What to Expect at the First Chiropractic Visit
Going to a chiropractor is a new experience for many of us. We’ve heard through a friend or have done some research online. We understand that many patients may be transferring from other chiropractic offices and may have already gone over some of the information below.
At Booe Chiropractic, we do not push any chiropractic packages or programs that entice patients to pay
expenditures in full. Instead, we give the patient independence to have full control over how often they visit our office for chiropractic care after offering advice as to how often we believe would benefit them the best. Our goal is to make every individual feel comfortable asking questions to understand their chiropractic treatment and recommendations.
A New Patient visit can last about an hour. You will first speak with Dr. Booe and you will talk about your medical history and any symptoms you may be experiencing. You may be asked questions such as:
· When & how did the pain start?
· Where is the pain felt?
· Describe the pain- is it sharp, dull, searing/burning, or throbbing? Does it come or go, or is it continual?
· Did the pain start as a result of an injury?
· What activities/circumstances make it better or worse?
If you are scheduled or considering becoming a New Patient at Booe Chiropractic, please print and fill-out our New Patient Intake Form prior to your initial visit.
After going over your medical history and symptoms, a thorough chiropractic exam will take place that can consist of general tests such as blood pressure, pulse, and reflexes. Specific tests may also be used to assess your:
· Range of motion to the affected body part(s)
· Muscle tone
· Muscle strength
· Body posture
Based on the results of the patient’s history and chiropractic exam, diagnostic studies may be helpful in revealing pathologies and identifying structural abnormalities to more accurately diagnose a condition. An x-ray is the most common diagnostic study used during an initial chiropractic exam. However, an x-ray is not always
needed. An x-ray should only be undertaken if the chiropractor has a good reason to believe that it will provide information needed to guide the patient’s treatment goal.
While an x-ray can help view the bones, it is not useful for studying the soft tissues. When soft tissue damage is suspected, such as a problem with a disc, torn muscle, or nerve compression, an MRI is likely to be recommended.
Findings from your history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests usually help us arrive at a specific diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, we can determine if the condition will respond to chiropractic care, because certain conditions- such as fractures, tumors, or infections- may not be treated with chiropractic methods and typically require a specialist physician’s treatment.
At the end of your first visit at Booe Chiropractic, Dr. Booe will explain the following:
· Your diagnosed condition
· A chiropractic treatment recommendation individualized to your medical needs- exercises may be given to do at home
· Anticipated length of chiropractic care
In most cases, you will begin treatment during your first visit with Dr. Booe. Dr. Booe will discuss specific goals for your care; short-term goals and long-term goals. Short-term goals typically include reducing pain and restoring normal joint function and muscle balance. Long-term goals include restoring functional independence and tolerance to normal activities of daily living.
Following the initial visit, each appointment will include a re-evaluation on how your symptoms are improving or progressing. Decisions can be made about whether to continue, change, or stop chiropractic treatment or refer elsewhere in order to give the proper care you may need.