FAQ – Chiropractic, Accupuncture, Dry Needling, Laser Therapy & Shockwave | Back On Track KC

Chiropractic is a non-invasive healthcare practice focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, articular joints ranging from large joints like shoulders and hips all the way to small finger, toe and even small joints in the jaw but most especially of the spine. Chiropractic was originally developed over 100 years ago to treat disorders of the spine and nerves. Since 1895, many innovations have allowed Chiropractic to evolve similar to other styles of healthcare. The key distinction between doctors of Chiropractic and other healthcare practitioners is that Chiropractors do not prescribe medications that are federally controlled and they do not perform surgery. (Some states allow Chiropractors to perform minor surgeries.) Chiropractors use spinal manipulation (adjustments) and other manual therapies to restore alignment, reduce pain, and improve function. Our office in Overland Park offers traditional Chiropractic therapy along with advanced training in sports medicine and other techniques that makes our practice unique from many other chiropractic practices in the Kansas City Metro.

Our chiropractic treatments are effective for a wide range of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel, thoracic outlet syndrome, pinched nerves, headaches, joint dysfunction, poor posture, repetitive motion and sports injuries. Chronic conditions such as arthritis, stenosis and some neurological diseases may respond well to utilizing chiropractic care along with traditional medical care. We tailor each chiropractic adjustment to the specific needs of your muscles, joints, spine and nervous system to help restore mobility and reduce pain.

Most adjustments have little or no pain associated. If you have a painful or swollen area it may hurt just a little more during the adjustment. Most patients report decreased pain after chiropractic care, some experience muscle soreness from muscles being stretched. If you are in a lot of pain, we may use another therapy to treat the area until it becomes a better candidate for chiropractic manipulation. We do our best to screen our patients and assess the proper technique to produce the safest and best outcome for you.

Chiropractic adjustments are generally considered safe when performed by licensed professionals. Potential side effects — such as soreness, mild headache, or fatigue — are typically minor and temporary, resolving within 24–48 hours. We do our best to screen our patients during their examination for any potential major side effects. If you experience severe symptoms or your symptoms are worsening, give our office a call and we can determine how to best help.

Severe risks are very rare. Studies estimate serious complications (like rib fractures or arterial injury from cervical manipulation) occur at a rate of approximately 0.2 per 100,000 sessions, often associated with pre-existing conditions.Research Current best evidence (2019) supports the safety of spinal manipulation when performed correctly—with no proven causal link to stroke. LINK

Yes! Our chiropractors have advanced training in sports injury rehabilitation and work with youth athletes, weekend warriors, and professional athletes. Chiropractic care helps injury recovery, optimize performance, improve posture, and prevent future injuries.

No. While back pain is the most common reason people seek chiropractic care (approx. 60%), chiropractors also treat headaches, neck pain, joint pain (shoulder, hip, knee, etc.), sports injuries, and offer preventive care, nutritional advice or wellness optimization. Our Overland Park Chiropractic location offers treatment for many muscle and joint issues including most sports injuries.

Yes. With appropriate caution and technique, chiropractic care is considered safe and beneficial for children, infants, and individuals who are pregnant. The methods used are gentle and adapted for these populations. Baby chiropractic more resembles a light massage. As the child matures the level of speed and pressure needed for a safe, effective adjustment may increase. The ICPA International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association offers post-graduate training and certification for chiropractors wishing to treat these specific populations. Chiropractors trained in the Webster Technique, a technique specific to the treatment of pregnant persons are recommended to manage a pregnant patient. Our office is one of several Kansas City Metro offices who are certified in the Webster Technique.

No. In Kansas and Missouri, patients can schedule chiropractic care directly, although specific insurance (work comp) or employer policy may require a referral. Note, Chiropractic care is not covered under KanCare.

The number of treatments varies by individual case. Many people notice meaningful relief after one or just a few sessions tailored to their specific condition. Factors such as overall health, tobacco, vaping or drug use, activity level and age may play a significan role in how your body responds while under care. A personalized treatment plan is designed based on your goals, improvement, and exam findings. We may recommend additional therapies or alternative therapies to find you the most rapid improvement.

Most insurances cover Chiropractic care (except KanCare and TriCare). Other services offered at our office are typically non-covered or covered with many exclusions. We offer affordable pricing and utilize ChiroHealthUSA to legally discount our prices to patients without insurance. We are not in-network with AMBETTER or any CIGNA plans.

Yes, we accept CareCredit for any services in our office! Please let us know ahead of time if you will be using CareCredit as it requires some preparation on our part.

While both use thin needles, acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles that balance the body’s energy (Qi), promote self-healing through specific points chosen along a meridian. Acupuncture treats not only muscle and joint pain but also other common conditions such as nerve pain, anxiety, infertility, indigestion, reproductive organ dysfunction, stamina and genal wellness. Dry needling is a modern, evidence-informed approach targeting trigger points and muscle tension for pain relief and improved function.

Acupuncture is beneficial for chronic pain, stress, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, digestive issues, fertility, reproductive organ disorders, headaches, skincare and musculoskeletal conditions. We also use acupuncture to support recovery from sports injuries and improve overall wellness.

Most of the time, no, not any worse than a mosquito bite. The areas around the hand and feet do have more sensory nerve endings and will transmit more of a painful sensation to the brain. This is typically only for a split second upon insertion. Some chronic injuries will respond with muscle twitching or a dull ache or heaviness referred to as “de-Qi”.

When administered by licensed, trained practitioners using sterile, single-use needles, acupuncture is widely considered safe. Serious complications are extremely rare—estimated at about 5–8 incidents per million treatments. Minor side effects like light bleeding or bruising at the needle site are common but temporary. People with bleeding disorders, skin infections, or medical devices (like pacemakers) should disclose this before treatment. Pregnant individuals can typically receive acupuncture, though certain points might be avoided.

We offer therapeutic massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and myofascial release. Massage therapy complements chiropractic care by reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, and accelerating healing. People typically experience increased energy and a more calm and focused mood following a massage.

Absolutely. Our massage therapy services are integrated into personalized treatment plans to aid recovery from sprains, strains, overuse injuries, repititve motion disorders, and postural dysfunction.

Clients often experience reduced stress, improved circulation, decreased muscle tension, pain relief, enhanced flexibility, better sleep, and emotional well‑being. Most patients report increased energy after a massage. It’s also used in rehabilitation, sports recovery, and chronic pain management.

You’ll be guided through a health intake, goal-setting, and preferences discussion. The therapist then adjusts your positioning, pressure, and draping based on your needs and comfort level.

You should dress according to your comfort level. Most therapists allow clients to remain partially clothed if preferred. You will be covered by a sheet and or blanket referred to as “draped”. Proper draping ensures modesty and warmth throughout the session. If you are comfortable fully undressing, you may. Once you are ready for your massage, lie under the draping provided until your therapist arrives. Your therapist will only uncover the area they are working on during your massage, as they change areas of the body, they will cover and uncover, leaving the rest of your body covered. Our professional massage therapist will maintain professional standards during your massage. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, please inform your therapist.

Depending on your unique needs, anywhere between two to three weeks, most patients feel impoved significantly. Once you are feeling better, we may discuss potential maintenance options to ensure your health and wellness needs are met.

Pressure may be adjusted to the client’s comfort, please inform your therapist if you feel the need for more or less pressure. Some parts of the body that were sore prior to massage may feel more tender during the massage process.

Class IV laser therapy—also known as high-intensity laser therapy—uses powerful red and near-infrared light to penetrate deep into tissues. This process, also known as photobiomodulation, induces a response within the tissues of the body. At the cellular level, this light stimulates ATP production, enhances circulation, reduces inflammation, creates an analgesic effect, and accelerates tissue healing and regeneration

Unlike low-level cold lasers (Class III), Class IV lasers deliver significantly more energy for deeper tissue penetration. This makes them more effective in treating chronic injuries, deep joints, tendons, and ligaments—conditions often unresponsive to cold laser treatments. Note: We use a Class III laser for superficial treatment of acupuncture points and other superficial conditions.

High Intensity (Class IV) Laser Therapy is effective for tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, arthritis, joint inflammation, tennis elbow, sciatica, carpal tunnel and post-surgical healing. Other inflammatory conditions such as neuropathy may also benefit due to the nature of the treatment.

High-Intensity (Class IV) laser therapy is overall very safe. Side effects are rare, though older injuries may feel temporarily aggravated due to increased blood flow and healing activity. Remove any oil-based ointments or creams prior to laser therapy to prevent over heating the tissue. Heavily tattooed areas will overheat and may lead to burn due to pigments in the tattoo ink. Protective eyewear is required for both the practitioner and patient to prevent potential eye damage. The thyroid and genitals should not be exposed to laser therapy, if you have an active cancer or are a cancer survivor in remission, please inform your provider prior to beginning laser therapy.

Shockwave therapy uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate tissue repair and breakdown scar tissue and calcifications. It promotes faster healing in stubborn soft tissue injuries.

Shockwave is excellent for chronic tendon pain such as Achilles tendinopathy, rotator cuff tendinosis, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and muscle trigger points.

Graston is an advanced form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that helps break down scar tissue, improve mobility, and relieve pain. We use specially designed stainless-steel tools to treat fascia and soft tissues.

Graston is helpful for chronic muscle tightness, scar tissue, post-surgical recovery, tendonitis, and repetitive strain injuries.

Cupping uses suction to lift the skin and underlying tissue, increasing blood flow, relieving muscle tension, and promoting lymphatic drainage. It is often used alongside other treatments like acupuncture and massage.

Cupping is generally not painful, though it may leave temporary circular marks that fade in a few days. These are normal and indicate increased circulation to the area.

We are located at 9904 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210, conveniently located at HWY 69 and College Boulevard and serve patients throughout the Kansas City metro area. We accept most major insurance plans—please call our office to verify coverage.

You can call us at 913-276-0508, email us at admin@backontrackkc.com, or book online through our website.

Your first appointment we reserve a full hour. This includes the consultation, exam, therapy and treatment. More complex cases may use the full hour. Simple cases are typically not seen by the doctor for the full hour. Follow-up or treatment appointments are much shorter. We reserve adequate time for care, please alert us before your appointment of a new injury that may require additional time.

Over 15 years of experience. Dr. Callan Martin has worked as a strength coach for both Women’s and Men’s College Sports teams and Varsity High School sports programs. He has practiced Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Kansas City since 2013, working for Advanced Sports and Family Chiropractic and Acupuncture (ASFCA) in Overland Park and Kansas City Chiropractic of Kansas City, Missouri before opening our office in 2019. Dr. Martin received advanced sports medicine training through the ACBSP, receiving his Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician certificate in 2015. Back On Track Chiropractic + Acupuncture is a preferred Preceptor site for Cleveland University’s Chiropractic Program in Kansas City.

Mr Marcus Lewis worked for Massage Heights prior to opening his own business Body Wisdom Massage in Overland Park. He and his family moved to Arizona where he provided massage therapy within the Phoenix Metro area. He and his family recently moved back to the Kansas City area where he collaborated with Back On Track Chiropractic and Acupuncture at our Corporate Woods location since March 2025. He has advanced training in many massage and bodywork techniques and teaches to other providers.

Great question! The doctor will give you some at-home movement, exercise or stretch to begin right away, depending on your condition. Some patients may need to use a pain reliever, muscle relaxation supplement or heat / cold therapy. We love it when our patients are actively involved in their care. The last thing we want you to do is go home and do nothing. Evidence shows that “bed rest” or complete sedentary behavior is not effective for recovery of muscle and joint injuries. We want you moving to your tolerance!

As we mentioned above, we screen and assess our patients to deliver the safest, most appropriate care for their condition. Our doctors aren’t focused on theatrics but delivering great results. We do love to hear about the different ways to move joints and make loud cracks that make “viral” videos but we may be chose a more appropriate technique for your care.
Sadly, our social media and YouTube channel do not have the same content as these “influencer” social media accounts, we would rather focus on giving you the professional care you deserve.