Question 1

Do I need a referral to be seen at Integrated Medical & Chiropractic Centers?

Accepted Answer

No. You can call us directly at (800) 595-2447 to schedule an appointment at any of our Inland Empire locations. Some insurance plans may require a referral for certain services, and our front office team will help you verify your benefits before your visit.

Question 2

Do you accept insurance, and which plans do you take?

Accepted Answer

We accept most major insurance plans, including many PPO and HMO policies, as well as Medicare for covered services. Coverage varies by location and treatment, so we recommend calling (800) 595-2447 so our team can verify your specific benefits before your first appointment.

Question 3

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of any medications you're currently taking, and any relevant imaging or medical records (such as recent MRIs or X-rays). If your visit is related to an auto or work injury, bring any claim or attorney contact information as well.

Question 4

How many locations do you have, and where are they?

Accepted Answer

We have 10+ locations across the Inland Empire, including Corona, Norco, Chino, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Riverside, San Bernardino, Temecula, and Wildomar, with more opening soon. Visit our Locations page to find the clinic nearest you.

Question 5

Do you treat patients after a car accident or on a lien?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We specialize in personal injury care and accept most personal injury liens. Our doctors are trained to document injuries thoroughly for insurance and legal claims, and we collaborate with personal injury attorneys when needed.

Question 6

What is chiropractic care and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-surgical approach that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily through controlled adjustments to the spine and joints. By correcting misalignments, chiropractors help restore proper movement, reduce nerve irritation, and support the body's natural healing processes.

Question 7

Is chiropractic care safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chiropractic care is widely recognized as a safe, non-invasive treatment when performed by a licensed chiropractor. At IMCC, our experienced providers tailor every adjustment to your condition and health history, and we only recommend care that's appropriate for you.

Question 8

Are chiropractic adjustments painful?

Accepted Answer

Most patients feel little to no discomfort during an adjustment. You may experience a brief, gentle pressure or a popping sensation as joints are released. Many patients report immediate relief and improved mobility after treatment.

Question 9

How often should I see a chiropractor?

Accepted Answer

Treatment frequency depends on your condition, goals, and how your body responds to care. After your consultation, your chiropractor will recommend a personalized plan — some patients need a few visits for acute pain, while others benefit from ongoing wellness care.

Question 10

Can children and seniors receive chiropractic care?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Chiropractic care can benefit people of all ages, from growing children to active seniors. Adjustments are always modified to suit the patient's age, size, and specific needs.

Question 11

What is non-surgical spinal decompression?

Accepted Answer

Spinal decompression is a non-invasive treatment that gently stretches the spine using a computer-controlled table (such as the DRX 9000). This relieves pressure on compressed discs and nerves, allowing bulging or herniated discs to retract and promoting the flow of oxygen and nutrients into the discs for healing.

Question 12

Is spinal decompression a substitute for surgery?

Accepted Answer

For many patients, yes. Decompression has shown strong statistical results for long-term pain relief, and we've helped many patients avoid invasive surgery through integrated treatment plans. However, not every condition is a candidate — your doctor will determine if it's right for you.

Question 13

What does a spinal decompression session feel like?

Accepted Answer

You remain fully clothed and lie comfortably on a treatment table while the computer controls the gentle stretching force. Most patients find the session relaxing and painless, and you can return to normal activities afterward with no downtime.

Question 14

How many decompression treatments will I need?

Accepted Answer

Spinal decompression is typically performed as a series of treatments over several weeks. Your doctor will customize the plan to your specific condition and re-evaluate your progress after each session to ensure you're healing properly.

Question 15

What conditions can acupuncture help treat?

Accepted Answer

Medical acupuncture is used to treat chronic pain, headaches and migraines, arthritis, fibromyalgia, insomnia, stress and anxiety, depression, menstrual cramps, fertility issues, smoking cessation, and nausea, among other conditions.

Question 16

Does acupuncture hurt?

Accepted Answer

Most patients feel little to no pain. The needles used are extremely thin — much finer than a typical medical needle. You may notice a slight tingling, warmth, or dull ache at the insertion point, which is a sign the energy pathway is being stimulated.

Question 17

How many acupuncture sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

The number of sessions depends on your condition and how your body responds. Some patients notice improvement after one visit, while chronic conditions often require a series of treatments. Your provider will recommend a personalized plan.

Question 18

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Many insurance plans now cover medical acupuncture, especially when prescribed for a diagnosed condition. Our front office team can verify your benefits before your first visit — call (800) 595-2447.

Question 19

What's the difference between medical massage and a spa massage?

Accepted Answer

Medical massage is prescribed to resolve a specific diagnosed condition and is results-oriented. Your therapist develops a personalized care plan using targeted techniques such as trigger point therapy, deep tissue, Swedish, and shiatsu massage — rather than general relaxation.

Question 20

What conditions can medical massage treat?

Accepted Answer

Medical massage can help with migraines, back and neck pain, repetitive use injuries like tennis elbow, shoulder and rotator cuff injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, auto accident injuries, jaw issues, postural imbalance pain, pregnancy-related pain, and restless legs syndrome.

Question 21

Will I need more than one massage session?

Accepted Answer

While pain is often reduced after a single session, your customized care plan may prescribe multiple sessions for effective, lasting pain management. Our team tracks your progress and adjusts the plan as needed.

Question 22

What can physical therapy help with?

Accepted Answer

Physical therapy can help with sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, joint replacement recovery, stroke recovery, balance and mobility issues, chronic pain, and work-related or auto accident injuries. It improves strength, flexibility, and function so you can return to the activities you love.

Question 23

What should I expect during physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

Your therapist will assess your condition and design a personalized program of targeted exercises, stretches, and hands-on techniques. Sessions are progressive — we track your improvement and adjust your plan to restore mobility, strength, and confidence.

Question 24

How long does physical therapy take?

Accepted Answer

Recovery time varies by condition and individual goals. Some patients need only a few weeks, while others with more complex injuries benefit from a longer program. Your therapist will set clear milestones and review your progress regularly.

Question 25

What is shockwave therapy (EPAT)?

Accepted Answer

EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology) is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy pressure waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. It's FDA-cleared and commonly used for chronic pain, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Question 26

Is shockwave therapy painful, and is there downtime?

Accepted Answer

The treatment is generally well tolerated, with most patients experiencing little to no discomfort. There is virtually no downtime — you can return to your normal activities right away. Some patients may notice minor soreness for a few days.

Question 27

How effective is shockwave therapy?

Accepted Answer

Clinical studies report a 91% success rate, with many patients becoming pain-free or experiencing significant pain reduction. Beneficial effects are often felt after just one or two treatments.

Question 28

What conditions does shockwave therapy treat?

Accepted Answer

It treats tennis and golfer's elbow, shoulder tendonitis, rotator cuff pain, frozen shoulder, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, hamstring pain, hip tendonitis and bursitis, jumper's and runner's knee, shin splints, TMJ, peripheral neuropathy, and scar tissue.

Question 29

Why should I seek care immediately after an accident?

Accepted Answer

Some injuries — like whiplash or soft tissue damage — may not show symptoms for hours or days. Early diagnosis and documentation are critical to prevent minor injuries from becoming chronic and to establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries for any insurance or legal claim.

Question 30

Do you accept personal injury liens?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We accept most personal injury liens, so you can receive the care you need without paying out of pocket while your case is resolved. Our team will coordinate with your attorney and handle the documentation required for your claim.

Question 31

Will you document my injuries for my legal case?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Our doctors are trained to thoroughly document injuries for use in insurance and legal claims. We provide a complete history, examination, and treatment records, and can recommend follow-up care with the appropriate specialist.

Question 32

What are the symptoms of whiplash?

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, shoulder and arm pain, dizziness, fatigue, reduced range of motion, and tingling or numbness. Symptoms may not appear immediately after an accident, which is why prompt evaluation is so important.

Question 33

How soon after an accident should I be evaluated for whiplash?

Accepted Answer

As soon as possible. Because whiplash symptoms can take hours or days to surface, early diagnosis helps prevent minor injuries from developing into chronic issues. Even if you feel fine initially, a thorough examination is recommended.

Question 34

How is whiplash treated at IMCC?

Accepted Answer

We create a personalized treatment plan that may include chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, physical therapy, and pain management — all under one roof. Your care is coordinated to relieve pain, restore range of motion, and prevent long-term problems.

Question 35

What is physical medicine?

Accepted Answer

Physical medicine is a multidisciplinary approach that combines physical medicine, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling to treat the whole patient — not just the symptom. It's at the core of our integrated care model.

Question 36

How is physical medicine different from physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

Physical therapy focuses on exercise and movement-based rehabilitation, while physical medicine is a broader medical specialty that diagnoses and treats a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions using multiple coordinated therapies.

Question 37

What conditions does physical medicine address?

Accepted Answer

It addresses chronic pain, joint and muscle pain, mobility limitations, post-injury recovery, neurological conditions, and functional rehabilitation — all through a coordinated, whole-patient treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Chiropractic Care

Spinal Decompression

Acupuncture

Massage Therapy

Physical Therapy

Shockwave Therapy

Personal Injury Treatment

Whiplash Treatment

Physical Medicine

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