Chiropractic is hands-on musculoskeletal care that restores normal joint motion, reduces nerve irritation, and improves how you move and feel. At NOVA Chiropractic & Acupuncture in Burke VA, we combine adjustments with soft-tissue therapy, exercise, and treatments such as shockwave, laser, and dry needling for faster, longer-lasting results.
Back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain, disc issues, pinched nerves, tendon and overuse problems such as Achilles pain, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and posture-related strain. We also see runners, lifters, and athletes for sports injuries.
A precise, controlled force to a restricted joint in the spine or extremities to restore motion and reduce pain. It is quick, targeted, and customized to your comfort level. We also use gentle, low-force methods when needed.
For most people, yes. Common temporary effects are mild soreness or fatigue. Serious complications are rare. We screen for red flags, modify techniques for specific conditions such as osteoporosis or pregnancy, and collaborate with medical doctors when appropriate.
It depends on severity, duration, and goals. Typical patterns: Acute flare: 4 to 6 visits over 2 to 4 weeks. Persistent or chronic pain: 8 to 12 visits over 4 to 8 weeks. Performance or maintenance: optional monthly or as needed.
Less pain, better mobility, fewer flare-ups, improved posture and function, and reduced medication use for many patients. Combining adjustments with rehab, soft-tissue work, and lifestyle changes produces the best results.
Minor soreness, temporary symptom increase, or fatigue can occur. Rare risks exist as with any manual or medical intervention. We minimize risk through thorough assessment, informed consent, and technique selection tailored to your health status.
They should not be. Most patients feel relief or light pressure. Some hear a pop or crack which is just gas release with no tissue damage. If you prefer gentle or low-force options, we have them.
Because stiffness, asymmetry, and poor movement often come before pain. Addressing small issues early along with strength and mobility work helps you stay active and prevent flare-ups.
We provide a comprehensive approach including chiropractic, dry needling, ART, Graston, shockwave, Class IV laser, decompression, and exercise. With 20 plus years in practice, we deliver outcome focused plans and education that puts you in control. We are local, convenient, and transparent about risks, benefits, and costs.
First visit: 45 minutes including history, exam, testing as needed, and first treatment. Follow-ups: 15 to 25 minutes with targeted care and progressions.
Doctors of Chiropractic complete a postgraduate doctoral-level program, national and state board exams, and ongoing continuing education. We also hold technique certificates such as ART, Dry Needling, Acupuncture, Shockwave Therapy, and Graston and rehabilitation exercises.
Yes when appropriately modified. We use pregnancy safe positioning and gentle techniques to relieve back, hip, and pelvic pain and improve function.
No. Care plans are finite and goal-driven. Some patients choose periodic tune ups similar to dental cleanings to prevent flares but that is optional.
It is cavitation or gas releasing from the joint fluid as pressure changes. It is not bones rubbing or cracking.
Self-cracking moves already mobile segments and can worsen instability. Safer options are mobility drills, strength progressions, and a professional exam and adjustment when indicated.
Many do with varying copays and limits. We verify benefits for you and explain expected costs up front. We also offer clear cash options.
Yes especially when combined with exercise and soft-tissue work. We also screen for red flags and refer when imaging or co management is appropriate.
Yes. Treatment often blends adjustments or mobilization, muscular treatments, postural correction, and targeted strengthening.
Yes particularly tension and cervicogenic headaches that are neck-related. We address neck mechanics, trigger points, posture, stress loads, and self care strategies.
Chiropractic emphasizes diagnosis and restoring joint mechanics with adjustments, often integrated with soft-tissue care. Physical therapy emphasizes exercise based rehab and movement retraining. They are complementary and we blend both approaches.
Yes sprains, strains, tendinopathies, runner’s knee, ITB, plantar fasciitis, shoulder impingement, and hip or groin pain. Expect load management, tissue work, joint care, and graded return to sport.
Yes by restoring mobility where you are stiff, stability where you are weak, and habit changes such as ergonomics and movement breaks. Better posture reduces strain and future flare-ups.
We position the joint, apply a precise quick force or a gentle instrument or low-force method, then re-test movement and pain.
A thin needle targets trigger points and tight muscular bands to reduce spasm and improve blood flow. It is different from acupuncture because it is a treatment for trigger points in tight muscles while acupuncture follows Traditional Chinese Medicine meridians. It helps with neck, back, shoulder, hip pain, headaches, tendinopathies, ITB, and plantar fasciitis. It feels like a brief twitch or dull ache followed by relief.
Very thin needles modulate nerves, circulation, and healing. It helps musculoskeletal pain, headaches, stress, and sleep quality. It feels gentle and relaxing. Acupuncture can also help with stress, anxiety, depression and other internal conditions.
High-energy acoustic pulses stimulate healing and circulation. It helps plantar fasciitis, Achilles, patellar tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, calcific shoulder, hamstring, and shin splints. It feels like strong but tolerable pulses for 5 to 10 minutes.
Radial shockwave disperses energy for broad or superficial tissues. Focused shockwave provides pinpoint and deeper penetration for calcific deposits or deep tendons.
High-power near-infrared light boosts cellular energy, circulation, and anti-inflammatory effects. It helps sprains, tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis flares, and neuropathic pain. It feels warm and soothing.
Class IV laser offers deeper penetration and higher power for clinic-grade results. Red light therapy uses lower power and broad exposure and is best for superficial tissues and mild aches.
Red and near-infrared wavelengths support cellular energy and circulation. It helps mild arthritis, superficial pain, recovery, and soreness. It feels gentle and warm.
A manual therapy that shortens then lengthens tissues under precise contact to restore glide. It helps nerve entrapments, tendon overuse, and mobility restrictions. It feels firm but precise with common immediate improvement.
An instrument-assisted therapy to detect and treat fascial restrictions. It helps chronic tendon pain, scar tissue, ITB, and plantar fasciitis. It feels like scraping and can cause mild redness.
Computer-controlled traction unloads discs and nerves to promote healing. It helps disc herniations, bulges, sciatica, stenosis, and chronic back or neck pain. It feels like a gentle stretch delivered in a series with rehab.
First, you’ll meet with Dr. Sullivan to discuss your health situation. If we think we can help, we’ll conduct a thorough examination to identify the likely cause(s) of your problem. We’ll tell you what we found, what we can do to help, how long it may take, and how much it will cost. If we feel that we cannot help you we will refer you to someone who can best treat you. We experience high levels of patient satisfaction because we explain everything in advance.
We ask that all patients bring a picture ID along with your insurance card if we are going through insurance. Bring any current x-rays, MRIs, MRI reports if you have them. Please bring a pair of shorts or comfortable clothing for your initial exam.
We accept most insurances, we will call to verify your benefits before your first visit. Here are just some of the insurances we accept: Aetna, Care First, Blue Cross Blue Shield, FEP Blue Cross Blue shield, Anthem, Mailhandlers. To learn more about the insurances we accept and our pricing please call (703) 912-7822.
Your first appointment will last approximately one hour. Future visits typically last 30 minutes. At NOVA Chiropractic & Wellness Center we have a no wait policy, 90% of the time you will be seen within the first 5 minutes of your visit. We value your time as much as we value our time.
We are located in the Burke Professional Center which is near the intersection of Rolling Road and Braddock Road. Our address is 5288 Lyngate Court, Burke, VA 22015. For directions to our office click here.
NOVA Chiropractic & Wellness Center is unique because we offer state of the art treatment techniques and technologies with exceptional customer service. Dr. Sullivan is one of a seven doctors in the Northern Virginia area certified in both Active Release Techniques and Graston Technique. He utilizes a functional approach combining therapies such as Chiropractic adjustments, Active Release Techniques, Graston Technique, Rock Tape and laser therapy.
Neck pain and back pain relief care, Chiropractic sports medicine, Pain relief, Muscle injuries, disc herniations, Whiplash, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Headaches, Shoulder injuries, Exercise rehabilitation.
NOVA Chiropractic makes it a priority to be able to offer patients cost effective options for treatments and therapies.
NOVA Chiropractic is in-network with all Aetna, Care First, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Anthem insurances. Typically patients will pay a co-pay or coinsurance for all treatments except for Laser Therapy and in most cases Acupuncture. If the insurance plan includes a deductible the patient will only pay the contracted rates set by the insurances.
We process Out-of-Network insurances including United Healthcare, GEHA, and Mail Handlers. If you have insurance not listed here, please contact our office and we will discuss any additional insurances.
NOVA Chiropractic accepts all Medicare patients. Medicare only covers the chiropractic adjustment, examinations and any additional therapies are the responsibility of the patient. If you have a secondary insurance we will submit any charges to the secondary insurance for payment. If you do not have a secondary insurance you will be charged our discounted cash rate for treatments that are not covered by Medicare.
NOVA Chiropractic offers a cost-effective discounted cash or out of pocket rate for those in the military, those who may have insurance we are out of network with or those who do not have insurance. These discounted rates are offered at no additional charge to our patients.
Yes! Patients that pay our out of pocket rate can submit the visits to their insurances for reimbursement. NOVA Chiropractic will provide you with an itemized statement for each visit. This is especially useful for patients that have large deductibles and want to pay less up-front costs and still submit the claims to insurances.
Laser Therapy, Acupuncture, Rocktape service, and The Game Ready System are excluded from the discount program.
We know that understanding your coverage and benefits can be difficult and confusing at times. NOVA Chiropractic offers a free service of checking on your benefits for you before your appointment so that you can understand your options and the potential costs ahead of time. There is no obligation to schedule an appointment. Note: The coverage and benefits provided by NOVA Chiropractic is not a guarantee of coverage. It is always recommended that the patients follow-up with their insurances as well to verify coverage and benefits.
All we need are four pieces of information, and whether you would like for us to call you and provide your benefits over the phone or send them to you via email.
