Your Physical Examination
Your Report of Findings
Your Treatment Plan |
Our Services > What to Expect on Your First Visit
What to Expect on Your First Visit
 The doctor will spend approximately one full hour with you in order to determine the precise cause of your problem. During the consultation, a detailed history of your problem will be obtained, and you will have the opportunity to have your questions answered. Next, a thorough examination will be performed including orthopedic and neurological evaluation.
Specialized functional testing such as postural analysis, gait analysis, joint & muscle testing, as well as on-site X-ray studies, may also be utilized to formulate an accurate diagnosis and individual treatment plan. We will then discuss which of the services we provide would be best suited to address your condition, or if it would be more appropriately managed by another health care provider.
Certain things in your health history are particularly vital to a chiropractor. This information could provide important clues that will allow your chiropractor to properly diagnose your problem. Such clues include whether you have or have had:
- Bone disorders such as osteoporosis
- Circulatory problems (poor circulation could be a sign that you have a subluxation, for example)
- Dizziness or blurred vision
- Heart conditions such as hypertension or high blood pressure
- Infections, especially those affecting your spine
- Injuries, such as bone fractures, muscle sprains, or disc injuries
- Joint disorders such as arthritis
- Sleep apnea
Be prepared to answer such questions as:
- Did the onset of your pain immediately follow an injury?
- Is there anything you do that improves or worsens the pain?
- When and how did your pain start?
- Where is the pain centered?
Treatment on the First visit will depend upon the specifics of your condition. Most often treatment will include physical therapy procedures to help make you feel more comfortable, often including spinal manipulation. The doctor will also give self-treatment advice, which may include exercises, nutritional supplements, and the application of ice or heat.
Your Physical Examination
The first order of business is checking your vital signs, reflexes, and blood pressure. Sometimes, measurements will be taken to determine arm and leg length. Next, you will be asked to do a series of simple and easy activities or exercises. These exercises will provide information about your motor skills, balance, and gait, among others. These tests also help determine your range of motion, muscle tone and strength, and integrity of your nervous system. Any abnormalities could provide clues about a condition. You may be asked to:
- Bend forward, sideways, or backwards - Misaligned spinal vertebrae can sometimes be detected during this exercise.
- Flex and extend your leg - This is a test for signs of sprain and helps determine the integrity of your joints (also called the "Yeoman's Test").
- Grip something such as a rubber ball - Your grip strength is vital for showing signs of muscular or nerve damage.
- Lie down and raise one leg - This is often referred to as the "Straight Leg Test," in which the chiropractor gently pushes on your raised leg to check for hip joint mobility and to assess for sciatica, which is often indicative of a pinched nerve produced either by a misaligned vertebrae or possible disc problem.
- Stand and raise one leg - This test can sometimes show whether you have sciatica, a nerve disorder in your lower back. Another test may involve pushing on your raised leg to determine whether you have pain, inflammation, or imbalance in the joints between your spinal vertebrae. (This is also called the "Psoas Muscle Test.")
- Stand or sit - Posture can sometimes show whether you have misalignments in your spine.
- Walk a straight line - This test measures your gait, and helps to determine if you have a normal walking pattern.
- Walk in place - Abnormalities in the way your pelvis and spine coordinate can be seen during this test.
Next, a short physical exam by the chiropractor will involve palpation, or use of the hands, to explore the alignment of your spine and other structures, as well as provide information on any stimuli that may cause pain.
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Your Report of Findings
After your First visit, you and the doctor will discuss your individualized written treatment plan. This explanation will serve as your "map" along your "road to recovery." The discussion will include short- and long-term goal planning, and answers to the following four questions:
1. What's wrong?
2. How can we treat it?
3. How long will it take?
4. How much will it cost?
Various treatment options will be explained, as well as a recommended course of care. The doctor will also explain the "Three Types of Care" and will assist you in choosing which type of care is right for you:
1. Initial Intensive Phase of Care. Most patients begin with Initial Intensive Care. Visits tend to be frequent (usually 2 – 4 times per week), so that you feel better as quickly as possible. In addition to your adjustments and exercises, the doctor may also recommend other therapies including electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, cold laser therapy, homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, and massage therapy to help speed recovery and relieve your pain. Depending upon your age, condition, and lifestyle, repeated visits over several weeks may be needed to reduce your symptoms.
2. Rehabilitative Phase of Care. With most of your obvious symptoms gone, the goal of Rehabilitative Care is long-term correction of your condition. Your visit frequency will be reduced, and there will be a greater emphasis on self-care. Even after you're feeling better, joints, muscles, and other soft tissues can take weeks, or even months, to heal. Continued treatment during this phase will ensure proper healing & recovery and help to prevent a relapse.
3. Wellness Phase of Care. After you've recovered, you may choose to schedule regular chiropractic "checkups" to help maintain the improvement you've made. Like periodic visits to the dentist or optometrist, wellness care can help catch little problems before they become major concerns. Wellness care is an option that many of our patients choose to feel better, improve athletic performance, prevent injury, and save time and money in the long run. Recommended visit frequency is usually every 3 – 6 weeks, but it can vary depending upon your individual needs and lifestyle.
Treatment Plan
Each person is different. Likewise, every condition is different. With our focus on results based care we customize each treatment plan for every unique patient. Your treatment plan will incorporate both care in the office and “homework.” Care in the office may include spinal manipulations or adjustments, stretching, muscle work as well as modalities like muscle stimulation, ultrasound, heat and cold.
You may also receive instruction in home stretches, exercises and ergonomics. This training helps speed up your recovery. If we are both working together the best results will be achieved. Each case is different, and the length of your treatment will depend on the severity of your problem and the doctor's findings during your initial exam and follow-up Progress Reports. Back to top |
