What to Expect During Your First Visit
We Make People Feel Better
No matter what brings you to our office, we want you to be comfortable and informed at all times during your visits. Our friendly staff is here to help you truly enjoy your experience of getting better and working toward overall wellness. We understand that new treatment plans come with a lot of questions. With that in mind, we would like to provide some specific information about what to expect during your first treatment session. Select the service you are receiving below to display the information. And if you have any additional questions, please just ask—we would be happy to help!
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST CHIROPRACTIC APPOINTMENT
If you have any questions regarding your care at our office, please feel free to speak with any of our expert team members or one of our chiropractic physicians. We want you to feel comfortable and confident with your treatment here, along with knowing that your health care is our first priority.
CONSULTATION
You will be asked to fill out New Patient Forms which will receive in your email to help us gain some information about yourself and your condition. Please take your time to fill them out completely. The more information you are able to provide, the better we will be able to help you. For your convenience you may access the NEW PATIENT FORMS here if you haven’t already filled them out. All forms will remain strictly confidential (see our HIPPA privacy policy for more information).
The chiropractor will ask you questions to assess your condition and how it is affecting you, and then will proceed with an examination. Nothing will be done in our office without your consent.
EXAMINATION
You will receive a thorough physical exam which will include standard orthopedic, neurologic, postural, and other examinations as required. After the initial Examination, the chiropractic physician may order additional testing to be performed. The chiropractor will do this to determine the cause of your complaint. No additional testing will be performed in our office without a full explanation of the procedure, your options, and your consent.
Additional testing which may be ordered may include: X-ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound, EKG, Stress Test, or Laboratory Testing.
If you have recently had testing done: Please bring in copies of the films, reports, and laboratory results to your first appointment along with a list of your current medications (include herbal and over the counter).
REVIEW OF FINDINGS
After the doctor has gathered and analyzed your information, examination, imaging, and testing results, the doctor will review his findings with you and explain recommendations for treatment.
A spouse or family member is always welcome to attend.
What to Expect During Your First Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Visit
If you’re considering non-surgical spinal decompression therapy, understanding what to expect during your first visit can help alleviate any anxiety and ensure you get the most out of your appointment. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect at Ravenswood Chiropractic and Chicago Laser Pain Center and what you’ll need to prepare.
Upon Arrival to Ravenswood Chiropractic in Chicago
You will receive an intake form about your symptoms when you schedule your appointment.
If you haven’t submitted the paperwork already, you’ll usually be asked to do so when you arrive at our office.
Our intake includes personal information, medical history, and any relevant symptoms you might be experiencing. It’s important to be as thorough as possible to help us understand your situation.
Meeting Dr. Renn
Once your paperwork is completed, you’ll go to an examination room to meet with Dr. Renn. This is an integral part of the visit, as Dr. Renn will discuss your medical history in detail, ask about your symptoms, and discuss the impact of pain or discomfort on your daily life.
Examination
You play a crucial role in the examination process.
Dr. Renn will conduct a physical examination, which may involve assessing your posture, examining your spine, and testing your range of motion. Depending on your specific condition, Dr. Renn may also perform neurological tests to check the function of your nerves.
Active participation is key to understanding your condition and guiding your treatment plan.
Diagnosis
Dr. Renn will provide a diagnosis based on the information gathered from your medical history and the examination. This step is crucial as it guides the development of your personalized care plan. Understanding the underlying cause of your pain will help you know what to expect moving forward.
Care Plan
Once a diagnosis is made, Dr. Renn will present a comprehensive care plan tailored to your needs. This plan will outline the recommended course of non-surgical spinal decompression therapy and any additional treatments or supportive measures that may be beneficial.
Please Bring Any Recent Imaging
It’s beneficial for patients to bring any recent imaging, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, to the first appointment. These visuals or reports can help us better understand your condition and tailor your treatment plan accordingly. If you have imaging from another healthcare provider, please request and bring those documents.
If you need to have your medical records transferred from another provider, please fill out the necessary request form ahead of time to streamline the process. This preparation will help your session go smoothly and maximize the effectiveness of your treatment.
If you have questions about what records to bring or need assistance requesting records from other providers, please get in touch with our patient care director, Sara, who will help you coordinate. She can be reached at 773.878.7330
Questions and Next Steps
Don’t hesitate to ask questions during your visit. Dr. Renn is here to help, and understanding your treatment options is key to feeling comfortable with your care.
Discuss any concerns you may have and how the therapy works. After your visit, our patient care coordinator will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Your first non-surgical spinal decompression visit is a significant step in taking control of your spinal and disc health. By preparing and knowing what to expect, you are actively participating in your treatment journey. Remember, the goal is to create a personalized plan that addresses your needs, helping you find relief and improve your quality of life.
YOUR FIRST NON-SURGICAL SPINAL DECOMPRESSION TREATMENT
During your first visit, you may have the opportunity to receive non-surgical spinal decompression treatment, depending on your specific condition and the assessment by Dr. Renn.
Ensure you are comfortable during the treatment.
For your comfort, it’s best to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that allows easy movement. Our non-surgical spinal decompression table is designed to ensure you feel relaxed and secure during the treatment. This approach can maximize the benefits of your initial session and set the stage for effective relief from your symptoms.
ABOUT THE ROOM AND TABLE
A non-surgical spinal decompression table is a specialized equipment designed to help relieve pressure on the spinal discs and nerves. Our tables have the following features:
Adjustable Sections: The tables consist of two segments that can move apart. This allows for focused gentle spine stretching, which is crucial for decompression.
Safety Straps: Patients are secured with safety straps to ensure they don’t slip off during treatment.
Control Panel: There is a control panel where we adjust the settings, such as the angle of decompression, duration of treatment, and the amount of force applied.
Cushioned Surface: The table is covered with foam padding for your comfort during treatment.
Patient Positioning: Depending on the treatment protocol, patients typically lie down in a supine position (on their back) or sometimes in a prone position (on their stomach).
Motorized System: Our decompression tables are motorized, allowing for precise adjustments and controlled decompression over time.
Overall, the design of our non-surgical spinal decompression tables focuses on providing a safe and effective method for alleviating discomfort associated with spinal issues without surgical intervention. This emphasis on safety and effectiveness is intended to provide you, the patient, with a sense of security and confidence in the treatment process.
What Does Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Feel Like
Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is often described as a gentle and soothing experience. During the procedure, our patients lay comfortably on a specialized table that gently stretches a specific section of the spine, creating space between the vertebrae. This traction can relieve pain as pressure is alleviated from the spinal discs and nerves. Every experience is different, most of our patients feel relaxed and may notice a gradual decrease in their pain levels as the treatment progresses. The overall experience is designed to be comfortable.
Some might feel a slight pulling sensation in their back, but it’s generally well-tolerated and accompanied by a sense of overall comfort. After a session, individuals often leave with a feeling of lightness in their back and an enhanced range of motion.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST MASSAGE VISIT
DEVELOPING YOUR TREATMENT GOALS
If you are a new patient in our office, you will be asked questions about your health history and the doctor will perform a physical exam. During the exam the doctor will be assessing your problem areas and developing a treatment plan so that you will have the most beneficial massage possible. The doctor will also be checking for any conditions that may contraindicate massage therapy. The doctor will review his findings with you and the massage therapist.
MEETING YOUR MASSAGE THERAPIST
You will be introduced to the Massage Therapist who will briefly review your therapy goals with you and how your therapy session will proceed. Our therapists use an assortment of the highest quality non-staining, hypoallergenic oils and lotions. If you experience sensitivity to a lotion or oil, please let your therapist know. Your therapist will leave the room while you get ready.
PREPARING TO RELAX
It is generally preferable that the area being worked on is undressed however, you should dress to your level of comfort whether this be undressed, partially undressed or fully clothed. A sheet (and blanket if requested) will cover you at all times with only the area being worked on exposed. We have gowns available if you are coming from work (or somewhere else) and forgot comfy clothes. When you are through, lay down on the table as the therapist instructed and drape the sheet/blanket over you. The therapist will knock before re-entering. Our tables are available with a heated option that is adjusted to your comfort level. Be sure to let your therapist know if you want the heat turned down, turned up, or if you would like a blanket.
YOUR MASSAGE
It is important to breathe slowly and deeply during your massage to allow the most oxygen to get to your muscles allowing them to release tension more freely. Your therapist may ask you to breathe in different ways to assist with the techniques they are performing. You will also be asked for feedback on pressure and technique so that the therapist can perform the massage with the best possible benefit to you. Some people close their eyes and relax, some fall asleep, while others prefer to talk, what ever you prefer is up to you. After your massage session is completed, your therapist will leave the room while you dress. When you are through, your therapist will encourage you to drink plenty of water.
PROLONG THE EFFECTS OF YOUR MASSAGE
- Always drink plenty of water after your massage to encourage the removal of waste products that therapy has released.
- If there is a sore area where deep tissue work was performed, apply ice according to our instructions.
- Take a warm Epsom salt bath to help further relax your muscles.
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