In Polish

Your First Visit

What happens on the first visit?

On the first visit, the patient is requested to arrive 5-10 minutes early to fill out a simple form that provides background health information. The patient is then taken to the consultation room for a detailed consultation about the history of their condition and general health.

Once the history has been completed, your Chiropractor/Practitioner will perform a thorough examination. The patient is asked to remove outer clothing, leaving underwear on, and to put on a gown with the opening towards the back so the spine is visible.

The practitioner will re-enter the room once the patient is changed and begin the assessment to get the best insight into the patient's condition examining the bones, nerves, muscles and spine. In addition to general tests such as blood pressure and reflexes, the examination will include specific orthopedic and neurological tests.

Palpation with light finger pressure to determine the alignment and position of the vertebrae to find out if any are misplaced will also be used on the spine. Based on the above examination procedures, further tests may be necessary to establish the diagnosis of the affected area.

If X-rays are needed, consent from the patient is obtained and the X-rays are taken on site. The first visit may take up to 45 minutes.

The second visit and treatment

After the first examination is complete, the doctor requires time to study the case and any diagnostic studies.

The doctor will discuss the condition with the patient and show them the X-Rays. This second appointment is called the report of findings visit. If the patient can be helped with our care, the doctor will often begin treatment. He or she will use a range of gentle manipulations (Adjustments) to return the misplaced vertebrae to their normal position.

Advice on home care is given with the patient advised on stretches, and whether a cold pack or moist heat is more appropriate.

The patient is given a time to attend a Spinal Health Care Class one Wednesday evening. This class is crucial for all patients as this is where the doctor explains how to care for the spine in the long run. The second visit may take up to 30 minutes.

Subsequent treatment visits often do not require as much time, unless the condition needs longer treatment.

After the first visit, patients may not need to change, unless a new condition is being examined.