WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
Maybe you’ve heard about chiropractic care through a friend or did some research online. Maybe you’re just tired of living in pain. If going to the chiropractor is a new experience for you, don’t worry! We’re here to help you shed your pain and get back on your feet. Your first visit to our practice will be about getting to know your chiropractor, and a chance for us to get to know you! During your first visit, your chiropractor will explain how joint dysfunctions may occur, how a chiropractic adjustment is used to correct them, and the many benefits chiropractic has to offer. If you’ve never been adjusted before, this is a great way to have some of your questions answered by a knowledgeable licensed Doctor of Chiropractic, so you know exactly what to expect. The doctor will answer any questions or concerns you may have prior to initiating treatment.
NEW PATIENTS
Appointments at our office typically begin with a bit of paperwork, as you no doubt would expect. We want to cover all bases to understand your past health history and your current needs so that we are able to help you as much as possible. Depending on your injury, we may or may not require X-rays. Most of the time, we perform X-rays on new patients to get a good look at your spine and to determine the cause of your pain. Be sure to share with us all the pain you are experiencing and any other symptoms you may be having. Your skilled chiropractor will also perform a physical examination including orthopedic tests. We’ll also discuss your current condition and your health goals.
We will take a look at the overall results, and together, come up with a plan of action specifically for you. We will talk about the type of treatment you will be receiving, any preparation necessary before beginning treatment, and when you can expect to see results. We will also discuss any lifestyle changes and exercises that may help you with your goals. You will then receive your first adjustment which may include several of the following specialized techniques: Activator, Cervical, Cox Flexion-Distraction, Diversified, Full spine, Manual adjusting, Motion palpation, Pro-Adjuster, SOT, Thompson Drop, Traction and Upper Cervical Technique. As your partner in improving your health, your chiropractor will be with you every step of the way during your treatment.
LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR TOTAL HEALTH
Chiropractic care is like building a house – certain things have to happen in a particular order in order for everything to stand strong and work correctly. When building a house, if you tried to put up your walls before you had a solid foundation, your walls would be weak and eventually collapse. If you tried to put on your roof before the walls were ready, you would run into the same problem. The same is true for your body. Your body has to go through a particular plan of care in order to repair itself correctly and fully. There are three general phases of chiropractic care:
Phase 1: Relief Care
If you are in pain when you come into our office, the first objective is to help you feel better. Depending on the severity of your problem, it is typical to need care 2 to 3 times per week for 4 to 12 weeks.
Phase 2: Corrective/Restorative Care
During the corrective care phase, muscles and other tissues are allowed to heal more completely, thereby helping prevent injury. It is typical to need care 4 to 8 times per month for 6 to 24 months, depending on your overall health and the severity of your problem.
Phase 3: Wellness Care
Once your body has fully healed, it is important to come in for periodic adjustments to avoid problems in the future. Usually, this only requires a quick visit to the chiropractor 1 to 4 times per month, based on your lifestyle and goals.
SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WE HEAR FROM NEW PATIENTS
What is the Popping Noise when an Adjustment is Delivered?
The popping sounds you hear are your joints releasing tiny pockets of gases. A chiropractic adjustment does not affect the bones of either side of the joint, but rather the connective tissue that holds the joint together.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
Yes. Chiropractic is the largest, non-invasive, drugless and safest form of health care available. Statistically, patient risk is substantially lower when receiving chiropractic care as opposed to medical care, where the use of prescription drugs and surgery pose a greater risk.
Does Chiropractic Care Hurt?
A Chiropractic adjustment is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort because minimal force and gentle pressure are used. In fact, most patients feel relief immediately following treatment.
Will I be Sore following a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Any reported soreness after an initial adjustment is similar to that associated with starting a new exercise program. Drinking plenty of water, using an ice pack, taking a hot shower or bath, and engaging in light stretching after your first visit can help ease any discomfort to promote healing.
How Long will my Visits Take?
This all depends on the length and severity of your condition, however, most first visits may last as long as 60 minutes. Follow-up visits are much quicker, most often 10-15 minutes.
How Often will I need to Return?
At the end of your first visit, your doctor will determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs. The frequency in which you receive chiropractic care is strictly up to the professional judgment of the Doctor of Chiropractic and will vary by patient depending on your presenting condition and overall health goals. Just as regular visits to the dentist are necessary for good dental hygiene, routine visits to a Doctor of Chiropractic are also important for proper spinal function and health maintenance.
Our chiropractors treat patients by delivering a chiropractic adjustment. If, during the course of your exam, the doctor feels that care is contraindicated, you will be referred to the appropriate healthcare provider.
If you have specific questions, needs or concerns, you are always welcome to call us at (586) 468-4461.