Your Healthcare Questions Answered
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a healing system that operates on the belief that the nervous system governs health in the body. Information is carried from the brain to the body, and from the body back into the brain via nerves. These nerves travel down the spinal cord and leave the spine to enter the tissues and organs of the body. The nerves exit closely to the joints that move the spine. When these joints fail to move or function properly, they can impact the tramsmission of information exhange, resulting in dysfunction and pain. Chiropractors can detect these alerations in segmental spinal motion called subluxations. Once detected, a chiropractor will manipulate to joint to restore proper function. This is referred to as an adjustment.
What can I expect on the first appointment?
Dr robichaud will take your case history and perform a physical exam to diagnose your problem. He can review any imaging studies and lab work that you have relative to this problem. As long as there are no contra-indications, he will treat you on day 1. All patients are given an initial program of stretches to promote mobility and alleviate pain.
Do I need a referral?
Many of dr robichaud’s patients are referred to our office by their physician. I formal referral is not required for insurance purposes, and dr robichaud will send a copy of his initial report to your doctor with your permission.
What insurance plans to you take?
Dr robichaud is an in-network provider for medicare, blue cross and blue shield and harvard pilgrim health care. He is not a medicaid provider and some plans purchased through the health connector in massachusetts utilize the medicaid provider network.
Can I still use other therapists while I am receiving chiropractic care?
Definitely. Most scientific data supports the use of a comprehensive approach to the treatment of pain related conditions. We become a member of your health and wellness team, and work with your pcp and specialists to insure the best outcome possible.
What is the “cracking”?
The spinal manipulation technique dr robichaud uses is a manual form of manipulation called diversified technique. This utilizes a high velocity, low amplitude (hvla) thrust to restore motion in a specific vertebra in a specific direction. When the joint moves gas is released from the joint and a “pop” is sometimes heard. This is known as cavitation- similar to popping bubble wrap.
