What to Expect

At this time, the doctor and Shawna will bring the patient to the back of the clinic to our x-ray room. The patient will be measured and the films are taken. Shawna will then begin to develop the films while the patient and doctor return to the exam room. A thorough exam will begin that includes neurological testing, orthopedic testing, and muscle testing on the areas of concerns. During the course of the exam, Shawna will return to the room to inform the doctor that the x-rays are developed. After finishing the exam, the doctor will go and do an initial viewing of the x-ray films.

Upon returning to the exam room where the patient is waiting, the doctor will discuss any contraindications to adjusting based on the exam and x-ray. The doctor will then explain the possible benefits and risks of getting adjusted, and what to expect for first time chiropractic patients.

The patient will again have the opportunity to ask for any clarifications on the treatment methods, and will grant, deny or modify the doctor permission to continue with the adjustments. The adjustments are performed, followed by retesting of any muscles that showed up as weak in the exam. This generally ends the first visit, and the patient then returns to their own clothing and returns to the reception area.

At this point, a second follow up visit (2 days later if possible) is scheduled with Shawna. The doctor may give some general home care advice, depending on the patient’s chief complaints for the visit. The visit will last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

After the interview, foot patients are brought out (in regular clothes) to the foot pedestal portion of our office. They will sit on this pedestal as the doctor performs a thorough foot exam, while explaining how the feet function and absorb shock from our daily habits. There are models and pictures to assist in explanations, and the patients are encouraged to ask questions if they do not understand something.

During the exam, it is determined whether or not the patient needs functional custom made orthotics, special shock absorbing shoes, or generic “out of the box” orthotics. These options and prices are then discussed with the patient. Before we scan, cast, or mold any functional custom orthotic, we always adjust the feet to restore normal joint motion. This ensures that any orthotics created are made to a normal foot, and not a painful/pathological foot.

The risks and benefits of adjusting the foot are discussed with the patient, and they choose whether or not to proceed with this method of care, and if yes, choose the orthotic or shoe that best fits their needs/budget. The treatment chosen is completed, and the patient is rescheduled for a follow-up in one week. The visit will last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

This exam will include muscle testing in the area, and orthopedic testing. It will then be determined whether or not our office can help with the condition. Treatment frequently includes adjusting the joint. Then another round of muscle testing will take place to determine the patient’s ability to “hold” the adjustment.

Patients who cannot maintain the adjustment are deemed to have instability in that joint. This may be addressed via a brace, or a taping. Such stabilizing devices typically must be worn 2-12 weeks, most frequently in the 6 week range. Tape jobs must be repeated 2 times per week.

After treatment, the patient will return to the reception area with the doctor. Typically reschedule for several days later to follow up on taping, or up to 2 weeks later for other minor issues. The visit will last approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

Upon arrival, the patient will be greeted by Shawna, and taken to our room with an X-ray light box. The treating doctor will have a printed Report of findings to go over with the patient, based on the initial visit exam. The patient will get a chance to view the x-rays taken of their spine. The doctor will explain how the films correlate with the patient’s symptoms.

Some patients may receive a heel lift, exercises, or stretches that they can utilize at home to improve their condition. At this time, the doctor will recommend the frequency and number of visits it will likely to take to resolve the issues. If the patient chooses to continue with care, they will then receive their second adjustment at this time.

Then the patient and doctor will return to the front desk where Shawna will schedule them for remaining visits. There are no long term treatment plans, and no commitments. Our office is strictly pay-as-you-go, quit if and when you want.

The patient will then be met by the doctor who will ask about the progress from the previous week, and how any new shoes or orthotics are working for the patient. Any modifications to the orthotic or shoe will be done at this time to make them more comfortable to the patient. If the patient had ordered a type of orthotic that had to be created or ordered outside of the office, it will be fitted to the patient during this visit.

The doctor will then check the patient’s foot to see if the adjustments are holding. If needed, an additional adjustment will be done on this visit. The patient will be taken back to the reception desk where Shawna will schedule any follow-up visits.

Muscle testing of the treated area will likely be performed to see if the adjustment is holding. The bracing or taping will be evaluated for its effectiveness in treating the injury. If needed, another adjustment will be performed at this time. Taping will be reapplied if it is part of the treatment plan. This will conclude the visit and the patient will be returned to the reception area where they will reschedule with Shawna if needed.

The patient will then be placed on the table and lowered down. Full spine adjusting typically begins with the neck, and is followed by muscle testing for the low back screening. The patient is then stood up and turned to face down on the table, and re-lowered. The adjustment will be completed and the patient will be retested for any weaknesses found in the muscle testing.

This concludes the typical visit, and the doctor will walk out with the patient to reception where they will be rescheduled if necessary. This visit is typically 15 minutes or less.

However, some patients choose to maintain their progress by keeping an appointment every 3-6 months. In this case, the patient will enter, and Shawna will place them on a foot pedestal. A new foot exam only needs to be performed every 2-3 years depending on a patients age and activity level, or new symptoms. The doctor will come and ask about the progress of the patient relative to last visit, and proceed to adjust the feet.

This would end a typical visit treatment. However, the patient may schedule extra time to have a 2nd (or 3rd etc.) pair of orthotics or shoes fit to their feet. The visit concludes with returning to reception with April, where the patient will be rescheduled if needed. This visit is typically 15 minutes or less.

The doctor will enter and ask the patient about their progress relative to last visit. Generally the affected area will be taken through the muscle testing screens, checking for weaknesses. If needed, an adjustment will be given, and any therapies/taping will be done at this time.

The doctor will escort the patient back out to reception where they will be rescheduled, if needed, with Shawna. This visit is typically 15 minutes or less.