Frequently Asked Chiropractic Questions in Huntington Beach CA

Yes, we kindly ask that you complete the new patient intake forms in their entirety prior to you first appointment. This helps ensure your visit runs smoothly and allows you to be seen on time.

Filling out the forms in advance also gives the doctor a better understanding of the reason for your visit and allows them to begin developing a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.

Please CLICK HERE to access the required forms.

Your initial appointment is 1 hour. Your appointment will begin with a consultation , where we will discuss how your injury occurred and review your medical history. Next we'll perform a thorough orthopedic examination to identify the root cause of your pain.

If the doctor determines that X-rays are necessary, we'll take spinal X-rays to evaluate the health and overall condition of your spine. Once your doctor has reviewed the X-rays, you'll begin treatment.

Your treatment will include:

• Myofascial Release (similar to a deep tissue massage)
• Cupping Therapy
• Graston Therapy
• Full spine and extremity adjustment

After your treatment, your doctor will guide you through a personalized home exercise and stretching routine designed specifically for you to help improve your symptoms and recovery.

We recommend wearing comfortable, loose fitting clothing to your first visit. Please also complete your new patient paperwork, which you can access by clicking HERE.

We look forward to seeing you!

We recommend wearing something comfortable that allows you to move easily --- like workout clothes or loose fitting clothing. Avoid anything too restricive. If you're coming straight from work or another activity, thats fine too --- we'll make sure you're comfortable

Regular Chiropractic care has a number of benefits including:

• Neck Pain Relief
• Back Pain Relief
• Extremity Pain Relief
• Headache Relief
• Increased Mobility And Range Of Motion
• Decreased Stiffness And Muscular Spasms
• Arthritic Joint Pain Relief
• Increased Joint Health
• Increased Performance And Energy
• Increased Sense Of Well Being And Relaxation
• Increased Balance And Coordination
• Reduced Degeneration And Risk Of Injury
• Enhanced Tissue Healing
• Decreased Tissue Inflammation

A chiropractic adjustment, expertly performed by board certified chiropractor, is a targeted procedure in which a controlled and sudden force is applied to a specific joint. This technique aims to enhance spinal movement and overall body function. In preparation, the patient is carefully position on a specialized cushioned chiropractic table tailored to the area being treated. Prior to the adjustment, the chiropractor assesses the spine or extremity with a thorough orthopedic examination to pinpoint the precise problems spots.

During the adjustment, the chiropractor uses, either their hands or specialized instrument to deliver a rapid, precise thrust to the affected joint. The procedure is highly individualized, taking into account the patient specific needs, health status, age, and body structure. Following the adjustment, patients often experience immediate relief and an improvement in mobility. The chiropractor will supplement the adjustment with additional treatment such as heat, electrical stimulation and muscle release techniques.

Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) care for patients of all ages, with a variety of health conditions. They are especially well known for their expertise in caring for patients with back pain, neck pain and headaches using their highly skilled manipulations or chiropractic adjustments. DCs also care for patients with a wide range of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the muscles, ligaments and any joint in the body, including extremities. These painful conditions may involve or impact the nervous system, which can cause referred pain and dysfunction distant to the region of injury. In addition, chiropractors offer advice to patients on diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy habits, and occupational and lifestyle modification.

Chiropractors are educated as primary health care practitioners, with an emphasis on Neuro-musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment. Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most rigorous and stringent of any of the health care professions. The typical applicant at a chiropractic college has already acquired four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are the standard. Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic, and the intricate adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical training.

In total, the chiropractic curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience. This includes extensive training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, radiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, toxicology, histology, biomechanics, differential diagnosis, and physical examination, nutrition, chiropractic technique, public health, etc. The course of study is approved by an accrediting agency that is fully recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. In the case of children, it is very gentle.

Trauma to the neuromuskuloskeletal system can occur at ANY age, especially during the birth process. There can be various physical complications which can cause developmental delays such as digestive issues, difficulty with breastfeeding, gait development, and pelvic disfunction to name a few. Chiropractors address issues to support the growth and development process using soft pressure to make gentle spinal alignments to help restore normal nervous system function to promote healthy mobility, bodily functions, boost immunity, and reducing the risk of injuries. Children and adolescents may also experience discomfort due to postural demands in school, sports, and other extracurricular activities. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual needs of the patient to correct any unfavorable habits that may be limiting your child's health and well-being.

The popping sound heard with adjustments, also known as cavitation, is caused by rapid changes in pressure within the joint capsule. During a chiropractic adjustment the doctor applies a quick controlled force to the joint which changes the pressure within the joint capsule. The synovial fluid inside the joint capsule releases gas bubbles primarily oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. As the gas bubbles rapidly form and collapse, it results in the characteristic popping sound. It's similar in concept to the sound heard when you open a carbonated beverage and the carbon dioxide is released.

While the popping sound is common, it is not a necessary indicator of a successful chiropractic adjustment. Adjustments are effective even without the cavitation sound, as the goal is to restore proper joint function and alignment.

Self adjusting your neck or back is generally unsafe and not recommended. Doing so risks injury due to improper technique and excessive force, potentially leading to strains, sprains, or more severe damage. Unlike adjustments performed by trained professionals, like chiropractors, self adjustments lack precision and can result in improper alignment or over manipulation, causing joint instability overtime. Additionally, self adjustments might temporarily relieve symptoms, but can mask underlying issues that require professional diagnosis and treatment.

Habitual self adjusting can also lead to psychological reliance on the sensation for perceived relief and might exacerbate existing conditions, particularly in individuals with osteoporosis, spinal cord compression, or arthritis. For effective and safe management of back or neck discomfort, it is advisable to see guidance from healthcare professionals and consider safer home remedies, such as gentle stretching, good posture maintenance, and the application of heat or cold.

Yes, regular chiropractic care during pregnancy is a safe and effective way to alleviate common discomforts and support overall wellness. Chiropractic adjustments are tailored to accommodate the physical changes of pregnancy, focusing on maintaining spinal alignment and optimizing nerve function. This non-invasive approach helps to reduce pain in the neck, back, joints, and improve potential balance potentially leading to a smoother delivery process and comfortable pregnancy experience. The expert team at Hand Crafted Chiropractic will conduct a comprehensive neurological and orthopedic assessment to guarantee that chiropractic treatment is a secure option for expentant mothers

Absolutely! You don't have to be in pain to benefit from chiropractic care. Many of our patients come in for preventative care, to improve mobility, and to keep their body performing at it's best.

Even if you're not in pain, small misalignments and movement restrictions can build up over time and lead to injuries later. Regular care can help prevent those injuries, improve posture, and support your overall health.

Patients often tell us they feel more flexible, sleep better, and have more energy when they stay on a regular care plan.

The sooner the better. Early care after an injury can reduce inflammation, restore motion, and help the healing process get off to the right start. The doctors at Hand Crafted Chiropractic will always assess you carefully to make sure it's safe to begin care and tailor a plan that matches your recovery stage.

Yes. We believe in a team approach to your health. If you're already working with another doctor, therapist, or trainer, we're happy to coordinate care to make sure everyone is on the same page and working toward your goals.

Yes, X-rays will be taken when they are clinically necessary to ensure your care is safe, effective, and personalized. X-rays give your doctor a clear picture of what's happening inside your body - they help identify conditions to be treated, and also rule out more serious problems that might need medical attention.

For example, X-rays can show us:

• Fractures, dislocations, or degeneration
• The alignment of your spine
• The health of your disks and bone
• Structural changes that may affect your treatment plan

Everyone heals at their own pace, and the timeline for feeling better depends on several factors --- including the type of injury or condition you have, how long you've been dealing with it, your overall health, and how your body responds to care. Some patients notice significant relief after just one or two visits, especially if the problem is recent and mild. Others, particularly those with more chronic or complex issues, may need a longer treatment plan to achieve lasting improvement.

At your first visit, we'll take the time to carefully assess your condition and explain whats contributing to your symptoms. Baed on what we find, we'll recommend a plan thats tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Healing is often a process, not a single event. Our goal is always to help you start feeling better as soon as possible while addressing the root cause of your problem. Throughout your care, we'll check in regularly, monitor your progress, and make any adjustments to your plan as needed to keep you moving forward.

We get it --- not everyone likes the sound or feeling of a traditional adjustment. That's why we offer gentle, low-force techniques that don't involve and twisting or popping. Just let us know your preference and we'll tailor your care to what feels comfortable to you. These techniques are just as effective at restoring motion and relieving tension, and many patients find them relaxing. We'll always explain what we're doing before we begin, so there are no surprises. Your comfort and confidence are just as important as your results.

Yes, we do! You can use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for your treatment. If you need an itemized receipt for your records, known as a Superbill, just let us know and we'll be happy to provide you with one. Using your FSA or HSA is a great way to save on out-of-pocket costs while taking care of your health. If you ever have any questions about what services are eligible, we're happy to help you navigate your benefits.

Yes, there are a couple of ways your insurance might still help cover your care. If your insurance plane includes out-of-network benefits and your deductible has been met, your insurance may begin covering some or all of your treatment costs. In addition, we provide you with a superbill -- and itemized receipt of all your visits -- that you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.

Many of our patients with out-of-network benefits are still able to recover a portion of their costs this way. We're happy to walk you through the process, explain what to expect, and help you understand your benefits so you can make the most of your plan. Don't hesitate to ask us if you'd like help checking your out-of-network benefits before staring care.

Yes, we are happy to help! We'll contact your insurance company for you to verify whether you plan includes chiropractic care. We'll also check important details like your copay, co-insurance, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and how many visits are covered annually, so you know exactly what to expect.

Understanding your benefits can be confusing, but we'll explain everything clearly so there are no surprises. if your plan doesn't fully cover care, we'll go over other affordable options and help you decide what works best for your situation. Our goal is to make sure you feel confident moving forward with your treatment.

I have a lawyer. Do you work with lawyers?

Yes, we work directly with your lawyer to make your recovery as stress-free as possible. We accept liens, which mean you don't have to pay anything out of pocket right away -- payment for your care comes from your settlement when your case resolves. We also provide you with monthly billing statements so you always know where you stand as you recover.

Our team will handle all the communication and documentation your attorney needs, so you can focus on healing instead of paperwork. If you have any questions about how the lien process works, just ask --we're here to guide you through every step and keep you informed throughout your case.

I don't have a lawyer. What are my options?

We have attorneys available in-house for your convenience.

Yes, we can! A superbill is an itemized receipt that includes all the details your insurance company needs to process a claim --- like the dates of service, procedures performed, diagnosis codes, and what you paid. If your insurance requests one, we can email you a superbill at the end of each visit or provide one at the end of treatment plan --- whichever you prefer.

Submitting a superbill is a common way for patients to get reimbursed directly by their insurance when we're out of network. We're happy to answer any questions you have about how to submit it or what to expect from your insurance after they receive it. Just let us know what works best for you, and we'll make sure you have everything you need.

Yes, we do charge a fee for late cancellations or missed appointments. The fee is $50 for any cancelled 30-minute appointment including shockwave and spinal decompression therapy, and $75 for any cancelled 60-minute appointment when cancelled within 24 hours of your scheduled time. We enforce this policy because our treatments are by appointment only --- when someone doesn't show up or cancels late, its often too short notice for us to offer that time to another patient who needs care.

That said, we understand that emergencies and unexpected situations can happen. if something comes up, please let us know as soon as possible, and we'll do our best to work with you. Communication is key, and we appreciate your understanding in helping us keep our schedule running smoothly for everyone.