No matter what type of doctor you’re seeing, the first visit can be stressful. You will be in a new office, with different equipment than you are used to, speaking with someone you’ve never met before. Since chiropractors are so different from traditional doctors, it can be even more nerve-wracking to visit one. At Bond Thomas Chiropractic in St. Petersburg, we make it our goal to help patients feel as comfortable as possible when they visit us. This is why we have created a list of what to expect from your first visit.

The Equipment

The first thing you will probably notice in the exam room is the adjusting table. This works by having you lie face down on it, and it is specially designed to have a hole for your face, and cushions for comfort. The table’s length and height can be adjusted for maximum comfort. Since this treatment is so hands-on, your chiropractor will use their hands as their main tool. Additionally, they can use a hand-held device that looks like a small rubber mallet, which is used for low impact adjustment, and is common for elderly and very young patients. Depending on your treatment plan, they may also take advantage of massage tools and ultrasound equipment, but you will not typically see this on the initial visit.

The Exam

When you first visit our chiropractor, Dr. Thomas, in St. Petersburg, he will ask questions about why you are visiting us to get a better idea of how to proceed. Are you just in for a checkup, or have you been experiencing chronic discomfort? It is important to think about your pain before the appointment, so you can tell us details such as what makes it better or worse and if it may be related to an older injury.

Next, we will perform a thorough exam that includes testing your reflexes, blood pressure, pulse, range of motion on the affected area, and muscle strength. You may also be asked to perform certain movements such as sitting, standing up, or bending. Once we have collected all of the necessary information, your chiropractor will then create a personalized treatment plan for you. This will include what type of treatment is best for you, what is causing your discomfort, and the estimated amount of treatments you will need.

Bond Thomas Chiropractic

At Bond Thomas Chiropractic in St. Petersburg, we ask our patients to establish a personal goal for their treatment. Whether it is simply a day without discomfort, or more specific, such as sitting at your desk without a throbbing pain, we believe it is important for both the patient and chiropractor to have a specific goal in mind throughout the course of the treatment.

If you are tired of living with constant pain, call us today in St. Petersburg at 727-522-1900 to schedule an appointment.