Chiropractors/Chiropractic practices

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 10/26/2007


Question
I have been going to a chiropractor 3 times a week for 3 months. The chiropractor does the same few techniques which manipulate my spine. Is there any techniques to provide adjustments for my pelvis and leg areas, mostly my hip joints? Is it safe, and would you recommend adjustments 3 times a week? Would you say this is normal or overkill? Also I am worried about the possibility of adjustments causing damage such as torn or sprained muscles, ligaments, or tendons and pinched nerves?

Thanks.

Answer
Dear Craig,

The first thing I can tell you is do not worry about the adjustments causing nerve damage or spraining ligaments, tendons etc...  Chiropractic care is extremely safe and your risk of being hurt from the actual manipulations is very low...spinal adjustments have been proven safer than aspirin.

Now there are specific techniques for adjusting the pelvis, the sacrum, and the hip joint, but they only need to be utilized if the joints have fixations or improper biomechanical relationships.  Otherwise, rehab exercises are very effective in stabilizing the joints of the pelvic girdle, and they should be utilized in addition to stretching protocols.  Your chiropractor should have been addressing these issues from the initial week of care.

Concerning 3 times a week for 3 months, this sounds a bit excessive unless you have a specific injury that is being addressed.  Most patients can be effectively managed initially with a month of care, anywhere from 10-15 visits, unless they have a substantial injury.  Ongoing care after the fact would always have to be designed per patient and per case.  you need to discuss this with your current doctor.  After three months of care, you should have seen significant improvements, if not you may want to seek out another opinion.

Hope this helps Craig.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net

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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman

Expertise

I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.

Experience

I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net

Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. *CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*

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