FAQ with Dr. Alexandra
What makes you, Dr. Alexandra, different?
The latin based definition of ‘doctor’ is teacher and that’s what any doctor should do: teach. My goal is to teach you about your body, how it moves, how it’s working for you (or not working for you) and what it needs from YOU to work even better.
To do this, I employ a Non-Traditional, Movement-Based Chiropractic approach. My goal is to meet you where you are, make sure you feel heard, and then help take you where you want to go. Often this means getting you stronger, more aware of your body, more knowledgeable about your body, more capable in your body and overall more human than you were before you walked through my door. Along the way, my goal is to teach you how to become the best possible caretaker of your body - so that you can feel amazing, rely on me less and count on your body more!
What's boutique, non-traditional approach to chiropractic care?
This style goes beyond the more traditional chiropractic routine of heat, stim, series of adjustments and frequent visits. It’s centered around a unique experience that emphasizes longer appointment times so that I can take the time to listen and learn about you and your goals, help educate you about your body in a way that you want, need and understand and facilitate your healing and/or training process in a way that will provide long-lasting effects.
What is mobility and why is it so important?
True mobility is so much more than adjustments, stretching and foam rolling. True mobility looks at the body joint-by-joint and determines if there is not only an adequate range of motion at the joint but also an adequate level of control over the joint. A deficit in either or both of these things puts you at risk for pain and/or injury. Identifying these deficits (and working on them) before they become a problem will not only keep you doing the things you love to do, but will help you create a body that can do those things even better than you did them before, often with less effort, and over the course of a lifetime.
Why do I need postpartum rehab?
This question makes me so excited because there are so many reasons that postpartum rehab should be the norm, not the exception! It’s sort of like asking, why do I need perinatal care? Because your body should be supported while it’s changing rapidly and massively. And because it’s no longer just you relying on your body!
While pregnant, your body gradually changed structurally and functionally for the better part of a year to accommodate your growing baby. Then you give birth and BAM! In an instant, your body has undergone drastic change. Because we live in a culture that values a ‘go go go’ mentality, it can be hard to slow down after giving birth. But slowing down is exactly what we need in order for proper healing, re-connection and restoration to occur.
Additionally, as a culture we have lost a lot of the community that traditionally goes along with pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Community that would have seen to it that a mother do nothing much more than spend the first 40 days resting and bonding with her baby while family and friends step in to take care of everything else.
The following is what should be part of a standard list of considerations for EVERY postpartum woman:
The gradual process of reconnecting to, rebuilding and reclaiming your deep core. Facilitation of optimal healing and restoration of function of the pelvic floor so that conditions like prolapse, incontinence and pain with sex are no longer accepted simply because they are common. Address any diastasis that may be present. Restore and maximize function of tissues around any scarring that may have occurred (cesarean or tearing during a vaginal delivery). Address common patterns of tightness and posture associated with caring for a newborn 24/7. Learn how to return to fitness safely - this does not simply mean a decrease in intensity. It means starting from the foundation and building your body back up from where you are currently at.
It takes time and intention for your body to remember what it’s like to not be pregnant and move and thrive accordingly.
Why should I see a chiropractor who specializes in postpartum care over a general chiropractor?
A chiropractor who specializes in postpartum care will be able to address underlying issues that a general chiropractor does not know about or has not been trained for - which is A LOT! Check out the answer to the question above and you’ll see that a postpartum chiropractor must know a lot about a very specific area of rehab and care.
I had my kids years or decades ago - can you help me?
As I tell all my patients, I will do my very best! The body is an amazing thing capable of changing no matter what stage of life you are in, whether you had your kids weeks ago or decades ago. Generally, the sooner you address an issue, the easier it is to reverse. The longer you wait, the more your body gets set in its ways. All this means is, don’t wait any longer - let’s get started changing your story, today!
What does an adjustment do?
The chiropractic adjustment is used to facilitate the body’s ability to re-establish and maintain motion within areas that are meant to move. My preference is to teach you how to move your body on your own - but sometimes the joints need some external encouragement in order to speed up the process and allow movement to occur.
How long or often will I need chiropractic care?
While I will be there to support you 100% of the way, I don’t believe that your best interest is served by being completely dependent on me. Therefore, my first and foremost objective is to arm you with knowledge so that you can develop a sense of aptitude within your body, control over your well-being and a toolbox for self-reliancy.
The number of visits required varies based on each individual patient and takes into account variables such as their: personal history, extent of present condition/issue and compliance and dedication to home-care and exercises.
Can I bring kids with me to my appointment?
Absolutely. If at all possible, for the first visit I highly recommend coming in without your kid(s) if at all possible because we will cover a lot of information and that in itself can be overwhelming (I promise I do my best to not overwhelm you). I never want a parent to have to decide between getting help for themselves and watching their kid(s).
What are your rates?
Initial appointments - $165
Follow ups that are 60 minutes - $150.
Follow ups that are 45 minutes - $95.
Follow ups that are 30 minutes - $80.
If it’s been 3+ months since we’ve seen each other, you need a re-eval. These are 45 minutes - $125.
Can I use my insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider for all insurance companies. This means that I take payment at the time of service and upon request can provide you with a detailed receipt to send to your insurance company so they can reimburse you directly. It’s always best to call your insurance company beforehand so that you know how much they will cover for out-of-network chiropractic services. As long as they cover out-of-network services, instead of paying me, your insurance will send you a check in the mail.
If you have an FSA or HSA, you can absolutely use these to pay for your treatment(s).
Why don’t you bill insurance directly?
Because this model allows me to provide longer treatment sessions with the freedom to be present and fully focused on you, to treat you the way you need to be treated for optimal results.
Most chiropractors that bill insurance have to see anywhere from 4-10 patients per hour (and some see even more!) and utilize modalities that allow them to leave you in a room ‘to cook’ while they quickly treat someone else.
Instead, I spend that time face-to-face with you, teaching you about your body, what’s happening with it and why. And then offer long-term solutions that involve your active participation to make sure whatever issue you’re having doesn’t just go away, but also doesn’t come back.
What’s your cancellation policy?
Patients who do not show up for an appointment or cancel with less than 24 hours notice will be charged the total cost of the visit unless otherwise stated by the provider. This fee must be paid before a new appointment is scheduled, and will be charged to the patient’s payment account on file. Providing updates to any and all contact information is the sole responsibility of the patient.