Summerville Chiropractor | Summerville chiropractic care | SC |

What Can I Expect During My First Visit to Optimal Health Chiropractic?

You can expect to complete a full medical history questionnaire and "new patient" paperwork. You will then consult with the doctor. This consultation is your opportunity to express your health concerns and expectations, and to ask any questions you may have pertaining to the matter. It is also for the Chiropractor to express his role in your health care and discuss your health prognosis. A physical exam will be performed which may include orthopedic testing, reflex assessments, muscle testing, and a specific Chiropractic evaluation. In some cases x-rays may be necessary to determine an exact diagnosis. X-rays will be done at the Dr. Staley's office. Dr. Staley will go over the results of the exam and x-rays with you. Then, depending on your situation, then Dr. Staley may give you an adjustment and/or begin physical therapy, if needed. Depending on your condition, your Chiropractor may schedule a series of visits for care. 

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.