What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic care is a natural, drug-free and non-surgical approach to managing chronic and acute pain.  Other improvements include better organ function, healthier immune system function and delay of the aches most people associate with aging.  Over the last 100 years chiropractors have established a reputation for relieving back pain. This is done by identifying exactly where nervous system stress is and restoring normal bio-mechanical movement.

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How do chiropractic treatments work?

Chiropractors most commonly use a therapy called the “chiropractic adjustment” to correct bio-mechanical stress. Joints that have become jammed up or restricted in movement will be treated with a controlled force.  This restores joint mobility & improves function.  Problems that begin in the back can have consequences that affect the whole body. Chiropractors are doctors trained to find these problems.  They restore good movement to allow the nerves to function without any interference.  This isn’t limited to the spine; it applies to every joint in the body (i.e. shoulders, knees, hands, hips, etc.) and all the surrounding muscles.

There are a variety of different techniques (see below) through which this is accomplished.  

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Who can benefit from chiropractic?  

Since chiropractic adjustments use a natural approach, they are safe for all ages and body types.  We treat everyone: from newborns, blue collar workers, desk jockeys, professional athletes to people who are over 100 years old!  If you are in pain due to an injury or as a result of basic wear and tear, consult a chiropractor.  You may be surprised at how much better your whole body can feel. 

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Do you accept my insurance?

We participate with the following insurance companies:*​

• Highmark

• Medicare

We also accept Auto Insurance and Workers’ Compensation cases.

*Not all insurance plans cover chiropractic.  We encourage you to contact the insurance company directly to be sure your plan has coverage.  Please note that every insurance plan is different and subject to change depending on the status of the arrangement you have with your insurance company.

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Where is your office located?

We are located in the village of Bird-In-Hand at 2727 Old Philadelphia Pike.  We are next door to Bird-In-Hand Bakery and across from the Bird-In-Hand Farmer's Market.  Look for the "hot air balloon entrance" sign which is at the entrance to our driveway.  Our office is in the red brick building, entrance in the front.

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Do you have parking available at your office?

Plenty!  You are welcome to park anywhere around our building.  Handicapped spots are available on the west side of the building, which is opposite from the side of the road entrance.

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What can I expect during my first chiropractic visit?

In order to find out what the problem is and if it will respond to treatment, we begin with a thorough exam.  You should expect the first visit to take about an hour.  We take time to learn about your health history and then do a physical exam.  Depending on what we discover, we typically start treatment during this first visit.  We will discuss your treatment options and come up with a plan that makes sense and that you're comfortable with.    

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Do you require x-rays in order to be treated?

Some chiropractors like to make their diagnosis based on x-rays, but since we base our assessment on the physical exam and observing biomechanical movement, we find that x-rays are generally not necessary.  The only time we would refer you out for an x-ray is if there has been a recent significant injury or if someone's condition isn't responding as expected.

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What techniques does your chiropractor use?

A chiropractic technique is the specific style of adjustment that will be used when making a correction to the spine, muscles or nervous system.  There are a multitude of different techniques in the chiropractic world, which is why the approach one chiropractor makes can seem quite different even when the result or end goal is similar.  Some people will discover that particular techniques work best for them (because everyone is unique!) so they will want to find a chiropractor who is proficient in their favorite technique.  At Blue Skies Chiropractic, we utilize the following techniques:

• Diversified (this is the most common, hands on technique. Also called manual adjusting)

• Cox Flexion/Distraction

• Activator/Arthrostim (these are one of the most gentle ways to be adjusted & utilize instruments)

• Koren Specific Technique

• Webster Technique (for pregnancy)

• Thompson Drop Technique

If needed, we also will incorporate elements of the following techniques:​

• Active Release Technique (ART)

• Sacral-Occipital Technique

• NETWORK

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Does it hurt to be adjusted?

While chiropractic adjustments rarely cause discomfort, some patients may experience mild soreness following treatment that usually resolves within 12 to 48 hours (as with some forms of exercise).  Hopefully you will feel some level of improvement soon after the first treatment, but like anything involving muscles, it often takes time and repetition in order for these improvements to last long term.  

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Do you work with babies?

Yes!  From cradle to grave, no age is a restriction for chiropractic care.  Of course, each stage of development has different considerations.  The great thing about babies is that they heal amazingly quickly (compared to adults) and respond to very gentle care.  Therefore, when working with babies we only use the lightest touch when making corrections and will often incorporate a form of craniosacral or myofascial massage therapy. 

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Once I start treatments, will I have to go forever?

Everyone is different and will recover at different rates.  Recovery also depends on how severe the original problem is or how long it has been going on.  We find that over half of the people we treat will make a full recovery and do not need regular treatments beyond the initial treatment period.  Yet, some people have chronic conditions that we are not able to resolve completely.  In most cases, we are able to help people get a significant reduction of their symptoms to the point that the pain isn't as frequent or intense.  For these people we will offer pain management, so that they may need to come back for the occasional treatment, but in the meantime they are able to have improved function and better quality of life.  It's better than the alternative!

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