ABOUT OUR CARE

Dr. MacEwen has been in practice for more than twenty years at our Foxboro location. He  is a trusted leader in the spinal rehabilitation community. 

Dr. Cameron MacEwen is a 1988 graduate of the Logan College of Chiropractic, in St. Louis, Missouri.  He completed his internship and residency at the Montgomery Clinic in Chesterfield Missouri. He has continued postgraduate studies in Chiropractic Orthopedics and is board eligible with the American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists.

• US National Board Certified
• Licensed Chiropractic – Massachusetts
• Licensed Chiropractic – Rhode Island
• Licensed to perform physical therapeutics

Doctor MacEwen also enjoys the outdoors, is an avid runner, scuba diver, water and snow skier.

Types of Chiropractic Care:

The number of treatments necessary to resolve a patient’s complaint is very individual. Factors that may influence recovery include: the patient’s goals, health status, date of the injury, if the injury is causing chronic pain,  compliance with home/office therapies and the number of injuries. Some patients simply seek relief from the immediate pain and may require a few treatments, whereas others prefer to experience optimum health and require intensive and comprehensive care. The decision is always up to the patient. Many people make adjustments part of their routine health maintenance.

Active Care: 

Acute Care, Remobilization, Reactivation and Rehabilitation

Acute care is provided during the first few days following an injury. It is intended to relieve pain, inflammation and muscle spasm. Therapeutic modalities such as electrical muscle stimulation and ultrasound may be used to help achieve the best results.

Remobilization is the stage of treatment directed at restoring optimal mobility flexibility to your joints and muscles. Spinal manipulation (adjustments) and myofascial release techniques are often used to accomplish these goals.

Reactivation care is when exercises and flexibility training are included in the treatment strategy. Scientific studies have shown that early introduction of exercise in the treatment program facilitates more rapid recovery from an injury and prevents recurrences.

Rehabilitation is the stage of care when more intensive training is necessary. This is the period when coordination, strength and endurance are emphasized.  The goal of rehabilitation is to prevent recurrence of symptoms and re-injury. The ultimate objective of this treatment is to train patients how to control symptoms through exercise therapy and correct posture.  Depending on the patient’s needs, one area may be emphasized.

Supportive Care:

After a patient has completed active care and has been discharged, supportive treatments may be indicated. This type of treatment is directed towards assisting in controlling periodic flare-ups that may occur. Typically, a short course of treatment is indicated. We are available to you should you experience a period of symptoms or a flare-up. If you have not been seen in six months or longer, a brief examination will be performed.

Preventive/ Maintenance Care:

Maintaining a healthy environment within the  body is the key to feeling well and also to preventing disease. Good spinal health is an integral component of the body’s system. Patients who receive regular spinal adjustments understand the benefits of a healthy spine. The daily aches and pains experienced by others are rare occurrences to those who receive routine preventive care. The frequency of care is usually once per month in order to maintain improved health after active care has been completed. Maintenance care includes adjustments and moist heat treatments. Insurance companies typically do not pay for preventive/maintenance care.

We specialize in the evaluation and treatment of patients who are in pain and want to achieve and maintain a higher level of health and function.

Some of the specific services we provide are listed below:

• Spinal adjustments (manipulation)
• Extremity (knee, foot, shoulder, etc.) adjustments (manipulation)
• Spinal Decompression Therapy
• Personalized rehab exercise programs for spinal and extremity complaints
• Proprioceptive rehabilitation
• Highly sophisticated myofascial therapy treatments for tight muscles, tendonitis, muscle stiffness, etc. including:
• Active Release Technique
• Graston Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
• Trigger point therapy
• Physiotherapy modalities
• Ultrasound
• Intereferential current therapy
• Russian stimulation
• Nutritional consultation

We treat patients with a wide variety of pain complaints including:

• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Headache
• Arm or leg pain, numbness or tingling
• Disc problems
• Shoulder pain
• TMJ (jaw) problems
• Foot, knee, hip problems
• And much more

Please plan approximately 60 minutes for your initial visit to Tritown Chiropractic Offices. 

There are essentially 6 components to the visit.

1. Registration – you will be asked to register by filling out information regarding your insurance coverage, your general health, and the reason for your visit.
2. History – After you complete the initial registration process, we will begin to discuss your health concerns and past history.
3. Physical Examination – will be completed, which has two primary components: (1) neurological and orthopedic examinations to determine a clinical diagnosis and (2) assessment of your posture, muscle function, flexibility and spinal joint function.
4. Treatment Planning -The details of your diagnosis will be presented and discussed.
5. Treatment – Treatments in our office may include stretches, exercises, therapy modalities (electrical muscle stimulation, TENS, ultrasound), soft tissue relaxation techniques and spinal manipulation/adjustments.
6. Home Instructions, Exercises

Your Adjustment/ Manipulation

Your doctor will apply his hands to the area of your body to be treated in such a way as to mobilize your joints. Commonly, a short impulse is applied to the joint. This may cause an audible “pop” or “click,” similar to when you “crack” your knuckles. You may sense movement of the joint.

The goal of the adjustment includes the following:

1. Increase the joint mobility/ range of motion
2. Relieve pain
3. Reduce muscle spasm
4. Restore optimal joint function

An important part of your treatment will be proper exercise and fitness.

Cardiovascular Training:

The first step in beginning a cardiovascular training program is to determine whether such training places you at a health risk. If you are over 50 years of age, have a personal or family history of heart disease or high blood pressure; you should meet with your  medical doctor before beginning any  cardiovascular training program. Once you are determined to be in “well” health, begin a slow and steady program that has been designed with your specific needs in mind.

Begin exercising slowly and at “conversational pace.” (You should be able to participate in a conversation while exercising.) When you feel comfortable, increase the level of exercise paying close attention to your specific needs.

Flexibility:

Everyone should stretch, regardless of age or flexibility! Why?

• Reduce muscle tension and stress
• Improve coordination and body awareness
• Increase flexibility and range of motion
• Reduce the risk of strain from unexpected over-stretching
• Improve circulation
• Preparation for other physical activities

Types of Stretching:

• Static Stretching – holding a comfortable lengthened position for 15-30 seconds. As the stretch feeling diminishes, the stretch is increased.
• Ballistic Stretching – rapid bouncing to force the target muscle to elongate, unfortunately, this type of stretch may cause the muscle to shorten rather than lengthen due to muscle spasm and injury. Any increases in length may result in muscle tearing.
• Passive Stretching – done with a partner, this type of stretch can be either static or ballistic. The partner moves the body part to a position of light resistance, at which time the person being stretched provides a mild resistance of 8-10 seconds. Upon relaxation, the stretch is increased. If performed carelessly this technique can cause muscle injury. When performed correctly, tissue elongation is cumulative and very effective.

How to Stretch:

• Warming Up – Always warm up before stretching. In order to increase blood flow muscles, walk at a brisk pace or ride a stationary bicycle at a low resistance for several minutes prior to commencing. Movement of upper extremities is essential for these activities to warm up the upper body.
• How Long/ How Much – Stretches should be held for at least 10 seconds per stretch although 30 seconds to 2 minutes is preferred. Do not strain. The stretch should be comfortable. Return to neutral slowly. Never change position quickly after a stretch is completed, or muscle spasm may occur. Some post-stretch soreness is normal and should not limit your activities. An average stretch routine should require approximately 15 minutes.
• Breathing – Do not hold your breath while stretching. Abdominal breathing is advised. Exhale as you move into the stretch and continue relaxed, rhythmic breathing for the duration of the stretch.
• Frequency – Ideally, you should stretch before and after exercises. When possible, attempt to integrate stretching into your daily routine.
• Repetitions – Shorter stretches ( 30 seconds or less) should be repeated 2-3 times a day. Longer stretches 1-2 minutes, can be performed once.

Recommended Reading:

• Stretching, Bob Anderson, Shelter Publications, Inc.
• Facilitated Stretching, Robert McAtee, Human Kinetics Publishers

Diet:

• How can you determine whether your body fat content is within a good range? Sophisticated measurement devices that can be used to get a rather precise measurement, but are not readily available to the public. The Centers for Disease Control has posted on its website the “Body Mass Index” visit the centers for disease control web site,  for more information and tips for you to follow.

Principles of Perfect Posture:

• Posture Perfect – Your mother was right when she told you to stand and sit up straight. Not only does proper posture helps you appear healthier than a slouching frame, but also promotes better function. Try this: slouch forward, and attempt to take a deep breath. Now, sit up straight and do  the same. You will surely find that it is easier with a proper posture.

Many health plans reimburse for a portion of chiropractic treatment.

Due to various insurance policies (even under the same carrier), we recommend that you contact your insurance company or benefits coordinator to verify your policy benefits. Our staff can confirm your benefits, but this does not guarantee payment by the insurance company.

We are preferred providers for most health insurance companies and accept workman’s compensation and personal injury (motor vehicle accident) insurance.

We also accept cash, checks, and most major credit cards.

We recommend that patients contact their insurance carriers for additional questions they may have regarding their insurance plans.

If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident or work-related injury, personal injury or worker’s compensation insurance may pay for the care that you require. Each insurance company has rules that must be followed in order to ensure payment.