Your First Visit To The Chiropractor
Patient Forms
Upon entering our office, our receptionist will welcome you as a member of our family. We will request that you complete our patient forms located in the New Patient Center. This paperwork provides us with your health history and information on your condition.
Consultation
Next, you will have a consultation with Dr. Erik Van Slooten to discuss your health-related problems, concerns, and potential treatment options. This initial visit is designed for Dr. Erik Van Slooten to learn more about you, your condition, and expectations to determine how chiropractic care can meet your goals.
Examination
After your consultation, Dr. Erik Van Slooten will perform a complete chiropractic examination testing your reflexes and flexibility. Other standard neurological, orthopedic, postural, and physical tests will be performed as well. However, nothing will be done in our office without your consent.
X-Ray Studies
Depending on your specific condition, we may take X-rays. X-rays help us to develop the most effective treatment plan for you and alert us of any serious spinal conditions. Most people are amazed once they see their X-rays up close. In some cases, they can even identify their misalignments and degeneration themselves.
Report of Findings
Once the information is collected and examinations are performed, Dr. Erik Van Slooten will give you a detailed report of all findings and answer any questions, including but not limited to:
- How can you help me?
- How often do I need to come in?
- What will my treatment cost?
After reviewing your health history, goals, examining your spine and reviewing your X-rays, Dr. Erik Van Slooten will then discuss recommendations and notify you on if your condition requires care with other providers. If Dr. Erik Van Slooten believes that he can help you then he will provide the best treatment and wellness program to fit your needs.
Treatment
At the conclusion of this initial appointment, you can choose to experience your first treatment. This may include spinal adjustments, physical therapy, and/or soft tissue work or trigger-point therapy. Treatment is interactive, so you can express concerns about the different styles of treatment at anytime or schedule an appointment to review your overall care.
Wellness Program
Prior to leaving, the doctor will suggest a wellness program to incorporate outside of treatment. If you are in pain when you first come into our office this may include: instructions on ice or heat application, certain activities or positions to avoid, exercises and/or stretches which can be performed at home. If you desire, our wellness team will work with you to create healthy habits and routines for your lifestyle.
Every person is unique, therefore everyone requires a customized wellness plan. The purpose of our wellness program is for you to achieve good spinal alignment, have a healthy diet, exercise, and maintain a positive mental state.