YOUR FIRST VISIT

At Hovey Chiropractic Clinic, our examination and adjusting procedures are geared toward detection and correction of the "Vertebral Subluxation" (click on this link to learn about subluxations). The procedures we use are specifically selected for your spine and the health of your nervous system.  Your first visit should take approximately 1 hour. When you arrive, you are asked to fill out some paperwork about your reason for seeking chiropractic care and past health history.

To save time, click on the new patient form icon at the bottom of this page to download our new patient form. Please fill this out completely and bring it with you on your first visit. You may instead complete all of your paperwork in our office if you prefer. If you are a new patient who is coming to our office as a result of an auto accident, or you are under age 12, please do not download the form as we will give you separate paperwork at the office to fill out.

You should expect the following during your first visit to our office:

1) Our examination consists of a thorough spinal and nervous system review which includes palpation of the spine. This means we check your spine with our hands, feeling for areas that may be involved with subluxations. Spinal position, curvatures and muscle tone are also examined as it relates to possible spinal subluxations. The muscles in these areas may feel tender or tight to you. We perform "range of motion" and some orthopedic and neurological tests when necessary.

2) Spinal X-rays may be taken depending on your age and situation. There are several reasons why we would not take x-rays on certain patients, including; pregnancy, most children, recent usable spinal x-rays and some other situations. Aside from these occasions, x-rays are a common part of the examination process when looking for vertebral subluxations. X-rays give us important information, including the specific position of the subluxated bone, the quality of the spine, and any possible contraindications to adjusting areas. The dosage level of the x-rays is lower than that used in a dental x-ray as well as daily sun exposure for one year.

3) With important information gathered during your examination, we can make a more accurate determination of the type of adjustments your spine needs as well as the initial frequency of your care. After looking at your x-rays and exam results, most patients receive an adjustment on the first visit. Your X-Ray and examination findings are explained to you during your second visit, the Report of Findings.

YOUR SECOND VISIT

Your second, most important visit to this office is your Report of Findings (ROF) and it takes approximately 45 minutes. During the ROF, your doctor explains your x-rays and exam findings, and gives you a care plan that specifically meets your spinal health problem. Your care plan is designed to give you the best and fastest results possible. We want your active involvement in developing a care plan for you; we make recommendations of things you can do yourself between visits to help you reach your goals more quickly. We reserve specific times during the day for these visits to provide you extra personalized attention from your doctor. It is important that you be on time for this visit. At Hovey Chiropractic Clinic, we consider vertebral subluxations to be a serious threat to your health and your family's health. We encourage you to bring your entire family to be checked for subluxations. We know you are worth it!