Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic is a science at the service of Well-Being, which is based on the scientific fact that the Nervous System affects and influences every single function of the human body, thus conditioning the health and the quality of life of the human being.
Chiropractic recognizes that the human body is a self regulating and healing organism, which is controlled by the Nervous System. Any Interference to a properly functioning nervous which chiropractors call a vertebral subluxation complex, is not good for the overall regulation and control of the body. This leads to the body’s inability to efficiently adapt to the normal stresses of the function of the body. Correction of Interference to the Nervous System and the correction of the vertebral subluxation complex which chiropractors call a Chiropractic Adjustment, is a good thing because it restore’s the normal adaptability and function of the human body.
According to the World Federation of Chiropractic, the meaning of Chiropractic is “A health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects these disorders on the function of the Nervous System and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal adjustment and other joint and soft tissue manipulation.” Another definition of Chiropractic as described by the Association of Chiropractic Colleges describe it as “Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline that emphasizes the inherit recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. The practice of Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the Spine) and function (as coordinated by the Nervous System) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. In addition, doctors of chiropractic recognize the value and responsibility of working in cooperation with other health care practitioners when in the best interest of the patient.”
What is Vertebral Subluxation Complex:
A Vertebral Subluxation Complex is when a vertebrae, or group of vertebrae move out of there normal position and interfere with the normal function of the spinal nerves disrupting the normal communication between the brain and the body. This mis-communication may lead to a reduced efficiency for the body to adapt to normal stresses, eventually leading to dysfunction, illness, injury and disease. A Vertebral Subluxation Complex can be caused by various Physical, Emotional and Nutritional stresses that are put upon the body. A Vertebral Subluxation Complex can only be corrected with a chiropractic adjustment.
A subluxation does not only affect nervous system function, but the increased mechanical stress on the other tissues involved will eventually cause damage. Aside from the nerves initially being effected, the first tissues that will start to break down will be the intervertebral disc, followed by changes in the muscles and ligaments causing adhesions and either Hypertonicity (Tightness) or Hypotonicity (weakness). Eventually the altered biomechanics, weight bearing and movement alterations can lead to arthritis and degeneration of the spine.
Symptoms Associated With Vertebral Subluxation Complex
Some of the most common symptoms of Vertebral Subluxation Complex include muscle tightness, reduced ranges of motion, poor posture, pain, reduced energy, difficulty in taking a deep breath, dizziness or balance problems, numbness or tingling into the arms and legs, Sciatica, Scoliosis, ear infections, torticollis, headaches, high blood pressure, digestive issues, colic, poor overall health and well-being.
What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
A Chiropractic Adjustment is a very specific correction of vertebral subluxation complex performed by a chiropractor. It is designed to restore normal neurological function, and improve vertebral alignment, weight bearing and motion.
There are many ways to adjust the spine, from techniques which are extremely gentle, which use specially designed hand tools or chiropractic tables, to more of a manual technique where audible “cracks or clicks” might be experienced.
It is important to understand that a Chiropractic Adjustment does not need to be forceful. It needs to be a very specific and fast thrust, not a forceful one, to have an immediate effect on the spinal nerves to reduce pain and improve function.
Dr. Mascetta reviews with every patient the level of care, or style of adjusting that they would like to receive. He will then devise a plan to include what the patient is comfortable with as long as it is clinically indicated.
Benefits of a Chiropractic Adjustment.
There are many benefits to receiving chiropractic adjustments. Here is a list of some of the more common benefits that have been clinically proven to be effective: Sciatica, Low back and Neck Pain, Headaches including tension and migraines, Colic, acid reflux and ear infections in children, Neurologic Conditions, Blood Pressure, Surgery prevention, Frozen Shoulder, Scoliosis, Improved Athletic performance, feeling of well being, energy and improved overall healthy. Also, reduced medications and less nursing home admissions in the elderly have also been recorded.
Does a Chiropractic Adjustment hurt?
Can chiropractic help with muscular conditions?
Yes. The joints and nervous system are the underlying foundation to the proper function of muscles. A chiropractor will improve the alignment, motion and weight bearing of a joint, therefore improving muscular function including symmetry and tightness. In our office, we also provide specific muscular treatments including Trigger Point Therapy, Physical Rehabilitation and physical therapy modalities such as Electric Muscle Stimulation, Ultrasound and Low Level Cold Laser Therapy.
Does chiropractic help with extremity issues, like problems with the arms and legs?
Yes. Chiropractor’s primarily work with spinal conditions, but have specialized training in the evaluation and treatment of conditions of the extremities.
Are Chiropractor’s real doctors?
What is a GaitScan Analysis?
A comprehensive gait assessment will allow Dr. Mascetta to determine if a patient’s feet are having a negative impact on their spinal health, or how they stand, walk, run or move.
A GaitScan is a computerized analysis of the patients gait which uses cutting edge technology that will provide critical information to determine if a patient would benefit from a custom made orthotic.
When walking, the foot is in contact with the ground for less than a second, making it impossible to determine abnormal foot function with the naked eye. A GaitScan pressure plate collects over one million data points which provides insight into the unique timing and pressure of the patient’s gait, determining the function of their feet. This data will also digitally create a dynamic cast of each foot creating a custom made orthotic if needed.
What are custom made orthotics?
Custom orthotics are medical devices that are manufactured to address a patients unique biomechanical needs and gait imbalances. They are crafted by skilled technicians and are based on a detailed computerized scan of the foot while standing and in motion. This scan combined with the clinical findings from Dr. Mascetta will allow the technicians to fabricate a custom pair of orthotics to meet the patients unique needs.
How do Custom Orthotics Help?
Custom orthotics help the patient’s body restore a natural balance and normal movement patterns, thereby reducing pain, strain and discomfort. For optimal results, a custom orthotic should be worn on a daily basis inside quality, supportive footwear. Dr. Mascetta will provide specific instructions on how to gradually increase wearing time for activities of daily living and/or specific activities such as running sports.
Over time, custom orthotics prescribed by Dr.Mascetta will bring the patient relief from excessive pressure points, fatigue and pain, allowing them to enjoy daily activities once again.
Why is it Important to choose Health Professionals’ Brands of Nutritional Supplements?
Health Professionas’ Brands of Nutritiional Supplemets are supplements that are only offered through healthcare practitioners offices. This allows the nutritional supplement company more money to put into the quality of their supplements. They typically use higher grade raw ingredients which are routinely tested at a much more stringent level for impurities, quality and effectiveness.
These products are not sold through stores, they are only available through health care providers, this ensures that the patient not only benefits from the improved quality of the product, but from the nutritional expertise and guidance of their health care provider.
Are supplements derived from Whole Food Sources more effective than supplements derived from synthetic sources?
Typically yes! Most of the supplements that Dr. Mascetta recommends are from whole food sources. These supplements contain nutrients from whole food and other ingredients, these special formulations have specifically selected ingredients to enhance the effectiveness of the product for the patients unique needs.
Research suggests that whole foods consumed in the diet provide nutrients in a whole food complex that is beneficial. The whole food ingredients begin with the whole food and its synergistic cofactors to provide the patient with a natural, well-balanced nutritional supplement.
What is the difference between Chiropractic and Physical therapy and Massage Therapy?
There are many similarities between Chiropractic Care and other Manual Therapies like Physical and Massage Therapy which can create some confusion amongst patients that are looking into these types of services. The truth is that they complement each other very well, but they do have differences.
Chiropractic is based on a distinct philosophy that takes into account not only the physical, but also emotional and chemical aspects of the whole person, and how these stresses can affect their overall health and well-being.
Chiropractic is focused on the correction of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex with a Chiropractic Adjustment. Neither Physical nor Massage Therapy provides this service. They may “mobilize” or “Manipulate” joints, but they will not correct a Vertebral Subluxation and therefore will not achieve the same level of results as a Chiropractic Adjustment.
The Vertebral Subluxation in most instances is the underlying cause of the symptoms including pain, muscle tightness, and reduced ranges of motion. These symptoms cannot be completely resolved without the correction of the underlying problem. Physical therapy is great at strengthening the joints, and massage therapy is great at reducing muscle tightness and soreness, but neither gets to the root cause of the problem. Without the correction of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex, therapists are just strengthening and reducing muscle tightness associated with joint dysfunction, and not fixing the underlying cause of the problem.
Does Insurance cover chiropractic care and how much does it typically cost?
Yes. Chiropractic is covered by most insurance plans. Dr. Mascetta is a participating provider for most local plans. This means he accepts the In-Network Rate for certain insurance companies. Plans vary, and the patients out of pocket costs are dependent on their individual plan and subject to deductibles, co-insurance and co-pays. As a courtesy, Ridgefield Chiropractic and Wellness Center will verify patient insurance coverage for patients of the practice.
If there happens to be no insurance coverage, Dr. Mascetta has very reasonable costs for the level of care he provides. Care plans are tailored to each individual patient depending on the level of care that they need.
The cost of care in this office is quite affordable, taking into account the savings that are associated with healthier and improved quality of life. Long- Term quality of life will translate into less loss of working days, less illness and disease, less medication and hospitizations, and an improved, happier quality of life!