Appointments
FAQS
Meet the Doctor
Newsletter
Contact Us
Links
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What should I expect on the first visit?
At your first visit, we will conduct a comprehensive health history to help us understand the factors impacting your state of health.
This includes information about your diet and exercise habits, past health problems, your occupation, and other pertinent data. The
doctor will then perform a very thorough examination that includes your ranges of motion, strength tests, neurological tests, orthopedic
tests, and/or other tests to evaluate your health and identify the sources of your particular problem(s). Please expect your first
visit to last anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour. You'll spend time at your second visit learning exactly what was determined from the
results of your first visit: where the origin of your problem lies, how long it will take to correct it, and the details of your
treatment plan. Your plan may include an adjustment or a series of adjustments, electric muscle stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound,
moist heat, ice, massage, or other modalities of therapy and/or complimented by nutrition and clinical acupuncture. Finally, the
doctor will spend time helping you understand your role in taking care of your body, and making wise lifestyle choices. Each visit
will vary according to the nature of your particular situation, your specific plan for progress, and your body's response to that plan.
Do you accept insurance?
Before we move ahead with your treatment plan, we will provide a financial consultation to help you work out the details of your
deductibles and insurance coverage. Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. We are currently
considered out-of-network providers, but we are working on negotiating contracts with most major medical insurance companies to be
in-network providers. We will gladly assist you if you choose to file a claim with your insurance company and give you a 20%
discount off your total bill. In this way, your doctor is focused on the highest quality of healthcare for you without dealing with
third-parties. Our rates are very affordable and range typically from $30-85 a visit. That may be less than your deductible and
specialist co-pays! We will be happy to verify your insurance benefits and explain them to you. We also have a variety of
payment plans including interest-free plans (for those who qualify) available so that everyone can have quality healthcare!
Please contact us for the latest list of insurance carriers we accept as we are continually adding more to better assist you.
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a scientific-proven form of health care that is drugless, noninvasive, and actively promotes general health. People
choose alternative health care practitioners like chiropractors because we approach healthcare in a different and unique way.
Chiropractic care is holistic, meaning that we do not just treat your problem; we treat you as a whole person. Chiropractic care
supports the concept that proper maintenance of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems can provide you with better health by
functioning at its' best. Unlike its counterpart, the medical approach treats the symptoms of disease with drugs and invasive
surgery. The chiropractic approach is to get your body working well now! Prevention is the key to good health!
Of course, if you presently are in pain and suffering, you need your natural healing ability enhanced so you can better fight
disease and return yourself to a state of balance and health.
Studies by the U.S government and private organizations have shown that chiropractic care is the preferred, most effective, and
safest form of initial care for back-related problems.
What is a subluxation (misalignment)?
Your spine consists of 24 individual bones called vertebrae. These small bones act as a framework to protect your spinal cord from
any type of impact. When these bones move from their normal position and push against the spinal nerves causing disruption of the
transmission of controlling nerve impulses, it is called a subluxation. A subluxation can lead to an impaired nervous system that
can result in pain or other abnormal bodily functions. You may or may not experience pain when the vertebrae are out of place;
this is why it is best to be regularly checked by your chiropractor.
Your body will respond much better if you are given a spinal adjustment when you are in little or no pain. With improved spinal
function there is often improved nervous system function. Your chiropractic doctor can help remove interferences that may be
impairing normal health.
What is an adjustment and does it hurt?
A chiropractic adjustment is a healing art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is misaligned
(subluxed) or not moving properly. By doing this, more motion is added to the joint to help the vertebrae return to its' normal
position and motion. The adjustment also activates position and motion sensing nerves known as proprioceptors and mechanoreceptors
which are found in abundance in joints such as your spine, your knees, and your feet and ankles. These nerves are very powerful
and important to your survival. Without these nerves you would have a hard time knowing which way was up or down and whether or not
your hand was touching a hot stove. When these powerful nerves are activated by a chiropractic adjustment, they can shut down or
"reset" the nerves that are causing your pain or muscle spasms. This is one reason why some patients experience immediate relief for
certain conditions. The overall purpose for the safe and natural procedure is improved spinal function, improved nervous system
function, and improved health.
An adjustment does not hurt. It is possible, however, to be sore the next day after your adjustment. This is because the doctor is
mobilizing joints that are not used to proper movement. A similar analogy can be made of muscle soreness after exercising for the
first time in months. Some soreness is anticipated. Most patients do not experience soreness after their first adjustment but some do.
In fact, most patients look forward to getting adjusted to experience the immediate relief from pain.
Why do I need a Chiropractor to adjust me? Can't I do it myself?
Self-adjusting is highly discouraged. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a "popping" sound, like
the sound that some times accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually
counterproductive, often making an already unstable area of the spine even more unsteady.
Can I go one time to the chiropractor for an adjustment and "take care" of my problem? Why do I need to be adjusted so often?
Chiropractic care is like "orthodontics" for the spine. Clinically, repeated chiropractic adjustments re-train the vertebrae, muscles,
and ligaments to their proper alignment and range of mobility. Just as the time required for braces to achieve correction depends on
the condition of an individual's teeth and mouth structure, the time required for proper spinal alignment to occur depends on the
condition of the individual patient's spine, occupational duties, posture, and many other lifestyle factors.
Chiropractic results may vary. Some patients enjoy immediate results while others find that their recovery takes several months or
longer. Some problems may have been around for a long time and only recently may have become symptomatic. These long-standing
problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative changes to the spine. It takes time and
dedication to make changes to our bodies. "Health is a journey, not a destination!"
What kind of education does a chiropractor have?
You may be surprised to know that Chiropractors are trained very similarly to medical doctors! The major differences between the two
curriculums are:
- Chiropractic schools focus more on treating disease (primarily of nerve, muscle and bone) with chiropractic manipulative therapy, nutrition, prevention and lifestyle education; treating the body as a whole.
- Medical schools focus more on treating disease with pharmacotherapy (medications) and surgical procedures.
- The chart below summarizes the differences in the curriculum of medical and chiropractic schools.
Like medical students, chiropractic students may engage in post-graduate studies to obtain specialty degrees in orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, internal medicine, radiology, nutrition, obstetrics, gynecology, acupuncture, and many more. Contrary to belief, Chiropractors are not just "back crackers".
Can I see a Chiropractor if I am pregnant?Yes, definitely! Oftentimes, pregnant women find that regular chiropractic care during pregnancy decreases low back and sacroiliac ("hip") pain as a result of hormonal changes leading to laxity of ligaments. In addition, adjustments result in easier pregnancy, significantly decreased labor time, and assists new mother back to pre-partum health.
In one study, women receiving chiropractic care through their first pregnancy had 24% shorter labor times than the group not receiving chiropractic. In addition, 84% of women report relief of back pain during pregnancy with chiropractic care. Because the sacroiliac joints of the pelvis function better, there is significantly less likelihood of back labor when receiving chiropractic care through pregnancy.
Dr. Dee is certified in the Webster Technique to restore pelvic balance and remove uterine constraint that is very effective for breech babies. For more information, please visit: www.icpa4kids.com/webster_technique.htm. She has also completed year one towards her certification by the International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association (ICPA); an association for pediatrics and pregnant women. More information can be viewed at: www.icpa4kids.org. Additionally, Dr. Dee's last child, Caleb, was born by a certified nurse mid-wife in a natural waterbirth without the use of drugs or surgical intervention! She strongly supports midwifery and will be happy to provide you with references should you choose that path. Acupuncture for pain control during labor is also available pending on your mid-wife/ Obstetrician's approval.
Why should children see a chiropractor?Today, more and more parents are taking their children for chiropractic care. Right from birth, your baby's neck must be bent in many ways to conform to the birth canal to allow passage into the outside world. This can leave a baby's spine with subluxations or misalignments that can impair the nervous system. Allergic reactions, breathing problems, chronic infections, colic, nursing difficulties and sleep disturbances can often be traced to nerve system stress.
As your child grows, other problems may arise. Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine which if not detected early, may become a serious permanent disfiguring problem. It is important that it is caught before your child begins his or her "growth spurt", which is at about 12-16 years of age. During this time, if left untreated, scoliosis can progress rapidly.
What is Acupuncture?Acupuncture is an ancient healing art that originated in the Far East centuries ago. The earliest written record of acupuncture is found in the Yellow Emperor's Classic published around 500B.C.. Acupuncture has been part of oriental medicine for over 5000 years to restore proper energy flow ("Qi") to the various organs, glands and tissues of the body on the premise that most diseases are the result of malfunction due to disrupted energies. "Qi" is the Chinese term for vital energy or lifeforce.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture's purpose is to promote and encourage natural healing processes and improve bodily functions. Treatment is done with needles or other stimulating forms at specific and precise acupuncture points on the body.
Traditional Chinese Medicine describes energy ("Qi") channels flowing in specific and regular patterns throughout the body. These channels are called meridians that if blocked cause dysfunction, resulting in pain and/or illness. Points along the meridians have reflexive actions and acupuncture to these points help restore normal function.
The western scientific approach reasons that needling of the meridians stimulates nerves causing reflexive reactions in the muscles, nerves, spinal cord and brain. These reactions can cause the release of the body's own chemicals that regulate pain and body functions.
Do the Needles Hurt?
Different people describe acupuncture treatments in different ways. The needles used at Alternative Healing Concepts are top quality Japanese Seirin-brand needles that are for single use and individually wrapped. They are solid and small in diameter producing much less damage than the chiseled and hollow hypodermic needles used for injections and withdrawals. They are not coated and do not contain any medications or chemicals. If you are still apprehensive about needles, there are alternatives; ask your doctor. The needles are inserted no more than ¼" into the skin. Your chiropractor is highly educated of the anatomy of the human body and is very careful of the needle insertion level at specific areas of the body.
What can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture is becoming a more mainstream therapy for a variety of conditions. Pain control has been most helped with acupuncture and a number of studies herald its use. Acupuncture has also been shown to help in addiction disorders such as nicotine abuse and eating disorders. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture for the treatment of the following conditions but are not limited to:
- Neurological and muscular problems
- Headaches
- Neck and Low Back pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Tendinitits
- Sciatica
- Osteoarthirits
- Digestive issues (such as GERD)
- Sinusitis
- Allergies (great for us Austinites!)
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
- Food cravings
- Smoking Addiction
- Infertility
- Epilepsy
- Acute and Chronic pain
- Plantar Fascitis
and many other ailments which result from imbalance.
Please keep in mind that Acupunture is a healing art and is not intended to address a specific concern. It is concerned with the systems of the body such as nervous, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, alimentary, reproductive, hormonal, musculoskeletal, etc., and seeks to correct health problems within those systems to create balance.
What are the Risks of Acupuncture?
We use utilize sterile, individually packaged, single-use needles. The needles are used one time and then are disposed of safely. Clean Needle Technique procedures are employed.
Occasionally a patient may experience a reaction to the needles. Symptoms may worsen at first. Appetite, sleep, or bodily functions may be affected. These indications may demonstrate that the acupuncture treatments are working. Serious complications are extremely rare.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
As with any procedure, treatment schedule depends on individual progress and compliance with recommendations. Chronic conditions may require 1-2 treatments weekly over several months. Acute problems usually require fewer visits. For health maintenance, a few sessions yearly may suffice. Each session may last 30 minutes or more, depending on the problem. On average, 8 out of 10 people will react favorably to acupucture. Advanced age, severity of condition, irreversible tissue damage, etc., are deterrents to recovery and produce little or no result.
What other services do you provide?
Please ask us about our "FACIAL LIFT REJUVENATION" service as a great alternative to surgical face-lift!
Benefits:
- Improves quality of skin
- Stimulation of elastin and collagen production
- Relaxes tension in the nerves and muscles
- Tones facial muscles
- Increased nutrition and oxygen to cells
- Balances vital Qi of the body
- Promotes recession of fine lines and deeper wrinkles
- Safe, painless, no scarring, less costly!
How does Facial Lift Rejuvenation work?
By placing facial needles along fine lines and larger facial muscle groups, it stimulates the blood vessels to dilate thus causing increase circulation to the face. The Qi's blood around the needles induce collagen production leading to increased elasticity of the skin. It usually takes a total of 10 treatments, with visible results after the 7th treatment. We will be glad to take before and after pictures. Please contact us for more information.
We also offer "CUPPING THERAPY"!
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping is an ancient Chinese method of causing local congestion. A partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. This draws up the underlying tissues. When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place. The mild suction brings oxygen rich circulation to sore, achy muscles.
Cupping therapy has been further developed as a means to open the 'Meridians' of the body. Meridians are the conduits in the body through which energy flows to every part of the body and through every organ and tissue. There are five meridians on the back that, when opened, allow invigorating energy to travel the whole length of the body. It has been found that cupping is probably the best way of opening those meridians.
Cupping has also been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries, activate the skin, clear stretch marks and improve varicose veins. Cupping is the best deep tissue massage available. Some skin discoloration or bruising may appear on the skin following this treatment.
I eat a balanced diet, exercise and drink lots of water. Do I really need to take a multivitamin?Nutrition is a vital component of good health. There is overwhelming evidence that vitamin deficiencies are associated with disease processes that can affect your overall good health. We offer nutritional consultations that will examine your dietary, lifestyle, and exercise habits as well as current problems.
Many people such as yourself work hard at improving their health by exercising and eating well, but may still have some vitamin, mineral or antioxidant deficiencies that will affect the function of their immune system. Research at University of Texas showed that 50% of people taking vitamin supplements were still deficient!
At AHC, we offer the state-of-the-art Functional Intracellular Analysis (FIA™) by Spectracell Laboratories that assess the functions of specific nutrients within an individual's white blood cells (lymphocytes). Please visit www.spectracell.com for more information.
Unlike traditional serum, hair, and urine tests, it provides a complete picture of an individual's functional intracellular nutritional status. These tests can tell you exactly what vitamins, minerals or essential nutrients your body is lacking. We will then work closely with you to prescribe the highest quality grade nutritional supplements to replenish what your body is lacking to achieve optimal function and prevent the development or progression of chronic disease.
What kind of nutritional supplements do you recommend? Can't I buy some at the drug store?
We recommend only reputable pharmaceutical grade vitamins and minerals supplements to compliment your diet and help you achieve lasting health. The following makers of these fine supplements are: MMS-Pro, Douglas Laboratories, Standard Process, NutraMD, Metagenics, USANA Health Sciences, and Life Force International; all available only by licensed professionals. These pharmaceutical grade supplements have been laboratory tested for grade and quality and have a much better absorption rate than your standard over-the-counters.
Did you know that your prescription medications may be depleting your body's essential vitamins and nutrients?
If you are currently on medications, you may not be aware that your prescription drugs you are taking are depleting your body's essential vitamins and minerals.
For example, if you are currently on a cholesterol-lowering drug (statins), you may not realize that the drug depletes your body of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). A deficiency in CoQ10 actually can cause congestive heart failure and high blood pressure, the very diseases it was meant to prevent: heart disease. For more information, please see www.essential-nutrients.net.
I'm an athlete. How can nutrition help me with my training?Good question. Did you know "couch potatoes" often live longer than athletes? The scientific explanation is that because of athletes' higher activity levels, they have higher unmet nutritional demands. Athletes use up more minerals than the average sedentary person and sweats more in 5 years than a couch potato does in 75 years! Sweating causes not only water loss, but also up to 60 essential minerals which can cause electrolyte imbalance, degenerative disease among other life-threatening risks. Athletes need more amino acids, antioxidants (to fight the free radicals and cell damage), enzymes, Cox-2 inhibitors (to protect against inflammation), and more vitamins because of their increase in physical activity.
Athletes are not the only ones the above applies to. The same goes for anyone that increases activity level and sweats! That could be a carpenter, dance instructor, mechanic, postal worker…..
Why do I need supplements? Can't I just get it from eating better food?
You may think that eating plenty of the standard foods is the way to provide your body's supply of nutrients-you're on the right track. But, in today's world, getting optimal nutrition without supplements is close to impossible. Very often, commonly available foods are grown in depleted mineral soils. Unless you analyze your food you won't know if the nutrients you need are there. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!"