FAQ
What does the initial consult involve?
What does the second visit involve?
Do you adjust on the first visit?
Do you take X rays?
Do you do one off visits?
What is the “Base Program”?
Will it hurt?
What will it cost?
Do you work outside Spinewave hours?
What does the initial consult involve?
The initial consult involves a thorough discussion of your health goals, needs and wants, as well as an assessment of the person as a whole including different life stressors. This would be our first point of difference as we often see people coming from many different practitioners: In this 40 minute assessment, one of the aims is to gain an understanding of the various issues, how your history links to them and how we can structure a logical way forward by connecting all the dots instead of jumping up and down on the “sore bits” only.
The exam portion involves a full neurological and spinal evaluation, directed largely by the aforementioned discussion. So this will include, where appropriate, assessment of vital statistics (e.g. blood pressure); cranial nerve function (e.g. head/ears/eyes); sensory and motor function (e.g. numbness, tingling and loss of strength); cerebellar and vestibular screening (i.e. balance and co-ordination); upper and lower limb assessment; upper cervical (or upper neck) pattern analysis; and thermographic and heart rate variability recordings.
Based on all the information gathered, time is then spent preparing the case and reviewing any relevant medications, which is presented at the second visit.
What does the second visit involve?
The second visit involves the presentation of the information gathered from the initial consult in an easy-to-understand format for the client, tying all the issues together into a relatively coherent theory with a plan going forward: How long that plan will take and what it will cost. Each plan is tailor-made for the individual based on their various challenges, needs and wants. Another scan/pattern recording might be done and then the first set of corrections given.
Do you adjust on the first visit?
It depends. Safety is paramount at Spinewave and the client needs to be thoroughly evaluated first and relevant imaging taken before adjustments are given. Exceptions to not adjusting on the first visit may include: Excruciating pain, transfer from another chiropractor, or time constraints with a pending trip overseas.
In certain cases X rays or other imaging like ultrasound or MRI are recommended – but not as a routine procedure. X rays can be taken for safety reasons if there is suspicion of underlying disease, fracture, or gross abnormality, but for the most part X ray gives a visual representation of structure. While this is valuable, usually people’s problems begin functionally. See more in Technology.
It depends. Generally, no. Due to the nature of how problems are realistically resolved sustainably, and how our care programs are structured, we do not usually do one off quick-fix visits.
It is the product of all the information gathered during the initial consult, presented on the second visit. The Base Program is designed around research evidencing how long it takes to restore appropriate brain and nerve function so you may progress to the level of functional “fitness” you desire under chiropractic care. Largely its goal is to get you stable, happy and comfortable depending the nature of the problem. Mental, systemic, organic or immune type challenges are presented slightly differently to musculoskeletal problems. The Base Program is a finite period of 2 to 6 months where we believe, based on past experience and anecdotal evidence, what it will take to achieve the goals set out on day one. At the end of this program the client can choose whether he or she would like to continue with care based on the benefits and outcomes, or not.
No. Specific upper cervical adjusting is not painful at all and does not involve manipulation. At Spinewave we utilise a number of different techniques to best serve the client, ranging from the classic dynamic thrust to very light forces or contacts, which can include instrument assisted delivery. Modern chiropractors utilise safe and effective procedures suitable to the client’s age, condition and comfort levels. Most times a spinal adjustment itself will not hurt at all. In fact, a great sense of relief will be experienced. On some occasions it may feel like someone is momentarily pressing on a bruise. Over time, as your nervous system integrates the effects of the adjustments, most people feel a continuing sense of ease. This is one reason many people make chiropractic the cornerstone of their wellness lifestyle.
Care plans are individually tailored for each person based on his or her needs. The family plan includes half price for children if one parent is actively under care. Discounts are available for students and beneficiaries. For further enquiries, please call Pip or Neil on 09 522 0025.
Do you work outside Spinewave hours?
Can do. There are always exceptions to the rule, if someone has a problem. Occasionally even do the odd house call!
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