Your First

You are thinking about making an appointment at our office, but you’re not quite sure what to expect on your first visit. The following page will help you feel at ease about your first visit to Wehrspan Chiropractic Spine Hand & Foot.

During the first visit, Dr. Wehrspan will complete a thorough examination that typically includes:

Patient history

Physical examination

Diagnostic studies (when indicated)

Diagnosis

Chiropractic treatment plan

Patient History

Prior to your initial consultation, you will be asked to fill out forms that provide background information about your symptoms and condition. Questions may include:

When did your pain/condition start?

Where is the pain located?

Did pain/condition immediately follow an injury or accident?

Is anything improves or worsens the pain?

What treatments have you already tried, and how successful were they?

You may also be asked to provide a family medical history, any pre-existing medical conditions or prior injuries, and previous and current health providers and treatments. To properly diagnose your problem and design a treatment program, Dr. Wehrspan needs to know about any of the following:

Bone disorders such as osteoporosis

Implants like pacemakers, artificial joints, cosmetic implants, etc.

Circulatory problems

Dizziness or blurred vision

Heart conditions such as hypertension

Nausea

Injuries, such as bone fractures, muscle sprains/strains, or disc injuries

Joint disorders such as arthritis

Any current health condition for which you are receiving care from another health care practitioner

When applicable, bring with you any copies of previous tests (for example, MRI or X-ray reports), lab results, and a list of any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications.

Physical Examination

The next step is an examination Dr. Wehrspan will perform to evaluate your condition and develop a working diagnosis. The examination will include specific orthopedic and neurological tests to assess:

Range of motion of the affected area that is observed while you walk, turn, bend, or lift

Muscle tone

Muscle strength

Neurological integrity

Posture Evaluation

X-rays are not required but if Dr. Wehrspan considers them medically necessary you may be sent to an offsite medical imaging center such as Iowa Radiology or Iowa Clinic Medical Imaging.

Diagnosis

The combination of the history and examination will allow Dr. Wehrspan to reach a specific diagnosis, which will help him determine whether your condition or pain may respond to chiropractic care. Dr. Wehrspan will explain:

The diagnosed condition

The chiropractic treatment plan (or other recommended treatments)

The anticipated length of care

If Dr. Wehrspan determines that your condition would be more appropriately treated by another health care professional, he will make the proper referral. Your treatment plan may also involve collaborative care with other health care providers, such as your primary care physician, a physical therapist, or a neurologist. In many cases chiropractic care may be the primary and only treatment method. When other medical conditions exist, chiropractic care may complement or support medical treatment by relieving the musculoskeletal problems associated with the condition.

Treatment

If you and Dr. Wehrspan agree that chiropractic will help, you will receive your first chiropractic adjustment. Patients are typically asked to lie on a specially designed table, and Dr. Wehrspan will use his hands or a hand held low force adjusting instrument to manipulate the joints of the spine and/or the extremities to reduce pain and restore or enhance joint function.

Dr. Wehrspan will adapt your treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Other treatments, including therapeutic ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, ice and heat, traction, soft-tissue massage, and rehabilitative exercises, may also be used. The extent and duration of your problems coupled with the hands-on nature of the chiropractic treatment may require additional visits over a short term timeframe. Dr. Wehrspan will tell you how long you can expect the treatment to last. You may also receive instructions on certain activities or procedures to conduct at home. This may include ice or heat application, avoidance of certain activities or positions, as well as home exercises and/or stretches.