What To Expect

Upon arrival at our office, please check in at the front window. You’ll be asked for your driver’s license and insurance card. If you’ve completed the new patient intake forms online, you’ll only need to sign a few privacy policy documents. If not, we’ll have a tablet ready for you to complete your intake forms.

Once your paperwork is complete, a chiropractic assistant (CA) will escort you to an exam room to take your vitals and initial history. You may be asked to wear a gown or shorts so the doctor can properly assess the area of concern. The doctor will then review your history, perform a physical examination, and only recommend x-rays or MRIs if necessary to confirm a diagnosis or inform treatment decisions.

We typically begin treatment on the same day as your first visit, as we believe in providing immediate care whenever possible. However, in some cases, treatment may be delayed, and we will communicate this along with a care plan.

Please allow 45-90 minutes for your initial visit. The length of your appointment may vary based on factors such as:

• Severity of your condition
• Additional therapies or tests needed
• Insurance details and timely arrival

Completing your online intake forms in advance can help expedite the process.

After completing your exam, the doctor will provide a preliminary diagnosis and explain the likely cause of your pain. They will also outline the therapies recommended to address your condition. The doctors prioritize your comfort, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions about the proposed treatment plan.

Following your treatment, you may experience one of three possible responses: you may feel better, feel the same, or feel worse. All of these responses are completely normal and part of the healing process. It’s important to understand that everyone’s body reacts differently to chiropractic care, and improvement may take some time.

While the ideal response is for you to feel better immediately after treatment, that is not always the case. Some conditions, especially those that have been present for a long time or are more severe, may require multiple treatments before noticeable relief occurs. Additionally, factors such as your age, the severity of the injury, whether you exercise regularly, or if you smoke, can influence how quickly you respond to treatment.

It’s also not uncommon for symptoms to temporarily return after the first treatment. This is a natural part of the healing process, and you should not become discouraged. Think of it like spraining your ankle: you wouldn’t expect the swelling to go down with just one ice treatment. The same principle applies to chiropractic care. Your body needs time to adjust and respond to the changes being made.

The primary goal of chiropractic care is to restore proper joint movement, which can help reduce inflammation in both the joint and the surrounding tissues. However, restoring joint motion alone may not be enough to fully address the issue. Soft tissue therapies, such as massage or muscle work, are often used to break up adhesions and tension in the muscles. Additionally, we may recommend rehabilitation exercises to build strength and improve endurance in the affected muscles.

Over time, these combined treatments should help you not only feel better but also stay better. We’re committed to helping you achieve long-term improvement, and we will be with you every step of the way as your body heals and recovers.

Recent studies have shown that heat therapy may be more effective than ice for many pain management scenarios, especially for chronic conditions. Heat helps to relax muscles, increase blood flow, and improve flexibility, making it a beneficial treatment for tight, stiff muscles or long-standing injuries. It can help reduce muscle spasms and improve overall mobility, providing relief for conditions like arthritis, back pain, and muscle stiffness. When using heat at home, you can apply a heating pad, warm compress, or take a warm bath for 15-20 minutes at a time, repeating several times throughout the day.

• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) Units: These devices use low-voltage electrical currents to help block pain signals and promote endorphin release, which can be helpful for both acute and chronic pain management.
• Massage Therapy: Self-massage tools, such as foam rollers or massage balls, can help alleviate muscle tension and improve blood flow, especially when used in conjunction with heat.
• Compression Therapy: Devices that use compression can help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and alleviate pain, especially for conditions like arthritis or swelling after exercise.

For acute injuries (like sprains or strains), ice is still effective in reducing initial swelling and inflammation. The new recommendation is to apply ice for 20-30 minutes per hour for the first 6-8 hours post injury. However, for longer-term pain management, a combination of heat therapy, TENS units, home stretching and compression can be highly effective in promoting healing and managing pain at home. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure you’re using the right treatments for your specific condition.

TENS units, home stretching and compression can be highly effective in promoting healing and managing pain at home. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure you’re using the right treatments for your specific condition.