What healing modality or modalities do you practice?
Chiropractic
Why do clients typically seek your particular style of work?
For me, I have a background in Sports Medicine that draws a variety of athletes to me. Otherwise I would say that anyone with back or neck pain has come in search of relief.
How did you get interested in doing what you do?
I come from a family of caregivers; my father, sister & uncle are M.D.s and my mom and her sister are retired PTs. I have two cousins who are vets that are married to M.D.s!! So it was a natural fit for me to pursue a career in the field. I debated quite a bit with Medical school, becoming a Physician’s Assistant or going to Chiropractic College. Ultimately I choose chiropractic because of the benefits to athletes and all active people. I enjoy treating that population and they always have the attitude of wanting to get better faster.
How long have you been in practice? Has your practice always looked like this, or have there been variations?
I graduate two years ago and have been in this practice since August 2010. I recently franchised my office and am so thankful and excited about the changes & transition that is/are taking place!!
Where and when did you do your training? Was it formal or informal?
I went to SUNY Cortland in NY for my Bachelors in Athletic Training, High Point Univ. in NC for my Master’s in Sports Studies and Northwestern Health Sciences University in MN for my Doctor of Chiropractic degree (11 years in total!!). All on my schooling was very formal and tough work! I also was a Graduate assistant Athletic Trainer at a small Division III College in NC for 3 years working with the Women’s Volleyball, Men’s & Women’s Basketball, and Men’s Lacrosse teams.
Is tipping appropriate for your business? Why or why not? How much?
Tipping is not necessary in my profession. We are a HealthCare provider and tipping is not an option.
What are your rates? Do you use a fixed or sliding fee scale? Are taxes included? What forms of payment do you accept?
I have a fee schedule in place for my office. Some people pay different amounts based on their insurance and the type of package they purchase. There is no tax on Chiropractic services, but there would be if I sold products in my office. I accept cash, check or charge in my office and some insurances.
Are clients clothed or disrobed during your service? What kind of draping can they expect?
Clients always are clothed here at the office. I find it unnecessary to have a patient disrobe for treatment or an exam. If I feel there is something in the history that would warrant a skin check (i.e. history of skin cancer, or a non-healing wound), I am prepared for that, we have gowns in the office. The only time I have asked a patient to remove an article of clothing has been for the purpose of taking x-rays, sometimes a belt or a zipper or buttons interfere with what I need to see on a film.
What ages can you treat, and in that range, what ages have you comfortably treated?
I can treat anyone from a minute old to 100+!! That’s what is so great about Chiropractic care.
I prefer to treat the 12-55 range mostly because that’s where a lot of my athletic population lies.
What are common fears you have encountered in new clients that you’d like to allay?
My biggest fear is that with all my knowlege and all my skills I won’t be able to make a person feel better. This hasn’t happened yet, but I’m so empathetic as a practitioner I want everyone to feel better, be better and stay better!
How frequently and for how long do you recommend receiving treatment within a typical treatment plan?
This is not an easy question to answer…. So I will say everyone who comes to the office will have a treatment plan tailored specifically to them. It is what everyone deserves and will get.
Are there other modalities you would consider complementary to your work?
Massage is huge! Also acupuncture.
How long does a typical session last? Are there reasons for doing longer or shorter sessions?
The initial visit is usually the longest at an 45-60 minutes. But again, depending on the person it can be 5 minutes to 45 minutes. The longer sessions involve progressive rehab exercises, home instruction and active release techniques along with the adjustment.
If I don’t live in the same city as you, or if I want to experience your modality while I’m traveling, are there resources for me to easily and safely find a skilled practitioner in other places?
Thankfully with the franchise you can almost always find a HealthSource practitioner near you!! There are over 400 offices in the U.S.!
What kind of licensing do you have? Are there legal standards that apply?
I am licensed to practice Chiropractic in the state of MN. It is a long process to be licensed, there is also a Board that oversees all Chiropractors and the scope of our practice. Plus each state has different laws that apply.
What kind of records are kept about clients? Who has access to them?
Since we are a health care facility we have to keep records for 7 years or until a patient turns 18, whichever is longer. Only myself and the office staff have access to them and we follow HIPPA so there is a privacy policy in effect at all times.
Is there paperwork to fill out, and if so, how much time does it typically take to complete?
There are entrance forms for my patients. These take about 20 minutes to complete and they allow me a much better understanding of where the patient is coming from not only related to their pain, but what is driving them to get better.
What kind of products do you use during your sessions?
I obviously use my hands to adjust, but I also have a table and adjusting instrument that assist me. If the patient does rehab, we use therabands and exercise balls in the office.
What kind of sanitation practices do you adhere to?
The office is cleaned very often, and each patient has fresh face paper on the table.
If I have questions before/after my session, what’s the best way to get them answered?
I always, always tell my patients that if they have questions to blurt them out at anytime. I like an open line of communication, it’s the best way to get them better faster!
Do you have a website?
I do!
http://minnesota.healthsourcechiro.com/city/St-Paul-West
How do I book an appointment?
Calling 651-292-9247 is the best way!
How do you take care of yourself?
I work out regularly and try to eat as best I can. Some days are easier than others, which I’m sure most people can attest to.
How can I continue the work we’ve begun here in my daily life?
I like to give homework which includes stretches and exercises for my patients to do at home.
Will you provide me with specific self-care homework to help me take this work deeper?
I will, but a lot of our work will be done in office so that I know 1) it’s being done and 2) it’s being done correctly.
If I want to explore this more on my own, what books or other resources would you recommend?
This is a hard one because chiropractic has been bashed by many people over the years, but we truly are an outlet for those in pain. I would recommend going straight to the source and asking a chiropractor or someone who has been to a chiropractor about it.
Its just like finding any other doctor in your life, keep going to different people until you find the one you like. That is hugely important.
