Treatment
I use a technique called Systems Health Care (SHC), which is a form of Applied Kinesiology. You can read about these below, as well as what to expect treatment to look like, and some frequently asked questions about our office.
What is Applied Kinesiology?
Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a diagnostic technique which uses specific manual muscle testing to gather information and guide treatments. The muscle testing we do is not to test your physical strength, rather it is a neurologic test to evaluate the functioning of your nervous system. We use numerous specific muscle tests, not to be confused with a simple straight arm pull-down test that you may have seen.
Muscle testing is only one portion of our examination. We use many other forms of evaluation, including a thorough history, neurologic and orthopedic testing, and often laboratory testing.
Although Applied Kinesiology is most commonly used by chiropractors, there are also many different licensed-to-diagnose practitioners who use AK, such as MDs/DOs, dentists, optometrists, and naturopaths.
We address each major aspect of your health – structural, chemical (such as nutrition), and emotional. Applied Kinesiologists refer to these three factors as the triad of health. Using AK enables us to gain a truly holistic view of your health. Since we are receiving immediate feedback from your body, we are able to individualize your care and provide you with natural and effective solutions.
What is Systems Health Care?
Systems Health Care (SHC) is an approach to natural health care using Applied Kinesiology. Dr. Stephen Gangemi is the founder of the Systems Health Care technique. His clinical expertise and innovative techniques have made him one of the most sought-after AK teachers in the US and internationally. Practitioners can become SHC certified after attending a series of seminars and passing a rigorous written and practical examination.
SHC practitioners follow a physiological hierarchy to prioritize treatments. We address what the body shows a need for first, rather than having a predetermined treatment plan (such as a food sensitivity testing day, emotional testing day, etc). We look at the body as a whole, and recognize that everything is highly interconnected. For example, if you are seeing us for shoulder pain, we will not only look at your shoulder, we will evaluate the health of all your systems. Perhaps your shoulder is being influenced by an imbalance in your opposite hip, or you have a chronic immune system issue affecting the immune-related muscles of the shoulder. By assessing the body in this manner, we can find and resolve deeper issues, leading to effective solutions and long-lasting results. Since we have such a unique and thorough approach, we are often able to help patients who have already “tried everything.”
Learn more at the Systems Health Care website!
"Practitioners of SHC do not compartmentalize health problems, whether functional or pathological, but rather seek to identify the source of the health problems that affect various parts of the system. The practice of SHC is to evaluate and treat the patient, providing optimum health care in the most holistic and individualized way, with immediate and lasting outcomes."
What to expect at your first appointment
When you arrive at your first appointment, one of our chiropractic assistants will perform a basic exam, and I will review your health history forms. Our assistant may check your height, weight, blood pressure, grip strength, and perform a urinalysis. Next, you will meet me (your doctor) and we will discuss your health history in detail. This is where I can look at any previous lab work or imaging results. We will then proceed to a thorough physical examination, including orthopedic and neurologic testing.
Now we will be ready to begin! Your first appointment is scheduled for two hours to allow plenty of time for both a thorough history and exam as well as treatment. I will perform many specific muscle tests, which I will use to help guide your care. Treatment may involve myofascial therapy, acupressure, organ reflex treatment, dietary and lifestyle recommendations, and supplementation. One notable aspect is that I typically correct chiropractic subluxations through gentle and low-force techniques – not with high velocity adjustments. In other words, I will not “crack” or “pop” anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept insurance?
I do not participate in any insurance plans, but I can give you the paperwork for you to send in to your insurance company. If your insurance covers chiropractic then it is likely that you will reimbursed for my services to the extent that your policy covers.
You are responsible for the charges incurred at the time of your appointment. If your insurance company does reimburse for the services provided, they’ll reimburse you directly.
How Long and how frequent are Appointments?
Our office policy is that new patients schedule for 3 initial appointments. The first is 2 hours long, and the 2 follow-up appointments are 1 hour each. These 3 visits are typically each about a week apart.
After these initial 3 visits, appointments will be spaced depending on how often you need/want to be seen. This can vary anywhere from once a month to a few times per year. These visits are typically 1 hour each.
How much do you charge?
Appointments are $285/hour. Lab work and other materials (such as nutrients) are an additional charge if/when they are needed.
The fee you will be charged will be based on the time I spend with you. For example, if your appointment is scheduled for an hour but I only need to spend 40 minutes with you, you will only be charged for 40 minutes.
Please be prepared to take care of the charges before you leave. We accept cash, check, and credit/debit cards.
What do i need to bring to my appointment?
Please bring all supplements and medications that you are taking, any devices you use (orthotics, dental appliances), and any lab work.
Please wear comfortable clothes that you can easily move in.