Your Most Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care
Discover Why Iowa Spine + Performance is Not Your Typical Des Moines Chiropractor
About Iowa Spine and Performance
As a trusted advisor since 2017, Dr. Michael Henrichs has been helping people seeking answers for their physical health and well-being. From professional athletes, to division 1 athletes and active adults alike, Dr. Mike helps people get back to the things they love without pain. He is the founder of Iowa Spine and Performance in Des Moines, Iowa and has experienced fast growth as he is able to continue to assist patients reaching their goals.
What Is Chiropractic Care All About?
In this special report written to help "lift the lid on chiropractic," I share with you 28 very common questions, provide answers, offer clarity and debunk myths (and skepticism) that many people have and hold concerning chiropractic care.
What you will learn in this special report are the questions I get asked each and every day in my office. But before I get to the questions, let me tell you the real reason why I wrote this special report. After doing this for years, a common theme became clear AFTER working with a patient. We would finish a session or plan of care and the patient would say, "You know, most people say they are different than other chiropractors, but you really ARE different!" And because of this, I became very frustrated that the only way for someone to see I was different was for them to experience it.
So this is my BEST ATTEMPT at helping people understand what we do at Iowa Spine and Performance and how we really are DIFFERENT and how we can help you.
To the latter point, it is imperative you understand exactly what we do because few, if any, chiropractic clinics in Iowa (or the midwest) offer the service that we do, in the way that we do it.
Your 28 FAQ's Answered
Ql. I'm already seeing another chiropractor, why would I come see you?
Dr. Mike: The truth is that most chiropractors do about 10% of what we do at ISP. In addition to what a 'typical' chiropractor may do, we offer many other services like soft tissue treatment, exercise programming, and rehab exercise. Most important, any treatment plan given is custom tailored to your specific needs. One size never fits all at ISP.
Q2. I don't want to be adjusted, do I have to be?
Dr. Mike: NO! We have many other techniques and protocols that we can use to get the results that you need!
Q3. I'm going to physical therapy, why would I come see you?
Dr. Mike: ISP provides all of the same services that a typical physical therapy clinic would. The difference is the time and personal attention you get at our clinic. Your entire visit is spent 1-1 with a doctor or therapist. We don't pass you to an aide or an assistant.
Q4. I've already got exercises from my physical therapist, why would I need MORE exercises?
Dr. Mike: The truth is that most exercises given in Physical Therapy are 'cookie cutter'. In other words, every person that walks in with back pain gets the same set of exercises, no matter what. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. You may have exercises to do, but they may not be the RIGHT exercises.
Q5. You talk so much about exercise. What does that have to do with chiropractic?
Dr. Mike: I believe that proper exercise is often the BEST form of medicine for anyone. Most people in pain will benefit from the 'mixed' approach of both chiropractic care as well as proper exercise.
Q6. What type of patients do you work with?
Dr. Mike: Here is a list of people we can help:
1) Active adults who have been injured while exercising and who are looking to get back to exercise, pain free.
2) Adults who would like to be active but get hurt every time they try to exercise.
3) Weekend Warriors who love to play sports but work long stressful hours and don't always have the time to get the proper medical care they need
4) Serious youth and college athletes who have been injured playing their sport
5) People who take their health very seriously and can't imagine that taking a 'pill' for every ache and pain is a good idea. They believe that exercise, nutrition, and proper stretching are the keys to good health NOT some silly pill bottle or injection
Q7. What if I come for a first visit and don't want to make another appointment?
Dr. Mike: That's totally fine with me! My first priority is to help you to understand what is going wrong and then help you come up with a treatment strategy. Once I have done that, it's your decision as to what happens next!
Q8. How likely is it that you will be able to help me?
Dr. Mike: If you have pain or stiffness in the following areas: Back, Hip, Knee, Neck/Shoulder, Ankle/Foot then there is a great chance that I can help AND if I can not, I will certainly tell you that and help you find the right person that can!
Q9. Can I talk to you before I come to the office?
Dr. Mike: Absolutely. Just call 515-724-0260 or email me directly at drmike@iowaspineandperformance.com
QlO. What will happen if I don't do anything about my injury?
Dr. Mike: In most cases, it won't heal and you will continue with pain. This is obvious. The not-so-obvious is that your joints and muscles will begin to compensate and cause other problems that will limit you, long-term.
Q11. "This only happened the other day," how long should I wait before coming in?
Dr. Mike: ASAP. The general rule: "The longer something has been around, the longer it will stay around." The quicker we can get in for treatment, the quicker you will get the results you want.
Q12. What happens if I come in and the spot that is hurting me doesn't really hurt at the time? Should I still come in?
Dr. Mike: Yes! In fact, this is often the best time to come in. You see, when you are in a lot of pain, most of your session has to be spent just working on the pain. When you don't have pain, we can really focus on getting to the ROOT Cause of your pain, so you can stay out of pain, LONG TERM!
Q13. How quickly will I be seen?
Dr. Mike: Often, within days. If you need an emergency appointment, let us know on the phone or in your email and we can arrange it.
Q14. How long will I have to wait once I get to your office?
Dr. Mike: One of my personal pet-peeves is people that run late! We do everything in our power to keep your appointments for your scheduled time. Obviously, circumstances do happen but this is the exception and NOT the rule. We realize people are busy and deserve to be seen on time.
Q15. My other chiropractor lays me on the table, cracks my back and I leave. Is that what you do?
Dr. Mike: No. In fact, this is about as far from what we do as possible. We will spend time working on you, doing hands on treatment but also expect that you are willing to learn and move your body!
Q16. I have arthritis. Can you help me?
Dr. Mike: Yes! But understand there is no CURE for arthritis. What we can do is manage the symptoms that come from arthritis. Many people with arthritis get to a point where they have no pain at all!
Q17. I am a Powerlifter or a CrossFit athlete; can you help?
Dr. Mike: Yes, I have trained at both a powerlifting and a CrossFit gym. I understand exactly what movements you are doing and how to get you back to to your workouts!
Q18. Will you tell me to stop working out or training?
Dr. Mike: In the vast majority of cases, NO! My goal is always to help you continue to train or exercise even while seeking treatment.
Q19. Are your services expensive?
Dr. Mike: Not in my humble opinion. As most things, it comes down to what you value. Most people will spend more money on going out to restaurants over the course of a month than they will spend at ISP.
And, each condition and person is treating individually so therefore, there is no 'Set Price'. Upon evaluation, we will learn what your goals are and what you are trying to achieve and be able to match a care plan accordingly.
Q20. My doctor told me not to see a chiropractor, why?
Dr. Mike: Many MD's are 'old-school' and believe that rest and pills are the best form of treatment. Some may have never really interacted with a chiropractor and aren't clear on exactly what we do. Also, I can pretty much guarantee, they have no idea what ISP does since we are certainly different than most chiropractors.
Q21. My doctor says I need surgery but I don't want to get it. What do I do?
Dr. Mike: First, let's be clear. When talking about surgery, we are NOT talking about life or death procedures like heart, brain, lung, etc. We do not deal with that type of stuff and please, defer to your doctor who is recommending that. However, if we are speaking about muscle, bone, or joint surgeries, many can be avoided or delayed with good treatment. And I always tell people, the surgery will always be there if our treatment does not get you better.
Q22. How long does a session last?
Dr. Mike: Depends on what you need! Our clients tell us they love our 1:1 sessions with the doctor that last a full hour, so that's what we do most!
Q23. Will I need a referral from my doctor or a prescription to see you?
Dr. Mike: Nope. Just give us a call and we can get you right onto the schedule.
Q24. How often will I need treatment?
Dr. Mike: This always depends on the specific condition but generally treatment plans are no more than 2x per week.
Q25. Do I need to come forever?
Dr. Mike: No! This is a common misconception to many, as chiropractors in the past have demanded they come for treatment forever. We certainly do not 'demand' a patient come for treatment once they are healed and back doing what they love. However, some do CHOOSE to stay on their own because of the value and long-term health we have been able to provide.
Q26. Will I be in pain after the treatment?
Dr. Mike: In general, no. In some cases, people do experience muscle soreness similar to as if you lifted weights for the first time in a while. All of this will be explained during the treatment and you will know exactly what to expect when you leave.
Q27. Will you give me exercises for home?
Dr. Mike: We will always encourage you to do exercises at home although it is not a requirement for treatment. Many people find that they get FASTER results when implementing home exercise while some would rather us just take care of it.
Q28. I'm working out with a trainer, will you be able to coordinate with them as to what I can and can not do?
Dr. Mike: 100% yes! Many patients find us this way, actually. They are frustrated by the fact that their doctor and trainer are not on the same page and they are wasting time at both! Within 24 hours of your first session, we will be in contact with your trainer {so long as that's what you want, of course)
So There You Have It
28 Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Treatment
Furthermore, you have just read the most common concerns, questions, and myths that surround Iowa Spine and Performance. I hope the answers have provided clarity, debunked any myths and put to bed any skepticism that may or may not be stopping you from accessing a very valuable service- one that can quite literally allow you to get back to fit and active lifestyle that you so value in your life.
I hope this is the beginning of a great, long-term relationship where myself and colleagues become a source of cutting edge health advice for you and make a real difference to your life.
For specific questions regarding our FAQ's, please contact: info@iowaspineandperformance.com
Health Advice Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that we accurately represent the injury advice and prognosis displayed throughout this Guide.
However, examples of injuries and their prognosis are based on typical representations of those injuries that we commonly see in our physiotherapy clinics. The information given is not intended as representations of every individual's potential injury. As with any injury, each person's symptoms can vary widely and each person's recovery from injury can also vary depending upon background, genetics, previous medical history, application of exercises, posture, motivation to follow medical advice and various other physical factors. It is impossible to give a 100% complete accurate diagnosis and prognosis without a thorough physical examination and likewise the advice given for management of an injury cannot be deemed fully accurate in the absence of this examination from Dr. Michael Henrichs or other doctors of Iowa Spine and Performance. We are able to offer you this service at a standard charge. Significant injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek suitable professional advice about your injury. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied in this report.