Chiropractor in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale has more chiropractors than any city in Broward, and downtown professionals, marine-industry crews and Galt Ocean Mile residents have plenty of nearby options for a routine adjustment. The ones who drive fifteen minutes north on Federal Highway to Lighthouse Point come for a practice that has run non-surgical spine, knee and shoulder programs from the same office for three decades, with the decompression, laser and shockwave equipment in the building.

The first visit works the same for a yacht captain with a back that has hauled lines for twenty years as for a Las Olas attorney with a desk neck: a history, a thorough exam, a review of any imaging, and a plain answer about what was found and what it will cost. What that first visit includes, how insurance and PIP fit, and how often people really need to be seen, below.

The first visit is mostly conversation and examination. Dr. McNamara asks how the problem started, what makes it better or worse, what you have already tried and what you want to get back to doing. Then an orthopedic and neurological examination: range of motion, muscle testing, reflexes, palpation of the spine and the joints involved. If you bring recent X-rays or an MRI she reviews them with you. Most first visits end with a clear explanation of what she found and a recommendation, and if your case is straightforward, a first treatment.

The tools go well beyond adjusting. The office has the Antalgic-Trac spinal decompression system, Knee-on-Trac, a LightForce Class IV laser, a Chattanooga shockwave unit and Foot Levelers 3D orthotic scanning on site. That matters because a stubborn tendon, a herniated disc or an arthritic knee usually needs more than manipulation, and having the equipment in the building means you are not referred across town for it.

What happens after the adjustment matters as much as the adjustment. Patients are told to move gently for the rest of the day, walk, drink water and skip heavy lifting or intense training for 24 hours. Mild soreness like a workout is normal; sharp or new pain is not and should be reported. The plan between visits, a few specific exercises or posture changes, is where most of the lasting improvement happens.

Fifteen minutes from downtown. Take Federal Highway (US-1) north through Oakland Park and Pompano Beach; the office is 3320 N. Federal Highway in Lighthouse Point, between Copans Road and Sample Road. From the Galt Ocean Mile and Coral Ridge, take Commercial Boulevard west to Federal and turn north. From I-95, exit at Copans Road or Sample Road and go east.

What should I expect at my first chiropractic visit?

A history, an orthopedic and neurological exam, a review of any imaging you bring, and a clear explanation of what was found. If your case is straightforward you are usually treated the same day. Fort Lauderdale patients should plan on about an hour for the first visit and 15 to 30 minutes for follow-ups.

How often should a chiropractor adjust you?

Only as often as your condition needs. Acute problems are often seen two or three times a week for a couple of weeks, then tapered. There is no standing rule that everyone needs weekly visits for life, and you will not be put on one here. The plan is set after the first exam and revisited as you improve.

When should you not go to a chiropractor?

Suspected fracture, an unexplained fever with back pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, progressive leg weakness, or a recent serious trauma need emergency or medical evaluation first. The first-visit exam here screens for these red flags and Dr. McNamara refers out when she finds them.

Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?

Chiropractic adjustments are covered by most major health plans and by Medicare. The office verifies your specific benefits before your visit. Decompression, Knee-on-Trac and laser components are cash-pay. Fort Lauderdale accident patients are billed to Florida PIP instead.

How long does a first chiropractic appointment take?

About an hour: history, examination, review of imaging, explanation and, if appropriate, a first treatment. Follow-up visits are 15 to 30 minutes. Fort Lauderdale patients coming 15 minutes are given the earliest or latest slots of the day if they ask.

How do I get to the office from Fort Lauderdale?

From downtown, Federal Highway north is about fifteen minutes; from the Galt Ocean Mile, Commercial Boulevard west to Federal then north is about twelve. I-95 to the Copans Road or Sample Road exit works when Federal is slow.