Your First Visit
Patient Forms
Upon entering our office, our receptionist will welcome you as a member of our family. We will request that you complete our patient forms located in the New Patient Center. This paperwork provides us with your health history and information on your condition.
Consultation
Next, you will have a consultation with your doctor. to discuss your health-related problems, concerns, and potential treatment options. This initial visit is designed for our Physicians to learn more about you, your condition, and expectations to determine how chiropractic care can meet your goals.
Examination
After your consultation, your doctor., they will perform a complete chiropractic examination testing your reflexes and flexibility. Other standard neurological, orthopedic, postural, and physical tests will be performed as well. However, nothing will be done in our office without your consent. Below are some additional testing that may be done after your exam with the doctor.
Chiropractic Examination Descriptions
Surface electromyography This test measures muscle tension or spasm in the paraspinal muscles (the muscles surrounding the spine). Green, blue and red stripes on the graph indicate elevated muscle spasm compared to normal values and indicate possible nerve interference. Scoring is based on the number of areas with red, black or blue stripes.
Thermal scan The thermal scan measures differences in the skin temperature between the right and left sides of the spine. Equal skin temperature readings are a result of a balanced autonomic nervous system (the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary functions such as skin temperature, heart rate, digestion, etc.). Conversely, unequal skin temperature readings is a result of imbalance in the autonomic nervous system-a sign of nerve interference and subluxations. The more red and blue stripes on your print-out, the more potential imbalance in your autonomic nervous system Scoring is based on the number of areas with red, black or blue stripes.
Posture analysis The posture analysis measures posture by determining the numbers of degrees deviation from ideal. For example, if the “degrees deviation” is 25, this means the patient’s posture deviates 25 degrees from ideal. A score of “0” would indicate perfect posture. Most people with good posture have a score between 0 and 15. The higher the score, the worse the posture is. We pay particular attention to one measurement, the measurement of your “forward head posture.” Forward head posture has actually been linked by research to premature death! Correcting postural problems-particularly forward head posture-is one of the goals of chiropractic care. Scoring is based on the number of degrees of forward head posture (up to 15 maximum).
Lumbar range-of-motion tests are positive if spinal motion is restricted and/or the patient experiences pain while performing them. Nerve interference and subluxations cause restriction in normal spinal movement and often cause pain as well. Correcting these subluxations increases spinal range-of-motion and reduces or eliminates the pain.
Cervical range-of-motion tests are positive if spinal motion is restricted and/or the patient experiences pain while performing them. Nerve interference and subluxations cause restriction in normal spinal movement and often cause pain as well. Correcting these subluxations increases spinal range-of-motion and reduces or eliminates the pain.
Pulse Wave Profiler- With the Autonomic Activity Index a score of 100 indicates an idealized amount of autonomic activity or tone. Scores below 100 indicate less tone and scores above 100 indicate greater tone. With the Autonomic Balance Indicator a score of 100 indicates an idealized balance between the two branches of the autonomic nervous system. Scores below 100 indicate an imbalance.
Foot Levelers tests are positive when there is pronation on one side or the other. Untreated pronation, and the imbalance it can cause, may eventually lead to chronic problems throughout your body. Regular chiropractic care along with individually designed stabilizing orthotics can help to correct and align your body.
X-Ray Studies
Depending on your specific condition, we may take X-rays as well. X-rays help us develop the most effective treatment plan for you, and alert us of any serious spinal conditions. Most people are amazed once they see their X-rays up close. In some cases, they can even identify their misalignments and degeneration themselves.
Report of Findings
Once the information is collected and examinations are performed, your doctor will give you a detailed report of all findings from exams described above and answer any questions including:
- How can you help me?
- How often do I need to come in?
- What will my treatment cost?
After reviewing your health history, goals, and examining your spine and X-rays, your doctor will discuss recommendations and notify you if your condition requires care with other providers. Your doctor will provide the best treatment and wellness program for your needs.
Treatment
At the conclusion of the Report of Findings appointment, you can choose to experience your first treatment. This may include spinal adjustments, physical therapy, and/or soft tissue massage. Treatment is interactive, so you can express concerns about the different styles of treatment anytime.
Wellness Program
Prior to leaving, the doctor will suggest a wellness program to incorporate outside of treatment. If you are in pain when you first come into our office this may include: ice or heat application instructions, certain activities or positions to avoid, and at home exercises and/or stretches. If you desire, our wellness team will work with you also to create healthy habits and routines for your lifestyle. Every person is unique, therefore everyone requires a customized wellness plan. The purpose of our wellness program is for you to achieve good spinal alignment, have a healthy diet, exercise, and maintain a positive mental state.
