Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.) comprise the second largest health care profession with over 50,000 Doctors in the U.S. They earn the title Doctor along with medical doctors (M.D.), doctors of osteopathy (D.O.), and dentists (D.D.S.).

Chiropractors are licensed in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. A rigorous course of study is necessary to receive the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic.  Chiropractic students take all the basic science courses - anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and microbiology. They also take intensive courses in diagnosis, radiology, orthopedics, neurology, nutrition and public health. Each student then participates in a clinical internship, similar to a Medical Doctor’s “rotation”.

Most state licensing boards require at least four years of undergraduate education, completion of a five-year Chiropractic college course, as well as successful completion of National and State Board Examinations.  Yearly postdoctoral education is also required in CT to maintain licensure.

After setting up an appointment and arriving for your first visit, you'll meet our experienced and helpful staff. They will assist you with completing the proper New Patient Forms.  After completing these forms, you'll meet Dr. Della Schmid.

Dr. Schmid will review your health history and ask you some very important questions to determine if your problem is likely to be helped with Chiropractic care. An orthopedic and neuromusculoskeletal examination will then be performed to determine the cause of the symptoms and the best course of treatment.

With a complete understanding of your condition, physical therapy modalities are typically applied to the region to help decrease muscle spasm, inflammation and pain. Next, you're ready for your Chiropractic spinal or joint adjustment.

Regular re-evaluations will monitor the healing process. Throughout your course of treatment, Dr. Schmid believes in educating her patients on proper ergonomic work environment, postural advice, and flexibility and strengthening exercises. Home care advice is also essential and may include recommendations of moist heat, cold packs, lumbar cushions, cervical pillows, and orthopedic braces, when necessary.

An adjustment, or manipulation, consists of gently restoring spinal and joint motion which may have become fixated causing abnormal movement or nerve irritation in the spine. These adjustments are performed by hand, and are gentler than you may think. Adjustments help restore proper spinal function and mobility which are necessary to begin the healing process. Continued visits help to restore more normal joint motion.

Dr. Schmid has years of training and experience in spinal and joint adjustment.

Chiropractic adjustments are safer than many medications and even back surgery. Dozens of research studies have documented the safety and effectiveness of Chiropractic treatment. When compared with traditional approaches, Chiropractic care is remarkably safe. In fact, millions of Chiropractic adjustments are safely delivered to satisfied patients every day!

When you have a joint or muscle pain, or have been injured, you should call your Doctor of Chiropractic.  Chiropractors are experts in orthopedic and neurological conditions.  As a trained physician, we can diagnose your condition and provide treatment the same day. We may refer you for further imaging, tests, or to consult with another healthcare provider, if clinically necessary. Doctors of Chiropractic are unique in that we diagnose, provide treatment, and monitor your condition on an ongoing basis throughout your care.

AUTO ACCIDENTS and PERSONAL INJURY. Even a minor automobile accident can have major effects on your health. When one car collides with another, many hundreds of pounds of pressure are exerted on the neck and spine. Whiplash can occur at surprisingly slow speeds and is the result of the head and neck forcefully being thrown back and forth very quickly. Receiving Chiropractic care after an accident can make the difference between complete recovery and lingering pain and disability, which can last years after the accident.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION (WORK-RELATED INJURY). Chiropractic care has become one of the leading forms of treatment for work-related injuries involving the musculoskeletal system. Workers' compensation studies show that patients with these types of work-related injuries often return to work faster and at a more reasonable cost using Chiropractic treatment versus other forms of treatment.

SPORTS INJURIES. Chiropractic care is a drug-free type of treatment for athletic injuries. Combining physical therapy modalities, spinal and joint manipulation, rehabilitation programs, and training advice, sports-related injuries usually respond well to Chiropractic treatment. This keeps the athlete playing more and injured less, utilizing a more holistic type of treatment.

People of all ages seek Chiropractic care, including senior citizens. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, safe, natural Chiropractic care is growing in popularity.

Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, endurance, and strength. Many patients report improvement with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging process.

In the state of Connecticut all insurance companies are required by law to have a Chiropractic benefit.  In addition, Medicare, workers' compensation and automobile insurance companies cover Chiropractic care. We recommend that you check with our staff or your insurance company to determine your specific Chiropractic benefits.  Please see our list of insurance companies that we are participating providers for.

• Flexion Distraction Lumbar Traction, a form of intersegmental traction, may be used to reduce lumbar facet joint imbrication, neuroforaminal compression and paraspinal muscle guarding.  This type of treatment is proven effective for disc herniations.
• Soft Tissue Techniques such as massage, myofascial release and proprioceptive neuromuscular stimulation are used for muscle tissue in order to increase functional performance, increase range of motion, decrease inflammation and reduce muscle spasm. 
• Electrical Stimulation and Ultrasound are typically applied for pain relief, increase blood flow, to reduce inflammation, and increase tissue healing of the involved areas.
• Cryotherapy is applied to areas of acute inflammation and muscle spasm.
• Hydrocollator Therapy is applied to promote healing and reduce muscle spasm.
• Home Exercise and Rehabilitation Programs provided by Dr. Schmid involve a customized program of joint flexibility, stabilization, and therapeutic band and ball exercises, as well as strengthening exercises. These programs help to maintain and improve joint and spinal function as the patient returns to pre-injury status.
• Orthopedic Bracing may include lumbar supports, cervical pillows, elbow tendonitis braces, and carpal tunnel braces.
• Custom Fitted Orthotics are molded by Dr. Schmid in the office with precise techniques, to correct a functional or anatomical foot or ankle dysfunction.  For example, many orthotics are molded to correct a hyperpronated ankle or help with chronic plantar fascitis.
• Ergonomic and Posture Advice is provided by Dr. Schmid to help patients recover more quickly, but also to support long term relief of symptoms and limit any flare-ups.