Frequently Asked Questions   Q: Why do you use such light adjustments?   A: Chiropractic philosophy states that the innate homeostatic mechanism of the body is always working toward healing and knows just exactly how that healing needs to take place. The first maxim of the healer is to "do no harm". Putting these two concepts together I feel that it is important to make corrections to body function by putting as little of my energy or force into a patient's body as possible to get the job done. Since the innate Intelligence of the body is so wise and knows exactly what it needs so much better than I ever could, I also like to make adjustments gently enough that the body can reject the changes I'm trying to make if they are not exactly whatat the body needsat is needed at that time.   Q: If bones can be put back in place so easily, can they go back out just as easily?   A: The innate homeostatic is always working at correcting misalignments. When I make corrections, I am working with that mechanism, actually helping the body with what it is trying to do. In order for something to go out of place, it has to work against that homeostatic mechanism so it takes more force to create a misalignment than to correct one.   Q: When friends ask me what you do, I never know what to say. I usually just tell them "I can't explain it but it really works. You just have to see it for yourself". Is there a better way to tell people about what you do and what applied kinesiology is?   A: Applied kinesiology (AK) encompasses so many approaches to examining the body and restoring normal function that it is frequently confusing. Referring folks to this web page would be one solution. We also have a great pamphlet at the office put out by the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK) that explains AK.   One answer you could give is: Applied kinesiology uses manual muscle testing to follow how the nervous system is responding to stimulation from the environment as well as internal stimulation. Using manual muscle testing, a well trained applied kinesiologist can obtain information about joint alignment throughout the body, acupuncture meridian energy (Chi) balance, nutritional status, allergies, and emotional stressors to name just a few applications.   Of course AK is also very useful for finding where muscles are failing to support joints properly. Various AK techniques are then used to restore proper strength to the muscle so joint support can be improved and healing accelerated.   Q: What types of treatment do you use at your office?   A: I use low force adjusting of the spine, extremities (hands, wrists, elbows, knees, feet etc.) and cranial (skull) bones. I also use digital pressure and laser to treat acupuncture meridian points. Nutritional and lifestyle counseling is a frequent part of my treatment plan as is the use of vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and some homeopathic remedies. In addition we have specific protocols for addressing allergies as well as finding and clearing emotional stressors both past and present. We use several appraoches to emotional clearing in our office. Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) is very useful for clearing self-defeating behaviors as well as mind-body problems that interfere with physical health.   A recent addition to our office "toolbox" is low level laser therapy (LLLT) for reducing inflammation, clearing old injury reflexes, improving neurological (nerve and brain) function and myofascial release.   Q: Will I need x-rays?   A: Unless there has been serious trauma such as an automobile accident or a bad fall, I do not order x-rays on most of my new patients. I don't need x-rays to find spinal misalignments (subluxations) since I get very accurate information in this regard through muscle testing. If we are not getting the results I think we should or if I have reason to believe there may be a disease process going on, I may order x-rays on a case by case basis.