Wellness & Lifestyle

A. Health is much more than freedom from disease. To chiropractic patients, wellness is the state of health where your body is free of interference to any part of your nervous system, enabling you full expression and enjoyment of life. How well you feel is not always a dependable indicator of your actual health. True health relies on an active focus on healthy diet, balanced and strong muscles, an environment of minimal physical and emotional distress, exercise, optimal weight and posture, and proper spinal alignment. With health coaching in these areas and chiropractic adjustments, your body is better able to heal itself. Sound good? Contact us at Courtyard Chiropractic and we’ll help inspire you to achieve your goals in wellness!

A. Clinical experience suggests that individuals with chronic conditions such as degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) or recurrent neck pain, back pain or headaches may experience less frequent and less severe symptoms when under regular chiropractic care. This also applies to individuals in highly stressful situations and those who experience repetitive physical and postural strain during daily activities. Whether ongoing chiropractic treatment can prevent back pain from occurring in the first place, or prevent a previous condition from re-occurring, requires further study. Natural supplements like glucosamine can also help to rebuild joints and my allow you to avoid prescription and over-the-counter medications.

A. Yes. Chiropractors have extensive training in examination and diagnosis of all parts of the neural, muscular and skeletal systems. A holistic chiropractor sees each patient as a whole, and can treat shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles and feet with a variety of modalities. Active Release Techniques®, laser technology, extremity adjustments, rehab exercises and home care and ergonomic advice can all be a part of the solution for your joint dysfunction or symptoms.

A. This is one of the BEST times to see a chiropractor. It is all about prevention. Our bodies can develop joint subluxations, muscle imbalances, nerve irritation and bad postural habits before we are even aware of it. Your chiropractor will perform a thorough history and examination and tell you what to look out for. Dr. Gerber will give you advice on corrective health habits (diet, ergonomics and exercise), and provide you with a preventive care package that will help you to achieve optimal health. Remember, health is more than freedom from disease. It is about maximizing your body’s potential and minimizing the risks of future symptoms and problems. Remember, “as the twig is bent, so grows the tree” and we can help set kids on the right path toward wellness too!

A. Yes. Patients often report improvement in organ related symptoms as a result of normalizing spinal function. When corrections are made through adjustments, the nervous system is able to function more optimally and this can play a vital role in normalizing organs and reducing associated symptoms like painful periods. Combined with in office care, your chiropractor may advise you on caffeine use, exercise, supplements and dietary factors that can contribute to alleviation of your symptoms.

A. No, you don’t have to. There is no part of chiropractic care that is addictive. People who see the benefits of maintaining healthy spines and bodies through the treatment and advise of a holistic chiropractor often choose to continue in preventive care because they feel better. They understand that, like brushing your teeth, and taking vitamins, we can play an active role in our health. Other patients are discharged from care when their symptoms resolve and use chiropractic care only for symptomatic conditions. The decision is yours to make.

A. As part of every examination, Dr. Gerber will assess posture. If there are reasons to suspect an alteration in your gait (the way you walk/run), she may suggest a more thorough gait analysis. This will involve looking closely at leg length, pelvic imbalances, foot posture/function, and performing a computerized gait analysis. This will help her to assess your need for custom-made orthotics. She will give you advice on what type of orthotics you need based on the types of shoes you wear, and will decide which modifications should be made to best correct your foot function.

Your feet are your functional foundation and orthotics can play a huge role in symptom resolution and may help to diminish wear and tear on your joints. These effects can be far reaching. Even headaches, neck pain, back pain, hip and knee pain can be positively affected by high quality orthotic wear. Find out more about our assessment, diagnosis and correction techniques for foot function.

A. Yes. Correcting spinal subluxations, muscle imbalances and poor habits can significantly help to correct postural faults. Advice on home and work habits, and simple tips on how to improve posture can be so helpful. Just knowing how to shift your attention to posture and making minor changes in how you hold your body can take so much unnecessary strain away from the body.