You can expect to spend approximately 45 min. to 1 hour with the doctor. Prior to your first visit, West Des Moines, IA chiropractors ask that you fill out our “initial visit forms” online and bring them to the office with details regarding your health history. This saves valuable time when you have these forms filled out in advance.
We will discuss all your health concerns with you to help determine the best course of care. Next, we will perform a skin temperature test using an instrument called a “Temp-o-scope/Nervo-scope”. This instrument records temperature readings on both sides of the spine. We're is looking for asymmetries that show up as specific patterns along the spine demonstrating nerve irritation. The scope pinpoints the particular area/areas that likely indicate where the nerve is being irritated. The instrument is non-invasive and glides gently down the length of your back like two fingers sliding down each side of your spine.
Next, your chiropractor will feel for the presence of swelling, tenderness, and any abnormal texture or tightness in the muscles and other tissues of your back (static palpation). They are also feeling for motion in the spine while moving and bending you (motion palpation) to determine how easily/difficult each segment in your spine is moving in different directions. They're also visually looking for subtle changes in your posture or gait that may indicate a problem as well.
We’ll take an x-ray (if appropriate). The X-rays help us complete a thorough analysis of your spine.
Aside from pathology, x-rays are used to determine the best way to adjust a segment SPECIFICALLY e.g., which side of the joint to contact and thrust on and which side to stabilize, the best line-of-drive and thrust mechanism to make a specific correction. The goal is to restore FUNCTION, not necessarily straighten misalignments that may be normal for that individual.
The Webster Technique is performed on pregnant patients. The Webster technique is a specific sacral adjustment to help facilitate the mother’s pelvic alignment and nerve system function. This in turn balances pelvic muscles and ligaments and reduces torsion to the uterus. This may offer a greater potential for optimal fetal positioning. Originally used for breech presentations and then posterior presentations, current research is revealing the benefits of receiving the Chiropractor Webster technique throughout pregnancy for the prevention of dystocia.
Our chiropractor, Dr. Brooke, is Certified by the Academy Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics. Chiropractic for children and infants encourages optimal development of the nervous system and the spine, which houses the nervous system. We see kids experience relief from a variety of conditions as their bodies begin to adapt, including:
First visits for children include a thorough history and examination, instrumentation, and spinal scans. Children over 5 years of age also often have X-rays taken.
Lastly, we will schedule your second visit to discuss our findings regarding your condition and determine a course of care.
