What We Do In Livonia MI

Hello from Dr Susan Blaskay,

Thank you for taking interest in our practice. I have been practicing for over 35 years and my experience will improve your life. I am considered a full spine chiropractor and use various techniques. Please read below to help make an informed decision to trust me and my staff with your care. I promise that it will be informative.

Our approach to your chiropractic care in Livonia MI is that you are an individual and there are no “cookie cutter” programs or packages that fit everyone. Education and care of my patients and keeping them informed is a priority for me. Too many times, patients get flooded with terms they don’t quite understand, techniques that are not right for their care, being strung along or misinformation of what true chiropractic is. This is true for any medical discipline.

Chiropractic is a holistic hands-on healthcare profession that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders related to the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Diagnosis by a Chiropractor is done properly using x-rays, palpation using their hands, patient history, experience and how these disorders may affect overall health through the entire nervous system.

---

Key Features of Chiropractic In Livonia MI:

1. Spinal Manipulation:
   • The most common treatment technique used by chiropractors.
   • Involves applying controlled force to joints, especially in the spine, using their hands and body, to improve alignment, mobility, and relieve pain.
2. Holistic Approach:
   • We promote lifestyle changes, exercise, ergonomic advice, and nutritional counseling in addition to spinal adjustments without the use of drugs.
3. Conditions Treated:
   • Commonly used to scoliosis, treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint issues.
   • Benefits of regular spinal alignment adjustments to keep the nervous system functioning at its optimum.
4. Philosophy:
   • Founded in the late 19th century, chiropractic originated with the belief that spinal misalignments (called subluxations) can disrupt nervous system function and impact overall health.
   • Modern chiropractic care often incorporates evidence-based practices using their hands and experience to correct spinal and joint alignment.
5. Effectiveness and Safety:
   • Evidence: Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective for certain types of back pain, neck pain, and tension headaches. There are few times that a patient may be referred to a specialist due to certain injuries, conditions or disease. But generally, seeing a chiropractor first is the best practice.
   • Safety: Considered very safe when performed by a licensed, experienced chiropractor. We minimize risks by doing a thorough examination, x-rays, and applying a proper care plan based on the individuals needs. We take x-rays to minimize risk down to the lowest level. “Not to see is not to know”

---

Techniques and terms:

There isn’t a single “best” chiropractic adjustment that works for everyone—it depends on your condition, body type, and health goals. However, some chiropractic techniques are widely used and highly regarded for their effectiveness and safety.

Here are some of the most common and well-known chiropractic adjustments that you can expect in our office.

1. Diversified Technique
   • Most common method used by chiropractors.
   • Involves hands-on spinal manipulation with a quick, precise thrust.
   • “Cracking” sound often heard during adjustment.
   • Used for general spinal and joint dysfunction.
   • Best for: Back and neck pain, joint issues.
2. Gonstead Adjustment
   • Focuses on specific misalignments found through X-rays and palpation.
   • Performed with the patient in a seated or side-lying position (side posture).
   • Precise and targeted.
   • Best for: Structural problems, lower back issues, scoliosis.
3. Activator or instrument Method
   • Uses a hand-held instrument \to deliver a controlled, multi low-force impulse. We use the
   • Arthostim gun instead of an Activator.
   • Gentle and suitable for patients who prefer or need non-forceful treatment.
   • Best for: Elderly patients, children, rib heads, or those with joint or bone sensitivity.
4. Thompson Drop-Table Technique
   • Involves a special table with sections that “drop” slightly when pressure is applied.
   • Less force is needed, as gravity assists.
   • Best for: Pelvic and leg length issues, comfortable for most body types.
5. Flexion-Distraction Technique
   • Gentle, non-thrusting technique using a special table that flexes and stretches the spine.
   • Often used for herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
     Best for: Lower back pain, disc bulges, and sciatica.

So, what’s the best for you? Depends, after our exam and evaluation we will discuss what treatment and care will be most effective.

• Acute back pain? Diversified or Gonstead.
• Chronic or nerve-related pain? Flexion-Distraction.
• Prefer a gentle approach? Arthostim or Thompson Drop.

I hope this answers a lot of questions or concerns. Please call for an appointment if our office is right for you. We are affordable and take most all insurance plans.