Newsletter: January 2007

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Six Tips to Choosing a
Health, Fitness and Wellness Chiropractor:

1. Ask Your Family and Friends

Ask your family, friends, and the people in your community. If you have friends who share the same core belief about health, fitness and wellness ask them for a recommendation. Ask them questions about the doctor, staff, techniques used, fees and services offered. What is the doctor’s philosophy of health?

2. Do Not Choose a Chiropractor Based Upon Location Only

Please do not make the mistake of choosing a chiropractor solely on the fact that he or she is only two minutes away from your home. If you happen to find a great chiropractor next door, that’s a big bonus but be sure that he is the best chiropractor for you.

3. Does the Doctor Look Healthy and Lead a Healthy Lifestyle

I would have serious concerns about getting treatment and advice from a professional who smokes, is obese or appears to be unhealthy. In your initial consultation, you are certainly allowed to ask the doctor what he does to keep himself in shape.

4. Do the Two of Get Along With Each Other?

After two or three sessions, you should be able to tell whether or not you have good rapport. Do you like each other? Are you at ease in asking the doctor questions? Does he answer your questions to your satisfaction? A chiropractor who values health, fitness and wellness will act as a coach and not as a parent or counselor. Remember that the relationship should be a partnership.

5. Is There a Game Plan to Achieve Your Health Goals?

Did the doctor explain what your condition is? Did he explain using models and diagrams about the effects of spinal misalignments (subluxations) on your nervous system? What types of exercise did he recommend for you? Is there an overall game plan for you to achieve your health, fitness and wellness goals?

6. What Type of Techniques Does the Chiropractor Use?

There are many different techniques in chiropractic. If you have been to a chiropractor before, you may have a preference for a specific technique. Some include adjustments by hands-on only, low-force techniques, soft-tissue techniques and adjustments using instruments (Activator Technique). The important thing is that the right technique for you is available. Ask the doctor what technique he uses and if there any alternatives to this technique.

7. Is the Fee Affordable?

After your examination, the chiropractor should explain to you the proposed course of care, the fees and payment options. If you have insurance, check to see if chiropractic care is covered, and the extent of the coverage. Unfortunately, many states and provinces do not cover the cost of chiropractic care. Does the proposed care plan seem reasonable and affordable? How much does your health mean to you? The key is finding a doctor of chiropractic whose philosophy, values, and personality are compatible with yours.

What is the Next Step?

Much of chiropractic’s reputation has been built upon its ability to relieve pain. Yet, its primary mission is to discover and eliminate the underlying cause and source of the pain. Then, pain can go away and stay away…and you and your family can enjoy all the benefits optimal health provides! Armed with this valuable information, your next step is to take action immediately. Please call me today at 248-6333 to arrange an appointment. After the exam is complete, I will be able to personally tell you how you can get relief from pain and optimize your health with chiropractic adjustments, specific exercise recommendations and lifestyle modifications. Our office is also aligned with many other top health professionals in the area. If I do not think that I can help you with your health concerns, I will refer you to the appropriate medical doctor, physical therapist, massage therapist, podiatrist, optometrist or other health professional. If you require further information, please call me at 248-6333 to arrange for an appointment for yourself or your family member(s). Or email me at drlarr@shaw.ca or visit the website www.drlarrysmith.com. You have absolutely nothing to lose.

OFFICE OFFERINGS:

Free!!! Two-Week Free Trial certificates for the Fitness Connection in our office. (No more excuses!)

FREE!!!! At our office -- Pocket or pouch-sized pamphlets on simple pre-golf stretches.

* FREE!!! Come in or call the office to get: "The Chiropractic Consumer's Report" a booklet that tells us what we need to know before and about choosing a Doctor of Chiropractic.

* FREE!!! The Fitness Prescription DVD: The DVD that Dr. Larry has produced is available at the office. Come in and get your copy of "The Fitness Prescription" or you may download it from our website home page

+ ONLY AT OUR OFFICE - Dr. Larry is certified in the Graston Technique and for the past two years has been having remarkable success in treating soft tissue injuries that have not responded to other therapies. Do you or someone you know suffer from soft-tissue injury? Tendonitis, carpal-tunnel, bursitis, plantar fasciitis? Many, many of our patients have had amazing results with the Graston Technique® designed especially for soft-tissue damage and used by many sports teams including the Olympics. Check out the information about GT on our website by clicking here. Call today for a consultation.

* LENDING LIBRARY - You are welcome to take out on loan from our library the sports medicine book that Dr. Larry co-authored "Inside The Minds: The Art and Science of Sports Medicine". We also have a variety of other books, cd's, and DVD's available for loan.

OFFICE REQUESTS:

Contact the office:
Dr. Larry Smith D.C., B.P.E.
Chiropractor

P.O. Box 307
255 Island Highway
Parksville, British Columbia
Canada V9P 2G5