Do I need a doctor’s referral to receive treatment?
Thanks to Direct Access, you do not need a doctor’s referral or prescription to receive treatment from a chiropractor. Direct Access is the legal right that enables patients in all fifty states and the District of Columbia to access chiropractic therapy services and programs directly.
Do keep in mind that Direct Access does not apply to insurance carriers, who may require a referral or prescription. Reach out to your insurance provider to confirm the details.
Can I go to any chiropractic therapy clinic I want?
Absolutely! According to “The Patient’s Bill of Rights” law, you can choose what chiropractic therapy clinic you want for your care. While physicians or insurance carriers may recommend a specific clinic, you are not obligated to follow their suggestions. Your fundamental patient rights protect your ability to make informed decisions about your treatment and ensure you are treated with respect and confidentiality.
How can I make an appointment?
At Legacy Chiropractic, we understand the importance of flexibility and convenience when it comes to managing your healthcare needs. That’s why we’ve made scheduling an appointment at our Metairie, LA clinic a seamless and hassle-free experience. With various appointment times, including morning and evening options, we’re committed to accommodating your busy schedule.
To book your appointment, give us a call at (504) 224-4700 or click here to request an appointment through our user-friendly online platform. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you and answer any questions.
How is my progress measured?
Our chiropractors know the importance of measuring your impairments and functional limitations so we can better design a customized treatment plan and more easily track your progress during the course of your treatment.
We’ll look at objective measurements of your physical capabilities, including specific tests of fitness such as the following:
- Heart rate and blood pressure
- Range of motion
- Strength (i.e., power, speed, endurance)
- Functional mobility
- Coordination and agility
We’ll also look at impairments that can impact your comfort and physical ability, including the following:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Weakness
- Loss of motion
- Paresthesias (prickling or tingling sensations)
Functional limitations are the final piece of the puzzle. These limitations affect your ability to do everyday tasks like the following:
- Sitting
- Standing
- Squatting and lunging
- Walking and stepping up and down
- Running and jumping
By tracking your overall fitness markers, physical impairments, and functional abilities throughout the course of your treatment, our chiropractors have an objective picture of your progress, allowing us to adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
However, we also want to hear from you. Your feedback and personal assessments are an invaluable part of this process, as they help us more fully understand your improvements, regressions, or stagnation. If your therapy deviates from its expected path, our therapists will reassess the situation and make necessary adjustments or recommendations for further evaluation or treatments.
Our ultimate goal is to help you notice tangible improvements in your performance, functionality, and overall well-being. Tracking your impairments, limitations, and progress are all key to accomplishing that goal.
You can trust our evidence-based expertise to help you achieve your sports and fitness goals!
How long is each appointment going to be?
Appointment durations vary based on individual needs. That said, initial sessions typically last between 45 minutes and 1 hour. Subsequent sessions generally range from 15-30 minutes.
Generally speaking, your therapist will want to see you more often in the early stages of your care, as this will help them assess your progress and confirm you’re on the right treatment plan. At first, you’ll likely attend sessions twice a week, then space them out as you proceed through treatment.
Our Doctors will work with you to determine the best length and frequency of your appointments to ensure your optimal progress.
Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?
We understand that navigating insurance can be complex, which is why our team at Legacy Chiropractic is here to help answer your questions and provide guidance. We recommend contacting your insurance carrier to confirm coverage based on your specific policy.
You can also visit our payment options page for more information or contact our office for assistance.
For your convenience, we provide a variety of payment alternatives.
What if I do not have insurance?
At Legacy Chiropractic, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality care, regardless of their insurance status. For patients without insurance, we offer cash-based options and payment plans payable at the time of service. Don’t hesitate to contact our Metairie, LA clinic to discuss costs and payment arrangements.
Your well-being is our priority, and our dedicated team at Legacy Chiropractic is committed to guiding you through every step of your chiropractic therapy journey.
What should I do to prepare for my first appointment?
We’re dedicated to ensuring your experience at our Metairie, LA chiropractic care clinic is as smooth and hassle-free as possible. To help you prepare for your first visit, read over this list of essential items and information, all of which will help maximize your time during your initial visit:
- If you’re using insurance, please have your insurance information available when you call us to schedule your appointment.
- Complete our online patient forms, print them out, and bring them to your appointment. If you’re unable to do so or lack access to a printer/computer, please arrive early to complete these forms at our office.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment to finalize any remaining paperwork and ensure a timely start to your evaluation.
- Wear comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the areas requiring treatment.
- Bring your insurance information (we will make a copy of your card) if you plan to use insurance for your treatment.
- Provide any relevant referrals, prescriptions, and test results from your referring physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
- Regarding automobile accidents or worker’s compensation claims, please bring the contact information for your case manager or insurance adjuster and the claim number.
At Legacy Chiropractic, we are committed to delivering exceptional care and support throughout your chiropractic therapy journey.
We look forward to welcoming you to our clinic!
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
We understand that sometimes circumstances make attending your scheduled appointment difficult or impossible. In the event of illness or an emergency, please notify our clinic at least 24 hours before your appointment time to avoid any inconvenience.
At Legacy Chiropractic, we want to accommodate all our patients while maintaining a smooth and efficient schedule. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
What is a chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a licensed healthcare professional focused on diagnosing and treating neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders. Most chiropractors emphasize the body’s ability to heal itself and perform manual adjustments (aka manipulations) of the spine and, at times, the extremities.
Spinal adjustments aim to help you manage back and neck pain and keep your spine in proper alignment.
In the United States, you must complete a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, pass a national exam, and obtain a state-specific license before becoming a chiropractor.
Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Chiropractic care is commonly recognized as a safe, non-invasive method of treating neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders.
No health treatment is without danger. Chiropractic therapy is no exception. There have been reported (isolated) incidents that reflect the practitioner, not the profession.
As with all types of manual therapy performed by healthcare and medical practitioners, patients may experience moderate pain, stiffness, or discomfort after a session. Any concerns you may have should be expressed and resolved to your satisfaction.
Although some people experience minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation, these symptoms typically subside within 24 hours. The popularity of chiropractic care reflects positive outcomes, where most patients leave their chiropractor’s clinic feeling better!
Is chiropractic treatment ongoing?
The typical course of treatment is to resolve a particular injury or condition. You will likely have to visit your chiropractor’s office multiple times before resolving your issue. It is a common practice, although not mandatory, to continue maintenance care that is decided by the individual’s specific situation and your chiropractor’s clinical judgment.
Chiropractic care is different from a medical doctor’s course of treatment, which typically involves a predetermined plan that is carried out at home (i.e., taking a course of antibiotics once a day for a couple of weeks).
A chiropractor may provide therapeutic, preventive, or maintenance care within a certain number of visits over a predetermined period of time. If you have questions about how long your treatment will last, do not hesitate to ask your chiropractor for their estimate.
Why do joints pop during chiropractic adjustments?
When you adjust (aka manipulate) a joint, a change of pressure within your joints causes gas bubbles to pop, this release of pressure is the noise you hear when “cracking” your back.
There is usually little to no discomfort involved in this process.
What conditions do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors commonly treat conditions of the spine. Whether you have pain, injuries, or spine disorders, a chiropractor can help you find relief and restore your function.
Chiropractic care emphasizes the importance of the body healing itself. Most chiropractors can help you with nutritional guidance and recommendations about what type of exercises are best suited for your specific condition.
What Is a Licensed Massage Therapist?
Massage therapists hold a state license to practice massage in the United States and are typically known as LMTs. In contrast, the Canadian counterparts are registered massage therapists or RMTs.
A licensed massage therapist (LMT) is a professional who has completed a specific amount of training in massage therapy and has obtained a license to practice. The licensing requirements vary by location but often involve a set number of hours of training at an accredited school, a written examination, and sometimes a practical examination.
Massage therapists use various techniques to manipulate the body’s soft tissues, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and skin. They may specialize in certain modalities, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, or prenatal massage.
Massage therapists work with people of all ages and all types of conditions. Some emphasize preventative massage to avoid injury and pain, while others focus on the relaxation benefits of massage.
The practice of massage therapy is regulated because it involves physical manipulation that can be harmful if done incorrectly. Therefore, licensure is used to ensure that massage therapists have the necessary skills and knowledge to practice safely and effectively.
Licensed massage therapists should abide by a professional code of ethics and maintain their skills and knowledge through continuing education. They must also follow local and national laws and regulations related to massage therapy and maintain a high standard of cleanliness and safety.
What Are the Different Types of Massage?
Massage therapists have a variety of techniques at their disposal, but some of the most common types of massage they might use include:
- Swedish massage: This is a gentle type of full-body massage that’s ideal for people who are new to massage, have a lot of tension, and are sensitive to touch. It can help release muscle knots and is also a good choice for when you want to relax during a massage fully.
- Deep tissue massage: This is a good option for chronic muscle problems, such as soreness, imbalance, or injury. It uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It is intended to relieve muscle tension by applying slow, forceful strokes to target the deeper muscle and connective tissue layers.
- Sports massage: This is designed to prevent and treat injuries and improve athletic performance. It can be beneficial for all types of athletes, from professionals to casual joggers. The techniques used in sports massage are similar to those in Swedish and deep tissue massage, but the therapist may include stretches, and the session may be targeted to a specific part of the body.
- Trigger point massage: This type of massage focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers or “knots” that can form in muscles after injuries or overuse. The massage therapist uses concentrated pressure on these areas to release the knots.
- Prenatal massage: This is a safe way for women to receive a massage during pregnancy. It can reduce pregnancy body aches and stress and ease muscle tension.
Our massage therapists will decide what type of massage you need based on various factors, including your physical condition, any pain or discomfort you’re experiencing, your stress levels, and your overall goals for the session.
What Can I Expect From My Massage Therapy Sessions?
At your first massage therapy session, your massage therapist will have you complete an intake form that includes information about your health history, current physical condition, lifestyle, stress level, areas of pain, and whether you have any specific physical conditions or needs.
Before the massage begins, you’ll discuss your reasons for being there, your current physical condition, and any specific areas in which you are experiencing pain or would like to address during your massage.
Before your massage, our massage therapist will leave the room while you undress. You undress to your level of comfort. Some people choose to undress completely, while others prefer to keep underwear on. You will lie on the massage table, under a sheet or blanket.
A typical full-body massage covers the areas of the neck, back, shoulders, legs, feet, arms, and hands. The therapist will use a lubricant, such as oil or lotion, to allow for smooth strokes. The pressure will be adjusted based on your comfort level. A massage can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours, but a typical full-body massage session lasts about 60-90 minutes.
Once the massage is complete, the therapist will leave the room for you to get dressed. Taking your time getting up is a good idea, as you might feel light-headed. After the massage, you should drink plenty of water to help flush out the toxins released from your muscles.
Most follow-up appointments will be similar to your first session. The therapist will ask about any changes in your condition and any feedback about the previous session to tailor the massage to your needs for that day.
Remember, every massage and every therapist is different. Communication is key to getting the best therapeutic benefit from your massage session.
How Will I Feel During and After My Massage Therapy Session?
During a massage session, most clients experience a profound sense of relaxation, often induced by the tranquil environment featuring dim lighting and soft, soothing music, as well as the skilled touch of the therapist. The purposeful manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues can lead to the release of tension and the easing of stress, often facilitating deep and restful breathing.
While the therapist works on areas of tightness or injury, there may be moments of discomfort or slight pain. However, an effective therapist will maintain open communication, adjusting the pressure and technique to ensure comfort.
The massage can stimulate the circulatory system, increasing blood flow and promoting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. This process can sometimes cause an initial feeling of light-headedness immediately after the massage. It’s crucial to stand up slowly and take a moment to readjust.
After your massage, you may feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and energized. It is also common to experience improved mobility and decreased discomfort. Most people report a sense of physical and emotional well-being and relaxation.
Other reported benefits are improved sleep, enhanced focus, reduced anxiety, and a general sense of well-being. In the hours and days following a massage, it’s common to experience a heightened awareness of bodily sensations and posture, which can help maintain the benefits of the massage. Massage therapists also typically recommend drinking plenty of water after a session to help flush out any released toxins and rehydrate the body.
Remember that everyone’s response to massage is unique so individual experiences can vary. Consistent communication with your therapist, even after the session, will help you optimize the benefits of massage therapy for your specific needs.
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