What Does a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Do?
All doctors use a standard procedure to evaluate and diagnose a patient's condition in order to arrive at a plan of treatment. In Motion’s Chiropractors use many of the same time honoured methods used throughout the various health care professions includingconsultation, case history, physical examination, and possibly x-rays. Thus, there may be very little difference comparing an initial chiropractic and medical consultation. However, your chiropractor at In Motion will perform a thorough functional examination to determine the mobility of the body’s joints and the strength and length of specific muscles. 

How Do Doctors of Chiropractic Locate the Problem? 
The patient history identifies the area(s) of complaint. Questions about family history, dietary habits, past history of other treatment(s) (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical and other), occupational history, psychosocial history, etc. will be asked to help determine the nature of the illness.

Following the consultation and case history, a physical examination will be performed.  Identifying and treating weak links in the kinetic chain, or postural adaptations sometimes quite distant from the area of initial concern is often necessary to fully evaluate and resolve a complaint. This process may include both joint manipulation as well as muscular balancing through strengthening of under-active muscles and/or inhibiting/relaxing over-active muscles. It may also include stabilizing the pelvis through the use of corrective prescription orthotics, especially if ankle pronation, pes planus (flat feet), and/or subtalar instability are present. Combinations of any of these treatment approaches usually results in a more beneficial, long term result.

What other treatments may be used with my condition? 
The spinal adjustment is what makes doctors of chiropractic unique in their approach to treating patients with spinal complaints. The adjustment, however, may not be the only procedure your chiropractor may employ in the course of care and case management.
In Motion’s chiropractors use specific treatments geared to treat the muscles, ligaments and fascia of the body to address tension, scar tissue and adhesions that may play a roll in the condition.  There are other forms of therapy modalities that employ the use of electrical stimulation, ultrasound, acupuncture, dietary management and other natural procedures which are known to have specific physiological influence on the body. 

Exercise 
Cardiovascular and strengthening exercises are important in the management of low back pain, and a variety of other musculoskeletal complaints. Specific instructions are given with respect to proper exercise for the patient's condition before beginning any exercise program. In general, a reasonable amount of exercise performed daily utilizing activities that are enjoyed is recommended. This may include walking and many forms of work and/or household tasks can function as an exercise program.

In general, exercise helps promote proper digestion, keeps the muscles in proper tone and promotes better circulation. It can be as easy as walking briskly around the block once or twice after dinner. The important point is to get In Motion!

Chiropractic Education 
The pre-chiropractic education is currently in transition from a 3 to a 4-year undergraduate prerequisite. Of the 4 years of chiropractic training, 2 years of basic sciences are required followed by 2 years clinical sciences and internship of 1 year at a college clinic.