Sunshine State Medical

The patients normally visit a chiropractic office for the time through a personal reference, referral of another health care specialist or referral of attorney. If you have never been to a chiropractic before, you may be wondering what a chiropractic examination entails.

Our typical first appointment includes the following:

Patient History

In preparation for your consultation with the chiropractic, you will be asked to fill out forms that provide background information about your symptoms and conditions. You will also be asked to provided us with information on family medical history, any prior injuries, persistent problems, any current maladies and previous and current health providers and treatments.

Physical Examination

Once the history has been completed, your physician will perform a thorough examination. In addition to common test such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and reflexes, the examination will also include specific Orthopedic and Neurological test, which assess:
* Range of motion of the affected regions
* Muscle tone and strength
* Integrity of affected joints
* Neurological integrity

Based on the above procedures findings, further evaluations may be necessary to provide a better assessment or to better diagnose the condition.

Diagnostic Studies

Diagnostic studies are useful in revealing pathologies and identifying structural abnormalities. They are helpful to accurately diagnose a condition. They may or may not be deemed necessary by the physician, unless the patient’s history and results obtained from physical examination advise the necessity of such studies. The most commonly diagnostic studies used are:
* X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan and/or Laboratory tests.

Diagnosis

The information gathered from the history, examination and diagnostic studies provide a clearer situation for physician to respond to the patient’s present condition.

Treatment Plan

Most treatments begin during the patient’s first visit, although some may wait until the next visit. The treatment recommendations may include:

Adjustments to affected joints, Modalities to improve soft tissue healing and pain control, Ultrasound, Electrical muscle stimulation, Interferential, Exercise to improve muscles balance, Strength and coordination, Patient education to improve posture and motor control. other treatments may be included, massage, heat/cold applications and nutrition education.

Finally establishing specific goals for the patient which includes:
* Short-term goals are to reduce pain and restore normal joint function nas muscle balance
* Long-term goals are to restore functional independence and tolerance to normal activities of daily living.
To reach these goals, the chiropractic will prescribe specific number of appointments. the visit may be 1 to 3 visits per weeks for 4 to 6 weeks followed by a reexamination. At the re-examination, the chiropractor will measure the response

to the treatments and determines whether to:
* Continue treatment if necessary.
* Release you from care if your goals have been met.
* Refer you to another specialist if you goals have not been fulfilled.