What makes Chiropractors special?

There are many options when age, illness, or injury bring on aches and pain. You can pop over-the-counter ibuprofen and relax in a hot bath or wrap the area like a mummy with bandages and braces. But why not solve the problem instead of just masking symptoms? Medical professionals can help investigate, treat, and conquer ongoing issues. But finding the right type of doctor takes a little research.

Your primary care physician can help with many things but if the issue involves muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, cartilage, or the nervous system, a chiropractic visit to Dr. Chani Henderson of Family & Sports Chiropractic Clinic in Vancouver WA is in order.

Chiropractors in Vancouver WA, such as Dr. Henderson, help families, pregnant women, and athletes achieve and maintain optimal health.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) describes chiropractors as those that “care for patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system…They use spinal adjustments and manipulation, as well as other clinical interventions, to manage patients’ health concerns, such as back and neck pain.”

BLS explains that a chiropractor addresses issues by assessing the patient’s medical history and concerns; performs a physical exam and analyzes posture, spine and gait; conducts tests and takes x-rays as needed; and provides specialized therapies and adjustments. Chiropractors also give advice about health, lifestyle, exercise, sleep, and nutrition and refer patients to other medical professionals if needed.

Becoming a chiropractor typically takes four years to complete the Doctor of Chiropractic degree (D.C.) and at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate education or a Bachelor’s degree, depending on the school.

At Dr. Henderson’s alma mater, the University of Western States (UWS), their Doctor of Chiropractic degree ensures that graduates have achieved set learning outcomes to help in patient care. These include assessment and diagnosis of a patient’s issues and creating a case management plan with them. Doctors are taught ways to communicate complicated medical concepts and treatments effectively and appropriately while maintaining accurate records which can be shared with other members of the care team.

UWS chiropractors are also taught how to perform appropriate research and integrate this knowledge of cutting-edge and clinical science into treatment. And, perhaps most importantly, they learn how to “deliver safe, appropriate and effective treatments including spinal manipulation.”

Chiropractors in Vancouver WA, such as Dr. Henderson, help families, pregnant women, and athletes achieve and maintain optimal health.

Becoming a D.C. at UWS focuses on “a systems-based, whole-person approach to health and wellness,” administrators explain. “A Doctor of Chiropractic recognizes and honors the body’s innate mechanisms for adaptation and homeostasis, and understands that physical structure, biological function and mental well-being are harmoniously interrelated. Effective health care is aimed at optimizing and supporting the body’s natural self-healing and intrinsic regulatory systems to address the root cause of disease and dysfunction, not just to provide symptomatic relief.”

Chiropractic training, according to the BLS, hopes to instill decision-making, interpersonal, and organizational skills; dexterity; empathy; and the ability to be detail-oriented. “Some chiropractors use procedures such as massage therapy, rehabilitative exercise, and ultrasound in addition to spinal adjustments and manipulation. They also may apply supports, such as braces or shoe inserts, to treat patients and relieve pain. In addition to operating a general chiropractic practice, some chiropractors specialize in areas such as sports, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, or nutrition, among others.”

Dr. Henderson’s clinic offers general chiropractic care as well as specialized treatment during and after pregnancy, and after sports and auto accident injuries. She’s happy to work with first time patients or those experiencing ongoing issues with pain, balance, and mobility.

The chiropractic field is growing as more Americans experience the relief offered by complimentary and alternative care. There are currently 51,000 chiropractic jobs in the United States with projections to grow by 11% between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average. Market Research shows that “As the most established form of alternative medicine in the United States, the chiropractic industry has been positively influenced by favorable demographic trends, healthcare reform, and a growing acceptance of alternatives to traditional medicine.” They were even classified as an essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you’ve been masking physical pain with wraps, R.I.C.E., or raiding the medicine cabinet, it’s time for a change. Book an exam with Dr. Henderson online or by calling 360.254.0400 today and start conquering the issue instead of just hiding it. Don’t risk long-term damage or push your body so hard it eventually needs surgery to recover.

Dr. Henderson and her team are happy to sit down, discuss your history and hopes, and find a healthy, pain-free path forward. They’ll work with your primary doctor as needed and keep you informed every step of the way. Blending knowledge, experience, and compassion is a pain-free win/win for everyone.