What to expect during your first visit…

During your first visit your chiropractor needs to gain an understanding of how your body functions as a whole. He or she will focus mostly on your spine, joints, muscles, and nervous system. In order to get the best possible treatment your chiropractor needs a compete picture of your health history and overall current health.

On your first visit set aside at least 30-45 minutes and make sure you have all of the paperwork filled out on arrival or come in 15 minutes early to fill it out. On your second visit you will have a report of findings where the chiropractor will examine your X-rays and go over the scan of your nervous system. During the report of findings your treatment plan will be determined depending on which type of care you are looking for. Typically all future visits will last 15 minutes or less.

Some things your chiropractor may ask about during your first visit:

Personal and family medical history.

Major illnesses you have experienced.

Surgeries or operations you have had.

Medication you are taking.

A description of your present condition.

The steps you have taken to manage your condition.

Your diet and exercise.

Your sleeping habits, daily activities, work routine, stress level, and home life.

Your chiropractor may need you to change into a gown to complete some of these tests:

An analysis of your posture.

An analysis of your movement – he or she will observe how you walk, turn, bend or lift things.

A hands-on examination of how well your spine moves, identifying restrictions and areas of improper motion.

By doing these assessments your chiropractor will have a better picture of your overall health. If your chiropractor determines a condition which would be more appropriately treated by another health care professional, he or she will make the proper referral.

Stages of Care

Initial Intensive Care

This type of care is provided for relief of immediate pain, restricted mobility, and discomfort. Depending on several variables such as your age and how long you have had the current complaint a few or several visits over a relatively short period of time may be necessary to alleviate the pain.

Corrective Care

Once the initial symptoms have gone muscle and other soft tissue damage often remain. Corrective care will stabilize your spine and promote more complete healing. At this point visit frequency is often reduced. More complete healing is beginning to occur. If care is stopped at this point there is a risk of relapse.

Wellness Care

When maximum improvement is reached wellness care helps you maintain and preserve the benefits you’ve achieved from initial intensive care and corrective care. During this stage periodic “checkups” are recommended so the chiropractor is able to detect and correct new problems before they become serious. Health conscious parents choose this type of care for themselves and their children. Since wellness care is a preventative measure it can save time and money in the long run by helping you stay well.