FAQ

If you do not find the information you are looking for in the FAQ section below, please feel free to call, text, or email Dr. Hutchins with your request. The best information I can provide is based on your personal information. Whether it is about your health, treatment, cost of care, or financial arrangements, I am eager to be sure you can make the best, most informed choices possible

Frequently asked questions

What is Naprapthy?

Naprapathy is a gentle form of soft tissue manipulation used to relieve pain, speed healing of injuries, and restore freedom of movement. The profession of Naprapathy was founded in 1905 by Dr. Oakley Smith, an early Chiropractor and Osteopathic student. Dr. Smith performed extensive anatomical research through cadaver study. His findings led him to conclude that it was the soft tissues (example: ligaments, tendons, and muscles) that, when damaged or over taxed, led to a rigid, scar-like condition that was a likely cause of interference to the nervous system as the nerves passed within close proximity to these tissues. He developed a system of assessing and treating these tissues through a specialized type of manipulation.
Dr. Smith liked to travel and learn more about other cultures and health care practices around the world, and while in Czechloslovakia, he learned about a traditional healing practice called "napravit." Dr. Smith went to observe the practice of napravit, and found it to be a gentle working loose of constricted joints, in some ways similar to the practice he had been developing in the United States.
In Czechloslovakian, the word napravit means "to correct, or to fix." Dr. Smith honored the profession he had seen in Czechloslovakia by taking the "napra" from napravit (meaning to correct) and added it to pathos from Latin (meaning suffering, or pain) to coin the name naprapathy meaning to correct suffering, or to correct pain. Dr. Smith founded his new profession in Chicago, IL and today, Chicago is still home to the National College of Naprapathic Medicine.



When does a person need to see a Naprapath?

By far the most common reason that people seek out naprapathic care is for pain relief, however, many utilize the skills of the naprapath to prevent injury, relieve stress, and help achieve optimum health and performance.



Do I need a referral from a medical doctor to see a Naprapath?

No. Although many patients are referred by medical doctors, therapists, trainers, etc. you do not need a referral nor prescription to see a naprapath.



Can my naprapath coordinate my treatment with my primary care physician?

Yes, in fact, this is the ideal situation. Your primary care physician can oversee your diagnosis and treatment for medical conditions, and your naprapath can provide drug free care for your physical structure as well as nutritional counseling.



Are back and neck pain the only conditions a naprapath can provide care for?

Naprapaths commonly treat patients with a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions, and the accompanying pain, numbness, or dysfunction.
For example:
Lower back pain and stiffness
Neck pain and stiffness
Pain or stiffness in any region of the spine
Pain, stiffness, or numbness in arms, shoulders, elbows, or hands
Pain, stiffness, or numbness in hips, legs, knees, or feet
Poor circulation or lymph drainage of the extremities
Sciatic nerve pain
Common strains, sprains, tendonitis, and overexertion injuries
Injuries related to automobile collisions, and falls
TMJ-temporal mandibular joint dysfunction It is also important to note that often patients suffering from conditions not commonly considered of musculoskeletal origin may also be helped by naprapathic care. For example:
Headaches, including migraines
Hiatal hernia
Ringing in the ears
Dizziness
Cold hands and feet
Some stomach or digestive problems
Patients suffering from the effects of stress, depression, and anxiety
Tightness in tissues related to scar tissue
Fibromyalgia Many patients seek naprapathic care to help them optimize physical performance, and mantain flexibility to help prevent injuries when engaging in an active lifestyle. The above are just a sample of conditions that may benefit from naprapathic manipulation. I strongly encourage you to consult with a Doctor of Naprapathy to discuss the details of your condition.



What is the difference between a naprapath and chiropractor?

The licensing of chiropractors and naprapaths is completely separate, these are the basic differences in the philosophies: Chiropractor: The original principal of Chiropractic is that subluxations (minor dislocation) of the spine actually press on the nerve roots as they exit the spine, causing pain and secondary dysfunction (disease). The focus in Chiropractic is placed on the position of the bones, especially the spinal vertebrae. Traditionally, Chiropractors use x-ray examination to determine the misaligned bones, and manipulate the spine to re-align the vertebrae. Because the focus is on repositioning the bones, many Chiropractors use an abrupt, heavy force to "adjust" the spine. If too much force is applied too quickly, micro tears can occur within the supporting structures which can actually lead to instability of the affected spinal or other joints.
Naprapath: In Naprapathy, the focus is on the soft tissues that support the vertebrae (spine) and other joints. By encouraging motion in tissues that have become rigid and inflexible, the Naprapath is actually triggering the activity of fibroblasts, a type of stem cell that is responsible for the generation of new elastic tissue in the body. If only the alignment is considered, the existing tensions in the soft tissues will misalign the bones quickly after "adjustment." Naprapathic treatment is a gentle stretching treatment applied with a manual massage-like technique. The aim of the treatment is to encourage the growth of new elastic tissue, while gently releasing old constrictions caused by injury or stress. Naprapathic manipulation also encourages health by stimulating circulation and aiding in lymph drainage.
The above comparison is based upon the description of the basic premise of both professions. Dr. Hutchins believes that both professions have unique benefits. Dr. Hutchins often works closely with, and coordinates care with Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Medical Doctors, and Dentists.



Can my naprapath replace my medical doctor?

Your doctor of naprapathy is not a replacement for your primary care physician. It is important to seek medical diagnosis for your health concerns. Although many patients receive significant relief from naprapathic care, it is not within the scope of practice of the naprapath to provide differential diagnosis nor treatment of disease. Your naprapath can refer you for many types of diagnostic testing if indicated, such as X-rays, MRI, CT Scan, common lab work, food sensitivity testing, testing for SIBO, etc.



What do I wear during my treatment?

Most people remain in their street clothes during the visit. It is best to wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing, like what you might wear when you are planning physical activity. I do not apply lotions, etc. during the treatment under most circumstances. In the event that I need access to a "normally covered" area (for example to perform ultrasound), I have treatment gowns and shorts available for you to wear. I will leave the room for you to change into, and out of those garments following the procedure. It is advisable not to wear clothing that can be easily damaged by friction, like some sweaters, lace, etc. Also please note that it is difficult (tears up my hands) for me to work through clothing with sharp studs, especially if they are right over the area of the complaint. If you have any questions regarding appropriate attire, I will be happy to talk about it prior to your appointment.



How did Dr. Hutchins chose to be a naprapath?

Dr. Hutchins began his interest in natural health while still in high school in the early 1970’s. He led an active lifestyle including gymnastics, martial arts, weight lifting, bicycle riding, and backpacking. Nutrition was an interest to Dr. Hutchins since his teens. At the age of 17, Dr. Hutchins began a vigorous interest in the practice of yoga, and through his experience with the stretching and postures, began to realize that he had created imbalances is his bodies structure as a result of the demands he placed on his physical structure. He realized that these imbalances were probably the result of various injuries and stresses he had suffered from his previous physical endeavors. He began searching for help on his road to correcting these imbalances. In 1978, Dr. Hutchins went for his first naprapathic treatment. He was impressed with the practice and decided to pursue his doctorate degree in naprapathy.