The typical first consultation with your chiropractor will take approximately 40 minutes to an hour. During the first consultation a case history will be taken, a physical examination will be performed and the spine and associated musculature will be assessed. If needed X-rays or laboratory tests may be required. Al these tests will aid your chiropractor in making the correct diagnosis and choosing the best suited treatment regime. After these assessments you will be given an explanation of your diagnosis and a treatment plan will be discussed. Once this has been completed your first treatment will follow.
The case history entails the chiropractor asking questions concerning your symptoms, your medical history, your occupation (physical activities/posture).
The patient case history helps the chiropractor to identify the area(s) of complaint.
The physical examination will centre on the neuromusculoskeletal system. In order to do a thorough examination the ladies will be asked to undress into a gown with shorts and the men will be asked to change in to the shorts provided. The chiropractor will be professional and respect your privacy and dignity at all times. This will include analyzing your posture, testing your range of motion, testing reflexes and carrying out neurological and orthopaedic tests. Depending on the complaint the chiropractor may have to take your blood pressure and examine your lungs and abdomen to check your physical health.
The examination of the spine is the when your chiropractor will evaluate and identify any problem that might exist within the spine or other joints. Each vertebra should move individually to allow normal spinal biomechanics, muscular and neurological functioning. The chiropractor will evaluate the biomechanical structure of the spine to ensure that each vertebra is moving freely and isn’t displaced or restricted in any way. Most commonly, static and motion palpation techniques are utilized for identifying spinal segments that are “stuck” or doesn’t move and the ones that move to easily. Your muscles will also be examined for weakness, spasms, inflammation and dysfunction.
Before your treatment, the chiropractor will discuss your diagnosis and suggest a treatment plan. This discussion will be done with the aid of models and pictures and include an explanation of what seems to be the cause of the problem/condition and how the chiropractic treatment will help to relieve the problem. In the case where the condition falls outside the chiropractic scope of practice your chiropractor will refer you to the appropriate health professional. It is important to your chiropractor to give you the best treatment for your condition and to minimize the amount of treatments you will need.
Feel free to ask questions related to your diagnosis and treatment plan. We want you to understand your condition and be at ease.
Your treatment will be specialized to your diagnosis. The chiropractic treatment classically include chiropractic joint adjustments/mobilizations, soft tissue massage and or dry needling and stretches are just some of the therapies the chiropractor will apply to aid in the healing process of your condition(s).
Your “home work” can include stretches and exercises. You may also be advised of good posture, ergonomics, sleeping positions and life style.
Your follow up treatment will then be scheduled according to your treatment plan. The follow up treatment will last 20-30 minutes. During these sessions you will receive treatment and your progress will be assessed. Any changes to the original treatment plan will be discussed with you. The improvement of your condition in the shortest possible time is of utmost importance to your chiropractor.