To receive the doctor of chiropractic degree, individuals must complete extensive undergraduate prerequisites, four years of graduate-level instruction and an internship at an accredited chiropractic institution. They pass national board examinations similar to those doctors of medicine must take. After they pass their exam doctors of chiropractic must apply for and obtain their license.

A doctor of chiropractic posses a comprehensive knowledge of all systems of the body and diagnostic procedures which enable them to thoroughly evaluate a patient, address health challenges relating to the spine and determine the need for referral to another health care provider.

Dr. Hou also has an in depth physical therapy background and understand-
ing of the muscular system. Drawing on this knowledge and experience he is able to create a tailored treatment plan based on the individual needs.

When the nerves do not function properly the natural healing capacity of the body is impaired and health problems are the result. Chiropractic care is successful with a wide variety of health problems which are not considered "back" problems because of the improved nerve system functioning that results.

Chiropratic care is a natural method of health care that focuses on treating the causes of physical problems, rather than treating just the symptoms. Chiropractic care is based on a simple but powerful premise. With a normally functioning spine and healthy nerve system, your body is better able to heal itself. That's because the vital communications between your mind and your body, the lifeline of your nervous system flows through your spine. It controls feeling, movement, and all function throughout your body.

Regular chiropractic visits can help detect any spinal stress. Even if you feel as though you're operating at 110% or better, chiropractic can help you maintain your desired level of health and fitness. You may currently have spinal irregularities that exhibit no symptoms whatsoever. However, problems may arise in the future.

Just as regular maintenance visits are recommended for your car, and regular dental cleanings and check-ups are recommended for your teeth, regular chiropractic check-ups can help detect and prevent spinal stress or joint disorders.

Most health care plans provide coverage for chiropractic services. How- ever many insurance companies will place one or both types of limitations on coverage; either they will limit the total dollar amount they will pay, or they will limit the total number of times you can visit the chiropractor in a given year.

The best way to find out if your insurance covers chiropractic and to find out what limitations are present is to contact our office. We will verify your insurance benefits before we set your appointment.

Chiropractic locates and corrects the nerve interference causing many health problems. When correction is complete and the nervous system begins to restore normal function. The correction is usually permanent. There is the possibility of a repetition of the same or similar habits, occupational hazards, falls, accidents, or other traumas can cause a recurrence of the condition.

Your compliance with your doctor's recommendations, especially between adjustments, and your follow-through with maintenance care and periodic spinal examinations after your initial, concentrated, intensive care is completed, will contribute greatly to the permanence of the correction and your future good health.

Most patients report a sense of well-being or a feeling of calmness. Chiropractic doctors excel at making spinal adjustments comfortable and effective. You will find your visit to WellnessCare a very warm and inviting experience.

Your initial visit will begin with a consultation. We will take a case history and ask about your present condition and any health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. We will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem.

doctor will perform an examination to evaluate the nature of your problem. This examination generally includes a series of basic physical tests, as well as a specialized chiropractic evaluation of spinal movement and posture, and may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.

After completing the analysis, Dr. Hou will explain your problem and map out an appropriate plan of action with you. If necessary, you may be referred to another health care specialist for further evaluation or treatment. Doctors of chiropractic work with a variety of health care professionals in the best interest of their patients.

Dr. Hou will discuss your care plan with you, taking into consideration your health habits, stress, and activity levels. An "adjustment" the vertebrae which have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally. Doctors of chiropractic spend years learning motion palpation (the art of examining by movement or touch) and other forms of spinal examining procedures, so that they can administer specific and appropriate spinal adjustments.

Dr. Hou may use a variety of techniques and the specific procedures to assist you in restoring optimal health. Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. The patient may experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment which lasts only seconds. Adjustments or manipulations are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of 1 million to 1.

Over the course of your care, your doctor will monitor your individual response and may also recommend changes to your lifestyle, work environment, dietary, and exercise patterns.