What is that “popping” or “cracking” sound when I get adjusted?

The sound you hear when you get manipulated is a release of gas that occurs when the joint is opened or “gapped”.  The bubble of gas builds up when the joint is under increased pressure and effectively blocks some of the movement available to the joint.  By releasing the gas bubble, we can free up the joint and normalize its range of motion.

What is a typical visit to ActiveCare like?

During a typical visit, the staff will ask you how your condition has changed since your last visit and whether you have been following your home exercise routine.  We then perform a short follow-up evaluation and stretch out the affected area.  A manipulation is then usually performed to patient tolerance.  The patient is then asked to demonstrate the stretches and/or exercises they were asked to perform on their own.  This allows the staff to evaluate and ensure correct form is being used.  Once the patient performs with correct form, new stretches/exercises are added.

What happens during an adjustment and how can it help me?

An adjustment normalizes a joint’s range of motion (ROM).  By increasing this ROM, muscles on either side of the joint are subsequently returned to a more normal resting length.  At ActiveCare we then apply a stretching and strengthening program over this “normalized” foundation.

Do you work on anything other than the spine?

Yes!  Dr. Sheridan’s background treating athletes has enhanced his skills in treating many extremity conditions, such as:

-Tennis Elbow
-Rotator cuff sprain/strain
-Runner’s/jumper’s knee
-Sprained ankles
….just to name a few.

Will I have to see a chiropractor forever?

Dr. Sheridan feels that it depends on what your personal goals are.  ActiveCare treatment plans are designed for people to take an active role in the healing process.  The more we can teach you to do on your own, the less often you need to come in, assuming you actually DO what we give you.  Most people come in until their current injury/condition is healed, at which time they may elect to come in for regular “tune-up” visits.  These are mainly for people who place added stress on their bodies through work and/or leisure time pursuits. We do not recommend care contrary to the patient’s individual goals, nor do we “sell” people unsubstantiated “corrective care” programs.

Should I use ice or heat?

ICE, ICE, ICE!!!  Did we mention ICE!?  It is always safer to put ice on an injury than heat, except in very specific situations.  The drawback from using heat is that if inflammation is present (every acute traumatic injury), heat will increase the inflammatory response.  What you wind up with is relief while the heat is on, followed by more intense pain 1-3 hours later. When using an icepack, a good format to follow is 20 minutes on, 40 minutes off, 20 minutes on.