On your first visit, you will come in to the office and be greeted by the receptionist. The receptionist will take your information and give you some forms to fill out. If you would like, you can fill out these forms before you come in and bring them with you. Just click on the link at the left of this page and print the forms.
After all of the preliminary information has been gathered, Dr. Schrad will sit down with you to talk about your condition. He will take a thorough health history to better understand your concerns.
If we believe that your condition can be helped by chiropractic care, a complete physical examination will follow. We pride ourselves on the thoroughness of our physical exams. We focus on the entire body to better understand where you are on your road to health.
If your condition dictates, x-rays will then be taken of the areas indicated by your history and physical exam. These help us assemble the enitre picture of your health. We do not require x-rays for all patients, but depend on your health history and physcial examination findings to determine the need.
It is our policy to reserve discretion as to first treatment. Depending on the severity of your condition and the information uncovered through your history, examination and possibly x-rays, you may be released until the next day, or your first day treatment may consist of physiotherapy and/or chiropractic adjustment. This allows the doctor sufficient time to devise a personalized treatment plan, incorporating the latest research into the treatment plan that best suits your needs.
The night of your first visit, Dr. Schrad will analyze all of the information gathered from your history, physical examination, and x-rays to formulate a personalized treatment plan. We will also check with your insurance company to determine the extent of your benefits.
On your next visit, you will be presented with a report of findings, detailing what we have found, what kind of treatment will help, how long it will take, and how much it will cost. We will discuss other treatment options, what sort of results may be expected, and set common goals for recovery. We want you to make the most informed decision possible, and be totally comfortable with your treatment. Having doubts or questions can negatively effect the outcome and speed of your recovery. Any questions will be answered at this time. When we decided on a treatment plan and goals your care will begin (or continue if you received treatment on the first visit).
Some conditions will resolve quickly, but most take a period of time of anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months. Early in the treatment period you may need to come in to the office for treatment several times a week. As soon as you can tolerate active care, where you work on stretching and exercises on your own, we will shift focus to this phase. Visit frequency will decrease in this phase, provided you are complying with the doctor’s recommendations. Once you have reached stabilization and regained function, and release examination will be performed. At this time we re-test all of the positive findings of the original examination, and have you fill out outcome assessment forms. This will insure that you have achieved the goals you set at the onset of care. Once these goals are reached, you are released from care.
When you are released from care, the doctor will provide you with suggestions on how to keep yourself healthy. If you choose, we welcome you to come in once in a while for maintenance care. We only ask that you help us spread the word about chiropractic and our practice!
If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call today! We’re always happy to answer any questions and put you at ease when choosing the best option in health care.