|
Your First Visit
*Upon entering our facilitiy, you will be asked to fill out an entrance record which includes
general data - name, address, date of birth, etc.- and both a description of your symptoms and a history as to how the symptoms began.
If you need any assistance we will be glad to help you.
TIME: Dependent on how long it takes you to fill out the forms
* A doctor or a staff member will do a consultation with you, specifically asking you detailed questions regarding your condition and its
origin as well as asking questions about your past medical history.
TIME: 10 - 15 minutes
* A doctor will conduct a physical examination to determine in his opinion whether chiropractic care will
help your symptoms. The physical examination may include vital signs (BP, pulse, temperature, respiration) as well as an urinalysis and blood workup if warranted. Muscle testing, range of motion testing,
orthopedic testing, as well as nerve testing may all be done. Spinal palpation will be performed to locate areas of muscle spasm, tenderness, pain and/or swelling. Another purpose of the physical
examination is to determine whether x-rays are warranted.
TIME: 20 - 30 minutes
If x-rays are recommended, a staff member will review your charges with you and answer you questions regarding your
insurance and our payment policy. Any radiographs will then be taken at our facility.
TIME: 5 - 10 minutes
If x-rays are not recommended, a staff member will review your charges with you and
answer any questions regarding your insurance and our payment policy. Patients are not x-rayed if their condition does not warrant radiographs, or if they have current films which can be reviewed by the
doctor. Should current films exist of the area or areas the patient is seeing us for it is strongly recommended that they obtain those films and bring them on their first visit. There is no charge to review
previoulsy taken x-rays or records.
Physical therapy may follow. It would be utilized to reduce any myospasm, soreness, tenderness, pain and or swelling. Therapy may consist of ultrasound or electrical
stimulation also known as interferrential stimulation.
A spinal adjustment/manipulation may be given the first day depending upon the patients condition. If one is given on your visit with us, the
doctor will explain to you his findings and recommendations, as well as his expectations in your case. If a spinal adjustment is not given the first day you will be scheduled to return to the clinic the next
day for a report of findings given by the doctor.
The report of findings will involve the doctor reviewing your history, your complaints, and x-rays if any are taken. He will discuss his findings and
his recommendations for treatment in your case. If he does not believe he can help you he will inform you. He will also attempt to address alternatives available in your condition. If testing, such
as CT scan or MRI, or a referral to a specialist is warranted he will discuss it with you. Risk factors will also be reviewed.
Physical therapy may follow. It would be utilized to reduce any
myospasm, soreness, tenderness, pain and or swelling. Therapy may consist of ultrasound or electrical stimulation also known as interferrential stimulation as well as moist heat or even cryotherapy. Traction or
massage may also be used.
TIME: 20 - 30 minutes
A review of your employment responsibilites will be performed with appropriate recommendations.
Should recreational pursits (e-golf, tennis, bowling, etc.) be applicable, additional
comments and suggestions will be covered.
Often as your condition improves, a home exercise program will be given to facilitate
your recovery. You are actually stronger the looser you are, that is the reason a drunk driver seldom gets injured or the reason why a child can fall and not break something
while an adult often suffers an injury when taking the same type/kind of fall. All other activites including: weight lifting / jogging / running / cycling / jazzercise / aerobics /
swimming / stair stepping, etc. are great in improving ones cardio-vascular tone and perfomance but do nothing in improving ones flexibilty and structural strength. Yoga
and properly perfomed stretching exercises are the only activities that accomplish our goal of strengthing you thru increased flexibility and range of motion.
Time: 20-30 minutes
* Upon completing the physical examination the doctor will discuss his preliminary findings with you. He will most likely provide specific instructions regarding your normal
activities of daily living. Some of the areas covered are listed below.
- proper use of heat or cold
- correct use of bathtub and shower
- proper spinal positioning while sleeping, driving, and sitting
- correct spinal mechanics when applying make-up (females), brushing your
teeth, shaving(male), and removing sacks from a vehicle as well
- proper way to unload dishwasher as well, loading clothes into the washer and transferring them to the dryer
- correct way to enter and exit vehicles
|
