First Visit

Your first visit is designed to learn everything about your current health status. Not only are we interested in your present health problems, we are also concerned about your past health history and how it may be complicating your ability to be healthy. Your type of work, weight, prior symptoms that are similar, age, recreational activities, exercise habits, the health of your parents, even your mental attitude are some of the things which effect your ability to be well.

After discussing your current symptoms and medical history, the doctor will share with you his thoughts on your condition and its’ potential causes. Because our practice is built on helping make your life better, we will share observations on what is causing your problem and the different ways we can relieve or correct it. He will look for nerves under stress, for muscle weakness, for limited range of motion, on top of looking for painful areas.  X-rays are not routinely ordered unless they are clinically indicated by something in your specific case history.  We are fond of the saying “there’s no need to radiate the patient if they don’t need to be.”

In most cases an adjustment is performed following the diagnostic portion of the initial visit.  Dr. Brandt will customize a manual adjustment, which begins the process of improving the overall functioning of your body.  He will take time to explain his adjusting procedure, which involves working with the body’s connective tissues as well as the skeletal system.  He can use a combination of several adjusting techniques based on the Palmer Method.  The process involves stretching of musculature and trigger point pressure and does not require painful thrusting or snapping unless it is necessary.  You will have the opportunity to explain any prior experiences you may have had with chiropractic and special attention will be given toward your likes and dislikes.  We want to be certain you are treated right and we are not satisfied unless you are satisfied.

Depending on the nature of your condition and your intensity of pain, physiotherapies may also be utilized to help you heal more quickly. These are especially helpful for cases involving vehicle and work related injuries, as well as, chronic conditions. Dr. Brandt may include such therapies such as ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, hot or cold packs, intersegmental traction, and/or rehabilitative exercise with your spinal adjustment.

Our goal is to restore your overall function in as few well planned visits as possible and then maintain it through periodic visits. We want you to continue doing all the things you love to do. A few patients may feel muscle stiffness after their initial visits. This normal reaction is from balancing the musculature and correcting the vertebral and/or extremity alignment. Allow up to 45 minutes for your first visit as there is a lot to accomplish. Since we are in most insurance networks and take Medicare assignment, most of your insurance and payment questions will be easily answered as well.