Questions patients ask before booking

No. You can book directly. Chiropractors in Connecticut are primary-contact providers. If your insurance plan has its own referral rules, the office will let you know when it checks your benefits.

Dr. Burstein accepts most major health insurance plans that cover chiropractic care. He does not accept HUSKY (Connecticut Medicaid). Share your insurance details when you book and the office will check your benefits before your first visit. If you don't have insurance, ask about options: accommodations are available. Car accident injuries can be billed to auto insurance or MedPay.

Yes. New patients receive a complimentary initial evaluation, so you can find out what's causing your pain and what the plan would be before you commit to anything.

You'll talk through what's going on and have a thorough exam. Then you'll hear what's causing your pain and what the plan is, including roughly how many visits it should take. Most people receive their first treatment the same day.

No. Dr. Burstein does your exam and every treatment himself. There are no hand-offs to assistants.

Most people feel relief, or nothing at all. If you'd prefer not to have the twisting, popping style of adjustment, there are gentle, low-force techniques that many patients prefer. Nothing happens without your okay.

No. Your plan has clear goals and an end point. Once you're better, you'll get a home routine. Some patients choose occasional check-ins, but that's your choice, never a requirement.

Yes. The office opens at 7 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and stays open until 7 PM on weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, Dr. Burstein sees patients by request for emergencies only. Call the office.

Yes. Dr. Burstein treats patients of all ages, from young children to older adults. Care is gentle and adapted to the patient's age and size.

Yes. If you were hurt on the job, Dr. Burstein accepts workers' compensation cases. Bring your claim information to your first visit.

Dr. Burstein has about 500 hours of postgraduate training in acupuncture techniques. He occasionally uses fine needles as one part of a chiropractic treatment plan, for example to ease pain or for jaw (TMJ) pain. He is not a licensed acupuncturist and doesn't offer acupuncture as a separate, stand-alone treatment. If needling might help you, he'll explain it first, and it's only done with your okay.

Yes. Getting checked soon after a crash matters, even if you feel fine, because whiplash symptoms often show up days later. See our car accident page for what to do and how billing works.

Your photo ID, insurance card, a list of any medications, and any recent imaging reports (X-ray or MRI) if you have them. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in.

Plan for a longer appointment than a regular visit, since it includes your history, exam and first treatment. The office will confirm the exact time when you book.

Yes. Family members are welcome to come along. Dr. Burstein also treats children of all ages, so if you're booking for a child, mention it when you book.

Yes. Your initial evaluation is complimentary. You'll find out what's causing your pain and what the plan would cost before you commit to anything.

Please call as early as you can so the time can go to another patient.

It's a good idea. Adrenaline masks pain, and whiplash symptoms often appear 24 to 72 hours later, sometimes longer. An early exam can catch injuries before they become chronic and creates a record of when symptoms started.

Ideally within a few days. If you have severe pain, numbness, weakness, a head injury or any red-flag symptoms, go to the emergency room first.

Connecticut is an at-fault state. Depending on your situation, care may be paid by the at-fault driver's insurance, your own medical payments (MedPay) coverage, your health insurance, or through an attorney settlement. The office accepts auto insurance claims, MedPay and attorney liens, and will help you figure out which applies before treatment begins.

It depends on the problem and how long you've had it. Many recent problems improve noticeably within a few visits. Long-standing issues take longer. Dr. Burstein gives you an estimate at your first visit and re-checks your progress along the way, so you're never in an open-ended plan.

For most people, yes. It's one of the gentlest, lowest-risk options for back and neck pain. Your exam is there to rule out anything that needs a different kind of care, and if something doesn't add up, Dr. Burstein will refer you to the right specialist.

It's considered very low risk. It doesn't burn or cut tissue. Eye protection is used during treatment, and it isn't used over certain areas, such as the abdomen during pregnancy or over known cancers.

No. Most patients feel nothing, or slight warmth.

A short series is typical, often 6 to 12 sessions depending on the injury. Many people notice less pain within the first few.

Yes, and that's how it's usually used here: in the same visit as your adjustment, so you don't need extra appointments.

It shares the same goal of restoring strength and movement, delivered as part of your chiropractic care with Dr. Burstein rather than at a separate clinic. If you need a dedicated physical therapy program, he'll tell you and refer you.

Usually 10 minutes a day or less. The aim is a short routine you'll keep doing, not a long one you'll quit.

Most exercises use body weight, a resistance band or things you already have at home.