Richards Chiropractic will be transitioning to being fully “Mask Optional” for patients, doctor and staff as of Monday, April 4th, 2022. This is in response to a number of positive changes which we are closely monitoring.
First and foremost, we are responding to the low rates of COVID in Henderson County (3 case daily average as of 4/4/2022) and the low rate of hospitalization for COVID in our county (No hospitalizations for the last 3 weeks), and also in response to the Chiropractic licensing board (NCBOCE) lifting its recommendation for masking by doctor and staff. Richards Chiropractic will be fully “Mask Optional” for doctor, staff and patients starting Monday, April 4th.
Dr. Richards will be masked for patients who are more comfortable with masking. The front desk staff will no longer be required to mask.
Dr. Richards has been conducting a survey of patient attitudes about staff masking. The results showed that of 115 patients surveyed:
- 91% preferred that the doctor and staff be unmasked
- 9% prefer doctor and staff masking
We value all patients and the 9% who prefer masking are just as important to us as the 91% who do not. As such, any patient may request to wait in a separate private space instead of the waiting room, or may wait outside if they prefer to avoid waiting in the office with unmasked patients. Dr. Richards will be happy to continue to mask for any patient who prefers it.
Dr. Richards will continue to monitor the risk level in our county and will change masking policies as needed for public safety.
Finally, we will be discontinuing our policy of mandatory masking on Tuesdays as this option was so rarely utilized.
Back to “normal”?
in COVIDFor the last few months (maybe more) we have been back to a “new normal”. The staff and doctor will mask upon request, but not by default. Dr. Richards will always mask for a patient who is masked. We do not mask otherwise. We continue to maintain high standards of sanitation of course. We are respectful of all patients are their decisions whether that decision is to continue to mask or not. Your health and well-being are always our top priority.
Fully Mask-optional as of 4/4/2022
in COVIDRichards Chiropractic will be transitioning to being fully “Mask Optional” for patients, doctor and staff as of Monday, April 4th, 2022. This is in response to a number of positive changes which we are closely monitoring.
First and foremost, we are responding to the low rates of COVID in Henderson County (3 case daily average as of 4/4/2022) and the low rate of hospitalization for COVID in our county (No hospitalizations for the last 3 weeks), and also in response to the Chiropractic licensing board (NCBOCE) lifting its recommendation for masking by doctor and staff. Richards Chiropractic will be fully “Mask Optional” for doctor, staff and patients starting Monday, April 4th.
Dr. Richards will be masked for patients who are more comfortable with masking. The front desk staff will no longer be required to mask.
Dr. Richards has been conducting a survey of patient attitudes about staff masking. The results showed that of 115 patients surveyed:
We value all patients and the 9% who prefer masking are just as important to us as the 91% who do not. As such, any patient may request to wait in a separate private space instead of the waiting room, or may wait outside if they prefer to avoid waiting in the office with unmasked patients. Dr. Richards will be happy to continue to mask for any patient who prefers it.
Dr. Richards will continue to monitor the risk level in our county and will change masking policies as needed for public safety.
Finally, we will be discontinuing our policy of mandatory masking on Tuesdays as this option was so rarely utilized.
Masking in office will become optional for patients on March 14th, 2022
in COVIDEFFECTIVE MARCH 14, 2022:
On 2/28/2022, the NC Board of Chiropractic Examiners, responding to new guidance from the CDC, updated their COVID-19 advice for Chiropractic offices. Patient masking is now optional.
We are happy to see things getting “back to normal”, but we also wish to be mindful of our patients who have medical conditions that leave them more vulnerable to diseases like COVID-19.
For this reason, we will require masking on Tuesdays. We ask patients who prefer an environment of mandatory masking to come on Tuesdays. However, we understand not everyone’s schedule will allow for this and we are happy to provide separate waiting or outdoor waiting for patients who do not wish to sit in the waiting room with unmasked patients.
New Executive Order Mandates Masks
in COVIDTo remain in compliance with Gov. Cooper’s executive order no. 127 which mandates that masks be worn within healthcare offices, we will be requiring all patients to wear masks in our waiting rooms and public spaces.
We can provide you with a mask if you do not arrive with your own.
If you will not wear a mask for medical or personal reasons, please call the front desk at 828-697-7288 from your vehicle when you arrive and remain in your vehicle rather than our waiting area until the doctor is ready. We will call or text for you to come in as we are able. Be aware that this special accommodation may require a longer wait time than usual, but we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
June Update
in COVIDAt this point, our county (Henderson) has had roughly 500 confirmed cases and 50 deaths. Most of this has been confined to Residential Treatment Facilities and the elderly. We are operating our regular hours, 5 days a week and take all of the expected precautions for patient safety. Most patient’s wear masks when they arrive, but we do not require this. Patient’s may also request to stay in their car until the doctor is ready, rather than the waiting room. We are happy to do this for you if you prefer it.
There are things you can do to improve your chances of staying healthy. Vitamin D deficiency appears to be an important factor in COVID-19 and can be supplemented. However the best source is some good time in the sun. Higher Vitamin D levels have been correlated with better outcomes for Coronavirus. I recommend supplementing 1000 to 2000 IU per day of Vitamin D3 as well as 1000 mg of Vitamin C during this time. Your body uses more C when the immune system is active and the minimum recommendation of 90 mg is probably too low when fighting illness. Adequate sleep and exercise are also important. So, be safe, but also stay active where possible.
Opening up to regular patients again on May 11
in COVIDOn Monday May 11, we will be opening up the office during our usual business hours and seeing regular patients again.
We have certain precautions we will continue to make in the office: staff will wear masks, surfaces will be disinfected and our scheduling will be reduced to decrease exposure in the waiting room. We will also permit people to wait in their cars and be texted when the doctor is ready to see them. If you would prefer this, simply ask when you schedule.
Until then, Dr Richards will continue to see cases on a limited basis. Just call our special line, (828) 290-9255 to discuss your condition with the doctor and make an appointment.
Note that the office will be closed May 18-22 due to Dr. Richards being unavailable at that time. This is not related to the COVID-19 crisis, but should be noted.
Open for Emergencies as of 3/30/2020
in COVIDNotice: as of Monday, March 30, in the interest of preserving our communities health during this troubling time, Richards Chiropractic will restrict services to urgent cases only. Asymptomatic and maintenance patients may resume care as the outbreak subsides.
Chiropractic care is an “essential service” and can assist in the fight against Coronavirus by taking care of musculoskeletal pain patients who would otherwise require emergency services.
Dr. Richards will remain available for urgent cases and for telemedicine, that is, to give advice and direction over the phone. Urgent cases may be seen in person for treatment in order to prevent those individuals from requiring Urgent Care or Emergency Room services which will be undoubtedly strained in the weeks ahead.
As many of you know, I love my work and restricting access to the office is the last thing I would ever want to do, but I believe that it is the right decision to protect the Hendersonville community as this epidemic progresses.
My heart is with you and your family. Please stay safe. We are all in this fight together.
William A. Vitti
in TestimonialFor six months I suffered with pain in my arms and hands, lack of movement and an almost total lack of strength. I went to doctors who sent me to therapy. They sent me to get a CT scan and then to a specialist who injected me with steroids. Still no or very little improvement.
A friend of mine told me about Dr. Richards, a chiropractor. He had helped a co-worker of his and the co-worker is now “as good as new”. Since seeing Dr. Richards strength is back and my movement has returned. I am now back to normal activities which include operating my sawmill where 75% of the work is done by me alone. I am 72 years old and wish to thank Dr. Richards for his knowledge and expertise.
William A. Vitti
Sawmill Owner, Retired from Ford Motor Co.
How Safe is Chiropractic Care?
in EducationalThe risks associated with chiropractic care are generally considered to be very low for most people. In most cases they are lower than the risks associated with common medical procedures. The best available evidence suggests that the incidence of a serious “side effect” is exceedingly remote – about 1 in 5.85 million adjustments.(1) To understand this risk in common terms; it is about the same as the risk you accept by driving 10 miles.(2) Put one more way, a person is approximately 900 times more likely to be struck by lightning during their lifetime.(3) The reported risk of death during cervical spine surgery is 1 in 333 (for patients aged 20-34).(4) The mortality rate from cervical spine surgery is approximately 17,000 times greater than the risks associated with chiropractic adjustments. There are significant risks associated with the medicines most commonly taken for pain relief. Over 27,000 people die each year from the use of prescription medicine in the US(5), many of which are related to the treatment of back pain. Research suggests that approximately one-third of all hospitalizations and deaths related to gastrointestinal bleeding can be attributed to the use of aspirin or NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen.(6) A New Zealand government inquiry found that chiropractic adjustments are “remarkably safe.”(7)
References
Karen O’Rourke
in TestimonialLong term discomfort and especially disabling neck pain had limited not only my range of motion, but my self perception and expectation of what was “normal”. Within a very short time, Dr. Richards’ adjustments have allowed me to shift my focus from moving with trepidation to living with renewed energy… A grateful “WOW” to Dr. Richards care.
Chiropractic care has empowered me to breathe deeply and move forward towards physical activity without fear! The relief from chronic pain is wondrous freedom.
Karen O’Rourke
Teacher, Stone Mountain School