During your first visit, I will first have a consultation with you to get the best possible impression of you and your current health, as well as any past complaints or injuries. Bringing x-rays, MRI scans, or other examinations is also appreciated. This helps me gain a better understanding of your complaint. After discussing your health history, I will continue with a thorough physical examination, consisting of neurological, orthopedic, and chiropractic tests.
After the examination, I will discuss the findings with you and develop a suitable and personalized treatment plan.
Diagnosis/cause of the complaint
Prognosis (expected future)
Explanation of the treatment plan: type and duration of treatment
Advice, examples: ergonomic advice, posture correction, prevention, easy exercise(s)
If I conclude that I can help you, I will begin treatment. The first treatment is often light and short, to see how you respond.
Treatment techniques
Some techniques sometimes involve a gentle push. Sometimes a slight “popping” sound may be heard. This sound is due to the rapid pressure change within the joint. This technique is also called the Diversified Technique and is the most widely used technique in chiropractic care worldwide.
There are also several other treatment methods:
A small clicking device – the so-called Activator – for a very gentle, targeted treatment;
A special treatment table with traction options (Cox Technique);
The Thompson Technique is often used for people with hip replacements, as the treatment does not involve rotation of the spine and therefore does not place any load on the new hips.
There are also muscle-specific methods (e.g., Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Post-Isometric Release techniques) to treat adhesions within and between muscles.
Personally, I use all of the above techniques based on my experience and your preference, with the effective treatment of the complaint as the starting point.