Chiropractic for Optimal Health and Performance: an Interview

Is your focus on optimum health and performance? If it is, then you are probably on the lookout for options that will help you to work and play better.

I recently met with Dr. Jim Hoven, DC, a practicing Chiropractor with a diploma in Sports Injuries. Dr. Hoven has over 16 years of experience and he has treated people from all walks of life.

During our time together, I asked Dr. Hoven about chiropractic to help the members of MFT get a better understanding of this effective form of health care.

Q: Dr. Hoven, it seems like more and more people are either going to a Chiropractor or are considering trying one. What is it that attracts so many people to chiropractic?

A: Lots of people want to get healthy so that they can do the things that they either want to do or have to do. And many are looking for ways to feel good that are as “natural” as possible. For most, chiropractic can fit the bill as an effective, safe way to meet those goals.

Q: As a Physical Therapist, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many Chiropractors over the years, and I’ve seen many different methods. Can you explain that to our readers?

A: Chiropractic is designed to relieve pain and improve function by working with the joints and muscles of the spine and extremities. The methods an individual Chiropractor uses can and do vary. These differences can be based on things like the philosophy of the Chiropractic school they attended, personal preferences, and even the physical stature of the Chiropractor.

Q: When should a person seek out a Chiropractor for their condition as opposed to going to a Medical Doctor or even just “waiting it out”?

A: It’s a matter of the person’s health care philosophy. Most people prefer to start conservatively and then move toward the more “invasive”. Common approaches begin with rest, ice, heat, or some other home remedy. If there is no progress, the next level might be to see a Chiropractor for the evaluation of the muscles and joints. The Chiropractor serves as a great gatekeeper for the patient because of their extensive training in anatomy and physiology and their background knowledge of what various other types of health care providers offer. For those with the philosophy that “it’s easier to stay well than to get well”, Chiropractic can be a part of the “Wellness” process. Often, it is used in conjunction with proper diet and exercise, massage, acupuncture, and other wellness-based concepts.

Q: Dr. Hoven, can you give our members any guidelines in finding a good chiropractor?

A: First, go in and meet the Chiropractor to get a sense of their training, experience, and bedside manner. Once in the office, ask lots of questions including things like how long they have been in practice, and how many times they’ve seen conditions like yours in the past. Second, assess how well they communicate with you about what is wrong, their ability to help you, how long it may take, and how much will it cost. If after spending time with them you get a good feeling about their confidence and competence, you’ve probably found a place where you can expect good results!

If you have any questions for Dr. Hoven, he can be reached at jhoven@healthsourcechiro.com