What to Expect

Laying the foundation

Being healthy is like building a house – certain things have to happen in a particular order in order for everything to stand strong and work correctly. When building a house, if you tried to put up your walls before you had a solid foundation, your walls would be weak and eventually collapse. If you tried to put on your roof before the walls were ready, you would run into the same problem. The same is true for your body. Your body has to go through a particular plan of care in order to repair itself correctly and fully. There are three general phases of chiropractic care. . .

Phase 1: First Phase Of Care/Relief Care

If you are in pain when you come into our office, the first objective is to help you feel better. Depending on the severity of your problem and your goals, it is typical to need care 3 times per week for 4-12 weeks. Learn More

Phase 2: Second Phase Of Care

During the second phase of care, muscles and other tissues are allowed to heal more completely, thereby helping prevent injury. It is typical during this phase we get more aggressive with weights that are specifically placed on your body based on your postural presentation along with vibration therapy. Learn More

Phase 3: Third Phase

Once your body has fully healed, it is important to come in for periodic check ups to avoid problems in the future. Usually, this only requires a quick visit to the office 1 time per month, based on your lifestyle and goals. Learn More

Your First Visit

Patient Forms

Upon entering our office our receptionist will greet you and welcome you as a member of our family. We will request you fill our patient forms located in the New Patient Center. The paperwork provides us with general information about yourself and your condition.

Consultation

Next you will have a consultation with Dr. Robert G. Zuniga to discuss your health-related problems, concerns, as well as potential treatment options. Your first visit is designed for our team to learn more about you, your condition and your expectations to determine whether our care meet your goals.

Examination

After your consultation, Dr. Robert G. Zuniga will perform a complete examination testing your reflexes, your ability to turn and bend as well as other standard neurological, orthopedic, postural, and physical examinations. Nothing will be done in our office without your consent.

X-Ray Studies

Your specific condition may require us to take x-rays to get a full evaluation of a patient. X-rays help us rule out more serious conditions or assist us in developing the most effective treatment plan for you. Most people are amazed once they see their x-rays and can often immediately identify their misalignments and degeneration themselves.

Report of Findings

Once all the information and examinations have been performed, our team will discuss your case and will give you a report of findings to answer the three most popular questions:

  1. Can you help me?
  2. What do you recommend that I do to get better?
  3. How much is it going to cost?

After discussing with you your history and your goals, examining your spine and reviewing any x-rays or tests, we will discuss recommendations with you. If you have a condition that requires care with other providers, the doctor will tell you. If we believe we can help you, we will recommend treatment and a rehabilitation program.

Treatment

Patients will generally be provided with their first treatment at the conclusion of the appointment. This may include nutritional recommendations, rehabilitation procedures, spinal adjustments, physiotherapy, and/or soft tissue therapies. Treatment is interactive with you so you can express any concerns you have about the style of adjustment you will be most comfortable with.

Wellness Program

Prior to completing your spinal rehabiliation, patients will be recommended a wellness program in order to manage their condition. If you are in pain when you first come into our office this may include ice or heat application instructions, avoidance of certain activities or positions, as well as home exercises and/or stretches. If you desire an overall wellness lifestyle, our wellness team will work with you to create good habits and routines that support your success. Every body is unique and different and therefore everyone requires a unique and customized wellness plan. The foundation of our overall wellness lifestyle is maintaining healthy posture and good spinal alignment, eating a healthy diet, taking supplements, keeping your weight under control and stress relief.