Frequently Asked Questions
You may have questions; we hope to provide answers. One of the
goals of Lehigh Valley Chiropractic is to educate and empower you with
knowledge.
We want to provide you with information that will enable you to live well.
• What is chiropractic?
• What does D.C. stand for?
• What types of problems do Doctors of Chiropractic treat?
• What type of training do Doctors of Chiropractic receive?
• What types of additional training have
the chiropractors at LVC
received?
• Will the chiropractors at LVC work with
my other doctors?
• How many treatments will I need?
• What types of tests do chiropractors order?
• What is manipulation?
• What is mobilization?
• What is Active Release Technique®?
• What is Biofeedback?
• What types of conditions are benefited by nutritional counseling?
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts that focuses on the neuromusculoskeletal
system and promotes healthy living practices such as nutrition,
exercise, stress management and lifestyle modifications.
[Back to top]
What does D.C. stand for?
Doctor of Chiropractic
[Back to top]
What types of problems do Doctors of Chiropractic treat?
As neuromusculoskeletal specialists, doctors of chiropractic treat non-surgical
disorders of muscles, joints, discs or nerves. Conditions seen
commonly in a chiropractors office include mid and low back pain, sciatica,
sacroiliac dysfunction, radiculopathy, TMJ disorders, neck pain, headaches,
migraines, pain related to pregnancy, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndromes,
rib joint pain and dysfunction, thoracic outlet syndrome, carpal tunnel
syndrome, plantar fasciitis, tennis/golfer elbow and shoulder pain.
[Back to top]
What type of training do Doctors of Chiropractic receive?
Doctors of Chiropractic often hold a bachelor’s degree in a science
related field and must complete a pre-chiropractic program before applying
to Chiropractic College. Standard chiropractic education is typically
4-5 years of intense graduate level academic and clinical training. Students
are required to pass 4 national board exams and a physiotherapy exam prior
to licensure. Chiropractors are licensed in all 50 states, the District
of Columbia and in countries worldwide.
[Back to top]
What types of additional training have the chiropractors
at LVC received?
Dr. Scott Bentson holds a M.S. (Masters of Science) degree from New Jersey
Institute of Technology in Biomedical Engineering. Dr. Kristen Bentson
holds a M.S. in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport and
has biofeedback training from Widener University. Drs. Scott and Kristen
Bentson are additionally certified in Active Release Technique®.
[Back to top]
Will the chiropractors at LVC work with my other doctors?
The chiropractors at LVC want to be a part of your healthcare team. They
will make every effort to coordinate your care. If your condition
will not respond to the therapies offered at LVC, you will be referred.
[Back to top]
How many treatments will I need?
The chiropractors at LVC stress the importance of individualized care.
There is no way to predict the number of visits that will enable you to
achieve your healthcare goals. Please be assured that the chiropractors
at LVC will make every effort to release you from care as quickly as possible.
They hope to teach you strategies that will enable you to manage your
condition through lifestyle modifications and exercise without being reliant
on an outside source for relief. However, if at any time your condition
returns and you unable to manage the symptoms on your own, you are welcome
to schedule a visit, and we will make every effort to help you.
[Back to top]
What types of tests do chiropractors order?
Depending on your case, special tests such as MRI, CAT scan, X-ray, or
blood work may be ordered.
[Back to top]
What is manipulation?
Manipulation (also referred to as a chiropractic adjustment) is often
used when a patient presents with a painful joint that is not
moving properly; this is commonly referred to as joint fixation. In this
type of manual therapy, a joint is moved beyond a passive range of motion
with the goal of restoring proper motion and decreasing pain. There are
many techniques used when performing manipulation. Often, with this type
of treatment, you will hear a cavitation which is a slight popping noise.
This is a release of a gas within the joint as it is moved through a rapid
range of motion.
[Back to top]
What is mobilization?
Mobilization is a type of manual therapy where a restricted joint is
gently moved within its usual range of motion. Mobilization is
often used when a patient presents with a painful joint that is not moving
properly, a condition commonly referred to as joint fixation.
[Back to top]
What is Active Release Technique®?
Active Release Technique (ART) is a soft tissue technique that
involves a gentle yet firm contact to a painful or injured
tissue while it is moved either actively or passively through
its full range of motion. There are specific protocols for
muscle, fascia, many of body’s ligaments, and nerves
designed to decrease pain and improve function. Conditions
that commonly respond to ART include headache, back pain, neck
pain, carpal tunnel, shoulder pain, knee pain, plantar fasciitis,
and tennis elbow. Athletes and performing artists (dancer,
actors, instrumentalists and singers) often perform repetitive
movements which make them prone to muscle imbalances and repetitive
stress injuries. ART is a unique system of treatment that provides
for optimum performance whether on the field or center stage.
[Back to top]
What is biofeedback?
Through biofeedback, individuals can take control of their autonomic
nervous system (the system that controls the automatic function
of the body like heart rate and digestion) and in many cases restore health.
By measuring processes of the body with equipment such as electromyography,
electrocardiography, galvanic skin response meters, and thermometers,
patients are provided with important physiological information
with regard to blood pressure, muscle tension, heart rate, skin temperature
and sweat gland activity. Biofeedback may be used for a variety of conditions
such as headaches, hot flashes, Raynaud’s disease, irritable bowel
syndrome, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, TMJ disorders, ADD, epilepsy,
and muscle disorders. Patients with conditions that are exacerbated by
stress (which most conditions are) such a diabetes, heart disease, or
chronic fatigue syndrome may be well-served through a course of biofeedback.
Additionally many performing artists and elite athletes use biofeedback
for optimal performance techniques and relaxation.
[Back to top]
What types of conditions are benefited by nutritional counseling?
Everyone benefits from eating a nutritious and balanced diet. If you
are struggling with issues of weight management, a visit to
a nutritional counselor may result in a very positive outcome.
At Lehigh Valley Chiropractic, patients who have a difficult time maintaining
a healthy weight undergo metabolic testing through indirect calorimetry
and are provided with an individualized dietary plan clearly
stating the rules of the weight loss game. In addition to weight management,
many health conditions may be improved through exercise and dietary modifications.
Conditions such as celiac disease, metabolic syndrome, polycystic
ovarian syndrome, high cholesterol, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome,
diabetes, reactive hypoglycemia, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, inflammatory
conditions and others may respond well to nutritional therapy. You may
also want to seek out nutritional counseling if you are interested in
dietary strategies for the prevention of diseases such as diabetes, heart
disease and cancer.
[Back to top]
