Chiropractor in Margate, FL

Margate is a working city along State Road 7, home to first-time homeowners, tradespeople and the residents of adult communities like Oriole Gardens and Paradise Gardens. Its chiropractic needs are direct: a back that gave out on the job, a neck locked after a rear-end on 441, a knee that has started to limit the walk to the pool, and a straight answer about what it will cost.

The office is fifteen minutes east via Atlantic Boulevard or Sample Road, and Margate patients get a first visit that is an examination and an honest explanation, with insurance verified before the appointment and the decompression, laser and shockwave equipment on site if the problem turns out to need it. What the first visit includes, whether you need a referral, how insurance and PIP fit, and how often people really need to come, 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.

Insurance and cost are handled before you start. The office accepts major health plans and Medicare for chiropractic care, and Florida PIP for car-accident injuries, and verifies your benefits before the visit so there is no surprise at the desk. The advanced program components, such as decompression, Knee-on-Trac and laser, are cash-pay and are quoted in writing after the evaluation.

Neck adjustments, explained. A cervical adjustment is a quick, controlled movement of one neck joint through a small range, done after the exam has ruled out the conditions that make it inappropriate. Patients who prefer not to have the neck adjusted manually are treated with instrument or mobilization techniques instead; the result the exam is looking for, restored motion and less pain, can be reached either way. Nothing is done to your neck without your agreement.

Fifteen minutes. Atlantic Boulevard east about seven miles to Federal Highway (US-1), then north; or Sample Road east to Federal Highway, then a short distance south. The office is 3320 N. Federal Highway in Lighthouse Point, between Copans Road and Sample Road.

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. Margate patients should plan on about an hour for the first visit and 15 to 30 minutes for follow-ups.

Can you feel better after one chiropractic adjustment?

Sometimes, especially with a recent mechanical problem such as a locked facet joint or an acute muscle spasm. Chronic disc, arthritis and tendon problems take longer because the tissue has to change, not just the joint position. Dr. McNamara tells you which category you are in on the first visit.

What is the difference between a chiropractor and a physical therapist?

Chiropractors diagnose and treat joint and spine dysfunction, principally with manual adjustments, and here with decompression, laser and shockwave as well. Physical therapists focus on exercise-based rehabilitation. They overlap and often work together. Read the comparison in our article on chiropractic versus physical therapy.

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. Margate accident patients are billed to Florida PIP instead.

What should I do after a chiropractic adjustment?

Walk, drink water, move gently and avoid heavy lifting or hard training for the rest of the day. Some soreness for 24 hours is normal. Do the one or two exercises you were given; they are where the lasting change happens. Call if anything feels sharply worse rather than sore.

How do I get to the office from Margate?

Atlantic Boulevard east to Federal Highway then north, or Sample Road east to Federal then south. Fifteen minutes on a normal day, twenty in rush hour. Parking is free in front of the building.