Going to the Chiropractor is a new experience for many of us. Maybe we've heard through a friend or have done some research online. It's possible that you are just fed up with living in pain and it's time to do something about it. In either case, your first visit to the chiropractor will really be about getting to know the chiropractor and discussing your history, current condition and goals.
As with any doctor's visit, you'll start by finishing some new patient paperwork. Upon meeting with the doctor, you'll discuss your concerns and expectations as well as have the chance to ask any questions you may have. We will perform a physical examination and most likely take a few x-rays to see what your current state is. Once this is complete, we'll take a look at the overall results of our conversation and the exams. Together, we'll come up with a plan of action which will begin when you are completely satisfied and ready to move forward.
Chiropractic care is unique in its assessment and application. The job of the chiropractor is to identify the cause of your musculoskeletal condition and formulate a care plan so that you can recover as quickly as possible. Treatments include any and all of the following: chiropractic manipulation, soft tissue treatment, and rehabilitative/stabilization exercises.
The chiropractic manipulation is the foundation of chiropractic care. Manipulations are applied to joint complexes that have been identified as being 'fixated' or not moving properly. Allowing joints to remain in a 'fixated' state will ultimately likely lead to degenerative changes, soft tissue imbalances, dysfunction, and pain. Chiropractic manipulation involves applying a specific force to a joint complex (or complexes) to allow for better movement. This allows for more function and less pain. Manipulations can be applied through many different means. The type(s) of manipulations that are administered depends on individual patient needs.
Soft tissue treatment involves forms of manual therapy and modalities that are aimed at helping the muscles and ligaments work better so that they can best adapt to properly functioning joints as a result of manipulation. Some forms of soft tissue treatments include ultrasound, electrical stimulation, traction and trigger point therapy. Combined with chiropractic manipulation, soft tissue treatment helps ensure a fast recovery.
Rehabilitative/Stabilization exercises are many times necessary to help the patient 'hold' the effects of chiropractic manipulation and soft tissue treatment. Whereas chiropractic manipulation in conjunction with soft tissue treatment will help to eliminate pain and restore proper function, rehabilitative/stabilization exercises will allow the patient to hold the corrections. Involving the patient in the care plan is important as chiropractic care should not be administered indefinitely. The patient should ultimately be reliant upon him/herself to maintain their progress. Such exercises allow the patient to do so. Dr. Staley has high level training in this area of study and he continually learns so as to provide the best quality rehabilitation/stabilization protocols in the Summerville, mt. Pleasant and Charleston area.
