FAQs
Hoping we can answer some of your questions or concerns ahead of your visit to make it as comfortable and effective as possible.
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How long has Dr. Sutton been practicing?Dr. Sutton first went into practice in Portland, OR. in 1985. He moved his practice to the Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey area in 1994.
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I have never had chiropractic or massage therapy, what should I expect?"Whether you are seeing a chiropractor or a massage therapist there will be some initial patient registration forms which you can download from our web site. When seeing Dr Sutton for the first time, he will review with you your health history as well as the nature of your current complaint. After this he will then examine your area of complaint. At that time he may order tests such as x-rays or labs which we do not do here in our office. Once the examination has been completed he will review his findings with you and explain to you what he believes your condition is and whether it can be helped with chiropractic care. He will then outline a course of treatment and what your expectations should be. If necessary he will make referral suggestions to other healthcare providers that maybe helpful for you. At the time of your first massage visit your massage therapist will go over your health history as well as the reason you are seeking care. They will then explain the massage techniques that they will be using and outline a course of care. During your meeting with Dr Sutton or one of our massage therapists they welcome your questions. We believe that it is important that your questions be answered in order for you to have a good understanding of your care at our office.
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Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor to receive chiropractic care or massage therapy?In most cases a referral is not required for chiropractic services. Some insurance companies require pre-authorization and we will take care of that in our office at your first visit. A prescription is required for massage therapy if you would like your insurance plan to pay for it. The prescription should include a diagnosis as well as the number of treatments your doctor would like you to have. Any medical provider can write a prescription for massage therapy and most insurance plans allow chiropractors to write a prescription as well.
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Do you work with other healthcare providers such as my family doctor?Yes, it is our purpose at Sutton Chiropractic and Massage to be a part of your healthcare team. We utilize inter professional communication by sending initial and follow reports to your primary care provider as well any other provider who may have referred you to our office. Part of our management of your condition is to not only provide treatment but to also provide referrals to other healthcare providers when necessary.
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Will I be sore after my massage or chiropractic treatment?It is not unusual for patients to have some muscular tenderness after their first one or two chiropractic or massage treatments. This is due to the residual tenderness from the stretching of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) that may have not been stretched recently. We suggest staying well hydrated after your chiropractic or massage treatment.
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Does it matter if I have massage or chiropractic first?It is common to try and schedule massage and chiropractic during the same visit. It really is up to the individual preference which you have first. If you have massage before your chiropractic adjustment you may be more relaxed for your adjustment. If you have a chiropractic adjustment first you may be more comfortable and relaxed for your massage.
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Do you just treat spines?No. We treat the entire musculo-skeletal system that is the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints of the entire body. We utilize techniques such as extremity joint manipulation, exercise, taping, massage, and orthotic fitting. All of our therapist are required to have specialty experience in treating various non-spinal conditions and Dr Sutton has completed 400 hours in post graduate orthopedics relation to the nonsurgical treatment of spine and extremities.
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Does Sutton Chiropractic and Massage offer decompression therapy?Decompression therapy has been advertised frequently of late. There are different forms of decompression therapy, the most common being traction. Traction with accompanied distraction is utilized by Dr Sutton for various conditions such as disc injury, lumbar Stenosis, and the jamming of low back joints. Treatment used in our office is safe and effective. Treatments plans are specific to the needs of our patients and do not include expensive pre-packaged plans.
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Does chiropractic care continue forever?No this is not true. This is an unfortunate misconception that many people have or have heard. At Sutton Chiropractic and Massage we identify the source of your complaints and design a treatment plan to bring it to resolution as quickly as possible. If the condition is chronic and reoccurring it may require occasional periodic care, which will be discussed with the patient in advanced.
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Is chiropractic and massage appropriate for children?Yes. Children suffer from injuries to the muscles and joints just like adults but because their bodies are still not fully matured they do require special considerations. At Sutton Chiropractic and Massage we are aware of these considerations and have treated children safely for over 25 years.
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Do I have to get undressed for my massage?Massage is usually done against bare skin and it is common to undress to your underwear. You will be asked to undress to your comfort level. During the massage you will be draped under a sheet and only the area being worked on will be exposed.
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If I am sick should I reschedule my appointment?It is best to stay home and rest if you aren’t feeling well. Massage may actually make you feel worse and you risk spreading your illness to the practitioner.
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What are my payment options?There are many different payment methods for our services including cash, credit card, or payment plans. Our services are covered by most insurance plans. We accept most major insurance plans as well as Labor and Industries, (workers compensation) and auto accidents. If you have questions regarding your coverage or and insurance plan please feel free to contact our office at 360-923-5588.
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What supplements do you sell to aide the treatment?Bio Freeze Sombra Vitaminerals Integrative Therapeutics Thorne All Temp Comfort Pack Suncoast Salts Genestra Pharmax
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Insurance providers we accept:Aetna American Specialty Health Network Auto Injuries Blue Cross Blue Shield Cigna First Choice Great West Health Net Kaiser Kaiser Health Options KPS Labor and Industries Lifewise Lumenos Medicare Northwest Adminstrators Optum Health Premera Providence Health Partners Puget Sound Health Partners Regence Shasta Trusteed Plans Uniform UMP Plus United Healthcare Zenith Adminstrators
TEAM
Anthony Rodriguez, DC / Chiropractor
Education and Experience: Dr. Rodriguez graduated from Central Washington University in 2004 and from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009. He has been in private practice since 2010 and has completed many post graduate continuing education hours in extremity manipulation, rehabilitation, and motor vehicle collision diagnosis and treatment best practices to name a few. Being shaped by his own athletic career, Dr. Rodriguez has worked with many high school and college athletes developing injury prevention, strength, and flexibility plans to maintain peak functional performance and is the chiropractic consultant to the Lower Columbia College men’s baseball team.
Philosophy: Believing that he is a part of the care “team”, Dr. Rodriguez works accordingly with both allied and complementary health care providers to provide the best, most complete care possible. He utilizes gentle, time tested techniques that are on the cutting edge of the newest evidence-based treatment protocols to achieve long lasting health and wellness.
Favorite Sport: Baseball
How he keeps “aligned”: Traveling with my wife seeing all of the major league baseball stadiums in the country and encouraging my kids to engage in things they are passionate about.
Mark Sutton, DC / Chiropractor
Education and Experience: Dr. Sutton graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 1977 and from Western States Chiropractic College in 1985. He has been in private practice since 1985 and has completed a 400 hour post graduate course in orthopedics.
He has had a varied experience as a chiropractor including working with professional sports organizations and teaching. Dr. Sutton has served on various committees and boards including the Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission for the Department of Health and is frequently asked to act as an expert in legal cases involving chiropractic care. He also serves on the Board of Trustees at the University of Western States and is on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Philosophy: Dr. Sutton utilized the latest developments in treatment approaches and provides ethical and thoughtful care to his patients including referring his patients to other healthcare professionals.
Favorite Sport: Swimming
How he keeps “aligned:” I enjoy traveling with my wife and son, fishing, hiking and visiting art galleries and museums.
Khai Lam, DC / Chiropractor
Education & Experience: Dr. Lam was a massage therapist for nearly 10 years before obtaining his bachelor’s degree in health sciences at Purdue University in 2007 and his doctorate in chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2011. Dr. Lam graduated with his master’s degree in exercise and sports science in 2015. He is also certified in NIMMO trigger point therapy and Kinesio Taping.
Philosophy: Dr. Lam specializes in sports chiropractic and rehabilitation. In practice he utilizes many techniques in conjunction with joint mobilization to offer a more complete assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Dr. Lam prefers to focus on movement and function rather than pain. He works to focus on patient education in home exercises, proper biomechanics and injury prevention.
Favorite Sports: swimming
How he keeps “aligned”: “I’m a firm believer in giving back to the community. It’s amazing how donating a few hours of free time can make a world of difference for someone else.”
Allison Hanelt / Lead Massage Therapist #MA00018872
Education & Experience: Allison graduated from Phoenix Therapeutic Massage College in 2002 and has postgraduate training in relaxation massage for cancer patients and survivors and rehabilitative massage following surgery. Her primary focus is traumatic injury treatment and post-surgery rehab. Allison is certified in Geriatric Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage. She has worked with Dr. Sutton since 2004 and has been active with the American Massage Therapy Association since 2009.
Philosophy: Allison combines her knowledge of muscle function, pain patterns and connective tissue to reduce scar tissue layer by layer. She uses a gentle approach to healing the body through massage therapy and loves working on people who have never received massage or are apprehensive about body work.
Favorite Activity: Reading mysteries
How she keeps “aligned:” I love attending BodyStep group fitness classes and going on walks with my dog. I also think it's important to find time to stretch every single day.
Avanssa "Shaw" Huynh, LMT / Massage Therapist #MA60104055
Education & Experience: Shaw graduated from Capital High School in 2007 and from Body Mechanics School of Myotherapy and Massage in 2009. He has been working in the clinical setting since graduating and has experience in working with car accident victims, sports related injuries, chronic low back and hip pain, and shoulder dysfunction.
Philosophy: Shaw combines traditional Swedish massage with therapeutic deep tissue, and sports therapy techniques to provide curative care while creating a relaxing experience.
Favorite Activity: Playing violin or guitar.
How he keeps “aligned:” I practice steady and consistent exercise and nutrition, spending time with family and friends.
Yani Gallagher / Massage Therapist # MA60312470
Education & Experience: I graduated Everest College in 2012. I have worked in spa, clinical, and naturopathic/chiropractic setting and specialize in deep tissue and cupping massage.
Philosophy: I incorporate an integrative and alternative approach to massage that fits each client’s needs while still creating a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere.
Favorite Sport or Hobby: Dance
How I keep aligned: “Spending time with my son, dancing, gardening and performing tarot readings.”
Kacie Daugherty / Lead Front Desk Coordinator
Education & Experience: I graduated from North Thurston High School in 2011, and currently attending Centralia College to obtain a degree for Medical Administrative Assistant.
Philosophy: “Accept what is, let go of what was, have faith in what will be.”
Hobbies: I love spending time outside when the weather is nice; I enjoy playing with my daughter and son outside at the park, going kayaking, and hiking with friends.
How she keeps ‘aligned’: I keep aligned and remain calm when I’m with my family. Working, school, parenthood and maintaining a household can be hectic and stressful. When I’m with my kids playing and being silly, it slows me down and lets me just enjoy life.
Kelli Gherke / Billing Support Specialist
Bio Coming Soon
Dori Helenius / Billing Manager
Education & Experience: Dori graduated from the University of Montana in 2001 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Marketing. After completing college she went on to get a Massage Certificate from the Montana School of Massage. She is currently going to school to be a Special Education teacher. Dori practiced massage in a chiropractic setting for almost eight years, six of those years being at Sutton Chiropractic and Massage. She then began billing in 2011 and was the Office Manager from September 2012 to December 2015. She moved to Spokane, and was working in the medical legal field until October 2017. She is now back doing the billing for the office remotely.
Philosophy: “Be polite to everyone, even those who are rude to you. Not because they’re nice, but because you are.”
Hobbies: “I like projects around my house. Whether it’s working in the flower beds or doing some redecorating inside, I like to keep making our property better.”
How she keeps “aligned”: “Maintaining my sanity is challenging while juggling a full-time job, full-time school, being a mom and a wife to a husband who travels. I always make time every day to talk with my teenager and listen to his jokes or watch his magic tricks, and spend some time reading and playing with my little guy. And although watching TV isn’t exactly bonding time, it gives us a chance to just relax and be present with each other. We also really enjoy going to hockey games – Go Chiefs!”
Kelli Gherke / Billing Support Specialist
Bio Coming Soon!
Alexis Meadows / Front Desk Receptionist
Bio Coming Soon!
FORMS
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