WHAT TO EXPECT
What to Expect on Your First Visit to the Chiropractor
The first step is scheduling your initial visit. Sometimes we can accommodate walk-ins, but it is best to call a couple of days ahead of time to set up your appointment. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the necessary paper work, unless you have downloaded the forms and completed them in advance of your appointment. Your first appointment will take between 45 minutes and 1 hour.
On your first visit, Dr. Patterson will, review your health history, learn important information about any surgeries, major illnesses or events in your past that could contribute to your current health problems and determine your overall health status.
The next step is to conduct a thorough neurological, orthopedic, and chiropractic examination, and perform essential diagnostic physical tests, such as reflexes and muscle strength and an examination of your posture and range of motion. (Please note, depending on the nature of your complaint, you may be required to where a gown, should you find it more comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt, please bring these items to your initial visit.)
A computerized gait analysis will also be performed to determine if any biomechanical changes in the foundation of your body, your feet, are putting stress higher up (knees, pelvis, back even your neck) and could be contributing to your problems.
Finally, if X-rays are required, you will be referred for your X-rays at this time.
This information allows your chiropractor to form a diagnosis and a proposed plan of management for you.
If you have received chiropractic care in the past or if your complaint is simple in nature and can be addressed on the initial visit, there are times when Dr. Patterson will review your findings and provide a diagnosis and plan of management and some form of treatment on your initial visit. If you are new to chiropractic or your problems are more complex in nature or require time to obtain new or previous imaging results, then your care will start after your second visit.
On your Second Visit
Your Second visit is called your Report of Findings. Please plan for 45 minutes for this visit.
During your appointment with Dr. Patterson she will review your examination findings, review your clinical tests and discuss your diagnosis and proposed plan of management.
The following questions will be answered:
What is wrong with me?
What can we do about it?
How long will it take?
How much will it cost?
At this time you will be asked to make some decisions about your care. The two of you will work together as a team to help you reach your health care goals.
You will receive an introduction into chiropractic care by having your first adjustment on this visit. Dr. Patterson will walk you through step by step as to what to expect, what to do, how things move etc.
As a patient, communication is key, she will encourage you to be a team player, ask questions and get involved with your care. Remember what you get out of something has a lot to do with what you put into it. By following your plan of management you will be able to achieve your goals.
What to Expect on Your First Visit to the Chiropractor
The first step is scheduling your initial visit. Sometimes we can accommodate walk-ins, but it is best to call a couple of days ahead of time to set up your appointment. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the necessary paper work, unless you have downloaded the forms and completed them in advance of your appointment. Your first appointment will take between 45 minutes and 1 hour.
On your first visit, Dr. Patterson will, review your health history, learn important information about any surgeries, major illnesses or events in your past that could contribute to your current health problems and determine your overall health status.
The next step is to conduct a thorough neurological, orthopedic, and chiropractic examination, and perform essential diagnostic physical tests, such as reflexes and muscle strength and an examination of your posture and range of motion. (Please note, depending on the nature of your complaint, you may be required to where a gown, should you find it more comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt, please bring these items to your initial visit.)
A computerized gait analysis will also be performed to determine if any biomechanical changes in the foundation of your body, your feet, are putting stress higher up (knees, pelvis, back even your neck) and could be contributing to your problems.
Finally, if X-rays are required, you will be referred for your X-rays at this time.
This information allows your chiropractor to form a diagnosis and a proposed plan of management for you.
If you have received chiropractic care in the past or if your complaint is simple in nature and can be addressed on the initial visit, there are times when Dr. Patterson will review your findings and provide a diagnosis and plan of management and some form of treatment on your initial visit. If you are new to chiropractic or your problems are more complex in nature or require time to obtain new or previous imaging results, then your care will start after your second visit.
On your Second Visit
Your Second visit is called your Report of Findings. Please plan for 45 minutes for this visit.
During your appointment with Dr. Patterson she will review your examination findings, review your clinical tests and discuss your diagnosis and proposed plan of management.
The following questions will be answered:
What is wrong with me?
What can we do about it?
How long will it take?
How much will it cost?
At this time you will be asked to make some decisions about your care. The two of you will work together as a team to help you reach your health care goals.
You will receive an introduction into chiropractic care by having your first adjustment on this visit. Dr. Patterson will walk you through step by step as to what to expect, what to do, how things move etc.
As a patient, communication is key, she will encourage you to be a team player, ask questions and get involved with your care. Remember what you get out of something has a lot to do with what you put into it. By following your plan of management you will be able to achieve your goals.
