretching, movement, and pressure rather than following the same format as a traditional table massage. The therapist moves the patient through various positions and stretches based on mobility, comfort, and individual goals.

Because Thai massage is an active style of bodywork, it may appeal to people looking specifically for stretching and mobility work in addition to traditional massage techniques.

Question 21

Can I receive chiropractic care while pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Many pregnant patients seek chiropractic care for musculoskeletal discomfort that develops as the body changes throughout pregnancy. Treatment techniques and positioning can be modified based on the stage of pregnancy, the patient's comfort, and the reason for treatment.

As with any patient, we first determine whether the complaint appears appropriate for chiropractic care. Pregnancy does not mean that every new pain should automatically be assumed to be musculoskeletal, so referral to the patient's obstetric provider may be recommended when appropriate.

Question 22

Can I get a massage while pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Prenatal massage can be modified to accommodate the physical changes and positioning needs associated with pregnancy. The therapist adjusts positioning, pressure, and technique for the patient's comfort and stage of pregnancy.

If you are pregnant when scheduling, let us know so the massage therapist can plan the session appropriately. Certain medical or pregnancy-related circumstances may also warrant discussing massage with your obstetric provider beforehand.

Question 23

Do you perform sports physicals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide sports physicals for student-athletes who need an examination before participating in school or recreational athletics.

A sports physical includes a review of the athlete's health history along with an examination intended to identify issues that could affect safe sports participation.

Question 24

What happens if something concerning is found during a sports physical?

Accepted Answer

A sports physical isn't simply about signing a form. If something in the health history or examination raises a concern that requires additional evaluation, we'll explain what we found.

In some situations, an athlete may need clearance or additional testing from another healthcare provider before we can recommend unrestricted participation. The athlete's safety takes priority over simply completing the paperwork.

Question 25

How do I know which service I need?

Accepted Answer

You don't necessarily have to know before you contact us. Back pain, neck pain, leg symptoms, shoulder or arm pain, muscle tightness, and other musculoskeletal complaints can have different causes even when the symptoms sound similar.

When an evaluation is appropriate, our job is to determine what appears to be contributing to the problem and then discuss the options that make sense. Depending on the situation, that may involve chiropractic treatment, dry needling, spinal decompression, massage therapy, a combination of approaches, or referral to another healthcare provider.

Question 26

Can different treatments be used together?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when there is a reason to combine them. Some patients may benefit from more than one type of care, while others may only need a single approach.

We don't combine services simply because they are available. Treatment recommendations are based on the patient's condition, examination findings, goals, and response to care.

Question 27

Do I need a referral to contact Frankum Chiropractic?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to contact our office directly to discuss scheduling and which type of appointment may be appropriate for you. If your particular insurance plan or medical situation requires something additional, our office can help you determine what information is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions in Smithville, MO

General Chiropractic Care FAQs