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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Bissell Clinic Frequently Asked Questions

Common Answers to Questions We Hear

Like other healthcare offices, at Bissell Clinic we hear many questions from new and current patients. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we are asked.
Do you have any questions that aren’t answered here? Contact us today and let us answer all of your questions.
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Questions We Often Hear

Chiropractic Care

What conditions can chiropractic care help with?

Chiropractic care may help support relief from back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, joint discomfort, postural strain, sports injuries, and mobility limitations. At Bissell Clinic in Santa Barbara, care plans are designed to improve movement, reduce stress on the body, and support long-term function and wellness.

Yes. Chiropractic care is considered a safe, non-invasive treatment option when performed by a licensed chiropractor. At Bissell Clinic, treatments are personalized based on your health history, goals, and condition to ensure comfort and safety throughout care.

Your first visit includes a health history review, movement and posture assessment, orthopedic and neurological evaluation, and a discussion of your symptoms and goals. From there, your provider will recommend a personalized care plan tailored to your needs.

Most patients find adjustments comfortable and relieving. Some people experience mild soreness after treatment — similar to starting a new workout — but this typically resolves quickly.

The number of visits depends on your condition, health history, lifestyle, and goals. Acute issues may improve more quickly, while chronic conditions or long-term optimization often benefit from a more comprehensive care plan. Your provider will discuss a realistic timeline at your first visit.

Yes. Chiropractic care may help improve posture by reducing spinal restrictions, improving mobility, supporting muscle balance, and helping your body move more efficiently throughout daily activities — whether you’re sitting at a desk, hiking the Santa Ynez foothills, or staying active on the court or course.

 No. Chiropractic care supports the function of the entire musculoskeletal and nervous system. Many patients at our Santa Barbara clinic seek care for headaches, neck tension, mobility concerns, sports performance, recovery support, and long-term wellness — not just back pain.

Yes. Maintaining spinal health, mobility, balance, and movement quality becomes increasingly important with age. Chiropractic care may help support long-term function, physical resilience, and overall quality of life — making it a valuable part of any healthy aging or longevity program in Santa Barbara and Montecito.

 At Bissell Clinic, chiropractic care is integrated into a broader whole-body approach focused on recovery, strength, performance, and longevity. Treatments may be combined with spinal decompression, shockwave therapy, EMVITAL® laser therapy, rehabilitation, and recovery services — giving Santa Barbara and Montecito patients access to a more comprehensive, coordinated level of care under one roof.

Yes. Bissell Clinic serves patients throughout Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta, and Carpinteria. Our clinic is conveniently located at 1470 E Valley Road, Suite M — just minutes from Montecito.

ExoMind®

What is ExoMind®?

ExoMind® is a non-invasive brain wellness treatment available at Bissell Clinic in Santa Barbara. It is designed to support mental clarity, focus, mood, stress management, and cognitive performance using advanced electromagnetic stimulation technology — with no medication and no downtime.

ExoMind® uses targeted electromagnetic stimulation — specifically ExoTMS® transcranial magnetic stimulation technology — to activate areas of the brain associated with focus, emotional regulation, and cognitive function. Treatments support healthier neural activity patterns without medication, injections, or recovery time.

During treatment, patients typically feel gentle tapping sensations on the scalp as the device delivers electromagnetic pulses. Most patients find the experience comfortable and relaxing — many describe it as one of the more pleasant treatments in their wellness routine.

Most ExoMind® sessions take approximately 20 to 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule — whether you’re coming from Santa Barbara, Montecito, or anywhere along the South Coast.

ExoMind® may help support:

  • Mental clarity and focus
  • Stress resilience and nervous system regulation
  • Improved sleep quality
  • Mood support and emotional balance
  • Cognitive performance and mental sharpness
  • Reduced mental fatigue and burnout

No. ExoMind® is completely non-invasive and requires no downtime. Patients return to normal daily activities immediately after treatment — making it a practical option for busy professionals, active adults, and anyone managing a full schedule in Santa Barbara or Montecito.

Treatment recommendations vary depending on your goals and symptoms. Many patients begin with a series of treatments followed by maintenance sessions to support ongoing cognitive wellness. Your provider at Bissell Clinic will recommend a plan based on your individual needs.

Yes. ExoMind® is commonly used by individuals seeking support for stress management, mental fatigue, focus challenges, and overall cognitive wellness. It is a particularly popular treatment among high performers, professionals, and active adults in the Santa Barbara and Montecito communities looking to optimize how they think and feel.

ExoMind® may be appropriate for adults in Santa Barbara and Montecito looking to improve focus, support emotional wellness, optimize cognitive performance, or maintain mental vitality as part of a healthy aging or longevity program.

Unlike supplements or medication-based approaches, ExoMind® uses advanced electromagnetic technology to stimulate targeted brain regions directly — offering a non-invasive, drug-free option for supporting mental wellness and cognitive optimization. It is one of the only treatments of its kind available in the Santa Barbara area.

ExoMind® is available exclusively at Bissell Clinic, located at 1470 E Valley Road, Suite M, Santa Barbara — just minutes from Montecito. Contact our team to schedule a consultation and find out if ExoMind® is right for you.

EMVITAL®

What is EMVITAL® laser therapy?

EMVITAL® is an advanced high-intensity laser therapy available at Bissell Clinic in Santa Barbara. It is designed to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, support tissue recovery, and relieve muscle and joint discomfort — without injections, medication, or downtime.

EMVITAL® uses a 1064 nm high-intensity laser to deliver therapeutic energy deep into tissues, stimulating circulation, cellular activity, and the body’s natural healing responses within muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. The result is drug-free relief that works at a cellular level.

EMVITAL® laser therapy may help support relief from:

  • Arthritis and joint discomfort
  • Muscle tightness and inflammation
  • Tendon and ligament irritation
  • Chronic pain conditions
  • Sports and overuse injuries
  • Neck and back discomfort
  • Mobility limitations

It is one of the most effective non-invasive pain relief options available in Santa Barbara and Montecito for patients who want results without surgery or injections.

Most patients experience a soothing warming sensation during treatment. Sessions are comfortable, relaxing, and non-invasive — most patients look forward to their appointments.

Most EMVITAL® treatments take approximately 20 to 30 minutes depending on the area being treated — making it easy to work into your schedule whether you’re coming from Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta, or Carpinteria.

No. Patients return to normal daily activities immediately following treatment. There is no recovery period, no injections, and no medication required.

Treatment recommendations vary based on the condition being addressed and your goals. Some patients experience meaningful improvement after just a few sessions, while chronic conditions often benefit from a more comprehensive treatment plan. Your Bissell Clinic provider will recommend a personalized approach at your first visit.

Yes. EMVITAL® is commonly used to support patients experiencing arthritis-related stiffness, inflammation, and mobility limitations — promoting circulation and reducing tissue irritation without medication or injections. It is a popular non-invasive arthritis treatment option for patients in Santa Barbara and Montecito.

For many patients, EMVITAL® provides an effective non-invasive alternative that may help support pain relief and improved function without medication, cortisone injections, or surgical intervention. It is particularly well-suited for patients in Santa Barbara looking for drug-free, non-surgical pain management options.

At Bissell Clinic, EMVITAL® is often incorporated into personalized recovery and longevity programs alongside chiropractic care, spinal decompression, shockwave therapy, rehabilitation, and wellness-focused treatments — giving patients a comprehensive, coordinated approach to long-term movement and function.

EMVITAL® laser therapy is available at Bissell Clinic, located at 1470 E Valley Road, Suite M, Santa Barbara — just minutes from Montecito. Contact our team to schedule a consultation and learn whether EMVITAL® is right for your condition and goals.

Emsella

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This non-invasive pelvic floor treatment strengthens the muscles using high-intensity electromagnetic technology (HIFEM). It’s FDA-approved for urinary incontinence treatment and helps with bladder leakage, pelvic floor dysfunction, and intimate health improvement. It can also enhance core stability and overall pelvic muscle strength.
Emsella® is a non-invasive treatment that strengthens the pelvic floor muscles using electromagnetic energy. It is commonly used to support bladder control, core stability, and sexual wellness, helping patients improve confidence and quality of life.
Emsella is ideal for women and men who experience urinary incontinence, weak pelvic floor muscles, postpartum recovery challenges, or menopause-related bladder issues. It is also suitable for those looking to improve pelvic health without surgery.
You’ll sit on a special chair while fully clothed. The device delivers thousands of contractions to your pelvic floor muscles—it’s like doing 11,800 Kegel exercises without the effort! Most people feel a tingling sensation or muscle contractions. Each session takes 28 minutes, and you can return to your normal activities afterward.

Most patients benefit from a series of 6 to 9 sessions scheduled twice a week over 3-4 weeks. Some people notice improvements after just one or two sessions, but you’ll see the best results after finishing the entire treatment plan.

If you have more significant pelvic floor issues or severe incontinence, you may benefit from 9 sessions. Results vary based on individual needs, and maintenance sessions may be recommended for long-term benefits.

Yes! Emsella is an excellent postpartum recovery treatment that helps moms regain pelvic strength, reduce bladder leakage after childbirth, and improve core stability. It’s a safe and effective way to restore pelvic health after pregnancy.
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This non-invasive pelvic floor treatment strengthens the muscles using high-intensity electromagnetic technology (HIFEM). It’s FDA-approved for urinary incontinence treatment and helps with bladder leakage, pelvic floor dysfunction, and intimate health improvement. It can also enhance core stability and overall pelvic muscle strength.
Emsella is ideal for women and men who experience urinary incontinence, weak pelvic floor muscles, postpartum recovery challenges, or menopause-related bladder issues. It is also suitable for those looking to improve pelvic health without surgery.
You’ll sit on a special chair while fully clothed. The device delivers thousands of contractions to your pelvic floor muscles—it’s like doing 11,800 Kegel exercises without the effort! Most people feel a tingling sensation or muscle contractions. Each session takes 28 minutes, and you can return to your normal activities afterward.

Most patients benefit from a series of 6 to 9 sessions scheduled twice a week over 3-4 weeks. Some people notice improvements after just one or two sessions, but you’ll see the best results after finishing the entire treatment plan.

If you have more significant pelvic floor issues or severe incontinence, you may benefit from 9 sessions. Results vary based on individual needs, and maintenance sessions may be recommended for long-term benefits.

Yes! Emsella is an excellent postpartum recovery treatment that helps moms regain pelvic strength, reduce bladder leakage after childbirth, and improve core stability. It’s a safe and effective way to restore pelvic health after pregnancy.

Emsculpt NEO

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Emsculpt® uses HIFEM technology to induce supramaximal muscle contractions—far more intense than those achieved during regular workouts. These contractions stimulate muscle strengthening while simultaneously using radiofrequency energy to trigger apoptosis (fat cell reduction) and support skin tightening in the treated area.
Emsculpt is FDA-cleared to treat the abdomen, buttocks, arms, thighs, and calves. It’s designed to build muscle and reduce fat in these areas through high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy and Radio Frequency (RF).
Emsculpt is ideal for individuals who would like to enhance muscle definition and reduce stubborn fat in specific areas. It’s great for those who want to strengthen their core, sculpt their body, or improve muscle tone without surgery.
Emsculpt uses HIFEM technology to induce supramaximal muscle contractions, which are much more intense than regular workouts. These contractions force the muscles to grow while simultaneously using Radio Frequency to trigger apoptosis (also known as fat cell death), leading to fat loss, skin tightening, and muscle toning in the treated area.
A standard Emsculpt NEO treatment plan includes four sessions over two weeks. Many patients begin noticing results within a few weeks, with optimal changes appearing within three months. For enhanced muscle building and fat reduction, 6, 8, or 10 sessions may be more effective, especially for those with more significant goals. Additional maintenance sessions can further improve and sustain long-term results.
No, this treatment isn’t painful at all! It feels like an intense workout with deep muscle contractions as the targeted muscles engage and strengthen. The treatment is well-tolerated and has zero downtime, allowing you to return to your daily activities immediately after the session.
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Absolutely! This treatment is an excellent option for postpartum mothers looking to strengthen their core, rebuild abdominal muscles, and reduce stubborn fat. It can help with diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation) and improve overall muscle tone after pregnancy.
Results can last for several months to a year, depending on lifestyle and activity levels. To maintain results, periodic maintenance sessions and a healthy lifestyle are recommended. Maintenance sessions help sustain muscle tone and fat loss for long-term body sculpting.
Emsculpt is a fitness enhancement treatment, not a replacement for exercise and healthy eating. It accelerates muscle growth and fat loss but works best when combined with a balanced diet and regular workouts.
The treatment helps strengthen muscles beyond what traditional workouts can achieve. Athletes and active individuals use it to enhance muscle endurance, core strength, and post-workout recovery. It can also aid in injury prevention by improving muscle support around key joints.

Yes! Emsculpt NEO now offers functional treatments designed to support recovery and improve overall wellness for those recovering from surgery or injury. Unlike the sculpting setting, the functional mode operates at 60% of the power, making it a gentler yet effective option for therapeutic use.

These treatments can help with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, ankle injuries, back pain, and other areas of discomfort below the neck. This is a recent innovation, and Bissell Clinic is proud to be the first and only provider in Santa Barbara to offer this advanced treatment.

Physical Therapy

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Bissell Clinic is out of network for all insurance companies, excluding Medicare. Our office contracts with Medicare as a Non-Participating Provider. Payment is required at the time of your visit.

For our physical therapy patients with Medicare, our office will submit all claims directly to Medicare. Reimbursement from Medicare and any supplemental insurance will be sent directly to the patient.

We are happy to provide a superbill for patients who wish to submit to their insurance company for potential reimbursement. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm coverage and reimbursement eligibility. Please feel free to contact our office with any questions.

Yes, we are non-participating providers with Medicare. Please call our office for details.
In most cases, a referral is not required. Our providers will determine whether a referral is necessary based on your specific condition and treatment plan.
Yes. You may go to the therapy clinic of your choice, regardless of where your doctor refers you.
You should wear or bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Therapy appointments are scheduled in 40–45 minute time blocks. Most sessions run 40–45 minutes and are conducted one-on-one with your physical therapist.

Yes. You will work with the same therapist at each visit, and that therapist will be with you for the entirety of your appointment. As a small clinic, we prioritize personalized, consistent care for every patient.

There will be some discussion about your health history and your current condition on the first visit. The therapist will evaluate your current problem, work with you to set goals for your therapy, and outline a treatment plan that will help you reach those goals.
For Medicare patients, Medicare sets an annual visit limit; however, visits beyond this limit may be approved based on medical necessity. Your physical therapist and our front office team will assist with extended care planning if needed.

Shockwave Therapy

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Shockwave Therapy uses a specialized device that delivers targeted sound waves through the skin using a soft gel applicator and ultrasound gel. These sound waves are focused directly on the injured area to stimulate healing.

Treatments typically last 10–20 minutes. Most patients describe the sensation as a dull ache during treatment.

The shockwave machine delivers pressure waves through your skin using a soft gel “applicator” and ultrasound gel. The applicator focuses the pressure waves directly on the affected area. The treatment usually takes between 10-20 minutes. Most patients report a “dull, tooth-achey” feeling when the applicator hits the injured area.
This varies for each person. Some report immediate relief in the hours immediately following the treatment. Others report feeling slightly sore. It is recommended that you do not use ice or anti-inflammatory medicines after the treatments, as the point is to let your body heal the inflammation caused by the micro traumas naturally. Soreness does not mean that the treatment was ineffective or has exacerbated your condition.
This varies for each person. We recommend 7-10 treatments, and we have found that people start to notice a decrease in their pain after 3-4 treatments.
We do recommend that you avoid over-use of the affected body party in the weeks you are going through treatment. This is because the shockwave is creating micro traumas to the area, and you need to give your body a chance to heal itself.

Decompression Therapy

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Spinal decompression therapy gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on spinal discs and nerves. Treatment plans are individualized based on patient needs. Any recommended course of care will be discussed with you prior to beginning treatment.
This varies for each person. Some people report feeling taller and lighter and relieved of their pain. Others have reported feeling sore immediately after the treatment or the following day. If one does experience soreness, we recommend icing the area for 10-15 minutes. Soreness does not mean the treatment was ineffective or has exacerbated your condition. It is simply caused from stretching tight, guarded muscles that have been restricted for an extended period of time.
Although most patients report dramatic reduction of the pain within as few as five minutes, an injured spinal disc needs time to heal. This is why we urge you to follow your prescribed treatment plan. We ask that patients commit to completing a minimum of 20 sessions. Even for those who obtain pain relief early on, the remaining sessions will speed the healing of the injured disc and help them to return to their regular activities sooner. We recommend 2-3x/week for 6 weeks as the ideal treatment plan.
Many people wonder if working out or performing yoga after decompression therapy will “undo” the benefits of the treatment. The answer is no. Exercise recommendations will vary with each patient based on their treatment plan with us.

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