Feeling anxious about your first visit to the chiropractor? We understand how that can happen, especially if you're not sure what to expect. Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the spine, nervous system, and musculoskeletal health. At Dr. Gena Chiropractic, your favorite family chiropractors serving Plantation and the greater Fort Lauderdale community, we understand that there is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to your health, so we customize care to best suit each individual patient’s needs and goals. 

The subjective details — what brings you in and what you are feeling and experiencing — plays a big role in your care. When you combine the subjective with objective findings — measurable tests and exams that help us score/rate your progress, issues and concerns — we can better create your individualized care plan in our office.

The first step in your chiropractic journey is the collection of your health history. During this in-depth consultation, be prepared to answer questions about your current health concerns, past injuries, medical conditions, and lifestyle. We will use this information to understand your unique health situation and tailor our approach to your specific needs. The first visit typically also includes a physical examination, along with posture assessments, range of motion testing, neurological and orthopedic assessments, and assessing for areas of tension, inflammation or misalignment in the spine and other joints. After a thorough evaluation, we will discuss and establish your personal measurable health goals. 

In some cases, we may need to take x-rays too. We use a state-of-the-art digital x-ray unit in our office, so there is minimal radiation exposure. Something that is different about our office compared to most other chiropractic centers, is that we use a four-view motion study x-ray series. This allows us to better see and understand what’s moving and not moving, and where your problem(s) may be stemming from.

One scenario where we would not perform x-rays is with new patients who are pregnant. Instead, we use CLA scanners that allow us to measure how well your nervous system is functioning. This shows us how well your body responds and adapts to stress. 

The testing combines sEMG (surface electromyography), which measures muscle tension/differences along the spine; thermography, a comparative temperature reading up the right and left sides of the spine; and HRV (heart rate variability), which is a 3-5 minute test where you relax. These three combined tests help us establish an overall CORE score. Depending on your score, case history, physical presentation and exam findings, we can then best create your care/treatment plan. 

When it comes to our pregnant patients, our goal is to support you in a way that helps you achieve the best outcome for your desired birth plan. The right chiropractic care plan has the ability to help you have an easier pregnancy, labor, delivery and recovery, regardless of whether you are planning a home birth, an all-natural unmedicated birth, planning to use pitocin or be induced, have a scheduled C-section, are going for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) or end up needing emergency intervention. We are here for you, mama!

For our pediatric patients, we will go through a detailed case history that also includes questions about the pregnancy, birth and postpartum/postnatal periods of time. The scans and testing used depend on the age of the child. We perform thermal scans and CLA testing (as listed above in the pregnancy section) on babies starting from birth/newborns to about age 5. We may also incorporate posture assessments, x-rays and other testing based upon the child’s age and abilities. 

Pediatrics is a big part of our practice, and we see babies starting as early as birth. In fact, all of Dr. Gena’s children were adjusted within one hour of being born. Our doctors have extra training in and a passion for both pediatrics and pregnancy care. 

When a new patient comes to see us after experiencing an injury from a car accident or fall, or perhaps has a more complicated case, more detailed testing may be required. All of this is determined as our doctors learn more about your individual needs, based on what comes up in your case history and the physical examination. 

Chiropractic adjustments are the cornerstone of chiropractic care. During your first visit, your chiropractor may perform adjustments to correct misalignments in your spine and other joints — but this might not always happen. We decide on a case-by-case basis whether an adjustment is necessary on your first visit. We will let you know upon performing your examination whether you will be adjusted or not.

Chiropractors are not just interested in treating your immediate symptoms; we also aim to educate our patients about the importance of maintaining good spinal health. In addition to your consultation, our team can also provide tips for posture, ergonomics, and suggested exercises to help you manage and prevent future issues.

It’s also important to understand that chiropractic care is often not a one-time fix, but usually requires a series of visits to achieve and maintain optimal health. The recommended frequency of treatments is all part of the individualized plan we determine for you based on your initial consultation and examination. Your visits may become less frequent as your condition improves.

Effective communication is vital. Be open about your progress, any concerns, or changes in your condition. We will make adjustments to your care/treatment plan as needed to ensure you receive the best care possible. All of our patients have periodic re-examinations to best assess needs for continued care. 

Your first chiropractic care visit should be a positive and informative experience. By understanding what to expect and actively participating in your care, we will work together to address your concerns and help you achieve your health goals and improve your overall quality of life. Take the first step towards a healthier, more comfortable life and schedule your first chiropractic appointment today. Remember, your health is in your hands; our hands are here to help. To schedule a consultation with the team at Dr. Gena Chiropractic, call our office at 954-417-5815.