What to expect at your first appointment.

What to expect at your first appointment.

Chiropractic care has been gaining popularity with the rise of back and neck pain. There is no surprise that there is a surge in pain sufferers seeking out chiropractic care with excellent patient satisfaction scores. Trying something new can often be anxiety-provoking, which is why we will explain the process of your first Chiropractic visit.

Who Should See a Chiropractor?

Chiropractic is a wonderful profession, involving a hands-on approach without the use of medication or surgery, which lends itself to the efficient and safe treatment of many musculoskeletal problems. Back pain, neck pain and headaches are at the forefront of reasons to seek treatment. Although treatment is not limited to the spine, your chiropractor can also aid in treating sports injuries, muscular pain and even pediatric colic.

Some form of painful condition is the reason why most people initially seek help. However, through the process, our patients learn and understand the importance of maintaining their body in good condition, and many patients enjoy adopting a lifestyle that involves regular treatment.

People from all walks and all ages can benefit from chiropractic. From colicky babies, posturally strained adolescents, average joes, social and competitive sportsmen, as well as our senior citizens.

Part 1 – The Health History

The health history is the first and arguably the most important part of the process. During this, your doctor will ask you specific questions about your problem. This time also allows the patient an opportunity to discuss anything on their mind or ask any questions. A thorough history allows the doctor to make a preliminary diagnosis and forms the basis for physical examination. The history-taking process also helps determine if you are going to be a good candidate for chiropractic care.

Part 2 – Physical Examination – If you not assessing, you are guessing

Armoured with pertinent information from the history, a physical assessment is then performed.  Certain special tests are performed on the problem area and evaluate the related joints and muscles within your body, and a diagnosis can now be made. In addition, by assessing the other regions relating to the problem area, a better understanding of the preceding events leading up to the point of injury is now possible.  In essence, the examination serves to diagnose the problem and get a holistic understanding of how the rest of your body is functioning.

Your chiropractor may refer you for x rays or other special investigations if it is determined to be necessary. These scans are not ordered routinely. 

Part 3 – Treatment

Treatment may start now that you have been assessed, determined to be a good candidate for therapy, and clarified the treatment objectives.

A holistic approach is adopted, which is geared to fixing the problem area and correcting other movement-related problems in your body, which may be negatively affecting you.

Treatment is aimed towards restoring the body’s function while simultaneously bringing about balance and harmony. It is not a one-size-fits-all model, and a broad range of treatment modalities cater to an appropriately-suited intervention to suit the specific patient’s needs.  Factors such as age, size, stature, preexisting medical conditions and psychological elements are considered when choosing modalities. 

Some common modalities include: Spinal manipulation, traction, dry needling, fascial release and taping. 

Part 4 – Rehabilitation

Dr Aaron will prescribe therapeutic exercises relevant to your condition to do at home. This allows you to participate in your recovery actively and learn skills to continue caring for your body in the years to come.

The Plan

As with achieving anything worthwhile, consistency Is key. Many patients begin to feel relief immediately. While this may be true, it is still important to stick to the plan.  Attending treatment is like peeling the layers of an onion; as the process unfolds, the different layers of tension begin to be restored.  Following up with treatment is necessary to ensure a good, sustainable result that will positively impact your health status.

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