Back pain, neck stiffness, headaches, and joint discomfort can make everyday activities harder than they should be. Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury, ongoing discomfort, or simply having trouble moving comfortably, finding the right chiropractic approach matters.
At Diegel Chiropractic Center in Shelby Township, MI, Dr. Robert W. Diegel has been caring for patients since graduating from chiropractic college in 1996. With 30 years of experience and training in multiple chiropractic adjusting techniques, Dr. Diegel can tailor your care to your individual needs, age, comfort level, and condition. From traditional hands-on adjustments to gentle instrument-assisted techniques, our goal is to help you move more comfortably and get back to the activities you enjoy.
What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between your spine, joints, muscles, and nervous system. A major part of chiropractic treatment involves adjustments, which are controlled movements applied to specific joints to improve mobility and joint function.
When joints become stiff or movement is restricted, you may experience discomfort, reduced flexibility, or difficulty with everyday activities. Chiropractic adjustments are designed to address these movement restrictions and may help reduce certain types of musculoskeletal pain.
At Diegel Chiropractic Center, Dr. Diegel uses several adjusting methods rather than relying on just one technique. This allows him to consider your individual needs and select an approach that makes sense for you.
What conditions can chiropractic care help with?
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for many conditions involving the spine, joints, and surrounding muscles.
At Diegel Chiropractic Center, patients commonly seek care for concerns including:
- Back pain and lower back discomfort.
- Neck pain and stiffness.
- Sciatica, which involves pain or irritation along the sciatic nerve pathway.
- Headaches associated with neck and muscle tension.
- Shoulder and joint discomfort.
- Whiplash and auto accident injuries.
- Work-related injuries and repetitive strain.
- Knee discomfort and other movement-related problems.
- Spinal stiffness and reduced mobility.
Dr. Diegel evaluates your symptoms and health history to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate. If your condition requires a different type of medical attention, he can recommend that you seek care from the appropriate healthcare provider.
You can also explore our conditions treated at Diegel Chiropractic Center.
What chiropractic adjusting techniques does Dr. Diegel use?
One of the advantages of receiving chiropractic care from Dr. Diegel is his experience with multiple adjusting techniques. Different patients have different needs, and one approach may not be appropriate for everyone.
Dr. Diegel is trained in the following techniques:
HVLA Direct Thrust (High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude): This traditional hands-on adjusting method uses a quick, controlled movement applied to a specific joint. It is commonly associated with the popping sound some people hear during a chiropractic adjustment.
Gonstead Technique: This specific chiropractic approach emphasizes a detailed evaluation of spinal structure and movement. The doctor uses examination findings to help identify areas that may benefit from specific adjustments.
Diversified Technique: One of the commonly used chiropractic adjusting approaches, Diversified involves hands-on adjustments designed to improve joint movement and mobility.
Activator Method: This technique uses a small handheld instrument to deliver a controlled, low-force impulse to a specific area. It can be an option for patients who prefer an instrument-assisted adjustment.
Thompson Drop Table Technique: This approach uses a specially designed chiropractic table with sections that gently drop during an adjustment. The table assists the doctor’s adjusting movement and can reduce the amount of force needed.
ArthroStim Instrument: The ArthroStim is a handheld adjusting device that delivers rapid, controlled impulses to targeted areas. It provides an instrument-assisted option for patients who may prefer something other than traditional hands-on adjustments.
Spinal Decompression and Traction: These approaches use controlled positioning and stretching forces to help reduce pressure and improve comfort in certain areas of the spine. They may be considered as part of a broader care plan when appropriate.
Dr. Diegel does not use every technique on every patient. The approach is selected based on your examination, condition, comfort, and individual needs.
Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
Most chiropractic adjustments are well tolerated, but the experience can feel different depending on the technique used and the area being treated.
Traditional hands-on adjustments may involve a quick movement and sometimes a popping sound. The sound is caused by changes in pressure within the joint and does not mean that bones are breaking or being forced into place.
If you prefer a gentler approach, instrument-assisted techniques such as the Activator Method or ArthroStim may be options.
Some patients experience temporary soreness, stiffness, or mild discomfort following an adjustment. During your appointment, Dr. Diegel can explain the recommended technique, discuss potential risks and benefits, and answer your questions before treatment.
You should always let your chiropractor know about previous injuries, medical conditions, medications, or concerns that could affect your care.
What happens during a chiropractic appointment?
Your first appointment begins with understanding what’s bothering you and what you would like to accomplish through care.
The process generally includes:
1. Discuss your concerns. Dr. Diegel reviews your symptoms, health history, previous injuries, and activities that may contribute to your discomfort.
2. Complete an examination. Your posture, spinal movement, joint mobility, and other relevant findings are evaluated to help determine the source of your symptoms.
3. Discuss your treatment options. Based on your examination, Dr. Diegel explains which chiropractic techniques may be appropriate and answers your questions.
4. Receive individualized care. If appropriate, treatment may include a chiropractic adjustment using one or more of the techniques described above.
5. Review your progress. Your response to care helps guide recommendations for future visits and any additional treatment that may be appropriate.
Every patient is different. Your treatment recommendations should reflect your examination findings and individual goals.
Does Dr. Diegel offer chiropractic care for pregnant women?
Yes. Diegel Chiropractic Center offers prenatal chiropractic care for women during pregnancy.
Pregnancy brings many physical changes. As your baby grows, your posture, weight distribution, and center of gravity change. These changes can contribute to back discomfort, pelvic discomfort, and additional strain on muscles and joints.
Dr. Diegel can evaluate whether chiropractic care is appropriate during pregnancy and consider techniques and positioning suited to your individual needs and stage of pregnancy.
Our approach takes your comfort and safety into consideration. We also encourage communication with your obstetrician or other prenatal healthcare provider when coordinating care.
Learn more about our prenatal chiropractic care services.
Does Diegel Chiropractic Center offer chiropractic care for infants and children?
Yes. Dr. Diegel is trained in infant and pediatric chiropractic techniques.
Children have different physical needs than adults, and chiropractic care for younger patients must be approached accordingly. Techniques used for infants and children are age-appropriate and differ from traditional adult adjustments.
Parents considering chiropractic care for their child can discuss their concerns with Dr. Diegel. An evaluation helps determine whether care is appropriate, what techniques may be considered, and whether another healthcare provider should be involved.
The child’s age, development, health history, and individual needs are all important considerations.
How many chiropractic visits will I need?
There is no single treatment schedule that works for everyone.
The number of visits depends on factors such as the type of problem, how long you’ve experienced symptoms, your overall health, and how you respond to treatment.
Someone experiencing a recent episode of back discomfort may have different needs than someone managing a longstanding condition or recovering from an auto accident.
After evaluating you, Dr. Diegel can discuss his recommendations, explain the reasoning behind them, and monitor your progress over time.
How much does chiropractic care cost, and does insurance cover it?
The cost of chiropractic care depends on the services provided, your treatment needs, and your insurance coverage.
Many insurance plans offer some level of chiropractic benefits, but coverage, copayments, deductibles, and visit limits vary by policy.
We recommend contacting our office before your appointment so our team can help answer questions about accepted insurance plans, available payment options, and expected costs.
Why choose Diegel Chiropractic Center for chiropractic care in Shelby Township?
Choosing a chiropractor is about finding someone who understands your concerns and has the experience to recommend an appropriate approach.
Dr. Robert W. Diegel graduated from chiropractic college in 1996 and has spent 30 years caring for patients in the Shelby Township area.
His training in multiple adjusting techniques allows him to work with a wide range of patients and consider different approaches based on their individual needs.
At Diegel Chiropractic Center, we provide chiropractic care for individuals and families, including adults, expectant mothers, infants, and children.
Our office is conveniently located at 49780 Van Dyke Ave in Shelby Township. We welcome patients from Utica, Sterling Heights, Macomb Township, Rochester Hills, Washington Township, and throughout Macomb County.
You can learn more about our practice and team on our Meet the Team page.
Schedule a chiropractic appointment in Shelby Township, MI
Whether you’re experiencing back pain, neck stiffness, or simply want to explore your chiropractic care options, Diegel Chiropractic Center is here to help.
With 30 years of experience and training in multiple chiropractic techniques, Dr. Robert W. Diegel takes an individualized approach to evaluating your needs and discussing appropriate care.
Call (586) 254-2060 to schedule an appointment.
Visit Diegel Chiropractic Center at 49780 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Township, MI 48317.
Written by Dr. Robert W. Diegel, D.C.
