What to Expect at Your First Visit

If you are visiting NoVA Gonstead Chiropractic for the first time, you may wonder what the examination and consultation process will be like. Our goal is to take the time to understand your concerns, perform a thorough examination, and determine whether Gonstead Chiropractic is appropriate for your individual condition.

1. Paperwork

Before your appointment, you will complete forms providing general information about your health history, current symptoms, and reason for seeking care. Our staff will be available to assist you if you have questions while completing the paperwork.

2. Consultation

Your first visit begins with a consultation with the doctor. You will have an opportunity to discuss your symptoms, health concerns, previous injuries, relevant medical history, and how your condition affects your daily activities.

The doctor will also explain the examination process and discuss what types of care may be appropriate based on your individual situation.

3. History and Examination

A detailed history and examination are important parts of the Gonstead approach.

The doctor will ask questions about your current condition, when your symptoms began, previous injuries or treatments, and factors that may affect your symptoms.

Depending on your condition, the examination may include:

• Postural and structural evaluation
• Static palpation
• Motion palpation
• Instrumentation
• Range-of-motion testing
• Orthopedic testing
• Neurological examination
• Evaluation of the spine, pelvis, and related areas
• Other clinically appropriate examinations

The purpose of these evaluations is to identify relevant musculoskeletal and neurological findings and determine which areas may require further evaluation.

4. X-Rays When Clinically Indicated

X-rays are not necessary for every patient. When clinically indicated, spinal X-rays may be recommended to provide additional information about spinal structure and alignment or to help identify findings that may affect the appropriateness of chiropractic care.

The decision to take X-rays is based on your history, symptoms, examination findings, and clinical considerations.

If additional medical evaluation or diagnostic testing is appropriate, we may recommend that you consult with another healthcare professional.

5. Report of Findings and Care Recommendations

After the examination and any necessary diagnostic evaluation have been completed, the doctor will review the findings with you.

During your Report of Findings, you will have an opportunity to understand:

• What was found during your examination
• How the findings may relate to your symptoms
• Whether chiropractic care appears appropriate
• What treatment options may be considered
• What you can reasonably expect from care

If an adjustment is appropriate, the doctor will explain the procedure and answer your questions before proceeding.

For many patients, the Report of Findings and first adjustment may take place during a subsequent visit after the examination has been reviewed. In certain situations, and when clinically appropriate, care may begin on the first visit.

6. Home Instructions

Depending on your condition, you may receive individualized recommendations to support your recovery between visits.

These recommendations may include:

• Activity modification
• Postural or ergonomic recommendations
• Specific home exercises
• Advice regarding positions or activities that may aggravate your symptoms
• Other appropriate self-care instructions

Home recommendations are individualized rather than being the same for every patient.

7. Scheduling Your Next Appointment

Your follow-up schedule will depend on your condition, examination findings, treatment goals, and response to care.

Some patients may be scheduled for a follow-up within a few days of the initial examination, while others may require a different schedule.

Our goal is to provide a plan that is appropriate for your individual needs rather than assuming that every patient requires the same number or frequency of visits.

A Thorough, Individualized Approach

At NoVA Gonstead Chiropractic in Fairfax, VA, we believe that a careful examination is an important part of understanding a patient's condition. Rather than simply focusing on the location of pain, we evaluate the relevant spinal and musculoskeletal findings and consider the patient's history, symptoms, examination results, and overall clinical situation.

If you are considering Gonstead Chiropractic for back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, disc problems, an auto injury, or another musculoskeletal concern, contact NoVA Gonstead Chiropractic to schedule an evaluation.