Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:

Why is "The Kennedy Method" so effective in helping people get out of pain?

I have developed a system of analysis and evaluation that allows me to prioritize the treatment plan to QUICKLY RESTORE BALANCE. Using many tools (see web pages) I can re-balance the muscular dynamics, train you to REMAIN BALANCED, and relieve the emotional imbalances that may be perpetuating the stress response and muscle tension that pulled you out of alignment in the first place.

Does Chiropractic hurt? Do I need to be "cracked" to get better?

Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. The patient may experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment which lasts only seconds. Dr. Kennedy has studied many gentle techniques for getting the spinal joints to move normally again. You do NOT need to get "cracked" at our office, and if you choose a more gentle approach, we will honor your wishes. Gentle guiding of the spinal segments can be done with you pushing against the doctor's fingers for a few seconds, and repeated a few times. This "back and forth" Push-Pull technique is painless, easy and works very very well.

Is Chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of one million to one. The most vulnerable area is the upper neck, and only in certain types of adjustment-manouvers......Dr. Kennedy ONLY uses GENTLE moves there and NEVER puts the neck into risky positions.

What kind of education and training do doctors of chiropractic have?

Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment. To become a Doctor of Chiropractic, a student must take 4 years of classes (approx same # of hours as an MD). Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical and radiological diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical training.

What can I expect on my first visit?

The first thing Dr. Kennedy will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. The Doctor 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.

A physical examination will be performed in accordance with your DC's clinical judgement, which 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.

What other services do you offer besides chiropractic?

Our office offers a variety of alternative health treatments, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, Chinese medicine and nutritional consulting. Dr. Kennedy is also trained in using deep IMS-style acupuncture for myofascial pain syndromes and Fibromyalgia. We have Frequency Specific Microcurrent available: excellent for treating "hard to treat" syndromes.

NOW AVAILABLE: SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY FOR LUMBAR DISC PROBLEMS. Using the latest technology in decompression, coupled with an extensive disc-diagnosing physical examination, Dr. Kennedy will be able to know for certain within 5-6 treatments..."can your spine be helped with decompression? How long will it take?" Call for an appointment now: 303-546-6325

What is IMS? Is it acupuncture or something different?

IMS is "Intra-Muscular Stimulation." We use acupuncture needles to gently release deep trigger points and chronic tight muscles...each treatment "fixes" the area treated, but most patients need a series of treatments to get all the involved muscles/trigger points.

Does IMS hurt? A friend had it done and she said it was painful, but in a good way.

When the acupuncture needle enters a trigger point, you will feel a deep dull ache, but it only lasts a second or so...it then "releases" and begins to soften and let go. The pain can be uncomfortable if the practitioner goes too deep too fast...Dr. Kennedy is very gentle, and his approach is respectful. You will not feel any pain you don't want to feel. Actually, most patients ask him to go deeper after the first session...they feel the improvement and want to get more results right away!

Do you use the DRX9000 spinal decompression machine I have heard so much about?

We use a different brand, called the DTS Spinal Decompression System. It is actually much more advanced than the DRX9000 because it can treat ALL kinds of disc problems, not just one type. There is a lot of hype (hyperbole) out there, mostly generated by Advertising Agencies to "sell" the DRX9000. After extensive research, Dr Kennedy chose the DTS system for it's flexibility in treating many many different conditions, and the extensive control the Dr has in using the machine. Dr. Kennedy is currently completing an extensive post-graduate training in advanced decompression therapy methodology and treatment. This will set him apart as THE EXPERT in the Boulder-Longmont area in Spinal Decompression.

What is Chiropractic health care?

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body). "Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly.