What to Expect on your First Visit
What can I expect on my first Chiropractic visit?
Patients typically visit  Dr. Manning for the first time through a personal reference or a referral of another health care specialist. At the first visit, you can expect Dr. Manning to ask you a lot of questions; it’s not just being nosy, but the best way to learn about all of the factors that may have lead to your current condition. The entire visit takes between 45 minutes-1 hour and consists of:1. Patient History

2. Exam

3. X-ray if necessary (we provde x-ray in our office)

4. Diagnosis

5. Treatment plan

 

Patient History
In preparation for your consultation with the chiropractor, you will be asked to fill out forms (they are available on our website in the Patient Information area) that provide background information about your symptoms and condition.You will also usually 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.

Chiropractic Physical Examination
Once the history has been completed, Dr. Manning will perform a thorough chiropractic examination which will include specific orthopedic and neurological tests to assess:

  • Range of motion of the affected part
  • Muscle tone
  • Muscle strength
  • Neurological integrity

Based on the above chiropractic examination procedures, further chiropractic tests may be necessary to arrive at the assessment or diagnosis of the affected area.

Diagnostic Studies
Diagnostic studies are helpful for chiropractors in revealing pathologies and identifying structural abnormalities that more accurately diagnose a condition. They may or may not be deemed necessary by the chiropractor based upon the results of the history and chiropractic examination.

The most common diagnostic studies used by chiropractors include:

  • X-ray
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan
  • Laboratory tests

We offer x-rays in our office, but an MRI scan, lab tests and/or more extensive images may be referred to an outside center for which an appointment is needed.

Diagnosis
The culmination of the history, examination and diagnostic studies is a specific diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, Dr. Manning will determine if the condition will respond to chiropractic care…

…and will explain:

  • The diagnosed condition
  • The chiropractic treatment plan (or other treatments)
  • The anticipated length of chiropractic care

Chiropractic Treatment Plan
We typically begin treatment during the patient’s first chiropractic visit, although we occasionally wait until the next appointment.  Our treatment recommendations may include some or all of the following:

  • Adjustments to key joint dysfunctions
  • Modalities to improve soft tissue healing and pain control (ultrasound, electrical stimulation and traction)
  • Exercises to improve muscles balance, strength, and coordination
  • Patient education to improve posture and motor control

Other treatments may be included, such as massage, heat/cold application, and nutrition education. Importantly, at this point Dr. Manning will establish specific goals for your treatment plan.

  1. Short term goals for chiropractic treatment – to reduce pain and restore normal joint function and muscle balance
  2. Long term goals for chiropractic treatment – to restore functional independence and tolerance to normal activities of daily living

To reach these goals, Dr. Manning may prescribe a specific number of chiropractic visits. An example would be 1 to 3 chiropractic visits per week for 2 to 4 weeks followed by a re-examination by the chiropractor. Each treatment plan is specific to each patient and his/her needs.

During the course of your treatment, your treatment plan will be reevaluated based on your body’s response. We will then determine how to best proceed with your care.