If you’ve never visited a chiropractor before, you might be curious about what to expect during your initial consultation. Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on improving spinal health and overall well-being. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through what typically happens on your first visit to A Chiropractic Wellness Place in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and how Dr. Mark Chiungos personalizes treatment plans for individual patients.
The Initial Consultation
Your first visit to a chiropractor is an essential step in assessing your health and determining the best course of action. Here’s what you can expect during the initial consultation:
1. Health History Assessment
During your initial appointment, you’ll be asked to provide a comprehensive health history. This includes information about your current health concerns, past injuries or illnesses, and any medications you are currently taking. Be sure to mention any specific symptoms or pain you are experiencing.
2. Physical Examination
After reviewing your health history, the chiropractor will conduct a thorough physical examination. This examination may involve checking your posture and feet, evaluating your range of motion, neurologic function of related spinal nerves and assessing the condition of your spine. The chiropractor will also look for areas of tenderness or tension.
3. Diagnostic Tests
In some cases, diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may be ordered to get a closer look at your spine’s condition. These tests can help identify any underlying issues that may not be visible during the physical examination.
The Chiropractic Adjustment
One of the core components of chiropractic care is the chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation. This hands-on technique involves the application of controlled force to specific areas of the spine to correct misalignments (subluxations). Here’s what you can expect during a chiropractic adjustment:
1. Patient Positioning
Each session starts with a postural assessment standing and functional tests and maneuvers that indicate areas of concern. You will be asked to lie down on a padded chiropractic table. The chiropractor will instruct you on how to position yourself to ensure the most effective adjustment (movement of the spine to make a positive effect on the local spinal function which balances muscular tone, blood and nervous system flow locally and globally)
2. Hands-On Adjustment
The chiropractor will use their hands or a specialized instrument to perform the adjustment. The adjustment may involve quick, controlled thrusts or gentle, sustained pressure, depending on your specific needs and comfort level.
3. Communication
Communication between you and the chiropractor is crucial during the adjustment. It’s essential to provide feedback about any discomfort or pain you may experience. Your chiropractor will adjust their techniques accordingly to ensure your comfort and safety.
4. Post-Adjustment Care
After the adjustment, you may be given instructions on post-adjustment care, such as specific exercises, stretches, or lifestyle modifications to support the healing process and maintain spinal health.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Dr. Mark Chiungos understands that every patient is unique, and their healthcare needs vary. Chiropractic care is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it is highly personalized to address your specific concerns and goals. Here’s how Dr. Chiungos tailors treatment plans for individual patients:
1. Assessment Results
Based on the results of your health history, physical examination, and any diagnostic tests, Dr. Chiungos will have a clear understanding of your condition and its underlying causes.
2. Treatment Goals
Together with Dr. Chiungos, you will discuss your treatment goals. Whether you seek pain relief, improved mobility, enhanced well-being, or a combination of these, your goals will guide the development of your treatment plan.
3. Personalized Care
Dr. Chiungos will create a personalized treatment plan that may include a series of chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, exercise recommendations, and lifestyle advice. Your treatment plan will be tailored to address your specific needs and align with your goals.
What to Expect After Your First Visit
After your initial consultation and first chiropractic adjustment, it’s essential to follow the recommendations provided by Dr. Chiungos. This may include attending a series of scheduled appointments to address your condition progressively. Here’s what you can expect as you continue with chiropractic care:
1. Improved Well-Being
Many patients experience a sense of relief and improved well-being following their initial adjustment. It’s not uncommon to feel more relaxed, experience reduced pain, or notice enhanced mobility.
2. Progress Monitoring
Dr. Chiungos will monitor your progress throughout your treatment plan. Regular check-ins and assessments will help determine the effectiveness of the care you receive.
3. Lifestyle Guidance
As part of your chiropractic care, you may receive guidance on lifestyle modifications that can support your overall health and maintain the benefits of chiropractic adjustments.
Conclusion: Your Journey to Improved Health
Your first visit to A Chiropractic Wellness Place in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, marks the beginning of your journey to improved health and well-being. Dr. Mark Chiungos and his team are dedicated to providing personalized chiropractic care that addresses your unique needs and helps you achieve your health goals.
Ready to experience the benefits of chiropractic care? Contact A Chiropractic Wellness Place in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, today to schedule your consultation. Take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free life with our experienced team by your side.
FAQ
Chiropractic
Most insurance policies offer some chiropractic coverage. Dr. Chiungos works with Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, Tufts Health Plan, Unicare/GIC, and Medicare. See the No Surprises Act for more information.
Absolutely. Chiropractic as a profession is more than 100 years old. We follow industry guidelines during our new patient induction process to minimize risk and maximize benefit. Chiropractic malpractice insurance is considered by many to be the least costly professional insurance in the healthcare industry because chiropractic is generally considered a safe, manual therapy.
It depends on your mechanism of injury and your current state of health. You might start feeling better as soon as your adjustment is finished. You might need to go home and ice (Dr. Chiungos will advise you). If your injury is serious, it may take several visits. But your healing has begun from the first adjustment. Your personal care plan is designed to take you from where you are today to your best possible outcome. Dr. Chiungos will keep you updated on your progress at each visit.
SpineMED®
Decompression treatment is not currently covered by health insurance. If Dr. Chiungos believes this is an integral part of your treatment plan, he will discuss all costs and potential discounts before the start of care. You will receive informed consent.
Spinal Disc Decompression with the SpineMED® Table has shown to be safe and generally without major side effects or complications once abnormal conditions have been ruled out. The process is so safe and comfortable, it’s not uncommon for patients to fall asleep!
Specific situations that are not suited for decompression therapy include:
- Patients under 12 years old
- If you had spinal surgery that involved clips, mesh or fusion
- If you have fractures, tumors or infections
- If you have osteoporosis or spondylolisthesis where there’s been a fracture or non-union defect in the spine, where that segment that we want to traction is unstable
Damaged intervertebral discs seldom heal as the discs are constantly under pressure from muscular spasm—during normal activities, and even while sleeping! SpineMED is designed to reduce the pressure in the discs, promoting the influx of vital fluids, nutrients and oxygen back into the discs to assist the body’s natural rebuilding process. This process may speed up the natural repair and could eventually heal damaged spinal discs.
Sessions are typically 30 minutes long. It could take 15 to 25 sessions or more to see some relief from your discomfort. That’s variable based on your status and the condition we’re treating. Ideally, the sessions are performed daily with rest on the weekend.
Aspen Laser
Laser treatment, as used in chiropractic offices, is not currently covered by health insurance. If Dr. Chiungos believes this is an integral part of your treatment plan, he will discuss all costs and potential discounts before the start of care.
Laser therapy has been in use for over thirty years with almost no side effects reported. Aspen Laser is FDA-registered and passes all safety compliance requirements. The treatments are not painful; in fact, laser is warm and comfortable to your skin. Dr. Chiungos will check in with you regularly to make sure the temperature feels right, and you can always speak up if it starts to feel too warm. The main safety concern is for the eyes, which is why Dr. Chiungos will provide protective glasses for both patient and doctor at each session.
Laser is effective on most parts of the body; however, there are times when laser is not appropriate:
- during pregnancy
- within twelve months of cancer treatments
- during the use of photo-sensitizing medications
- over recent steroid injections (seven days)
- over growth plates or reproductive glands
- over tattoos or skin infections
Laser therapy promotes energy production supporting cellular repair, increased blood flow, increased red blood cell oxygen-carrying capacity, and decrease of inflammation. When used in conjunction with traditional chiropractic, laser can reduce pain and healing time, and promote a deeper, more complete healing to the area of concern.
Sessions typically last 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. They generally start longer and reduce in length as you heal. Most acute conditions require only 10 – 12 treatment sessions. If you have a chronic condition, you may need 12 – 20 treatments and one or two follow-up sessions every month. The amount and frequency of treatments are determined through assessment of your condition combined with Dr. Chiungos’s experience treating patients with laser. You will likely start to feel better after your first 5 sessions.
