Disclosure of Treatments and Risks
Treatment approach: Chiropractic techniques vary depending on the need of the patient. Dr. Henderson’s treatment methodology
includes numerous methods of joint manipulation and mobilizations for all joints of the body including the cranial sutures. Hands on
techniques are applied as quick thrusts, pumping actions, assisted movements, positional releases, pelvic blocking, muscle work,
reflex release, and stretching techniques. At times adjusting instruments and specialized tables may be used to enhance
effectiveness of the treatments.
Dr. Henderson’s unique approach involves the way the brain sees the body through muscle tension. Soft tissue and muscle work
are an integral part of Dr. Henderson’s work and may include the use of stainless steel soft tissue instruments, vibrating massagers,
lasers, electronic muscle stimulators, or therapeutic ultrasound. Patients will also be asked to perform in office exercises to retrain
their movement patterns and may be given at home exercises to perform to enhance the effectiveness of the treatments. Soft tissue
techniques are not currently covered under Medicare and patients will be expected to cover the cost of these procedures.
Because of the unique way Dr. Henderson works to remove the compensatory reflexes from the body during the first visit it takes
more than one visit to make an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. All patients are expected to come in for two visits as part of
the evaluation process. After which a treatment plan will be developed and discussed with the patient.
Manipulation Risks: While it is rare, some patients have experienced complications from manipulative treatments to joints, bones,
and soft tissues including but not limited to: fractures, dislocations, muscle strain, diaphragmatic paralysis, cervical myelopathy,
appendix rupture, and costovertebral strains and separations. There have been reported cases of disc injuries following cervical
and lumbar spinal manipulation. However, no scientific study has ever demonstrated how such injuries can be caused by spinal
manipulation.
There have been reported cases of injury to the vertebral artery following neck manipulation. These reported
injuries include stroke, sometimes with serious neurological impairment and have on occasion been associated with paralysis and
death. It should be noted that statistical analysis shows that the likelihood of this type of injury is very remote and the risk is the
same as spontaneous stroke.
Bruising and skin irritation: Some patients may experience bruising and soreness following joint and soft tissue manipulation or
manual therapy. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization causes a red discoloration of the skin in the area applied that may
lead to bruising; an emollient is used for lubrication and may cause additional skin irritation for some. Proprioceptive tape, although
hypoallergenic, may cause skin irritation in some individuals and may cause skin irritation or damage during the process of removal
due to adhesive action on the skin. The elastic bands used for exercises contain latex and may cause irritation to individuals with
latex allergy.
Neurological reactions to treatments: Patients have reported a feeling of lightheadedness, mild confusion and an overwhelming
sense of relaxation and well-being as well as a need to take a nap after some of our treatments. Cranial and reflex work in
particular. Individuals who experience this should stay in the office until they feel oriented and lucid enough to operate a motor
vehicle or have someone drive them. Rarely some patients have reported mild to moderate headaches after treatments. It is not
uncommon for patients to have emotional releases during treatments, usually in the form of uncontrollable crying.
Exercise risks: With exercises of any kind there is a risk of muscle soreness and a potential to injury when performing them
unsupervised. There is a risk of being accidently struck by an elastic band, weight, or demonstrator. There is a risk of falling during
mobility exercises and testing.
Physical Comfort Risks: The nature of our services requires that direct physical contact be made to most areas of the body
including the pelvis, buttocks, inner thighs, armpits, chest, ribcage, inguinal area, pubic bone, and all other areas with exception of
Breast and Genital tissues. All contacts are made in a professional manner with healing intent but occasional accidental contacts
with personal areas may occur. The doctor may need place his body or hip over the patient to perform some manipulations. During
examination patients will be moved into positions to recreate their pain so the doctor can understand the mechanism of the pain.