WHAT TO EXPECT

One of the first questions a patient asks when we suggest EMS or spinal decompression as a treatment option is, “will it hurt?”. While certain treatments may produce a strange sensation, pain is never a part of what we do. In order to better prepare you for what to expect with some of the new technologies we employ to relieve discomfort, Barr Chiropractic S.C. has provided some information about some of our more common treatment programs. If you have questions that aren’t answered here, feel free to contact us.

1ST VISIT

When you arrive, our front desk staff will receive your new patient paperwork, and take you on an office tour. Once this is done, we will perform a consultation to gather additional information about your overall health.

Dr. Barr will perform a detailed examination, and determine if X-rays are needed. X-rays are performed on site. If your condition allows, your first adjustment and therapies will be done.

Please allow 60-90 minutes for this visit.

2ND VISIT

On your second visit you’ll receive the finding of the report from your first visit. Dr. Barr will discuss your treatment plan, and answer any questions you may have on chiropractic care.

During this visit, we will discuss what your insurance covers and what your expected out of pocket expenses will be.

Please allow 60-90 minutes for this visit.

ELECTRIC MUSCLE STIMULATION

Initially, you may experience a slight tingling sensation. That is because the electrical impulses generated by Electric Muscle Stimulation are mimicking the signals that the central nervous system normally produces causing the muscles to contract. As your body processes this muscle excitation, the intensity of your 10-20 minute treatment may be increased slightly to achieve maximum effectiveness.

ULTRASOUND

While there is no discomfort associated with ultrasound, the amount of time that your treatment requires can vary. Where scar tissue is present, the session may last significantly longer though usual treatment takes about 3 – 5 minutes. During treatment, the ultrasound wand or probe is in constant motion, moving across your skin. The sensation normally isn’t unpleasant.

Ultrasound can also be helpful at diagnosing minor fractures that may not be obvious on X-ray. Small or hairline fractures may produce pain as sound waves are trapped between the two parts of the break. Please be advised that we avoid using ultrasound where there are malignancies, metal implants below the area treated, acute infection, vascular abnormalities and on the abdomen of pregnant women.

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION

At first glance, spinal decompression may look imposing. However, when performed correctly, any discomfort is minimal compared to the relief it can provide. In order to properly heal the injured area, it must be alternately distracted and relaxed at specific intervals. The process allows us to isolate each disc independently of one another and focus attention where needed. This is accomplished through proper positioning of the patient and the spinal decompression table.