New Patient Info
Stine Chiropractic Clinic is proud to serve Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania areas. New patients are welcome with some same-day appointments available. With extended hours, getting the pain relief you need is easier and more convenient. As board-certified orthopedic chiropractors, we accept any orthopedic condition and manage it conservatively. New patient information.
Your First Visit
Give yourself enough time for the entire new patient intake process that on average takes up to about 90 minutes.
If you would like to further expedite the process please print off and fill out our new patient health history intake form.
After we have received all of the necessary info, we will take you to a room where vitals will be recorded. Then the doctor will see you. He will take a focused history of present illness, family history, and a review of systems to make sure all areas are considered. Next, there will be an examination where our doctors will utilize a mixture of orthopedic, neurological, and physical examination techniques to formulate your diagnosis.
Once examination is completed the doctor will explain your diagnosis to you and how to manage this in the short term as well as prevent it in the future. X-ray or further laboratory testing will then be completed if your doctor decides your condition warrants it. Physical therapy modality treatment will begin for your condition and may include electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound (continuous or pulsed based on indications), moist heat, and rehabilitative exercises.
After the time spent on therapy, the doctor will return to go over any findings on the imaging results and treat your condition with spinal manipulation, flexion distraction, trigger point therapy, and manual segmental traction. Once you’ve been treated your doctor will then make a decision on whether any orthopedic braces may be beneficial in your recovery and explain the treatment plan with you.
What to expect from a Fredericksburg Chiropractor
History
This is a technique used by every health care professional to assist in proper diagnosis. This will consist of tailored questions to what you are experiencing now, and maybe some things that you were experiencing, but have resolved. The majority of diagnoses are made in this portion of the visit, and are further confirmed through the examination. This makes this portion one of the most important part to proper diagnosis. The History also includes questions about your family’s medical history, a list of medications, allergies, hospitalizations/surgeries. Then we usually wrap it up with what’s called a review of systems. This is where we ask if there are any changes in all of the bodies systems from head to toe. This makes sure that we do not miss any associated symptoms that could key us into another condition other than one of the musculoskeletal system.
Orthopedic and neurological examination
This is done on every new patient in order to arrive at a treatable diagnosis. This begins with taking vitals and then continues into a series of orthopedic maneuvers that target the pain sensitive tissue that may be creating your discomfort. This allows the chiropractic orthopedist to rule in or out his working diagnosis, and narrow down results. A series of neurological tests like muscle testing, reflexes, and sensory are done to find things that are not easily recognized by the patient that aid in proper diagnosis of the condition.
Review of findings
Possibly one of the most valuable portions of the visit as it pertains to the patient. In this portion, directly after the examination, your chiropractic orthopedist will go over all of their positive and negative findings and explain what they mean, and what it means for your diagnosis, as well as what can be reliably excluded at this point. They will also address any additional concerns you may have. They will go over all of the pertinent anatomy and how it pertains to your condition. They will also go over treatment plan and reasonable expectations of recovery, and discuss any other forms of treatment.
Radiological and laboratory services
In this part of the new patient work-up, it is important that the chiropractor or chiropractic orthopedist use everything in their office to aid in correct diagnosis so that the most effective treatment can be rendered. These include plain film x-rays and laboratory work and analysis if needed. Some reasons these may be performed include:
- Past medical history of motor vehicle accidents.
- History of previous orthopedic surgeries like fusion and microdiscectomies.
- Labs for suspected arthritis or general health screen. Labs including urinalysis may help determine the cause of your pain especially if it is coming from other sources outside of the musculoskeletal system.
The chiropractor may or may not perform these on your first visit. At Stine Chiropractic Clinic, we have these services in house in order to expedite your treatment and minimize additional visits and wait times in other offices.
Treatment formulation
In this portion of your first visit, the chiropractic orthopedist will have staff provide the prescribed treatment. This is typically through the use of physical therapy modalities commonly used in the field of physical therapy, and is in the scope of practice of a chiropractic orthopedist. These modalities include:
- Interferential- pleasant electrical stimulation of the area of complaint to increase endorphin and enkephalin release. These are your body’s own pain killers and offers pain relief during, and after your visit.
- Pulsed ultrasound- can be used on the areas of complaint to stimulate the healing response of different connective tissues.
- Continuous ultrasound in combination with high-volt galvanic stimulation- this feels much like the interferential therapy and is used on extremity injuries and occasionally spinal regions. This uses continuous ultrasound to deliver the deepest heat available in a therapeutic modality. It also uses high-volt galvanic stimulation that changes tissue charges, this allows for nutrition wicking into the injured area.
- Bone healing- this is much like interferential but uses different settings to help with fracture healing. It is especially useful for fractures that are having trouble healing.
- Sprain healing- much like interferential but uses different settings to help heal sprains of any ligaments injured.
- Edema reduction- once again is much like interferential with different settings. Very helpful in reducing edema or swelling caused by injury.
- Rehabilitation- this is used to strengthen the supporting musculature of any joint that needs additional support. Most commonly used for the lower back and neck regions, but is also prescribed for areas like the shoulder and knee.
- Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization- this uses a special metal tool that applied with force generates a healing response to any tendon or muscle. It will also help with swelling.
Doctor treatment/physical therapy modalities
After therapy administration, your chiropractic orthopedist will begin the physical treatment of your area of complaint. This consists of trigger point therapy, traction, flexion and distraction (decompression), stretching, and manipulation if appropriate. They will go over any of the orthopedic devices they want you to use during your recovery, and why they are important. They will also briefly go over at home management during recovery. This ensures that you are fully educated about the condition. It helps to identify anything you may be doing right or wrong at home that can have effects on the condition.
Treatment frequency and follow up
Once all treatment is finished you will be sent home with information on your condition and home recommendations. Frequency is very important in the first three weeks. The literature states that the best frequency for physical medicine is 3 times a week for the first three to four weeks and if at 4 weeks of care, no improvement is seen then manipulation by itself may not be of benefit for your particular condition. This may sound like a lot but if spaced out correctly, can have major impacts on the healing process. Physical medicine is delivered in office and is not something that goes home in a bottle for you to take with frequency unfortunately. Each visit builds on the first, and any benefit of the treatment can be easily lost without correct follow-up. The individual should see more and more improvement until there are minimal to no symptoms visit-to-visit.
If the initial frequency of 3 times a week for the first three weeks is not met, recovery may be prolonged. Most times the benefits of chiropractic kick in within the first week. If your in pain and are looking for a non-invasive treatment, chiropractic can be the answer, if you follow this treatment frequency.
If you are ready to see one of our specialists for your condition today, schedule here!
Patient Forms
Upon arrival you will be greeted by our friendly staff. We request that you print out our new patient forms online and bring them with you to your initial visit. These forms provide us with general information about you and your condition, and inform you of our office policies.
Consultation
A consultation can determine if chiropractic care may be beneficial to you. If your condition is not musculoskeletal in origin we are trained to find, diagnose, and make the proper referral to the specialist you need which can oftentimes be determined in this step. Consultations are by appointment only.
Examination
You will receive a thorough examination of the area of complaint, which includes orthopedic, neurologic, postural, and physical examinations, as well as testing your reflexes and range of motion. Your treatment plan may vary based on test results. Re-exams are performed at regular intervals to further evaluate patient progress.
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. Following your second visit the doctor will discuss his x-ray findings with you, addressing any questions or concerns you may have regarding your diagnosis or treatment plan to follow.
Treatment & Manipulation
Treatments offered at Stine Chiropractic Clinic can consist of moist heat, interferential muscle stimulation, muscle spasm reduction, muscle strengthening, bone healing, ultrasound, mechanical and manual traction. You will find that our therapies help to relax the muscles which make your spinal adjustment easier and more effective. A chiropractic adjustment is when gentle pressure is applied to an area of the spine having joint dysfunction. The effective adjustment of the body is gentle enough for kids, yet able to restore function and movement for the athlete or senior. Most of our patients begin to see results in the first week of treatment.
Home Care Instructions
Prior to leaving, patients will be given home care instructions to be conducted at home. 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. These instructions will aid the process of chiropractic treatment, when performed routinely.
Our Goal
At Stine Chiropractic Clinic our ultimate goal is to get our patient out of pain and back to health as soon as possible through quality and effective chiropractic care. Our clinic provides excellent administrative assistance, basic health information, and top quality health care to every patient. Our treatments consist of non-invasive procedures designed to relax and ease your aches and pain while treating your condition. We do not prescribe medication, but offer herbal supplements that your body uses to regain its own natural balance. We strive to give our patient a pleasant experience and the finest of care.
Phase 1: Relief Care
Palliative Care
Many people go to a chiropractor because they are in pain. In this first phase of care, the main goal is to reduce your symptoms.
This phase of care can be compared to a physical therapy modality treatment frequency. Our general treatment plan for severe pain (typically disc conditions) can require multiple visits during your first week of treatment; three visits a week for two to three weeks; twice a week for two to three weeks; and finishing once a week for two to three weeks. This treatment plan can be accelerated for certain individuals based on ability to heal, and our job is to recognize this and determine if the weakness of the tissues involved have been overcome. Although disc issues can be very painful and require more pain management care, most cases are less severe and on average range between 12 and 18 visits for total case management.
Read more about this specialty.
Phase 2: Corrective Care
At home strategies for neck and back pain. Chiropractor Fredericksburg VaTeaming Up for Optimal Health
Most chiropractors regard the elimination of symptoms as the easiest part of a person’s care. If all the chiropractor does is to reduce the pain and stop there, the chances of the condition recurring are much greater. In order to prevent a rapid recurrence of symptoms, it is necessary to complete the recommended treatment plan for your condition.
During the correction/restorative phase of your care, you will not have to receive adjustments as often as you did during the first phase of care and depending on your particular circumstances, you may begin doing recommended stretches at home to help accelerate your healing.
Do not be discouraged if you have mild flare-ups in your symptoms on occasion. This is normal. Flare-ups are bound to occur during this phase because your body has not fully healed. Resuming normal activities may also cause aggravations based on the severity of your injury or condition and how long you have been suffering from it.
Phase 3: Supportive Care
Supportive Care is the Key to Healthy Living
Once your body has fully healed, supportive care can help ensure that your physical problems do not return, and keep your body in optimal condition. Just like continuing an exercise program and eating well in order to sustain the benefits of exercise and proper diet, it is beneficial to continue chiropractic care to ensure the health of your musculoskeletal system.
As your body ages, it is normal to experience some degree of minor aches and pains. Getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and having a good chiropractor on hand is very helpful, especially over the age of 30. When you make routine chiropractic care a part of your lifestyle, you avoid many of the aches and pains that so many people suffer through. Your joints will last longer and you will be able to engage in more of the activities you love.
New Patient Health History Forms
These forms help us evaluate your history and current state of health. What questions, concerns, goals, regarding your current condition and/or wellness can we help you with?
Required Forms
Additional Forms, if Applicable
- Workers Compensation
- Personal Injury
Insurance and Payment Options
Commercial insurance companies pay for all covered services when provided by a chiropractor. Stine Chiropractic Clinic, P.C. has developed the following payment options to assist in making chiropractic treatment as affordable as possible. Ask about our monthly payment arrangements for cash and out-of-pocket expenses.
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Pay As You Go:
We accept cash, money order, check, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
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Monthly Payment Arrangement:
This option is available for non-insurance patients, co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses. Please inquire with our receptionist for more details. This form of payment option never incurs interest, and we work with anyone who needs financial assistance with proper communication.
We feel you can’t put a price on your health. You deserve good health, now and for the rest of your life. We not only get rid of the pain; we show you how to be in control of your own good health.
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Fredericksburg Chiropractor accepting insurance.
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