Patient FAQs

What services do you offer?

At DISC, we specialize in the management of neurological, musculoskeletal conditions without the use of drugs, surgery, or injections. We offer in-house chiropractic care, acupuncture, soft-tissue therapy, physiotherapy, and injury rehabilitation. Dr. Shiau is a licensed in Chiropractic Medicine with additional licenses in the ancillary procedures of Acupuncture and Physio Therapy. In addition, we offer additional therapy services such as electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound therapy, spinal decompression and traction, cupping therapy, myofascial release, pin-and-stretch, and other therapies. To read more about what we do in our clinic, click here. 

What conditions do you treat?

Our clinic frequently treats muscular, skeletal, and neurological conditions. We specialize in the conservative management of pain without the use of drugs, surgery, or injections. Conditions we frequently treat are: back & neck pain, headaches, disc herniations, sciatica, scoliosis, sports injuries, shoulder hip knee pain, bursitis, tendonitis, arthritis, & motor accident injuries. Live your life pain-free without surgery or drugs. Acupuncture has been proven to help treat conditions like back pain, neck pain, headaches, knee pain, shoulder pain, arthritis, disc herniations, nerve pain, sciatica, and muscle tightness/ spasms. In addition to treating musculoskeletal pain, acupuncture is very effective for anxiety, insomnia, depression, low-energy, and infertility. Chiropractic, acupuncture, and manual therapy has proven to be very effective for many of the conditions listed here. To read more about what conditions we treat, click here.

What insurances do you accept?

We are in-network with most major insurances, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, CareFirst, Anthem, Aetna, United Healthcare, GEHA, UMR and others. Please call the office and provide the staff with your insurance plan, so that we can check your specific plan and see what services are covered. An itemized invoice will be provided upon request for patients to submit to insurance for reimbursement. We accept flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA). Acceptable payment methods include cash, cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover), Apple Pay and Google Pay.

How do I get to your clinic?

Located in downtown South West Washington DC, our clinic is conveniently located near L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station (less than 1-minute walk). All Metro lines run through L’Enfant Plaza except the Red Line. If you elect to drive, there are plenty of street parking and parking garage directly below and across the street. Our clinic is also very accessible by bus, and is within walking distance of many businesses. Click here for our address and directions.

What should I do before my first visit?

Before your first visit, please ensure that you have filled out our online patient paperwork. This will help reduce the amount of time in our clinic. Otherwise, you can elect to fill out the paperwork in the lobby once you come in. Please bring any prior imaging (X-rays, MRIs, lab results) and pertinent doctor reports from other doctors. This may include your primary care doctor’s reports, your lab reports, or a list of your medications. Our goal is to deliver the most comprehensive care and get the best overall understanding of your entire history, so please bring in as much of your health history as you can. 

What can I expect during my first visit?

The first visit will be your longest visit. Expect about 45 minutes to 60 minutes during your visit. First, Dr. Shiau will complete a thorough history and consultation with you. Then, he will perform a comprehensive examination which includes orthopedic evaluation, neurological testing, and physical examination to see what is the pain-generator and if anything needs immediate attention. Then, a realistic and reasonable care plan will be generated and discussed thoroughly with you prior to any treatment. Our fees are very transparent and there is never any surprise billing. Finally, the treatment will consist of therapies, acupuncture, chiropractic full body adjustments, cupping, soft-tissue therapy, or other forms of treatment, depending on what your condition is and what the doctor deems necessary to treat you. For a more detailed look on what you can expect on your first visit, click here. 

What does the chiropractic adjustment feel like?

Chiropractic adjustments are very gentle and specific. Chiropractic physicians are trained over eight years of education, followed by thousands of clinical hours and 5 board examinations. Dr. Shiau is that licensed chiropractic physician. During the adjustments, the doctor will specifically position your body so that the adjustment is delivered in the most comfortable manner. Dr. Shiau is trained in numerous low force adjustment techniques like Activator Technique, Sacro Occipital Technique, Strain Counterstain Technique, and Thompson Drop Technique. Please inquire more prior to treatment. 

What is that popping or cracking sound I hear?

During the adjustment, an accompanying, audible release of gas (joint cavitation) that is caused by the release of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, which releases joint pressure (cavitation).

What does acupuncture feel like?

Acupuncture is very gentle and painless. You will first feel the plastic guide tube, followed by the insertion of the sterile needle. Our needles are single use only and sterile. They are very thin, less than the diameter of your hair. Most of our patients barely feel the needle inside of them.

What is a typical acupuncture treatment like?

Each of our acupuncture sessions are private one-on-one treatments, meaning you will have the privacy  of your own quiet treatment room. You may play music, meditate, or sleep during treatments. Each treatment will range from 20 to 60 minutes depending on the condition. Our staff will periodically check in on the treatment in case you are uncomfortable. Additionally, electro acupuncture may be applied to the needles. 

Will I need X-rays or MRIs?

Depending on your presentation, complaint, and unique condition, the doctor will make a clinical decision at the time of your visit if an x-ray, MRI, or additional referral is needed. This will be a case-by-case decision which is based on the latest, most current medical guidelines. If imaging is needed, a referral for further studies will be ordered.

Prior chiropractors haven’t helped me, what’s different?

At DISC, our medical staff is trained in the latest evidence-based treatments and techniques. DISC utilizes the latest state-of-the-art technology and treatment equipment to allow our patients to heal quickly. Dr. Shiau has extensive training in over 10 chiropractic techniques, so he can modify his treatment depending on what has or hasn’t helped you in prior visits. Unlike traditional offices, Dr. Shiau is also trained in acupuncture, physiotherapy, and soft-tissue therapy, allowing him to maximize the treatment effectiveness based on your particular condition. To learn more about why our clinic is the premier clinic in the DMV and why we have over 70 5-star ratings, please click here.

What does the doctor specialize in?

Dr. Shiau is a licensed chiropractic physician, with additional licenses in the ancillary procedures of Acupuncture and Physio Therapy. He has completed additional post-doctorate training in advanced chiropractic techniques such as Activator Instrument adjusting, Thompson Drop, Diversified Technique, Gonstead Technique, Pettibon Technique, Sacro-Occipital Technique, Flexion-and-Distraction Technique, and extremity adjusting. Unlike traditional chiropractors, Dr. Shiau treats with an emphasis on soft-tissue therapies such as Graston, Cupping Therapy, Dry-needling, Acupuncture, and Myofascial Release. To read more about Dr. Shiau’s training, click here.