What happens during my first visit?

• Arrive at your appointment having already completed your paperwork online prior (we send you a link once we put you on the schedule. Contact us if you do not receive the intake form link.)
• You will be seen for the initial consultation, evaluation, and treatment 
• The doctor will discuss the following:
  
  
  1. Your medical history.
  2. Your current problems/complaints.
  3. Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem.
  4. How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations.
  5. Your goals.
  6. Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health.

• The Doctor will then perform the objective evaluation which may include some of the following:
  
  
  1. Palpation - touching around the area of the pain/problem. This is done to check for the presence of tenderness, swelling, soft tissue integrity, tissue temperature, inflammation, etc.
  2. Range of Motion (ROM) - the therapist will move the joint(s) to check for the quality of movement and any restrictions.
  3. Muscle Testing - the therapist may check for strength and the quality of the muscle contraction. Pain and weakness may be noted. Often the muscle strength is graded. This is also part of a neurological screening.
  4. Neurological Screening - the therapist may check to see how the nerves are communicating with the muscles, sensing touch, pain, vibration, or temperature. Reflexes may be assessed as well.
  5. Special Tests - the therapist may perform special tests to confirm/rule out the presence of additional problems.
  6. Posture Assessment - the positions of joints relative to ideal and each other may be assessed.

The doctor will then formulate a list of problems you are having, and how to treat those problems. A plan is subsequently developed with the client's input. This includes how often you should see the therapist, how long you will need therapy, home programs, client education, short-term/long-term goals, and what is expected after discharge from therapy.