One of my patients showed me this Eddie Izzard Youtube video on chiropractic, and I can’t help but share it with you!
So next time you go visit your doctor of chiropractic, please share. LOL!
Warmly,
Dr. Funk
Archive for October, 2009
Crack Your Bones: The FUNNY on Chiropractic
October 30, 2009How many visits?
October 29, 2009Today was eye-opening for me. I came to work today thinking today would be an ordinary day, but I received an e-mail that brought me to a screeching halt. A few months ago I have e-mailed a patient who had stopping coming after the first few visits and asked her if everything was okay? I wrote “Also, I am curious for learning purposes, if there is something that went wrong to make you discontinue treatment. I am always wanting to improve my services, so if you have any suggestions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to e-mail or call.”
She responded, “The only thing that I questioned in the process/protocol was the determination that I needed 8 sessions. Whenever I have seen Chiropractors in the past, the Doctors treated me one session at a time. Scheduling out 8 sessions seemed like it was financially driven not patient driven.”
At first I was hurt, thinking that I am not a money-driven person. I give excellent care to my patients and feel my treatment plans are conservative compared to many chiropractors I know. As I truly began to reflect on her message (and the courage it takes to deliver a message like it), I began to see great value in her feedback.
Was I clearly communicating to my patients that the number of visits were an estimate of the number of visits it takes to reach treatment goals? Do patient get wrapped up the idea that pain is the only thing that brings them to the office? Do they care about improving posture and function/alignment of the spine? What am I communicating to my patients? How many of my patients feel the same way she does?
So many questions. So many things to consider. I have leaned that I need better communication with my patients. Talk to them about what their goals are. Ask them how many visits they think it will take to reach treatment goals and tell them how many I suspect it will take…talk about why I see it differently.
So it begs the question…here’s my take.
How long does treatment take? Just like exercise and going to the gym takes time to get results, chiropractic care requires time and dedication. It is important to understand that every person heals at a different rate. On average Dr. Funk finds that muscular pain (sprain/strain injuries, minor pain, muscle tension, etc.) requires 6-8 weeks for full healing. “I find that most patients find they have greatly reduced pain levels after the first 2-3 weeks. The last half of treatment is then focused on restoring joint function and correcting range of motion.”
WOW! Who knew today would be so eye-opening???
Chiropractic: The Greek Meaning
October 28, 2009I love the study of words. It’s a strange obsession. To satisfy my craving, I receive a daily e-mail called A.Word.A.Day by Anu Garg, and I was wondering today as I read my word of the day (manichean…if you’re curious) what are the root words for chiropractic, my beloved profession.
CHIROPRACTIC comes from the Greek words “praxis” and “cheir“, meaning to practice or to treat using hands. It’s kind of amazing when you think about it. Doctors who do not use drugs or chemicals; doctors who leverage the body’s ability to heal itself. When I think about my profession in this way, I feel so proud to be a doctor of chiropractic! (I’m smiling as I type.)
I have never appreciated my hands so much! I have amazing hands that heal…
Whiplash Injury
October 27, 2009
Retraining muscles after a motor vechicle accident will prevent future injury.
One of the most common injuries that occur during car accidents is Whiplash. Whiplash is a soft-tissue injury of the neck that is caused by overstretching of the muscles, ligaments, and spine during impact. Most people find it very painful and need medical attention.
Patients who suffer from whiplash can expect neck pain, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, headaches, ringing in your ears, pain in your shoulder, mid and lower back. Most of these signs and symptoms will go away quickly. Yet neck pain and stiffness typically last about 4-8 weeks. To prevent permanent damage or prevent future neck problems, it is highly suggested you visit a medical professional if you experience a whiplash injury due to a car accident.
Chiropractic care is one of many options available for the treatment of whiplash after a motor vehicle accident.
Chiropractic Care- Chiropractic care is an excellent treatment for whiplash. Your chiropractor will use gentle spinal manipulation, soft tissue techniques (such as myofascial release, deep tissue massage, etc), ice, stretching, and rehabilitation to correct misalignments of the spine and heal the ligaments, tendons, and muscle damage caused by your accident.
One of the first thing will do after visiting a chiropractor is get a cervical (neck) x-ray, so your provider can access if their is ligament damage or broken bones. Once severe cases are ruled out, you can treat the soft tissue damage and joint dysfunction caused by your injury. Chiropractor are doctors, so you can go directly to them after an accident.
Physical Therapy– PT is an effective way to treat whiplash. PTs treat similarly to chiropractors. They typically focus more on rehabilitation of muscles and usually do not adjust your spine. PTs are not doctors, so you will need an physician referral to receive treatment.
Massage Therapy– massage therapist can provide relief by reducing muscle inflammation and damage. Massage therapist are not medical doctors, so please visit a physician or chiropractor before you go to your therapist to rule out fractures, and other serious side effects from car accidents.
Medical Treatment- Visiting your medical doctor may be necessary after a car accident. Physicians can prescribe anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxers to reduce pain and inflammation.
Legal Aid- In addition to the pain caused by motor vehicle accidents, many people have to deal with either their insurance company, or both the liability insurance and their own. If you’ve been there, you know how frustrating this can be. I suggest if you were hurt in a motor vehicle accident, you should consider hiring a Personal Injury attorney. PI attorneys are professionals and are trained to act in your best interest. Most will see you for a consultation, as well as, represent you at no cost. They will work with your provider to make sure your medical costs are covered, so you can get well without worrying about money.
My recommendation for a PI attorney in Austin, Texas, is Jay Doyle with Kuhn, Doyle & Kuhn.
Occipitial Neuritis
October 22, 2009Recently I have had several patients come in with a burning sensation on one side or both sides of the back of their heads. Usually the sensation is combined with neck pain, right at the base of the skull. Many of these patients have already been diagnosed with Occipital Neuritis- inflammation or irritation to the occipital and suboccipital nerves.
Patients with this condition can benefit greatly from myofascial release of the posterior cervicals, suboccipitals, occipitalis, scalenes, and SCM muscles. In addition to muscle work, spinal manipulation of the upper cervical (neck) area can reduces nerve irritation.
Check out the links above to learn more about chiropractic techniques that can reduce pain, inflammation, and headaches caused by occipital neuritis.
New Improved TCS Website Revealed
October 22, 2009
Tranquility Chiropractic Studio has just released the newest version of their website! Check it out by clicking below!
FREE Chair Massage for the Holidays
October 22, 2009
Come join Tranquility Chiropractic Studio for our upcoming event: Pamper Yourself Before the Holidays!
Free chair massages by Dr. Funk and staff; hand rejuvenation by Rejuvenescense Austin; and spiced lattes!
Date: Saturday, November 21st
Time: 2-4PM
Location: Tranquility Chiropractic Studio, 11673 Jollyville Rd, Ste. 202, Austin TX 78759
Contact Number: 512-788-3366
TranquilityCS's Weblog 