New Patients
On your first visit to our office, our receptionist will welcome you. She will have you
fill out some required paperwork, and collect your insurance information, if necessary.
Our required forms will help us gain some information about yourself and your condition.
Dr. Hutchens will then talk with you and ask you some specific questions regarding your condition to
determine if chiropractic care may be of benefit to you. If Dr. Hutchens can help you, she will let you
know. If she cannot help you, you will be referred to a doctor that will be able to help you the most.
Nothing will be done in our office without your consent.
She encourages that you come prepared to your first visit with any questions or concerns you may
have regarding your condition or chiropractic care. Expect your first visit with Dr. Hutchens to last
about an hour.
Physical Examination
After the consultation with Dr. Hutchens, you will have a chiropractic examination. This examination
includes range of motion, orthopedic and neurological tests, postural evaluation and any other physical
exams necessary to fully evaluate your condition.
This examination is necessary on the first visit for Dr. Hutchens to fully evaluate your pain and condition
so that appropriate treatment options are considered for you.
X-Ray
Depending on the outcome of the consultation and physical examination, x-rays may be recommended
by Dr. Hutchens to a gain a complete understanding of your condition. This will also dictate Dr. Hutchens'
treatment plan for you.
X-ray exams are considered on a case-by-case basis. We offer complete x-ray services at our facility through
a state-of-the-art X-ray machine that reduces the radiation exposure to the patient.
Report of Findings
Generally, your second visit will include a report of your findings with Dr. Hutchens. She will review any
x-rays that were taken on the first visit and discuss treatment options and the best course of action for you
to get you feeling better the quickest and with long lasting results.
It is important to remember that you are part of this evaluation process and that nothing will be done
without your consent. If your spouse or significant other has specific questions, this is a good visit for him
or her to attend.
Treatment
Most patients will always receive treatment on the first visit. That treatment may vary depending on the
pain level and the condition of the patient.
Most patients also experience some kind of relief after one or two visits. Again, it’s important to note
that everyone responds differently. Some patients respond quicker. Some respond slower. The faster
you come in after an injury, the faster the results will show.
Treatment with Dr. Hutchens can consist of many things:
- Chiropractic Spinal and Extremity adjusting through a variety of gentle and assertive techniques
- Cranial Adjusting which feels like a head massage
- Muscles Releases to the area of injury (helps the adjustment hold longer!)
- Therapies for increased circulation, decreased inflammation and pain
- Infra-red Light Laser Therapy
- Ultrasound
- Electrical stimulation
- Stretching the muscles (It's always nicer to have someone else stretch you!)
- Recommendation of core strengthening exercises (She's a Pilates Instructor.)
- Life style changes which could incorporate ergonomics at work or at home or in the car, nutrition and exercise.