The First Visit
Patient Forms
Upon entering our office our receptionist will greet you and welcome you as a member of our family. We will request you completely fill out our new patient forms located in the New Patient Center. The paperwork provides us with general information about yourself and your condition.
Consultation
Next you will have a consultation with Dr. Jennifer Amundson to discuss your health-related problems, concerns, as well as potential treatment options. Your first visit is designed for Dr. Jennifer Amundson to learn more about you, your condition and your expectations to determine whether chiropractic care meet your goals.
Examination
After your consultation, Dr. Jennifer Amundson will perform a complete chiropractic examination testing your reflexes, your ability to turn and bend as well as other standard neurological, orthopedic, postural, and physical examinations. Nothing will be done in our office without your consent.
X-Ray Studies
Your specific condition may require us to take x-rays to get a full evaluation of a patient. X-rays help us rule out more serious conditions or assist us in developing the most effective treatment plan for you. Most people are amazed once they see their x-rays and can often immediately identify their misalignments and degeneration themselves.
Report of Findings
Once all the information and examinations have been performed, Dr. Jennifer Amundson will give you a report of findings to answer the three most popular questions:
- Can you help me?
- What do you recommend that I do to get better?
- How much is it going to cost?
After discussing with you your history and your goals, examining your spine and reviewing any x-rays or tests, Dr. Jennifer Amundson will discuss recommendations with you. If you have a condition that requires care with other providers, the doctor will tell you. If Dr. Jennifer Amundson believes we can help you, we will recommend treatment and a wellness program.
Treatment
Patients will generally be provided with their first treatment at the conclusion of the appointment. This may include spinal adjustments, physical therapies, and/or soft tissue therapies. Treatment is interactive with you so you can express any concerns you have about the style of adjustment you will be most comfortable with.
Wellness Program
Prior to leaving, patients will be instructed on a wellness program to be conducted at home. If you are in pain when you first come into our office this may include ice or heat application instructions, avoidance of certain activities or positions, as well as home exercises and/or stretches. If you desire an overall wellness lifestyle, our wellness team will work with you to create good habits and routines that support your success. Every body is unique and different and therefore everyone requires a unique and customized wellness plan. The foundation of our overall wellness lifestyle is maintaining healthy posture and good spinal alignment, eating a healthy diet, taking supplements, keeping your weight under control and stress relief.
Laying the foundation
Chiropractic care is like building a house – certain things have to happen in a particular order in order for everything to stand strong and work correctly. When building a house, if you tried to put up your walls before you had a solid foundation, your walls would be weak and eventually collapse. If you tried to put on your roof before the walls were ready, you would run into the same problem. The same is true for your body. Your body has to go through a particular plan of care in order to repair itself correctly and fully. There are three general phases of chiropractic care . . .
Phase 1: Relief Care
If you are in pain when you come into our office, the first objective is to help you feel better. Depending on the severity of your problem, it is typical to need care 2-3 times per week for 4-12 weeks.
Phase 2: Corrective/Restorative Care
During the corrective care phase, muscles and other tissues are allowed to heal more completely, thereby helping prevent injury. It is typical to need care 4-8 times per month for 6-24 months, depending on your overall health and the severity of your problem.
Phase 3: Wellness Care
Once your body has fully healed, it is important to come in for periodic adjustments to avoid problems in the future. Usually, this only requires a quick visit to the chiropractor 1-4 times per month, based on your lifestyle and goals.
