What should I expect during my first chiropractic visit?
Author: Dr. Rick Parisien, Chiropractor
Have you ever been told to “try out” a chiropractor?
Odds are your friend or your spouse are tired of hearing you complain about that pain in your hip or that nagging injury that doesn’t seem to be getting better and they have just the solution for you - “try my chiropractor”.
You immediately think, “Chiropractor?! I don’t even know what a chiropractor does”.
This case happens all too much in our profession and a large part of it is the unknown. It’s the unknown about the chiropractic scope of practice, chiropractic education, difference in approach to care taken between chiropractors and what an encounter with a chiropractor even entails!
At Station Street Health, our mission is to break down these preconceived expectations, improve knowledge translation and empower our patients to live a healthier, more active and pain free life.
Here is what YOU can expect on your first visit to one of OUR chiropractors:
1. NEW PATIENT FORMS
Once your initial visit is booked, you can access the intake forms via the online booking app, Jane, which will prompt you to do so via email. Alternatively, the intake forms can be completed upon entering our office, our receptionists will welcome you and request that you complete them. This paperwork provides us with your health history and information about your condition.
2. HEALTH HISTORY
Next, you will have a health consultation with one of our experienced chiropractors to discuss your health-related problems, concerns, and potential treatment options. This initial visit is designed for the doctor to learn more about you, your condition and your goals.
3. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
After your health history, the doctor will perform a thorough physical examination. This will involve inspecting the injured area and performing certain specialized tests to delineate the exact injured tissue and to determine the root cause of your problem. Common tests include neurological and orthopaedic testing, posture analysis and functional movement screens. Radiographs (x-rays) and other forms of imagining including MRI’s and CT scans can be assessed if they are available on your electronic health record.
4. REPORT OF FINDINGS
Upon the completion of the health history and physical examination, the doctor will give you a detailed report of the exam findings, your diagnosis and then recommend a plan of management to help you recover as quickly as possible. A report of findings with any health care provider is critical as it provides YOU, the patient, with information on your condition, recommendations for care and your expected outcomes. If a referral to a medical doctor or specialist is warranted, this will be made.
5. TREATMENT
Based on the doctors finding and your diagnosis, a treatment plan will be developed for your specific condition. This may include spinal manipulation, acupuncture, soft tissue therapy, physical rehabilitation or a number of other treatment options. If necessary the Chiropractor may choose to co-manage your case with another health care provider including a physiotherapist or massage therapist. This ensures that all aspects of your health are looked after in an optimal manner. Patients will be required to consent to all treatment and outside medical referrals before they are completed.
Ready to take the next step on your rehab journey? Click the link below to book your initial visit with one of our chiropractors.
