New Patient Center
Welcome to the start of feeling great again
We are excited that you’ve decided to use chiropractic care to get your body back on a path of recovery, strength and wellness. The following information will help you feel at ease during your first chiropractic appointment with Care Chiropractic.
History Form
Prior to your initial Care Chiropractic consultation, you will be asked to fill out forms that provide useful information about your symptoms and condition. Questions may include:
- When did your pain/condition start?
- Where is the pain located?
- Did pain/condition immediately follow an injury or accident?
- Is anything improves or worsens the pain?
- What treatments have you already tried, and how successful were they?
You may also be asked to provide family medical history, any pre-existing medical conditions or prior injuries, and previous and current health providers and
treatments.
Review & Examination:
During the first visit, your Care Chiropractor will complete a thorough examination that typically includes:
- Patient history
- Physical examination
- Diagnostic studies (when indicated)
- Diagnosis
- Chiropractic treatment plan
To properly diagnose your problem and design a treatment program, your Chiropractor will also need to know about any of the following conditions:
- Bone disorders such as osteoporosis
- Implants like pacemakers, artificial joints, cosmetic implants, etc.
- Circulatory problems
- Dizziness or blurred vision
- Heart conditions such as hypertension
- Nausea
- Injuries, such as bone fractures, muscle sprains/strains, or disc injuries
- Joint disorders such as arthritis
- Any current health condition for which you are
receiving care from another health care practitioner
If you have been previously seen by a doctor, we ask that you 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, vitamins, herbs, teas, and homeopathic and/or naturopathic substances.
Chiropractic Physical Examination
The next step is a physical examination your Care Chiropractor will perform to evaluate your condition and develop a working diagnosis. In addition to general physical examination procedures such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature, the examination will 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. If your Care Chiropractor seems it is neccessary, they may want to do one or some of the following:
- X-ray
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT, or bone scan
- Laboratory tests
- Diagnosis
The combination of the history, examination, and diagnostic studies will allow your chiropractor to reach a specific diagnosis, which will help your Care Chiropractor determine whether your condition or pain may respond to chiropractic care.
Your Care Chiropractor will explain:
- The diagnosed condition
- The chiropractic treatment plan (or other recommended treatments)
- The anticipated length of care
If your Care Chiropractor determines that your condition would be more appropriately treated by another health care professional, he or she will make the proper referral because your overall body wellness is our main priority. Your Care treatment plan may also involve collaborative care with other health care providers, such as your primary care physician, a physical therapist, or a neurologist.
In many cases, such as those involving lowerback pain, chiropractic care may be the primary treatment method. When other medical conditions exist, chiropractic care may complement or support medical treatment by relieving the musculoskeletal problems associated with the condition.
Treatment
If you and your Care Chiropractor agree that chiropractic services will help, you will receive your first chiropractic adjustment during your initial visit. While patients are typically asked to lie on a specially designed table, your Chiropractor will often uses his or her hands to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, to reduce pain and restore or enhance joint function. Your Care Chiropractor will adapt the treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Other treatments, including therapeutic ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, ice and heat, traction, soft-tissue massage, and rehabilitative exercises, may also be used.
The extent and duration of the patient’s problems coupled with the hands-on nature of the chiropractic treatment may require numerous visits. Your Care Chiropractor should tell you how long you can expect the treatment to last.
You may also receive instructions on certain activities or procedures to conduct at home. This may include ice or heat application, avoidance of certain activities or positions, as well as home exercises and/or stretches.
We look forward to serving your body wellness, contact Care Chiropractic today and begin your road of recovery.