Massage therapy is manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments) to enhance a person’s health and well-being. There are dozens of types of massage therapy methods (also called modalities).
People seek massage therapy for a variety of reasons – to reduce stress and anxiety, relax muscles, rehabilitate injuries, reduce pain, and promote overall health and wellness.
Definition from the Northwestern Health Sciences University
Physical therapy focuses on restoring functional movement and alleviating pain in people of all ages who have mobility limitations due to pain, injury, illness, disability or birth conditions. Physical therapy also helps prevent loss of mobility with individualized fitness programs that encourage a healthier lifestyle.
Your physical therapist will perform an evaluation to diagnose dysfunctional posture and movement patterns. The evaluation will include an assessment of your current symptoms, strength, balance, posture, breathing patterns, movement patterns, sleep habits and lifestyle.
A personalized treatment plan is developed to improve mobility, reduce pain, restore independence and meet your individual needs and goals. You will also be instructed in a home program to help you achieve maximum independence in mobility and self-manage your symptoms. When appropriate, recommendations will be made for treatment by other health care providers in conjunction with physical therapy.
Definition from the Northwestern Health Sciences University
HealthQuest is an industry leader, which is why doctors from across the United States come to us to learn the latest techniques, technology and procedures. Our state-of-the-art facilities are home to one of the country’s most experienced group of chiropractic physicians. HealthQuest clinics conduct more than 100,000 patient visits a year.
Here are answers to frequently asked questions:
What’s the difference between medical and chiropractic doctors?
Chiropractors earn a degree of D.C., which stands for Doctor of Chiropractic. Medical doctors earn a degree of M.D.
The schooling and testing are similar, and both are qualified in diagnosis and treatment. All HealthQuest chiropractic doctors are board certified and licensed by the State of Michigan.
What does chiropractic care really do? Can it really help with headaches, asthma, arthritis, etc.?
Chiropractic care is based on the brain and nervous system and their ability to control and coordinate every function in the body. The entire nerve system runs through the spinal cord and can operate properly only if the spinal cord is in order.
Headaches, arthritis, asthma and many other ailments can be directly related to poor spinal alignment.
Chiropractors are trained to identify the root cause of a problem. Once they understand a patient’s symptoms, they investigate the part of the spine that’s linked to the malfunctioning part of the body. Think of the spine as a high-rise office building with each floor being responsible for a different set of functions in the body. Quite often, a chiropractor can trace a problem back to a section of the spine, make an adjustment and correct the problem.
They do this for people of all ages without using drugs or surgery.
What is included in the free HealthQuest chiropractic screening?
A chiropractor will discuss your health history and evaluate you to determine whether chiropractic care would help you.
How long does this initial health screening take?
Screening times vary depending on the patient’s concerns and health questions. However, on average, the initial screening takes 30-45 minutes.
Will I receive an adjustment on the first day?
No. The purpose of this screening is for the doctor to determine whether chiropractic care would help alleviate your symptoms.
Does the evaluation hurt?
No, the evaluation will not hurt. However, as part of the evaluation, the doctor will ask you to get in positions that might feel slightly uncomfortable or new to you. If you feel any discomfort, let the doctor know. Your feedback will help the doctor identify the cause the problem.
Do I have to take X-rays?
You may, depending on what the doctor finds during the examination.
Are X-rays included in the screening?
They are not included. The doctor will inform you if X-rays are necessary. Most insurance companies cover some or all of the costs.
Why do you need to check my insurance; isn’t the screening free?
Yes, the screening is free. After the screening, the doctor will discuss your condition. We know from experience that many of our new patients want to know the answers to these questions:
Our doctors will do their best to answer all of these questions, except the one about insurance. In order to answer that, we need to do a courtesy check to see what your insurance provider will cover. This way, if you have a problem that can be corrected with chiropractic care, you’d know what would be covered by your insurance before you leave. Many prospective patients want us to do the courtesy check before they arrive for the screening.