Your First Visit

What Are You Going to Do to Me?

Fear of what happens when visiting a chiropractor for the first time is a big concern for many. In fact, it's the most common reason people don't go. People have heard all kinds of stories (whether true or untrue) about chiropractors. We are sure that at one point friends, neighbors and colleagues have told you not to go to the chiropractor because "my friend's dad's uncle's brother went to a chiropractor and ...." Just to set the record straight there will be no smoke and mirrors, no chanting while dancing around an adjustment table, no crystal balls and it is almost physically impossible to break someone's neck with an adjustment. (You have been watching too many old school martial arts movies!!)

 
At a Clinic,
We Take the Mystery Out of Chiropractic!

Make Yourself at Home

Prospective patients will be warmly welcomed and made to feel at home in a comfortable, clean, and organized office. One of our many goals is to offer a friendly, non- hospital, welcome-home atmosphere for the comfort of our patients. You will be warmly welcomed. And don't worry because help is on it's way!

What to Expect on Your First Visit

Each patient is welcomed by first name and a hand shake. We thank you for giving us the opportunity to help you. After insurance information and paper work is completed the patient is explained the purpose of the consultation, examination and x-ray. A tour of the office is given and the patient is greeted by the attending physician. The patient is given a one hour appointment for their consultation.

Next you will meet with one of our qualified doctors where your complaints and health history will be discussed. A complete head to toe examination of your nervous, muscular, and visceral systems will be performed. X-rays of your spine will be taken if necessary. The doctor will review your findings and tell you if chiropractic care can help. If the doctor feels you can be helped, he will tell you. If not, the doctor will make the appropriate referral to another health care specialist. Our doctors work closely with other health care professionals throughout the area. If a medical problem is suspected, you will be referred to the appropriate health care provider. We embrace the concept that a complimentary approach is in the patient's best interest.

If it is determined that Chiropractic can help your problem then the next step will be to identify the structural problem. Once your structural problem is identified, your doctor will explain and discuss the specifics regarding your condition. Next, he will provide you with treatment options. In many cases, especially those involving chronic pain or where an underlying structural problem is the primary cause of pain or dysfunction, a corrective program of care may be best suited for your recovery. Corrective programs may involve all or some of the following therapies: chiropractic, physical therapy, massage therapy, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, cold laser and exercise.

Your Second Visit

Upon their second visit the doctor will explain the two types of care offered in this office, Corrective Care or Relief Care. An explanation is given regarding the report of findings they are about to receive. Your x-ray findings, your health history and your examination findings are correlated by the doctor for his treatment recommendations for your specific health needs. Corrective Care is necessary not only to relieve or reduce pain or symptoms, but also to remove the actual cause of the problem. Relief Care is the care necessary to rid you of your symptoms or pain, but not the cause of it. Pain relievers or anti-inflammatories would be an example of Relief Care. After discussion the patient chooses which care they want. The patient is escorted to a treatment room and is given a chiropractic adjustment with physical therapy.

Misaligned vertebrae are treated with spinal adjustments. Gentle but rapid pressure is applied to the vertebra in specific stressed areas. These adjustments help realign the bones and in turn, relieve pain, restore motion and enhance nerve function. Upon leaving the office the patient is given home care instructions. An appointment is made for their next visit, the time allotted depends on the care plan chosen.

Regular Visits

If Relief Care is the plan of choice then a ten minute appointment is required. The patient is assigned a room and receives an adjustment with or without therapy. But, don't think that the brevity of a Relief Care visit lessens its value! With the groundwork laid, we can quickly size up what your spine and nervous system needs, adjust you and get you on your way. The doctor always allots more time if the patient should have questions or concerns about their healthcare.

Avoid Relapse with Regular Visits

If Corrective Care is the plan of choice then a forty five minute appointment is required. The patient is assigned a room. The patient performs various exercises prior to and just after getting an adjustment and therapy. The workout area is large and there is abundant equipment, therefore there is no waiting your turn. The doctor always allots more time if the patient should have questions or concerns about their health care.

Like a regular workout at the gym, each visit builds on the ones before to make the changes needed whether you choose Relief Care or Corrective Care. We recognize your time is valuable. We do everything possible to run on time and minimize the impact on your busy life. To help us stay on schedule we ask all patients to be on time for their visits.