You will then meet with Dr. Virusky, who will review your intake paperwork with you and discuss your area(s) of complaint and health history in more detail. After this discussion, an examination will be performed to ensure the problems you have fall within the range of conditions commonly treated with chiropractic care. Dr. Virusky will refer you for x-rays, MRI, or other tests if appropriate or direct you to another health care provider if necessary.

There are generally three possible outcomes that occur with treatment. The most common and expected outcome is for a person to feel some degree of immediate relief of their complaints. A smaller group of people will feel about the same at the time of treatment and will experience a wave of improvement minutes to hours later. Rarely, in a very small group of people, some might feel an increase in stiffness or soreness. In general, when performed properly, chiropractic treatments should not cause discomfort, but provide relief.

The benefits of treatment are cumulative and patients will generally feel better for longer with each visit until resolution of their problem occurs.

The adjustment, which is the word used to describe techniques to work on joint function, should feel good. In many cases as the joints move with the adjustment one can hear a click or popping noise. This sound is simply the result of a gas reaction that occurs when joints move through their full range of motion. In the event this sound bothers you, there are treatment techniques that can be used to avoid the creation of the clicking or popping noise.

Different tools such as ice, heat, deep tissue massage or electric muscle stimulation/IFC can be used in conjunction with the adjustment to help the healing process. Treatments generally take between 15 and 30 minutes.

Occurring in different phases, treatment in general can be thought of as having a building cumulative effect.

• In the initial active phase (trial period), this effect is best achieved by three treatments/adjustments per week in most cases.
• During the middle resolving period (the conclusion of active care), this building effect is best achieved by one to two treatments per week in most cases.
• Completion of initial two phases of care results in the end of active care and patient discharge.
   

After discharge, depending on the history of complaints, patients often choose one of two follow up options.

OPTION 1: MAINTENANCE/ SUPPORTIVE CARE

• Generally patient follows up for supportive treatment, typically 1 treatment every 6-4 (weeks) 
• Goals:
  •  Maintain improvements               
  •  Present relapse into active care
     

OPTION 2: AS-NEEDED CARE

• Patient obtains care on a self-directed, as-needed basis.
• Requires patient commitments to routine of stretching exercises and lifestyle changes 
• May result in return to active care