What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is the leading alternative medicine that utilizes a non-invasive, conservative approach to healthcare. Chiropractors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions by treating misalignments of the joints, especially those of the spinal column, which are held to cause other disorders by affecting the nerves, muscles, and organs.
What is an adjustment?
A gentle, specific “thrust” delivered by hand. The purpose of the adjustment is to correct your spinal or other bone subluxation(s) thus removing the nerve interference in your body.
Does it hurt to get adjusted?
No. I am confident that once you begin receiving your adjustments, you will begin to look forward to them. When you allow the vertebrae to return to its proper position, you will have much less stress, tension and pain.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes. Chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Statistics show that chiropractic care is one of the safest forms of health care in the world. When comparing malpractice insurance premiums paid by chiropractors to those paid by medical doctors, chiropractic physicians pay only a small fraction (approx. 1/20) of the price medical doctors pay. In fact, drug reactions are the third leading cause of death in the United States (The Journal of The American Medical Association, JAMA; Vol.284, July 26, 2000).
Chiropractic is a safe alternative to conventional medicine and continues to become a preferred treatment option for many conditions.
Do I have to be referred to a chiropractor by my medical doctor?
No. Doctors of Chiropractic are primary health care providers. According to the Center for Studies in Health Policy, “The DC can provide all three levels of primary care interventions and is therefore a primary care provider.”
Once you see a chiropractor, do you have to go for the rest of your life?
No. You need to remain subluxation free for life. Chiropractic care, when needed, can help you with those goals.
What causes the sound made during a chiropractic adjustment?
Many patients are curious of the sound that occurs during an adjustment. The “cracking” or “popping” sound that is not the bones breaking like most people think. In fact, the sound is created by nitrogen gas rushing in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joints are slightly separated. Another example of this phenomenon would be the “pop” sound you hear when the cork is taken out of a champagne bottle.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Please call us at (415) 689-0912 during business hours or schedule online here twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and we will confirm your desired appointment time as soon as possible. It is our intention to return all phone calls as soon as possible. You should expect a call back before the end of the following business day. All calls will be placed in order of priority. If no one answers the phone during normal business hours, we are assisting another patient and will call you back as soon as the doctor is available.
Does Dr. Metzler accept insurance?
Metzler Chiropractic accepts Blue Shield PPO plans not managed by American Speciality Health. We can provide a super bill for out of network insurance coverage.
In case of emergency or need to contact Dr. Metzler directly, how do I get in touch with him?
If you have an emergency during non-business hours, leave a message 415-689-0912 and Dr. Metzler will get back to you as soon as possible. If it is a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Do I need to wear special clothing to my appointment?
Loose or comfortable clothing is best, but not necessary. If you have a knee that needs to be examined or taped, you can bring a pair of shorts. A tank top is best if you are a woman with a shoulder injury. We do provide gowns if necessary.
What type of education and training do chiropractors have?
To become a Chiropractor requires a minimum of eight years of highly specialized training. Today’s Doctor of Chiropractic must complete 4,485 hours of classroom instruction and must pass rigorous chiropractic board examinations before earning a license. Continuing educational seminars are compulsory for annual license renewal. Educational requirements for Chiropractors are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions. Chiropractors are educated as primary contact health care practitioners, with an emphasis on musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment. Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic, and the intricate adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical training. The course of study is approved by an accrediting agency that is fully recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.