How do chiropractors arrive at a treatment plan?

This is a very good question as it is very important to understand the process that chiropractors go through before a treatment plan can be implemented.

When you visit a chiropractor, the examination and assessment process is highly structured with the outcome being a clear diagnostic picture which will allow the chiropractor to treat the presenting complaint in a scientific and clinical manner.

When the patient first attends our chiropractic clinic, personal details such as name, address, phone numbers, email address etc…are recorded. 

Once this is completed, the new patient is assessed by the chiropractor in order to begin formulating a treatment plan.

The first part of the chiropractic assessment involves taking and recording the case history.  

The patient recalls the injury and the chiropractor will ask a specific group of questions to ascertain the cause and mode of injury. 

These questions are typically as follows:

• Where does it hurt?
• How long have you had the pain?
• How did it happen?
• Describe the type of pain you are experiencing?
• What makes the pain better?
• What makes the pain worse?
• Is there any radiating pain?
• Have you had any past treatment for the presenting condition?

The second, major part of the chiropractic assessment involves what is called the physical examination.

This typically includes:

• Testing the range of movement of the spinal and pelvic region to assess stability and flexibility in these areas
• A neurological assessment with the inclusion of reflexes and skin sensitivity
• Orthopaedic tests of the relevant areas being examined
• Palpation (touching) of the involved areas of pain or discomfort
• Muscle testing to determine areas of weakness

The chiropractor will then review all the collected information and a diagnosis is reached.

The patient is then invited back into the chiropractic clinic during which time the findings, diagnosis, and chiropractic treatment plan are discussed.

The risks associated with chiropractic treatment will also be explained to the patient.

The patient is always encouraged to ask questions.

A consent form is signed by the patient and then a structured chiropractic treatment plan will commence.

Regular patient reviews are also included during the treatment plan both to ascertain the degree of improvement and the effect of the administered chiropractic therapy.

At the Mount Street Chiropractic Clinic, we have over 35 years in dealing with both spinal, joint and muscular related conditions and their symptoms.

All chiropractic assessments and treatments are based on sound clinical practices and techniques and a positive client outcome is our main priority.