First Visit

The following summaries will give you a brief description of what to expect during your first visit to Suncoast Healthcare Professionals.

Brief Paperwork

After entering the office, we have brief paperwork for you to fill out. The paperwork provides with general information about yourself and your condition. This paperwork also serves to protect you and your health information. As an alternative, visit our New Patient Forms page, print the forms and complete before your first visit. Please wait to sign the forms in our office, as a witness is required.

Initial Consultation

Once the paperwork has been completed, you will have a consultation with our management team to make sure that you understand our office policies, HIPPA information policies, and to answer any remaining questions you may have before seeing your doctor.

History and Examination

For determination of your actual diagnosis, the doctor will ask you various questions related to your condition. Clinical examination includes: thorough history and review of previous exams and films, a complete functional and dynamic examination including: Vital signs, range of motion, cranial nerve tests, manual muscle testing, postural and gait analysis, palpation of joints and soft tissue, and functional orthopedic tests will be performed. Your doctor obtains vital information from the history and examination; therefore it must be taken seriously.

Radiographic Diagnostics

Your History and Examination may require us to take x-rays to further evaluate your condition, aid in our decision that you are a candidate for chiropractic care, and assist us in developing the most effective treatment plan for you. If anything is found on the films to contraindicate chiropractic care, you will be referred to the appropriate medical professional.

Home Instructions

Prior to leaving, patients will be given instructions by their doctor on certain procedures to be conducted at home. This may include instructions for ice or heat application, home exercises and/or stretches, as well as activities that may need to be modified or restricted.

Schedule Next Appointment

Patient's will be given a convenient appointment time for your follow-up visit. Generally speaking, patients are seen within 1 -2 days and are provided with a complete report of findings including x-ray analysis. Treatment options for your condition will also be discussed during this time as well as any co-treatment options.

Treatment

After the examination and report of findings, the primary pain generators and key dysfunctional links will be addressed and a treatment plan will be formed with a combination of the following treatment options:

• Soft tissue techniques for trigger point referral pain.
• Myofascial and active release for shortened/tightened over-active muscles.
• Spinal and extremity adjustments for joint driven pain and neurological reorganization.
• Stabilization and movement therapy for disc and/or instability driven pain.
• Nutritional consultation and direction.
• Functional re-activation and/or performance enhancement.
• Structural rehabilitation to correct distorted spinal alignment.
• At home and work activities to alleviate problems, stabilize tissue, and prevent re-injury.

All patients are different and so are their treatment plans. Depending on the acute or chronic nature of the problem an initial program will be developed for that person. Constant audits of improvement will be made and documented, (usually at 12 visit intervals). Dispelling fear-avoidance beliefs and reassurance will be addressed immediately and throughout the treatment plan.

If you have any questions or would like to arrange a meeting or presentation please feel free to contact us. We hope this helps you in making your referral choice with Suncoast Healthcare Professionals.

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