PATIENT INFORMATION
What to Expect for New & Existing Patients
You’ve decided to visit a chiropractor, but you’re not quite sure what to expect on your first visit. The following will help you feel at ease during your first chiropractic appointment.
During the first visit, the doctor of chiropractic—commonly referred to as a chiropractor—will complete a thorough examination that typically includes:
– Patient history
– Physical examination
– Diagnostic studies (when indicated)
– Diagnosis
– Chiropractic treatment plan
Call us today at 231.299.1015 and schedule your appointment.
Physical Examination & Diagnosis
Your Physical Examination will evaluate your condition and develop a working diagnosis. The examination will include specific orthopedic and neurological tests to assess:
– Range of motion of the affected area that is observed while you walk, turn, bend, or lift
– Muscle tone
– Muscle strength
– Neurological integrity
– Posture
The combination of the history, examination, and diagnostic studies will allow your chiropractor to reach a specific diagnosis, which will help the doctor of chiropractic determine whether your condition or pain may respond to chiropractic care. The chiropractor will explain:
– The diagnosed condition
– The chiropractic treatment plan (or other recommended treatments)
– The anticipated length of care
If your chiropractor determines that your condition would be more appropriately treated by another health care professional, he or she will make the proper referral. Your treatment plan may also involve collaborative care with other health care providers, such as your primary care physician, a physical therapist, or a neurologist. In many cases, such as those involving lowerback pain, chiropractic care may be the primary treatment method. When other medical conditions exist, chiropractic care may complement or support medical treatment by relieving the musculoskeletal problems associated with the condition.
Chiropractic Treatment
If you and your doctor of chiropractic agree that chiropractic will help, you will receive your first chiropractic adjustment. While patients are typically asked to lie on a specially designed table, the chiropractor most often uses his or her hands to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, to reduce pain and restore or enhance joint function. Your doctor of chiropractic will adapt the treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Other treatments, including therapeutic ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, ice and heat, traction, soft-tissue massage, and rehabilitative exercises, may also be used.
When Will I Feel Better?
Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but it may take others two to three weeks before they achieve substantial progress. Many factors can affect the healing process. Are you suffering from a chronic problem or pain? Do you smoke? Are you following the recommended treatment plan? Usually, the more fully patients carry out the doctor’s recommendations, the better the results.
Schedule an Appointment
(231) 299-1015
Located at 194 Cleveland Street (US-31) – 0.25 miles north of Memorial Bridge.
Location & Contact Information
Contact Phone: (231) 299-1015
Fax Number: (231) 299-1019
Find Our Office:
We are located on U-31, on the west side of the road approximately .25 miles north of Memorial Bridge from Downtown Manistee.
194 Cleveland Street (Corner of US-13 and Jackson St.)
Manistee, MI 49660
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