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What to expect on your first visit
Upon entering our office you will receive a warm welcome from our staff. Our office is professional, yet we try to maintain a relaxed atmosphere.
New patient paperwork
It's very important that the doctor find out as much information about your current and previous health conditions so that he can make an accurate diagnosis. There will be a three page intake form that you can download at home and fill out or you can complete it in the office when you come.
Private consultation with the doctor
During the consultation the doctor will take a complete and thorough health history to learn more about the cause of your condition. He will also review your past health history as well as your family health history. During your consultation we encourage you to ask questions about your current condition, about chiropractic, or about any health care condition your may have.
Spinal analysis
We dedicate a portion of your examination to see how healthy your spine is. During your spinal analysis we'll see if one shoulder is higher than the other, if one hip is rotated forward or back, and so on. We'll also measure your range of motion in your neck, mid back, low back, and hips along with any other body part or joint structure that you may have a question or concern about.
Physical examination
To get a baseline as to where your health is, we perform a thorough physical examination consisting of basic vital signs, orthopedic tests, and specific tests for your condition. We will also be gathering information to see if you have any subluxations. This crucial step will allow us to know if the condition you have is something that chiropractic can treat.
"On occasion someone may ask me if they can get a 'quickie' adjustment with little or no examination. In other words, usually right there on the spot regardless of the location or circumstances. I'm not on for negligence when it comes to patient care. I do a thorough history and physical examination workup on all of my patients to get a better understanding of what's causing a condition and what the best means of accomplishing a successful treatment entail. And just because I spend a little more time with each patient doesn't mean that I charge more.
I don't want my mechanic to replace a tie-rod not knowing what the true cause of my front end alignment problem is. I want to know where the true cause is coming from so it's fixed right the first time. Is it coming from the tires, suspension, chassis, etc. Remember, don't be short-changed in anything you do in life. Expect the best, and you'll get the best. Our lives are too short to be wasted on guesses."
- Dr. Joe Nalbone
X-ray studies
The purpose of taking x-rays is to help us determine the cause of your condition. Just as a dentist wants to see what's going on with your teeth, the same holds true for your spine. If x-rays are recommended then at the end of your first visit you will be referred to an x-ray facility that we work with.
Home care
Prior to leaving the office you may be given instructions on certain activities or procedures to be conducted at home. This home care may include ice or heat application instructions, avoidance of certain activities or positions, and/or home exercises/stretches.
Schedule your next appointment
After your first visit we will schedule you for your next appointment. This visit will include any follow-up medical orthopeadic and neurological examinations necessary for the type of care that you may require. Following all examinations, a test adjustment will be performed to see if you are a good candidate for chiropractic care.
Report of findings
Once all necessary tests and ancillary studies are performed, we will sit down with you to let you know what the cause of your problem is, what can be done to fix the problem, and what steps we take in our office to fix your problem. Treatment options for your condition will be discussed during this time along with a personalized health care plan designed for your condition. We will also go over all of the costs for care and your payment options.
If Dr. Joe and you decide that chiropractic care is the best way to treat your condition then you will receive your chiropractic care will begin on this visit. Congratulations, like countless others, you're now one step closer to better health.
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