Chiropractic FAQs
What does a Chiropractor do?
Chiropractors are specialists who can offer care that complements a patient's other care needs. They focus on the health of a patient’s joints and muscles. They offer soft-tissue therapy, joint readjustments, and other exercises meant to increase mobility and naturally encourage the body to stretch and heal. And they can treat pain anywhere in the body: in the head and jaws, the shoulders, the elbows and wrists, the hips and pelvis, and the knees and ankles.
How long should you see a Chiropractor?
As is so often the case in medicine, it depends on an individual patient’s care needs. Some patients may visit a chiropractor as few as six weeks. Others may need to go for six months - and still, others may require semi-regular visits for long-term assistance. To get an idea of how long you may need chiropractic care, talk to your doctor as well as your chiropractor to determine what kind of treatment timeline you’re looking at.
Does Chiropractic treatment require a referral?
A referral is usually not needed to see a chiropractor. However, your personal health plan may have specific referral requirements, so it’s important to confirm your individual insurance requirements before seeking care.
What is the difference between a Chiropractor and a Physical Therapist?
Chiropractic care can sound very similar to physical therapy. Both methods of care focus on pain relief and increased mobility. However, a chiropractor focuses specifically on conditions of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system. And they address the symptoms with highly skilled manipulations, deep tissue therapies, and chiropractic joint adjustments.
Physical therapists, on the other hand, oversee a thorough rehabilitation program for a patient. They evaluate and diagnose health issues, and then provide treatment to restore movement and function such as strength, range of motion, and balance. With these differences in mind, it’s important to describe all of your symptoms to your doctors when looking for care. The extent of your symptoms, and their cause(s), will determine the best professional for the job and for your care needs!
Why choose Allegheny Medical?
At Allegheny Medical, we offer holistic wellness and preventative care, as well as individualized care. We look at you as a whole and operate with a “whole body approach.” Our chiropractic team can help patients get to the root of their pain. Call us at 412-494-4550 or book an appointment online!