December 16, 2014

9 Tips for Finding the Best Chiropractor

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Search For The Best Chiropractor Near You

Finding the best chiropractor can be hard nowadays with so many out there.  Like everything else, finding the best chiropractor starts with doing research and understanding what it is you are looking for.  Referrals are typically the best way to find a good provider, whether it be from another provider or a friend. First hand experience from a friend is always extremely valuable, because a friend will be honest with you about what you are getting yourself into and ultimately if you should go through with it. However, if you are new to the area, or your friends and family are not familiar with chiropractic treatment, here is a helpful guideline and what to look for:

1. We encourage you to find a chiropractic physician that will listen to you, and answer your questions.

2. Look for a chiropractor that engages and empowers you through education and home exercises, which in turn will give you control over your health.

3. We recommend a chiropractor that integrates active care and functional care – such as stretching hip flexors, strengthening glutes, activating core. Active care typically involves the active participation of the patient, such as teaching proper breathing techniques and functional standing and sitting exercises. [youtube_sc url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-URrvHuKeo&list=UUywozp0WIbd3OU4N9KQlUag”]

4. Read the reviews for social proof. Looking for online reviews from third party sources, such as Angie’s List, Yelp, Google, Indy A List, etc., as opposed to the reviews on the chiropractor’s website, will paint a more clear picture of how other patients feel about the provider.

5. Verify that the chiropractor has a good rapport within the medical community, you may simply ask the office staff when you call.

6. Interview your doctor.  Meeting your potential chiropractor is not only a good way for you to experience what the environment is like, but it also gives you a chance to see how the doctor uses their time, and if they are attentive towards you. If the chiropractor doesn’t give you their full attention on that first day, you can probably assume that they won’t give you their full attention down the road.

7. Don’t feel like you have to commit on your first visit. Take your time; interview a few chiropractors until you find the one that is right for you.

8. Avoid the salesman; the best chiropractors shouldn’t be selling you big packages or pressuring you to start a treatment plan.

9. Ask questions, to get a better idea of what they do and how they do it.

Keeping these guidelines in mind will help you find the best chiropractor for you. For more helpful advice, or to learn more about Dr. Charbel, contact our Indianapolis chiropractic clinic today at 317-449-2020.


About Integrated Health Solutions

Dr. Charbel Harb is a licensed chiropractic physician and the Medical Director of Integrated Health Solutions. Our core belief is that each patient who walks through the doors is a person, not just a medical record or chart. Our greatest pleasure is bringing joy to our patients and helping them to fully embrace life, allowing them to enjoy each day: active, healthy and pain free.
September 25, 2014

How to Find the Best Chiropractic Office

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FAQs To Help Determine The Best Chiropractic Office Near You

Q: Why do some chiropractors take x-rays and some do not?

A: The best chiropractors use a conservative approach in taking x-rays and applying specific guidelines when ordering x-rays. X-rays are definitely required when a patient has suffered a significant trauma, or when the chiropractor is suspecting an infection is cancer or a tumor, or the patient is over 65 and is suspected to have osteoporosis. In addition, if pain is getting worse or patient is not improving then an x-ray is merited. Best chiropractor knows that there are cases that x-rays don’t make a difference on the treatment plan, for instance if a patient is suffering from a disc herniation.  Because x-rays do not show soft tissue variables or derangements that patient would not benefit from an x-ray and would need an MRI if necessary.

Q: How many visits should a patient expect before they see results when treated by a chiropractor?

A: Typically patients should start seeing results within 6-8 visits. The best chiropractic practices typically recommend 2-3 visits a week for 2-4 weeks after which patients should be feeling about 90% better. If no progress is made, the treatment plan should be changed and/or patient should be referred out.

Related: What You Should Know About Pain

Q: What conditions/ailments do you treat most in your practice?

A: I personally specialize in musculoskeletal pain; this includes headaches and migraines, back pain, neck pain, sciatica, and knee pain, among others.

Q: Other than the top of mind reason, pain, why would people go to a chiropractor?

A: Wellness care is a very good reason for going to a chiropractor. Chiropractic visits are very beneficial in the prevention of musculoskeletal pain. The best chiropractors will also educate you on healthy living approaches, and ways to decrease emotional and physical stress.

Related: 6 Simple Steps to Eliminate Stress, 8 Simple Steps for a Happier Healthier Lifestyle, Trying to Get Healthy, but Not Sure Where to Start?, Your Guide to a Healthier Lifestyle

Q: What is all the therapy?  And do I need it?

A: The best chiropractors use different therapies on different patients.  If a patient is in acute pain in that they cannot move, modalities such as TENS unit, ice and lasers all aid and assist in decreasing pain and inflammation in that situation.  Then, patients move to an active treatment plan, where we use exercise to awaken and strengthen the inhibited muscles. Soft tissue modalities are used to address adhesion and tissue tension.

Related: Achilles Tendon Pain and Active Release Technique

Q: What is the new trend with taping?

A: Kinesio tape is used to provide support and stability to the patient’s joints and muscles without restricting movement or circulation in the patient.  It also expedites healing by reducing pain and swelling.

Q: What are your thoughts on orthotics?

A: Orthotics are prescribed when they are needed.  Orthotics is a good solution when there is a leg length discrepancy that is affecting the rest of the body.  It is also useful when there is an anatomical variance, or a foot pronation.  Ideally, we encourage active care to bring the body into balance.

Q: Do I need Electrical Stem Unit?

A: The best chiropractors recommend TENS in the acute phase of care. In most cases, it is not used for the long-term patient management. We like to see patients being more involved in active care, such as doing planks, proper breathing, being aware of posture etc., as opposed to solely depending on a TENS unit, otherwise, the TENS unit becomes more of a symptom covering tool, as opposed to addressing the cause of the pain.

About Integrated Health Solutions

Dr. Charbel Harb is a licensed chiropractic physician and the Medical Director of Integrated Health Solutions. Our core belief is that each patient who walks through the doors is a person, not just a medical record or chart. Our greatest pleasure is bringing joy to our patients and helping them to fully embrace life, allowing them to enjoy each day: active, healthy and pain free.