So What about this Chiropractor - who is this guy? reasonable question...
At Seventeen years of age, I impacted a reef surfing. The M.D. stitched up the wound, told me the swelling would go away and everything would heal itself in a few days. My neck has never worked quite right since. Fifteen years later, I went to a Chiropractor for another reason. He identified my old neck problem and as a result, it improved dramatically. However, it remains a chronic problem because it was not addressed at the time of injury. What a bummer!! If anyone had suggested that I go to a Chiropractor when I first hurt myself, what a difference that would have made! I sure don't want you to make the same mistake.
I think this is where I'm supposed to tell you how I'm the greatest Chiropractor or Healer around. One thing about Chiropractic College that really impressed me was how many brilliant and talented people there were. I endeavor to be the best, but there are some great Chiropractors. Good thing, since I depend on them myself!
Western States Chiropractic College is my Alma Mater. Established in 1905, it was the third Chiropractic college and established by D.D. Palmer himself in conjunction with one of the original Naturopathic colleges. The school has a long, huge and remarkable history. The library is a massive archive that has material going all the way back. It includes a fantastic range of information from the healing arts that have been part of WSCC history. The breadth and volume of this profession exceeds that of any single person to learn it all.
Having said all that, let me talk about what I learned; what appeals to me in HealthCare.
WSCC is truly a holistic educational institution with a breadth of courses not found in every chiropractic college.
I received a comprehensive education in Clinical Nutrition. Currently, I use a program that takes your Diet Diary and shows an Analysis of Nutrients in your diet. It's a great way to learn how to customize your menu program and supplement schedule.
The Diplomate in Chiropractic Orthopedics was started at WSCC and remains a standard part of the curriculum. I wasn't aware that this was unique to WSCC. These were such fascinating studies in how the body functions; thanks to my professor, Dr. Carnes. When I started in practice, I found that I was able to identify many NeuroMusculoSkeletal problems that other Doctors (including other Chiropractors) would miss. Sports Chiropractic was a natural and I worked with many events including the Honolulu Marathon, the Triple Crown of Surfing, the Town and Country Rodeo and others.
Because I was finding and fixing problems missed by other practitioners, I was asked what I do differently. Typically, I am asked "what technique" I use. It isn't about the technique. Those are just tools. It's about Finding the Problem. Doing a thorough Intake, I can either find the problem, or know what the next step needs to be. I am regularly asked "skip the exam, I don't need it, I'll tell you what the problem is". It doesn't work that way. If I can't find the problem, I can't help you, and I will tell you so. Therefore, Consultations are no charge while we discover whether your problem is one I can help.
True Conservative Neuro Musculo Skeletal Diagnosis and Care is important and unfortunately, poorly done by many HealthCare practitioners. It takes time, is energy intensive and requires motivated patients. Drugs and Surgery are sooooo much easier...and covered by insurance (it looks like free, oh but the price you pay for lost health).
Early in practice I made a phenomenal discovery. Using the proper techniques, one could actually correct Spinal Curves from injured and abnormal toward to normal. What a revelation! It's a long, intense process; but the amazing thing is that we can do it at all! It is truly a viable option for people with Chronic Spinal Problems who really want to "get it fixed". So I focus on Spinal Correction. Because this is the core of what we can accomplish. Correcting the Spine can change your life and health, and you can't get that from any other healthcare professional. This is change, verified by before/after X-Rays and easily monitored by Posture Exams. You can schedule and receive a complementary Posture Exam and discover if there is a relationship between your health problem and Spinal function.
Sure, I look at your Nutrition and Exercise lifestyle, but who else is going to correct your spine?
When you come in, first we will do an Interview with your current concern and past history that will help me to understand how you got where you are. Then I will do a Physical Exam tailored to what I need to learn about your body's structure and function. X Rays are the most common special test, since I will focus on your Spinal Status. Then, I can report to you what I found (Report of Findings). Based on that, we can start care. The procedure is an Adjustment, an application of specific, directional, corrective forces based on my findings. We measure the correction. Relief of symptoms and an increased feeling of Well Being are common responses. If your problem is chronic or difficult, there may be some soreness at the start of the program. Based on your response, I can recommend a Care Plan. You can then decide to follow through and get the maximum benefit from Chiropractic Correction.