Swickard Chiropractic

<body background="images/spine_small.gif" link="#0000FF" vlink="#800080"> <BASEFONT="Arial" SIZE="3"> <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td><img src="images/phone.gif" align="middle" width="141" height="25"></td> <td><a name="Title"><img src="images/title.gif" align="middle" width="286" height="62"></a></td> <td><img src="images/address.gif" align="middle" width="184" height="51"></td> </tr> </table> <hr width="90%"> <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td valign="top" width="20%"><map name="FPMap0"> <area href="#Welcome" shape="rect" coords="1, 17, 112, 58"> <area href="#Chiropractic" shape="rect" coords="1, 59, 112, 121"> <area href="#Staff" shape="rect" coords="1, 122, 112, 180"> <area href="#Insurance" shape="rect" coords="1, 181, 112, 234"> <area href="#Payment" shape="rect" coords="1, 235, 112, 295"> <area href="#FirstVisit" shape="rect" coords="1, 296, 112, 348"> <area href="#Directions" shape="rect" coords="1, 349, 112, 378"> <area href="#Hours" shape="rect" coords="1, 379, 112, 413"> <area href="#FAQ" shape="rect" coords="1, 414, 112, 452"></map><img rectangle=" (1,122) (112, 180) #Staff" rectangle=" (1,181) (112, 234) #Insurance" rectangle=" (1,235) (112, 295) #Payment" rectangle=" (1,296) (112, 348) #FirstVisit" rectangle=" (1,349) (112, 378) #Directions" rectangle=" (1,379) (112, 413) #Hours" rectangle=" (1,414) (112, 452) #FAQ" src="images/spine_index.gif" align="top" border="0" usemap="#FPMap0" width="115" height="465"><a name="Map"></a></td> <td><table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td><font size="3" face="Arial"><i>"My sole purpose as a Chiropractor is to help as many people as I possibly can achieve and maintain their optimum health by offering an alternative , drug-free approach to relieving pain and restoring the bodies natural ability to heal itself."</i></font><i> </i><p><font size="4" face="Arial"><i>- Mark A. Swickard D.C.</i></font> </p> </td> <td><img src="images/mark_swickard.gif" width="140" height="181"> </td> </tr> </table> <hr> <p><a name="Welcome"><font size="5" face="Arial"><b>Welcome</b></font></a><br> <font size="3" face="Arial">Welcome to Swickard Chiropractic! We appreciate the opportunity to provide you with chiropractic care. Our staff is made up of well qualified professionals who work together as a team to bring you the highest quality treatment in a warm, caring atmosphere. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Arial">Good chiropractic care is an important part of a persons' health and well-being. Our goal is to make your spinal column healthy, relieving the stresses from your nerves, muscles, ligaments, joints, bones, and internal organs. Our office strives to achieve this goal through the use of chiropractic manipulation and the latest in adjunctive physical therapies. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Arial">The effects of our treatment may be immediate or they may take time. It depends on your overall health, chronicity of your condition, exercise, lifestyle, nutrition and willingness to follow our treatment instructions. Chiropractic care has been proven to be safe, effective and cost effective. Millions of people around the world have used chiropracic and its growing popularity is an indication of its success. </font></p> <p><a href="#Title"><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Back to Top</b></font></a> </p> </td> </tr> </table> <p><a name="Chiropractic"><font size="4"><b>About Chiropractic Care</b></font></a><br> <font size="2" face="Arial">Chiropractic is based on a basic principle of natural health care, which believes it treats the cause of our physical problems and not just the symptoms. Chiropractors focus on treatment of the spine and its misaligned vertebrae, also known as, </font><a href="#Subluxation"><font size="2" face="Arial">subluxations.</font></a><font size="2" face="Arial"> These subluxations cause an interference with the transmission of nerve signals coming from the brain and spinal cord, which control every cell, organ and tissue of the body. Once there is disruption of these nerve signals, a dysfunction of the body will most likely occur (symptom). Chiropractors work to remove the interference with </font><a href="#Adjustment"><font size="2" face="Arial">adjustments</font></a><font size="2" face="Arial">, which help restore normal function of the spinal joints and nerve impulses, allowing the body ability to better heal itself. </font></p> <p><a name="Preventative"><font size="3"><b>Preventative Chiropractic Care</b></font></a><br> <font size="2" face="Arial">After the initial condition has been reduced, getting regular chiropractic care is as important as regular dental check-ups are for your teeth. Getting a regular spinal </font><a href="#Adjustment"><font size="2" face="Arial">adjustment</font></a><font size="2" face="Arial"> can help prevent recurrences of your condition and allows you to maintain your good health. How often you need to be adjusted depends on several factors such as your current health habits, diet, exercise, weight, old injuries, work habits and stress. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial">More and more emphasis is being placed on preventing illnesses from occurring rather than having to seek care when we get sick. Continuing to get adjustments helps encourage a more complete healing of your injury and prevent relapses brought on by improper spinal function. It has been my clinical experience that my patients who receive regular check-ups feel better, have more energy and report having much improved mobility and function of their back and neck. </font></p> <p><a href="#Title"><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Back to Top</b></font></a> </p> <p><a name="Staff"><font size="4" face="Arial"><b>Our Staff</b></font></a><br> <br> <font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Dr. Swickard</b> was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He went to Blue Valley High School and then to Kansas State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1985. He then attended Cleveland Chiropractic College, graduating with honors in 1988. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial">He practiced for 2 years as an associate in Kansas City, Missouri with his father Dr. Kenneth Swickard and in 1991 opened a private practice in Shawnee, Kansas. He has continued his education by completing certification in both acupuncture and sports injury programs. Dr. Swickard is an active member in both the Kansas Chiropractic Association and the American Chiropractic Association. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial">Dr. Swickard is married to his wife Michele and has a daughter named Riley. He comes from a large family, being the eldest of 6 children. Chiropractic has been in his family many years, with both his father and brother currently in practice. He enjoys many outdoor activities, as well as, playing and watching all sports. </font></p> <p><a href="#Title"><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Back to Top</b></font></a> </p> <p><a name="Insurance"><font size="4" face="Arial"><b>Insurance Coverage</b></font></a><br> <font size="2" face="Arial">If you have insurance, please provide us with you plans information as soon as possible. This will allow us to verify your benefits prior to your first visit, make you aware of any plan limitations or special circumstances and determine <i>if a referral is necessary from your Primary Care Provider (PCP). </i>Some insurance companies require a referral from your PCP <i>before</i> your visit so that your care can be covered under their plan. We will submit all necessary claims to your insurance and help you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled. Our office also has special experience in handling <b>auto and work related claims</b>.</font> </p> <p><font size="3">We are an <i>in-network provider</i> for the following health insurance plans: </font></p> <ul type="disc"> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">Aetna/U.S. Healthcare - All Plans </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">Blue Cross Blue Shield of KC - Preferred Care and Total Health Care. All other plans are accepted, but have some limitations </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas - HMO Kansas, Premier Blue and Blue Select </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">HealthNet - All Plans, including Medicare Senior Excel </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">Humana - All Plans, including Gold Plus Medicare </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">MedOne - All Plans </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">Medicare Part B </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">Mutual of Omaha - All Plans </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">Principal Health Care - All Plans, including the Medicare HMO </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">Private Health Care Systems(PHCS) - All Plans </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">United Health Care - All Plans, including the Medicare HMO </font></li> </ul> <p><img src="images/burst_red.gif" width="28" height="28"> All auto insurance carriers are accepted<br> <img src="images/burst_red.gif" width="28" height="28"><u>Most</u> Worker's Comp carriers pay for chiropractic care when approved by the employer** </p> <p><a href="#Title"><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Back to Top</b></font></a> </p> <p><a name="FirstVisit"><font size="4" face="Arial"><b>What to Expect on Your First Visit</b></font></a><br> <font size="2" face="Arial">Chiropractic takes a holistic approach to your health, focusing not only on your spine, but your lifestyle, diet and exercise routines. The following prediagnsostic procedures are implemented during your first visit. This will allow us to determine the most effective treatment for your specific condition. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><b><i>Case History:</i></b> A thorough case history of your complaint(s) will be taken to help us identify the cause of your condition. This will include a discussion of your current symptoms, any past or present injuries and a look at your work habits, lifestyle and physical activities. Reviewing all relevant information regarding your past health problems and a review of your organ systems is also included as an important part of analyzing your overall health status. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><b><i>Examination:</i></b> A complete orthopedic, neurological and spinal examination will be performed to help us reveal the condition of your spine and overall health. Chiropractors take more of a hands-on approach during an evaluation. Static and motion palpation is used to check for areas of tenderness and swelling along the spinal column and supporting musculature. Postural analysis and range of motion studies also help reveal evidence regarding the alignment and mobility of your spine. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><b><i>X-rays:</i></b> X-rays may be necessary to evaluate the bone structure and alignment of your spine. Acting as a "blueprint", they help us identify areas of misalignment, fracture, underlying disease or arthritis. Recommendations can then be made as to what treatment will best suit your condition or if further testing may be necessary. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><b><i>Diagnosis and Treatment:</i></b> After correlating all of the above information, an individualized recommendation is made as to what treatment program will be required to align your spine and improve your health. When necessary, a consultation with other medical specialist for a second opinion may be indicated to determine how to best treat your condition. </font></p> <p><a href="#Title"><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Back to Top</b></font></a> </p> <p><a name="Payment"><font size="4" face="Arial"><b>Payment Options</b></font></a><br> <font size="2" face="Arial">Chiropracic is internationally recognized as the most cost-effective treatment available for back pain. We make every effort to keep down the cost of your care. You can help by paying for your treatment at the time of your visit. For your convenience, we accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover as well as cash or checks. If your treatment program requires several visits, and you need a payment plan for your care, we can work with you. Please discuss this with a member of our office staff.</font> </p> <p><a href="#Title"><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Back to Top</b></font></a> </p> <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td><a name="Directions"><font size="4" face="Arial"><b>Directions</b></font></a><br> <font size="2" face="Arial">Swickard Chiropractic is located at 7174 Renner Rd. in Shawnee, on the Southeast corner of Midland Drive and Renner Road in the Midland Shopping Center. It is easily accessed off of I-435 at the Midland Drive exit, between 87th St and Shawnee Mission Parkway(63rd St.)</font> <p><a href="#Title"><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Back to Top</b></font></a> </p> </td> <td rowspan="2"><img src="images/map2.gif" width="258" height="506"></td> </tr> <tr> <td><a name="Hours"><font size="4" face="Arial"><b>Office Hours</b></font></a><br> <font size="2" face="Arial">You may always expect to be treated as a guest when visiting our office. We recognize that your time is important and we will do our best to see that your visits are prompt and pleasant. We encourage appointments, but you are always welcome to drop in if you find yourself in the area.<br> <br> <b>Monday through Thursday</b><br> 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.<br> <br> <b>Friday</b><br> 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.<br> </font><p><font size="3" face="Arial">Your first visit usually requires additional time and attention. Therefore, we have special time slots held for new patients. Please call for an appointment.</font> </p> <p><a href="#Title"><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Back to Top</b></font></a> </p> </td> <td> </td> </tr> </table> <p><a name="FAQ"><font size="4" face="Arial"><b>Frequently Asked Questions</b></font></a><br> </p> <p><b>What causes my spine to go out of alignment?</b><br> There are many ways your spine is stressed, but for the most part, we can divide it into 2 main categories; Macrotramas and Microtrauma's: </p> <ul type="square"> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">Here a few examples of <b>Macrotraumas</b> : </font><ul type="disc"> <li><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Auto accidents</b> resulting in whiplash or back injury. </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Slipping and falling</b> on the ice, or down the stairs, etc. </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Lifting</b> furniture, heavy objects, boxes, etc. </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Overexertion</b> caused form beginning exercise too fast, shoveling snow/dirt, etc. </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Over-Exhaustion</b> due to overworking, improper exercise, long hours working, and/or lack of sleep </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Sneezing or Coughing</b> forcefully or repetitively </font></li> </ul> </li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">Here a few examples of <b>Microtraumas</b>: </font><ul type="disc"> <li><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Repetitive/Overuse Injuries</b> like sleeping wrong, continuous light lifting, repetitive work habits </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Imblanced Carrying</b>. Improper lifting, bending, or twisting </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Organic Overloading</b> caused by Improper diet, nutrition and exercise </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Chemical Overloading</b> from some long-term medications and prescriptions, food additives/preservatives </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Emotional Overloading</b> from stress, tension, anxiety, anger, etc. </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Body Malformations</b> like old bone fractures, congenital malformations, etc. </font></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><a name="Subluxation"></a><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>What is a subluxation?</b><br> A subluxation is a term used by Doctors of Chiropractic to describe the misalignment of spinal vertebrae resulting in pressure against delicate nerves exiting between these vertebrae. This misalignment results in a dysfunction of spinal joints, causing a disruption of the nerve impulses coming from the brain and spinal cord. This interference of nerve signals can cause a variety of symptoms, from pain and stiffness in your back and neck to numbness and tingling in your legs or arms. </font></p> <p><a name="Adjustment"><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>What is an adjustment?</b></font></a><font size="2" face="Arial"><br> Upon locating the areas of your spine that are misaligned or not functioning properly, gentle pressure is applied to the individual joints of your spine to help restore alignment, improve mobility and relieve irritation of the nerves. Dr. Swickard utilizes a gentle hands-on approach to his adjustment, as well as, the occasional use of an adjusting instrument known as an <i>Activator</i>. The particular type of adjustment given is based on the needs of each patient individually. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>How often are adjustments necessary?</b><br> How you feel is not always a good indication of how healthy you are; in fact you may feel fine while vertebral </font><a href="#Subluxation"><font size="2" face="Arial">subluxations</font></a><font size="2" face="Arial"> are damaging your body. Most people first visit their chiropractor after years of long-standing subluxations and in the beginning repeated adjustments are typically necessary over weeks or months to reduce or eliminate your symptoms. Once optimum correction has been achieved, depending on your current health status, periodic adjustments may be necessary in order to maintain alignment and flexibility of your spinal column. A person with old injuries, weak supporting muscles and spinal deterioration is obviously not going to hold their adjustments as well as the person who has good health habits and little to no spinal degeneration. As you can see, individual needs vary, therefore, Dr. Swickard would discuss your unique spinal care needs and how often he feels you may need to be checked to maintain proper spinal hygiene. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>How do I know I need Chiropractic care?</b><br> At a very young age we begin putting stress on our spinal column in one way or another. These "spinal stressors" can lead to a lifelong battle with headaches, numbness, tingling, back pain and other health problems. These conditions can result from pressure or irritation of spinal nerves caused by the joint dysfunction or misalignment within the spine we refer to as spinal subluxations. It is my opinion that everyone young and old should have their spine checked regularly for spinal subluxations, just like you go to your dentist, eye doctor and family physician for periodic examinations. Please review the following list of warning signs that may indicate you have an unhealthy spine and need chiropractic care: </font></p> <ol> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">Your have had a recent injury to your spine causing neck or back pain. </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">You have had a previous injury to your spine that never completely healed and gives you episodes of pain. </font><ul type="disc"> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">The episodes are becoming more frequent and increasing in intensity. </font></li> </ul> </li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">You are having continual stiffness in your back and neck. </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">You are getting frequent tension headaches or migraines. </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">You can turn your head or hips farther to one side compared to the other (decreased range of motion). </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">You have poor posture. In a standing position, check to see if: </font><ul type="disc"> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">One hip is higher on one side than the other. This may indicate misalignment in the pelvis and lower back. </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">One shoulder is higher on one side than the other. This checks the middle back and lower neck areas. </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">If you have one ear higher than the other, your neck may out of alignment. </font></li> </ul> </li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">One leg appears shorter than the other which may indicate your pelvis and spine may be out of alignment. </font><ul type="disc"> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">To check someone for a short leg, have them lay face down on the floor or bed with their shoes on and arms at their side. Then look at their heels with their legs straight and with the knee's bent to 90 degrees and see if they remain even. The heels on your shoes are wearing unevenly. </font></li> </ul> </li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">Your feet turn in or out when you walk </font><ul type="disc"> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">This may indicate your hips or pelvis is out of alignment </font></li> </ul> </li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">You feel stressed out all the time and seem to have a lot of tension in your muscles and joints </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">You have fatigue or poor concentration. </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">Your seem to be sick and have a constant lack of energy. </font></li> </ol> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>What kind of Treatments and/or Therapies do you use?</b><br> The most common treatment used at our office is the adjustment to the spine done by Dr. Swickard. Other therapies include electrical muscle stimulation, intersegmental traction, ice packs, moist heat, electrical and needle acupuncture, and special exercises. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><b><i>Electrical Muscle Stimulation</i></b> Small amounts of electrical impulses are sent into the muscles and soft tissues over the site of injury to promote healing, relieve pain and reduce swelling. Four pads are typically attached to the skin where the impulses, described as a "pins and needles" sensation, help sooth achy muscles, stimulate the release of the body's own natural pain killers (endorphins) and increase blood circulation to the area. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><b><i>Intersegmental Traction</i></b> This therapy is a very comfortable therapy used to help stretch out tight spinal muscles and joints to help improve function and mobility of the spine. It also helps exercise these associated supporting muscles and ligaments of the spine to allow your adjustments to hold better and last longer. The patient lies face up on a bench-type table while rollers move up and down your spine in a circular pattern. This circular motion of the rollers helps improve the blood supply to area allowing the surrounding spinal joints and disc to get the necessary nutrients needed for proper function. This decreased circulation can cause abnormal wear and tear to the spine resulting in disc thinning and degeneration, often referred to as arthritis. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><b><i>Ice</i></b> Ice is applied to the injured area to help reduce swelling and inflammation, muscle spasms and numb the affected area. This cooling effect helps reduce and prevent posttraumatic swelling for an acute injury which also helps decrease nerve transmissions of painful symptoms, providing temporary relief. Ice is often used with electrical muscle stimulation for added benefits. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><b><i>Moist Heat</i></b> Moist heat is applied using hydrocolator packs (silicone-filled pouches soaked in hot water to hold heat). This helps promote increased circulation, relax tight muscles and increase flexibility. Moist heat is typically used on chronic pain, muscle disorders and during the rehabilitative phase of treatment to help speed the healing process. It is also often used with electrical muscle stimulation for added benefits. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><b><i>Electrical and Needle Acupuncture</i></b> Click here for a more detailed explanation of acupuncture. </font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><b><i>Special Exercises</i></b> Specific exercises for the spine and extremities are often prescribed to help improve muscle tone, strengthen damaged muscles or ligaments and prevent further degeneration or wear on weakened soft tissues and joints. Depending on your specific needs, a program of exercises is prescribed by Dr. Swickard to stabilize and strengthen the weakened areas of your spine or extremities involved. </font></p> <p><a href="#Title"><font size="2" face="Arial"><b>Back to Top</b></font></a><font size="2" face="Arial"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Arial"><b>If you have any specific questions for Dr. Swickard, click </b></font><a href="MAILTO:swickardchiropractic@attglobal.net"><font size="3" face="Arial"><b>here</b></font></a><font size="3" face="Arial"><b> to send an him am Email.</b></font> </p> <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td><img src="images/website_created_by.gif" width="199" height="86"></td> <td><br> <a href="http://edu.pagecount.com/edu/map1/26578"><img src="http://edu.pagecount.com/edu/counter.gif?26578" border="0" ismap></a></td> </tr> </table> <p align="center"><font size="1" face="Arial">Copyright © 1999 Prime Meridian, Inc., All Rights Reserved.</font> </p> <p align="left"><font size="1" face="Arial"><a href="info.pdf">aaa</a></font></p> </body>