Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fill out paperwork before my appointment?
Q: I’ve tried chiropractic/acupuncture before and it didn’t help me.
Q: Do you treat children?
Yes, we treat children! Correcting imbalances before they become long-standing issues is our goal for children. We treat infants, toddlers, children, and teenagers.
Q: Do you work with pregnancy?
Yes, we work with women who are currently pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Both chiropractic and acupuncture care can be very helpful for a variety of complaints that pregnancy entails.
Q: Does acupuncture hurt?
A: Acupuncture needles are not like the hypodermic needles that you get shots with. Acupuncture needles are solid, much thinner, and have a specially shaped tip that is designed to move tissue out of the way – not to cut it. As a result, most patients do not feel anything as the needle is inserted, but if they do, it is a quick prick. However, if at any time the needles are really bothering you, please speak up so your acupuncturist can adjust them to make your experience more comfortable.
Q: How is your chiropractic different?
A: My chiropractic technique, known as the Pulley Method, is gentler than most traditional chiropractic methods. I feel that it is more effective as well. I have worked with many people with conditions that require a gentle touch, like EDS (Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome – a connective tissue disorder where their joints dislocate easily) and osteopenia/osteoporosis.
Q: Can I receive both chiropractic and acupuncture from you on the same day?
A: It depends. Both are balancing your body – the chiropractic addresses your physical form, whereas the acupuncture targets your body’s energy. For some people, doing both chiropractic and acupuncture on the same day can be too much for their bodies to process – they benefit more from spacing their treatments out. For others, they find that the two treatments work together to give them even better results. A great example is for treating pain. Acupuncture can help target the specific site of pain, such as your low back or hip, to help alleviate the pain and inflammation. Then with chiropractic, your body can be properly aligned to optimize your ability to heal. If we are treating completely different types of conditions, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments on the same day can also be warranted. For example, you have neck and TMJ pain that are due to your posture being out of alignment – you would benefit most from chiropractic adjustments to realign your body. But if you are also experiencing a common cold, acupuncture can help strengthen your body’s immune system to help you fight the cold so you get better faster. As always, it really depends on you and what your doctor think would be best for your body!
Q: Once I start getting chiropractic, do I have to come forever?
A: The average person needs regular care for as little as a few months or up to a year or two. The rate of their recovery is primarily dependent on how long they have had the problem and how much of the home-care they engage in. Once they have worked through everything, they only come in if something else happens that puts their body out of alignment. Once you feel this good, you do not want anything interfering with it!
Q: What should I expect during my Chiropractic Treatment?
For all chiropractic visits:
You will have to remove your shoes as well as any jewelry, watches, and belts prior to treatment. A shoe rack is available in the waiting room for your shoe.
1. Initial Visit
The initial visit is 90 minutes. It includes a detailed history and exam to determine what is going on and how Dr. Pulley can help you. If chiropractic care is indicated and you consent to care, you will be adjusted that day.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to fill out the initial paperwork and bring a complete list of your current medications or download it beforehand to bring in with you.
New patients may need to obtain x-rays of their spine to rule out problems that can only been seen on x-ray that contraindicate chiropractic care. If you already have x-rays or other imaging of your spine, please bring a copy for the office to keep on your first visit.
2. Follow-up Visits
Subsequent visits are usually 10 minutes long and run on time. If you have a new injury or condition occur, please call the office ahead of time to schedule a longer visit.
3. Re-exams
Re-examination will happen as needed to document your progress to determine how you are responding to care or if you have an accident or injury. They are usually 30 minutes long and include a brief history and follow-up exam followed by treatment.
Q: What should I expect during my Acupuncture Treatment?
For all acupuncture visits:
It is recommended that you wear loose clothing so that your sleeves can be rolled up to the elbows or pants to above the knee. You will usually need to remove your shoes and socks for treatment as well. Please note that we always have gowns and shorts available for you to change into if you prefer.
1. Initial Visit
The initial visit is scheduled for 90 minutes. It includes a detailed history and exam to determine what is going on and how Dr. Pulley can help you. A light treatment will be performed on the first visit to see how you respond to acupuncture, if you consent to care.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to fill out the initial paperwork and bring a complete list of your current medications or download it beforehand to bring in with you.
2. Follow-up Visits
Subsequent visits are scheduled for 50 minutes and run on time. You will typically have the needles in for 20-35 minutes, depending on how your body responds to them. If you have a new injury or condition occur, please call the office ahead of time to schedule a longer visit.
3. Re-exams
Re-examination will happen as needed to document your progress to determine how you are responding to care or if you have an accident or injury. They are usually 30 minutes long and include a brief history and follow-up exam followed by treatment.
Q: Can I use the Microneedle Derma Rollers?
Most likely yes, but Dr. Pulley will help you determine if it is a good fit.
Some conditions that prevent microneedle derma rolling treatment include:
- Sunburns
- Open cuts
- Active herpes
- Pustule acne lesions
- Acute infections or inflammation of the skin
- History of poor wound healing
- Collagen diseases
- Blood issues
- Pregnant or lactating
- Prone to keloid scarring
- Diabetes
- Taking blood thinning drugs such as Aspirin, Nurofen, and Vitamin E – must not take in 2 weeks leading up to treatment
Q: Do you take credit cards?
A: Yes! We accept credit cards, checks, and cash. FSA and HSA cards are also accepted.