Frequently Asked Questions in Brooklyn NY

Physical therapy (PT) is a healthcare specialty focused on helping people restore, maintain, and improve their movement, function, and overall physical health. It often involves exercises, manual therapy, education, and the use of specialized equipment.

Physical therapists treat a wide range of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary (skin-related) systems. Here are some common categories and examples:

• Musculoskeletal Conditions
• Neurological Conditions
• Cardiopulmonary Conditions
• Pediatric and Developmental Disorders
• Geriatric Issues

A chiropractic adjustment (also known as spinal manipulation) is a hands-on treatment performed by a chiropractor to improve spinal motion and overall physical function. The goal is to restore proper alignment to joints—especially in the spine—that may be restricted or "misaligned" due to injury, poor posture, or stress.

Chiropractic adjustments are generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed chiropractor. However, they may not be appropriate for people with osteoporosis, spinal instability, severe arthritis, or certain neurological conditions.

Chiropractic care offers several potential benefits, especially for people dealing with musculoskeletal issues. While results vary by individual and condition, many patients report improvements in pain, mobility, and overall well-being.

Yes, while chiropractic care is generally safe when performed by a licensed and properly trained chiropractor, there are some risks and potential side effects—especially depending on your health history and the type of treatment performed.

Some common , mild side effects can be : Soreness or stiffness, fatigue , soreness at adjustment site.

Chiropractic adjustments are not typically painful, but experiences can vary depending on the individual and their condition.

For Most People:

• The adjustment itself usually feels like a quick, controlled movement or a gentle thrust.
• You may hear a popping or cracking sound (similar to cracking knuckles), but this is painless and caused by gas releasing from the joint.
• Many people feel relief, looser muscles, or increased mobility immediately afterward

Someone would choose me as their chiropractor based on a combination of trust, expertise, results, and connection.

The follow up treatments usually are around 15 minutes. Although they may take longer if the patient needs more attention due to their condition.

Chiropractors go through extensive education and clinical training to become licensed professionals. Here's an overview of the typical path:

1. Undergraduate Education (Pre-Chiropractic)
   • Most chiropractic programs require at least 3 years of undergraduate coursework, usually in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physics.
   • Many chiropractors earn a bachelor’s degree, though it's not always required if prerequisites are met.
2. Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Degree
   • This is a 4-year professional doctoral program from an accredited chiropractic college.
   • The curriculum includes:
     • Basic Sciences: anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, biochemistry
     • Clinical Sciences: diagnosis, neurology, radiology, orthopedics, nutrition
     • Chiropractic Technique: spinal manipulation, adjusting techniques, rehabilitation
     • Clinical Internships: hands-on experience with real patients under supervision
3. National Board Exams
   • Chiropractors in the U.S. must pass exams administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE):
     • Part I: Basic sciences
     • Part II: Clinical sciences
     • Part III: Clinical case management
     • Part IV: Practical skills (adjusting, diagnostic imaging, etc.)
       Physiotherapy exam (required in many states)
4. State Licensure
   1. After passing national boards, chiropractors must get licensed in the state where they wish to practice.
   2. Requirements vary slightly by state and may include background checks or additional exams.
5. Continuing Education
   • Chiropractors are required to complete annual continuing education (CE) hours to maintain their license and stay current on clinical skills, safety protocols, and new research.
   • Chiropractic education is rigorous and includes over 4,000 hours of combined classroom and clinical training, similar in length to other doctoral-level health professions.

Yes, pregnant women can safely see a chiropractor, and many do to help manage the physical changes and discomfort that come with pregnancy—especially in the second and third trimesters.

No, chiropractic care is not physically addictive—it doesn’t involve chemicals or substances that create dependency like drugs or alcohol do. However, some people may feel a strong desire to continue care, which can give the impression of addiction.

The "crack" or "popping" sound you hear during a chiropractic adjustment is a natural and harmless phenomenon called cavitation. It occurs when the chiropractor applies a controlled force to a joint, and here's what’s happening:

What Causes the Sound:

• Gas bubbles in the joint: Your joints are filled with synovial fluid, which helps lubricate them. This fluid contains gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.
• When a joint is adjusted, it creates a sudden change in pressure within the joint. This pressure change causes the gas bubbles to form and rapidly collapse, which produces the "cracking" or "popping" sound.
• It’s similar to the sound you hear when you crack your knuckles.

No

Yes, chiropractic care can be very effective in helping manage and relieve back pain, particularly lower back pain. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, including issues with the spine, joints, and muscles.

Yes, chiropractors can effectively treat neck pain. Neck pain is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care, and chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the neck, spine, and surrounding muscles.

Yes, chiropractic care can help with certain types of headaches, particularly tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches (headaches that originate from the neck). Chiropractic treatments may also provide relief for migraines in some cases, although the effectiveness can vary from person to person.

CHIRORPACTIC CARE

• Primary Focus: Chiropractic care centers around the spine and nervous system, particularly spinal alignment. Chiropractors believe that spinal misalignments (called subluxations) can interfere with nerve function, leading to pain and health issues in other parts of the body.
• Philosophy: Chiropractors generally focus on the idea that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself, and proper spinal alignment can facilitate this process. Treatment typically involves spinal manipulations or adjustments to restore alignment and improve function.
  Chiropractors may also address issues in joints, muscles, and soft tissues, but the primary focus is usually on spinal health and its impact on overall wellness.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

• Primary Focus: Physical therapy focuses on rehabilitating injuries, improving mobility, and restoring function. While it may involve the spine, physical therapy also addresses other joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves throughout the body.
• Philosophy: Physical therapists aim to help patients regain functional independence and prevent future injuries. The focus is often on strengthening, stretching, and improving flexibility, as well as teaching patients exercises to improve long-term mobility and function.

Yes, chiropractic care can be very helpful in treating and managing sports injuries. Chiropractors are trained to address musculoskeletal issues, improve joint mobility, and reduce pain—all of which are essential for recovery and enhancing performance in athletes.

Yes, chiropractic care can significantly improve posture! In fact, one of the key benefits of chiropractic treatment is its ability to address postural imbalances, which can help you maintain a healthier, more aligned spine and improve your overall posture.

A chiropractic adjustment is a hands-on treatment performed by a chiropractor to correct spinal misalignments, known as subluxations, and improve overall function. It involves applying controlled, precise force to a joint (most commonly in the spine) to restore alignment and mobility.

Yes, chiropractic care is generally considered safe for children when performed by a trained and licensed chiropractor who has experience working with pediatric patients. In fact, chiropractic adjustments can be beneficial for children in many situations, from birth trauma to growing pains, and even for sports injuries or postural issues.