• How is In Motion Spine and Joint Center different than most Chiropractic offices?
• Once you go to a Chiropractor will you have to go all the time?
• Why should I see the doctors of In Motion Spine and Joint Center and not my family doctor for back or muscle pain?
• Aren't all chiropractors the same?
• What effect does a chiropractic adjustment have on joints?
• What can I expect on my first visit?
• Is it safe for me to visit the chiropractor if I am pregnant?
• Do chiropractors refer patients to other specialists?

How is In Motion Spine and Joint Center different than most Chiropractic offices?
In Motion Spine and Joint Center is a diagnostic center for musculoskeletal injuries and performance enhancement. Our goal is more than just pain relief for the patient, we also strive to improve the function of the patient – that includes better joint mechanics, movement patterns that load joints more evenly, able to perform daily activities with less discomfort as well as educating the patient how they can minimize the chance of hurting themselves and maximize the care they have received at In Motion Spine and Joint Center.
In Motion Chiropractic will not try to sell patients a certain number of visits because we as Doctors are not able to “predict” how many visits it will take. All we can do is make suggestions based on previous treatment of similar conditions, overall health status, as well as the ability of the patient to perform their rehabilitative exercises. This should be encouraging to the patient to understand that we will not continue to treat them because they have a “plan” to fulfill.
Also In Motion Spine and Joint Center has a special large rehab area that allows the Doctors to prescribe therapeutic rehab exercises that help speed the recovery process. In this area the Doctors will work one-on-one with the patient to tailor the right exercise to the patient and answer all their questions.

Once you go to a Chiropractor will you have to go all the time?
At In Motion Spine and Joint Center the appropriate care is given for the patient’s condition. Not any more and not any less. Once a patient has been released from care and no longer under an active treatment plan, they may choose not to come back again unless they feel treatment is needed. Our goal throughout the treatment process is to educate our patients about their condition as well as the overall health benefits of our care. If a patient chooses to seek wellness care and wants to have regular “spinal check-ups” to help with their condition and to help maintain their health, we are more than happy to help them do so.

Why should I see the doctors of In Motion Spine and Joint Center and not my family doctor for back or muscle pain?
Dr. Hawkins and Dr. House have undergone extensive studies and specialized training in the fields of musculoskeletal anatomy, biomechanics, sports injuries, and rehabilitative exercise. As a result, when it comes to musculoskeletal injuries, acute or chronic, the doctors of In Motion Spine and Joint Center are best suited to meet your needs.
According to Jens Chapman, M.D., a professor of orthopedics and neurological surgery at the University of Washington, "Chiropractors are a satisfying choice to manage acute back pain." Further, a 2002 study funded by the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality reported a third more patients are satisfied with the back treatment and advice they get from chiropractors compared with medical doctors.

Aren't all chiropractors the same?
Absolutely NOT!! Many people are surprised to learn that most chiropractors practice differently. Based on our studies, experience and clinical research we understand that the combination of joint and muscle manipulation, rehabilitation and therapeutic exercises offers patients one-of-a-kind care.
Our knowledge of anatomy and the body's mechanics in conjunction with our Motion Palpation Institute techniques provides us with the insight to know when a joint should be adjusted, when muscular or rehabilitative therapy is appropriate and when a combined-treatment program is necessary. For our patients, our comprehensive, evidence-based approach produces results in an efficient timeframe (with most of our patients excused from care between three and six visits depending on the complexity of their condition).
According to Stephen Barrett, M.D., "Choose your chiropractor carefully. You can give a pass to any who advertise free evaluations (they're fishing for suckers) or take loads of x-rays (they're padding the bill)."

What effect does a chiropractic adjustment have on joints?
Research proves that chiropractic manipulation can actually prevent arthritis by restoring proper motion to the joint. Medical textbooks will tell you that it is the loss of motion that causes joint damage and arthritis. Further, the restoration of joint function provides the cartilage and disc (in the case of the spine) with improved blood supply. Better blood supply means better bodily nourishment and overall physical health.

What can I expect on my first visit?
On your first visit you can expect to receive a comprehensive exam that will evaluate joint motion/ function, muscle tension, muscle function, and possibly things such as gait analysis or other dynamic tests. It is recommended to bring gym shorts and a tee shirt for the first visit that way all of the tests that should be performed can be performed with comfort and modesty. X-rays are rarely taken for the average patient, unless there was a traumatic injury and a fracture is suspected or the patient is 60 or older. X-rays are required of individuals 60 and older to rule out any unknown pathology and or severe degenerative processes that are associated with that age group. Usually on the first visit, some treatment or home rehab exercises are prescribed. The first visit usually takes about an hour and therefore the patient is asked to arrive at the office 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork that way the entire hour can be used in the treatment room.
On subsequent visits the treatment usually will consist of some form of soft tissue work, joint manipulations (adjustments) and a review of the exercises and possibly a progression on to a more advanced exercise if the patient is ready.

Is it safe for me to visit the chiropractor if I am pregnant?
Absolutely!! Dr. Hawkins and Dr. House both did an internship at the St. Louis, MO Barnes-Jewish Hospital in the Musculoskeletal Pain in Pregnancy Clinic. There they learned how to evaluate and treat the expectant mother as her body changes to accommodate the birthing process. The Doctors at In Motion Spine and Joint Center have had excellent results with treating these patients because they understand what is happening within the mother’s body and how that effects certain joints—especially those in and around the pelvis. As the pregnancy gets closer to the 28th week of gestation the body increases the amount of a hormone (relaxin) that helps relax the ligaments and cartilage around the pelvis to facilitate the birthing process. This means that adjusting the low back and pelvis is rarely ever necessary and more soft tissue/ muscle work and rehab is required—all of which is safe to the baby. The pregnant female that is feeling low back, mid back, or pelvic pain during her pregnancy is often not allowed to take certain medications to help with the discomfort, therefore, In Motion Spine and Joint Center works hand-in-hand with your OB/GYN to provide a safe, natural alternative to help alleviate the pain.

Do chiropractors refer patients to other specialists?
”What is best for the patient”—that is the question for the doctors of In Motion Spine and Joint Center. Dr. Hawkins and Dr. House of In Motion Spine and Joint Center would love to have the opportunity to meet and treat as many people in the area, however, the fact is some patients are better treated at other health care specialists and it is our job to help assist the patient to find that correct doctor to treat their condition. Like other doctors, chiropractors belong to a large and growing network of health care professionals. Our doctors are well educated at recognizing risk factors and signs of disease. If our patient’s need is best addressed by a medical doctor or specialist, we refer the patient every time. Likewise, medical doctors, dentists, podiatrists and other health care professionals refer patients to In Motion Spine and Joint Center when their patients need comprehensive chiropractic care. This creates a referral network that puts our patient’s health care secondary to none.