NEW PATIENTS
WHAT TO EXPECT
Initial Assessment Visit:
Your first visit with your chiropractor will involve an assessment of your health history and physical condition. This visit tends to be a bit longer than a typical visit and you should expect to be in the office for 45-60 mins.
Thorough History:
Our doctors want to hear from you! Many problems can be diagnosed from a thorough history taking and as the patient tells his or her story. Make sure to tell your chiropractor about your previous medical conditions and current symptoms so they can best identify the root cause of your symptoms.
Comprehensive Exam:
In addition to understanding your health history, it is important to evaluate your body’s current physical state through a comprehensive and focused physical exam that will help best diagnose the root cause of your problem. This exam may involve range of motion tests, postural assessments, gait assessments, neurological exams and orthopedic tests, and more.
Report of Findings:
Following your thorough exam, your Chiropractor will review your results and explain what they have determined to be the root cause of your symptoms. This is also a time to ask questions and voice any of your concerns to your chiropractor. Our chiropractors will give you a recommendation for a tailored treatment plan to best reach your health and wellness goals. At Unity Spine and Health, we believe that we are your partners in your care and as such we will always ask for your consent before we treat you.
Treatment (if applicable):
You can expect a treatment if deemed appropriate and safe in your individual case. Treatments may involve manual therapy or home exercises and advice, based on your custom-tailored treatment plan.
Follow Up Visits:
Follow up visits are typically 30 mins in duration. In that time your chiropractor will perform various treatments based on your initial assessment. These treatments can involve manual muscle release therapy, chiropractic adjustment,
stretching and exercise prescription. To learn more, visit our service page. Your chiropractor will also help educate and give you advice on your condition to provide the most optimal condition for your recovery. Be involved in your care and give your chiropractor feedback about your health and treatment progress!
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What is chiropractic?Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders and conditions related to the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Chiropractors are regulated health care professionals who are extensively trained in manual therapy for the treatment of the spine, joints, muscles and nerves of the body. The word “chiropractic” comes from ancient Greek meaning “done by hand”. Manual therapy has been used for many centuries in healthcare and is one of the main foundations of chiropractic medicine along with therapeutic exercises, pain management and patient education.
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What is an adjustment?An adjustment involves a highly skilled and precise movement by the Chiropractor’s hand to a specific joint of the body. The main goal of an adjustment is to increase range of motion, restore proper joint function and provide pain-relief. Chiropractic adjustments have been researched extensively. Most patients experience immediate relief following an adjustment; however, some may experience temporary pain or stiffness. Complications are rare and side-effects are usually minor. The chiropractor will determine if your problem will respond to chiropractic care or if you require referral to another healthcare provider.
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Is Chiropractic Care Safe?Yes! Chiropractic care is one of the largest holistic and natural therapies in the world. Chiropractors look to correct body and joint dysfunction through a natural, hands-on, evidence-based approach. Unlike drugs and surgery which look to mask the symptoms or alter the body, chiropractic care looks to bring the body into balance through correction of the root cause of the symptoms. It’s best to talk to your chiropractor about your medical history to make sure if chiropractic care is right for you.
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When should I see a chiropractor?There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care, but many people seek chiropractic care for pain relief following an injury resulting from: work, motor vehicle collision, sports, and even everyday activities such as gardening. Others use chiropractic care to overcome the daily stresses of life which can cause painful joint, spinal problems or headaches. Even if you do not have painful symptoms, chiropractic care can help you maintain a healthy spine and joint function and to prevent future episodes of back and joint pain before they arise.
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Does chiropractic care require a referral from a medical doctor?No. Chiropractors are regulated primary care professionals in every province in Canada. This means that patients can consult them directly. However, chiropractors often work closely with medical doctors, physiotherapists, massage therapists and Naturopaths many of whom refer to chiropractors when they believe chiropractic treatment will help alleviate a patient’s condition. Similarly, chiropractors frequently refer out to other providers when necessary. With your permission, we typically involve your physician in your care and keep them informed with frequent progress updates on your chiropractic treatment and your overall progress.