Visiting a chiropractor is similar in many ways to appointments with other kinds of healthcare providers. Thus, readers may find that the office setting and intake procedures feel reasonably familiar. There are still a few differences, though, so those who are heading to Chiropractors in Renton WA for the first time may want to read on to find out what to expect.
What to Expect at Intake
Initial consultations are similar to those performed at other medical offices. Patients should expect to complete questionnaires about their health and medical histories and should be able to indicate to their chiropractors where they are experiencing pain or discomfort.
What to Expect During the Exam
Much like general practitioners and other doctors, Chiropractors in Renton WA start by performing a routine physical exam. This general exam is followed up by a more specialized one that focuses specifically on the spine and the patient’s areas of pain and irritation. The patient should expect to undergo range of motion tests, reflex testing, muscle strength testing, and neurological tests depending on the nature of his or her complaint.
What to Expect From a Treatment Plan
After an initial exam has been performed, the chiropractor will begin coming up with a treatment plan. This plan will take into account factors such as the patient’s overall health, the condition of his or her spine, the extent of the injury or irritation, and the patient’s goals. Patients shouldn’t hesitate to discuss their physical limitations or their treatment goals with their chiropractors since this information is vital to helping them come up with an effective treatment plan.
What to Expect From Treatment
Chiropractors have a variety of procedures at their disposal but adjustments usually constitute the central part of any treatment plan. An adjustment is a therapeutic manipulation that chiropractors can use to restore structural alignment to the spine or another joint and to improve joint function. If this sounds frightening, readers should note that those who cannot tolerate manual adjustments have plenty of other non-forceful options.
Chiropractic adjustments are typically used in conjunction with non-manual therapies for maximum effect. These may include heat and ice therapies, electrical stimulation, prescribed exercises, diet counseling, or the prescription of orthotic supports. Ultimately, each reader’s chiropractic treatment will be different since it will be tailored to meeting his or her specific needs and goals.
