What to Expect on Your First Visit
In preparation for your chiropractic consultation, you will be asked to fill out forms that provide background information about your symptoms and condition such as:
- When and how did the pain start?
- Where is it located?
- Describe the pain - is it sharp, dull, searing/burning, or throbbing? Does it come and go, or is it continual?
- Did the pain start as a result of an injury?
- What activities/circumstances makes it better or worse?
You will also be asked to provide information on family medical history, any pre-existing medical conditions or prior injuries, and previous and current health providers and treatments.
Examination
Dr. Owens will conduct a thorough chiropractic exam that could take up to 45 minutes. Please feel free to ask any questions regarding your concerns about your condition and treatment.
During her exam, she may conduct general tests such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and reflexes, as well as specific orthopedic and neurological tests to assess:
- Range of motion of the affected part
- Muscle tone
- Muscle strength
- Neurological integrity
Further chiropractic tests may be necessary to assess the affected area, such as asking you to move in a specific manner, posture analysis, or chiropractic manipulation of the affected area.
Based upon the results of your history and chiropractic exam, diagnostic studies may be helpful in revealing pathologies and identifying structural abnormalities to more accurately diagnose a condition. Dr. Owens may request an X-ray or other test that she feels will provide the information needed to guide your treatment program.
Diagnosis and Consultation
Once Dr. Owens has a diagnosis, she will determine if the condition will respond to chiropractic care and will recommend a plan for treatment. She will establish specific goals for your individualized treatment, and will then recommend a schedule of visits to accomplish those goals:
- Short-term goals typically include reducing pain and restoring normal joint function and muscle balance
- Long-term goals include restoring functional independence and tolerance to normal activities of daily living.
Treatment
Following your initial exam, you will receive your first chiropractic adjustment to make you more comfortable. The doctor will discuss with you her recommendation for the number of visits she feels are necessary. This depends on many issues, including the type of injury and it's severity, the level of your pain and the specific treatment techniques applied. Patients with long-term chronic pain often make one or two appointments a week to begin with and cut down to one or two visits a month as their condition improves.
You can expect a decrease in pain after the first visit. Many patients report feeling better and sleeping better with only one visit to our office.