What To Expect at the First Visit

At the first visit, you will be greeted by our smiling and caring front office staff.

For dental and skincare first visits, rest assured that you will be properly informed of all procedures as a detailed exam is performed prior to any treatment provided. We use the same diagnostic protocol at Westcoast International Dental and SIAN skincare clinic.  We focus our time for your understanding of underlying dental and skincare problems prior to initializing any treatment.

Never been to a Chiropractor? What to Expect?

Many people have never been to see a chiropractor. Let alone in Vietnam, the discipline and therapies are new.  You will be asked to fill out forms that provide background information about your symptoms and condition. Types of questions include:

• When and how did the pain start?
• Where is it located?
• Is it a result of an injury?
• What makes it better?
• What makes it worse?

Chiropractic Physical Examination

Once the history has been completed, Dr D’Alfonso will perform a thorough chiropractic examination. In addition to general tests such as blood pressure, pulse, and reflexes, the chiropractic examination will include specific orthopedic and neurological tests to assess:

• Range of motion of the affected part
• Muscle tone
• Muscle strength
• Neurological integrity

Based on the above chiropractic examination procedures, further chiropractic tests may be necessary to arrive at the assessment or diagnosis of the affected area of the spine or joints.

Diagnostic Studies

Diagnostic studies are helpful for chiropractors in revealing ailments and identifying your body’s alignment to accurately diagnose a condition.

The most common diagnostic studies used by chiropractors include:

• X-ray.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan.

Diagnosis

The culmination of the history, examination and diagnostic studies is a specific diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, Dr D’Alfonso will determine if the condition will respond to chiropractic care.

The chiropractor will explain:

• The diagnosed condition.
• The chiropractic treatment plan (or other treatments).
• The anticipated length of chiropractic care.

Chiropractic Treatment Plan

After discussing the cause of your problem, we will most likely begin treatment during your first chiropractic visit, although some may wait until the next appointment. Chiropractic treatment recommendations may include some or all of the following:

• Adjustments to specific joints.
• Physiotherapy to improve soft tissue healing and pain control (ultrasound, electrical stimulation and spinal decompression therapy).
• Exercises to improve muscle balance and coordination.
• Patient education to improve posture and motor control.

Other treatments may include muscle release techniques, heat/cold application, and nutrition education. Importantly, at this point the chiropractor will establish specific goals for your chiropractic treatment plan.

1. Short term goals for chiropractic care – to reduce pain and restore normal joint function and muscle balance.
2. Long term goals for chiropractic care – to restore normal activity and energy to your daily life.

Does Chiropractic Care Hurt?

Many people first going to a chiropractor want to know if they will feel discomfort.  Chiropractic manipulation is a controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. Techniques emphasize minimal force and gentle pressure. Many patients report a popping sound during their adjustment. The popping noises are your joints releasing tiny pockets of gas. This is completely normal and will actually feel very good.  This will immediately give you a feeling of relief from your pain.

How Will I Feel After My Session?

After your first session, if you are like most people, you will feel more relaxed and symptoms. Many people find they breathe more fully. Some patients continue to move and stretch in various ways to release any tension they may be holding. A feeling of "relief of pressure" will occur, allowing you to unwind chronic tension patterns. Over several sessions you will feel a significant reduction in pain.

District 2 Clinic: No. 19 Dang Huu Pho, Thao Dien Ward, District 2. Phone: 0938 646 112

District 3 Clinic: 107B Truong Dinh, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3. Phone: 0932 055 088

District 7 Clinic: 2-4 Hung Gia 1 Inner Area, Tan Phong Ward, District 7. Phone: 0705 100 100

Related articles:

• Why Choose Us
• Our Facility and High Tech Approach
• What To Expect at the First Visit
• What Is Chiropractic Medicine?