New Patients with Dr. Gregory Schierer

the cause of your problem, and develop a plan to restore your health that is personalized specifically for you, and enable you to maintain the results.  Each appointment with Dr. Schierer can last from 15 minutes to an hour dependent on the condition being treated, the phase of healing the patient is in, and the specific treatments being applied in the office.

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Your First Visit:

Patient History and Symptoms Before the Chiropractic Exam

In preparation for the chiropractic consultation, an individual will be asked to fill out forms, these forms will be sent to your email, or to your cell phone via text message.  They will ask you to provide background information about any symptoms and conditions you may be dealing with.

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Types of questions the doctor of chiropractic might ask include:

• When and how did the pain start?

• Where is it located?

• Is it a result of an injury?

• What activities/circumstances makes it better?

• What activities/circumstances makes it worse?

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Patients are also usually asked to provide information on family medical history, any pre-existing medical conditions or prior injuries, and previous and current health providers and treatments.

 

The Exam:

A thorough exam includes general tests such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and reflexes, as well as specific orthopedic and neurological tests to assess:

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• Range of motion of the affected part

• Muscle tone

• Muscle strength

• Neurological integrity

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Further chiropractic exam tests may be necessary to assess the affected area (such as having the individual move in a specific manner, posture analysis, or mobility testing of the affected body part).

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Diagnostic Studies to Supplement the Exam:

Based upon the results of the history and exam, diagnostic studies may be helpful in revealing pathologies and identifying structural abnormalities that can be used by the chiropractor to more accurately diagnose a condition. Diagnostic studies are not always necessary during the exam. 

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The most common diagnostic studies during chiropractic exams include:

• X-ray exam

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan

• Other laboratory tests

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Patient Diagnosis after the Chiropractic Exam:

History, physical examination and any diagnostic studies lead to a specific diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, the chiropractor will determine if the condition will respond to chiropractic care.

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The chiropractic doctor will explain a patient’s:

• Diagnosed condition

• Individualized chiropractic treatment plan (or other treatments)

• Anticipated length of chiropractic care

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Most chiropractors begin treatment during the patient’s first visit, although some may wait until the next appointment at the chiropractic clinic.

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Setting Your Appointment with Dr. Schierer:

Call today at 757.395.6900 today, or use our convenient form to arrange for an appointment. We look forward to serving you and helping you attain a better, healthier life.