Chiropractic Care – What To Expect
Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the nervous, skeletal and muscular systems of the body, and the effects that these disorders have on one’s general health. Whenever there is a system containing many movable parts, a complex balance is necessary between those parts. Chiropractic returns the body to balance through adjustments of the spine and joints, normalizing joint motion, reducing nerve irritation, relieving stress and restoring normal body function. Chiropractors influence the body’s nervous system and natural defense mechanisms in order to alleviate pain and improve general health.
Although Chiropractic is best known for relieving neck and back pain, it is also very effective for a variety of conditions, such as headaches, arm and leg pain, numbness and tingling in an extremities, sprains and strains, pregnancy and postpartum back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ dysfunction, high blood pressure and much more. Because of its effectiveness in treating back pain, headaches and other injuries and traumas, chiropractic has become one of the largest primary health care fields in the world.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST VISIT
Consultation – After completing some brief paper work, Dr. Sorensen, a Redmond Oregon Chiropractor, will take a detailed health history. This consultation provides Dr. Sorensen with the opportunity to gain information about your health-related problems, concerns, and potential treatment options. At this point, it is an excellent opportunity to ask any questions or state your expectations for your treatment. This initial visit is designed to allow Dr. Sorensen to learn more about you and to determine how chiropractic care can help you meet your goals.
Examination – Following the initial consultation, a comprehensive examination will be performed. First, Dr. Sorensen will observe your posture and how your body moves, which helps him determine if there is any loss of range of motion. Then, he will perform specific orthopedic, neurologic, and chiropractic tests to determine the precise location and extent of injury.
X-ray or other special tests – After the initial consultation and examination, Dr. Sorensen, a Redmond Oregon Chiropractor may recommend X-rays or other diagnostic tests to help him develop the most effective treatment plan for you or to alert him of any serious health conditions.
Report of Findings – Once all of the required information is collected, Dr. Sorensen will provide you with a detailed report of all findings and answer any questions you may have including:
1. What is wrong?
2. Can chiropractic help?
3. How long will it take?
Treatment – At the conclusion of your initial appointment, you will have the opportunity to receive your first treatment. This may include chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy techniques, heat/ice therapy, electrical stimulation, and inter-segmental traction. Treatment is interactive, so you can express concerns about the different styles of treatment at any time.
Self-care Program – Before leaving, Dr. Sorensen will recommend a program for you to incorporate between office visits, which may include applications of heat/ice, specific activities to avoid, exercises and stretches to perform, dietary and lifestyle modifications, and nutritional supplements. Each person is unique and requires a customized treatment plan to help them achieve their health goals.
