If you’re someone who’s been thinking of seeing a chiropractor to pursue better health, or maybe you’ve already visited a few chiropractors but are curious about trying one who uses a different system, this blog is for you.
Before I explain what your first appointment with a Gonstead chiropractor looks like, I need to clarify that we do not adjust on the first visit.
The reason is simple. Before we start working on you, we need to analyze the information we gather during the initial consultation and study your case thoroughly. This step is crucial. If we don’t understand what’s really going on with you, we might not help and could even cause harm. I’m sure no one wants that right?
Let’s dive into the Initial Consultation (a 1-hour process), which includes history taking, orthopedic and neurological examination, the Gonstead 5-steps approach, an Insight CLA Scan, and X-ray imaging.
History Taking
We’ll start by thoroughly reviewing the form you filled out at home before coming to the clinic. Then, we’ll talk with you about the issues that are bothering you most. We’ll also touch on other concerns you mentioned in the form, some you might not even realize that we can help with. This all helps us get a clearer picture of what’s going on with you.
Orthopaedic and Neurological Examination
We’ll carry out several orthopaedic and neurological tests to see how well your joints and nervous system are working. These tests also help us spot any red flag conditions (serious problems that need an immediate referral to a hospital). It’s our responsibility to provide the best care to our clients. It’s all about making sure we’ve got a solid understanding of what’s going on with you.
Gonstead 5-Steps Approach
This is what makes a Gonstead chiropractor different from others. As Gonstead chiropractors, we follow a five-step process to carefully assess the spine and pinpoint the exact location of spinal misalignment, also known as vertebral subluxation. This is key because vertebral subluxation can put pressure on nerves, disrupting your body’s movement, function, and ability to heal itself.
Here’s the five-step process:
Observation/Visualisation – We begin assessing you from the moment you come into the clinic, looking at your gait, posture, and balance. Any structural deformity, skin, or muscle changes such as swelling, redness, or edema will be observed during the examination.
Instrumentation – We use an instrument known as a Nervoscope to assess the spine. The Nervoscope is a specialized dual-probe tool that measures temperature differences along the spine, helping us pinpoint areas of inflammation and nerve pressure.
Static Palpation – We check your spine in a stationary position, identifying swelling, tenderness, or tightness in the muscles surrounding the spine through palpation.
Motion Palpation – We feel the movement of the segments of your spine by gently moving it through different positions to detect any restrictions or abnormalities.
X-ray Analysis – X-rays will be utilized and analysed. X-rays allow us to see the structure of your spine in detail, ruling out abnormalities and confirming the exact location of misalignments. As Dr. Clarence Gonstead said, “To see is to know; to not see is to guess.”
Insight CLA Scan
This is the latest technology which allow us to measure how well your nervous system is functioning at the moment. It includes three scans:
HRV (Heart Rate Variability) -Neurological scan which measure how well is your body can cope with the daily stress.
Spinal Thermography – Neurological scan which measure the temperature difference along your spine and also the nerve connection that control organs and glands.
Surface Electromyography (SMEG) – Neurological scan which measure the activities of the spinal muscles as they contract and support the spine against the gravity.
X-ray Imaging
We have on-site X-ray facilities, so if we need to take images after your full examination during the initial consultation, we can do it right away.
As I mentioned at the beginning, if you’re someone who’s been thinking of seeing a chiropractor to pursue better health, or maybe you’ve already visited a few chiropractors but are curious about trying one who uses a different system, I hope this blog gives you a clearer picture of how a Gonstead chiropractor works in the clinic.
After the Initial Consultation, we’ll meet again for a second appointment, known as the Report of Findings (ROF). During the ROF session, I’ll show you the report from the initial consultation, explain the root cause of your issue, and discuss how we can work together to correct it.
At Top Chiro Aylesbury, we’re committed to providing top-tier Gonstead Chiropractic care to help you achieve optimal health and well-being.
Book an appointment today and take the first step toward better health!