On your first visit to our office
You can expect to spend approximately 45 min. to 1 hour during your first visit. Prior to your visit, Ames, IA chiropractors ask that you fill out our “initial visit forms” online with details regarding your health history. This saves valuable time when you have these forms filled out in advance.
We will discuss all your health concerns with you to help determine the best course of care. Next, our Gonstead Chiropractor will perform a skin temperature test using an instrument called a “Temp-o-scope/Nervo-scope”. This instrument records temperature readings on both sides of the spine. They're also looking for asymmetries that show up as specific patterns along the spine demonstrating nerve irritation. The scope pinpoints the particular area/areas that likely indicate where the nerve is being irritated. The instrument is non-invasive and glides gently down the length of your back like two fingers sliding down each side of your spine.
Next, your chiropractor will feel for the presence of swelling, tenderness, and any abnormal texture or tightness in the muscles and other tissues of your back (static palpation). They're also feeling for motion in the spine while moving and bending you (motion palpation) to determine how easily/difficult each segment in your spine is moving in different directions. Your doctor is also visually looking for subtle changes in your posture or gait that may indicate a problem as well.
We’ll take an x-ray (if appropriate). The X-rays help Gonstead Chiropractors complete a thorough analysis of your spine.
Aside from pathology, x-rays are used to determine the best way to adjust a segment SPECIFICALLY e.g., which side of the joint to contact and thrust on and which side to stabilize, the best line-of-drive and thrust mechanism to make a specific correction. The goal is to restore FUNCTION, not necessarily straighten misalignments that may be normal for that individual.
After taking the necessary time to analyze your X-rays, Our team is ready to deliver your first specific spinal adjustment. The Gonstead system was designed to be as specific and precise as possible! Great care is taken to adjust only that which is needed with the most accuracy and finesse possible.
Lastly, we will schedule your second visit to discuss our findings regarding your condition and determine a course of care.