What to Expect on Your First Visit
You’ve decided to visit a chiropractor, but you’re not quite sure what to expect on your first visit.
The following page describes what happens in our office on the first chiropractic appointment. During the first visit to our office, we will complete the following:
- Consultation
- Examination (if you decide that you would like our help)
- Diagnostic studies (if indicated by examination)
Consultation
During your initial visit, you will sit down with Dr. Thiele, and discuss the reason for your visit. This is a time where you and Dr. Thiele will have an open discussion, so that he can attempt to get a better understanding of your condition. Topics usually include:
- When did your pain / condition start?
- Where is the pain located?
- What do you think is the cause of your symptoms?
- How is your condition affecting your life?
- Is there anything that improves or worsens your condition?
- What treatments have you already tried, and how successful were they?
Chiropractic Examination
The next step will only take place if you decide that you want our help after the initial consultation. The Chiropractic examination will need to be performed to evaluate your condition and further develop a working diagnosis. In addition to general physical examination procedures the examination may include specific orthopedic and neurological tests to assess:
- Range of motion of the affected area that is observed while you walk, turn, bend, or lift
- Muscle tone
- Muscle strength
- Neurological integrity
- Posture
Diagnostic Studies
Diagnostic studies help diagnose conditions more accurately. The most common used by chiropractors include:
- X-ray
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT, or bone scan
- Laboratory tests
It may be helpful to bring with you any copies of previous tests (for example, MRI or X-ray reports), lab results, and a list of any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements and vitamins.
Diagnosis
The combination of the history, examination, and diagnostic studies will help us to determine the cause of your condition. We will then be able to determine if Chiropractic care can correct the cause of your condition.
If we determine that your condition would be more appropriately treated by another health care professional, we will make the proper referral. Your treatment plan may also involve collaborative care with other health care providers, such as your primary care physician, a physical therapist, or a neurologist.
Treatment
If, after your history, exam, and any necessary diagnostic studies, you decide that you want us to help, then Dr. Thiele will put together a plan to correct the cause of your condition. Plans typically include chiropractic adjustments to restore appropriate motion to your spine as well as spinal rehabilitation exercises to strengthen your spine. A stronger spine is healthier, more resilient to injury and provides better longevity to your chiropractic adjustments.