Your First Visit

Patient Forms

Upon entering our office, our receptionist will welcome you to our practice. We will request that you complete our patient forms beforehand. These are located in the New Patient Center, Online Forms Page. This paperwork provides us with your health history and insight into your health condition(s).

Consultation

Early in your first visit, you will have a consultation with Dr. Matt Houchin or Dr. Tyler Kemp to discuss your chief complaints while relating any other health history and other problems or concerns. This initial visit is designed for Dr. Matt Houchin and Dr. Tyler Kemp to learn more about you, your condition, and your expectations to determine how chiropractic care can meet your functional goals.

Examination

After your consultation, Dr. Matt Houchin or Dr. Tyler Kemp will perform a thorough chiropractic examination with consideration for your spinal health and overall flexibility, as well as provide a postural analysis. Medical testing, to include standard neurological, orthopedic, postural, and physical tests may be performed as well. We may also ask you to complete functional outcome assessment questionnaires. When compared, these allow us to better measure your progress while providing a score card as you become better.

Always keep in mind that no procedure will be done in our office without your consent. The acute patient may receive some emergency treatment on the same day, as well as home instruction to implement until the next visit. 

X-Ray Studies

X-rays are not necessary in every case. Depending on your specific condition, we may take x-rays to determine underlying causes of your condition, including degenerative arthritis, changes in normal structural curves, abnormal curvatures, and other bone disease. X-rays also help us determine the structural misalignments (fixations/subluxations) present that may be responsible for your problem. The use of x-rays can be helpful to better determine expectations as we design the most effective treatment plan for you.

If x-ray studies exist from another doctor's office or hospital, these may be viewed in lieu of taking new studies, as many time this avoids unnecessary duplication and exposure. Our office only takes x-rays if absolutely necessary.

Report of Findings

The report of findings will be completed at the second visit. We will review the findings of our initial evaluation, x-rays or other testing with you. 

With the report of findings Dr. Matt Houchin or Dr. Tyler Kemp will give you a detailed report of all findings and answer any questions including:

Can I be helped?

Can we help you?

How long will it take?

How much will my treatment cost and will my insurance help? 

After reviewing your health history, exam and testing findings, and goals Dr. Matt Houchin or Dr. Tyler Kemp will discuss treatment recommendations and options.

Certainly, if the doctors feel outside clinical testing (MRI, CT scan, EMG, bone scans, etc.) is necessary, we will see that those are completed. If second opinion or co-treatment options are necessary, the appropriate referral will be made to the correct specialist. We have great relationships with many medical providers, including orthopedists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, general surgeons, and other specialists. We often will work with physical therapists to coordinate your care and rehabilitation. 

Dr. Matt Houchin and Dr. Tyler Kemp will provide the best treatment and wellness program for your needs.

Treatment

At Chiropractic Associates we feel that it is important for you to be comfortable at your first treatment. The doctors and staff will explain the treatment prior to its delivery. The treatment may include spinal adjustments/manipulation, passive therapy (ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat/ice applications, decompression traction, and/or soft tissue trigger point therapy).

Treatment is interactive, in that we appreciate your feedback as you are treated. You can express concerns about the different styles of treatment anytime, and if there is a treatment that seems uncomfortable the doctors can substitute a more comfortable form. We offer non-force gentle options for those that do not find that the traditional chiropractic manipulation is for them. Our doctors may also initiate taping or bracing, as well as limit certain work or home activities to hasten your improvement. Appropriate sleeping pillows and/or postural cushions may be discussed if needed.

Chiropractic techniques employed may include those taught at Palmer College of Chiropractic, including Palmer techniques, Diversified, Gonstead, Activator, Thompson drop and extremity techniques.

We also have a massage therapist working closely with the doctors in both offices to provide an enhancement to your chiropractic care.

Your clinical progress is important to our doctors. Your results will be measured by reassessment of your initial physical performance. Once you have reached maximal improvement you will be dismissed or allowed to be part of our wellness program. 

Wellness Program

Although usually noted as a preventative type of routine, the doctor may suggest a wellness program to incorporate other factors other than in-office structural treatment. If you are in pain when you first come into our office, this may initially include: ice or heat application instructions, certain activities or positions to avoid, and at home exercises and/or stretches. If you desire, our wellness team will also work with you to create healthy habits and routines for your lifestyle.

Every person is unique; therefore, everyone requires a customized wellness plan. The purpose of our wellness program is for you to achieve not only good spinal alignment, but also to have a healthy diet, maintain regular conditioning and flexibility exercise, and maintain a positive mental state. Nutritional supplementation and diet may be suggested.