New Patients Can Use The Following Links
to Download, Print and Complete Forms

Here are some quick links to get you ready to experience Chiropractic at ChiroHealth Rockford.

Your Health is our #1 Concern!
Overview
My First Visit
My Second Visit
Your Treatment Plan

Your health is our #1 Concern!

That's why we're pleased to bring you the benefits of chiropractic care with the Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique®. As partners in your health care program, we're committed to your good health.

You may think that chiropractic care is only for back and neck pain. The truth is, chiropractic care can benefit a wide variety of health problems that stem from the dysfunction of your spinal joints and nervous system. Everyday wear and tear, old injuries, and even stress can cause your vertebrae to lose their proper motion or position. Spinal joint dysfunction may be a source of irritation to your nervous system, causing pain and nerve interference throughout your body.

By correcting spinal joint dysfunction, chiropractic care helps your body heal itself. Now you and your whole family can experience the Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique difference!

Overview

The main aim of the first visit is to determine what is causing the patients discomfort and to give a diagnosis. This is done by first interviewing the patient and asking questions about the discomfort along with a general background of their medical history. Secondly a very thorough examination is done which includes the whole of the spine and relevant joints. Sometimes x-rays are necessary if the case history and the examination does not provide enough information.

When the chiropractor has made a diagnosis he or she then decides whether this condition is suitable for chiropractic treatment. If not, the patient is then usually referred back to the GP for further investigations or treatment. The chiropractor will always tell you if he or she can not help you.

When a case is deemed suitable for chiropractic treatment, the chiropractor makes a treatment plan. This plan will include the frequency and cost of treatment along with plans for advice such as exercises, ice or heat, postural changes, working environment etc.

The Health Assessment Summary is where all this information is given to the patient. It is vital that the patient understands what is going wrong with their body and what we will do to correct it. The chiropractor will also explain how the patient can expect to respond.

My First Visit

Consultation

On your first visit to our office you will be welcomed by our receptionist with a warm smile. You will then be asked to fill out our required forms which will help us gain some information about yourself and your spinal health. (Unless you have already downloaded, printed and filled out the forms using the buttons above.)

After reviewing your case history, you and the doctor will discuss your condition to determine if chiropractic care may be of benefit to you.  After reviewing the case history, the doctor will discuss examination options with you. If we find that your condition would be better served by another physician, you will be referred to a doctor that will be able to help you the most.  However, if our doctor feels he can help you, we will begin our examination with your consent.

Throughout this process, our focus is to help you achieve your optimal health potential.

Examination

After a thorough consultation with the doctor, you will undergo a chiropractic examination. This will include testing your reflexes and range of motion as well as other standard orthopedic, neurologic, postural, and physical examinations. From this, the doctor will gain valuable information regarding your condition and a better understanding of how chiropractic can help you.  If necessary, the doctor may recommend x-rays or refer you for additional testing procedures.

X-ray

X-rays are sometimes required to get a full evaluation of a patient's condition.  The need for x-ray is considered on a case by case basis.  However, if needed, our office has an on-site, state of the art x-ray facility for your convenience.

Spinal Adjustment

Depending on the complexity and severity of your case, adjustments may or may not be done on the first visit.  You and the doctor will have an opportunity to discuss this option.  Remember, nothing is done without your consent.

My Second Visit:

Health Assessment Summary

Once all examinations have been performed and the doctor has studied the results, you will receive a Health Assessment Summary from your doctor.  During this report the doctor will thoroughly explain his findings as well as offer recommendations and treatment options.  The purpose of this report is not to tell you what to do, but rather to educate you about your spinal health and assist you in making an informed decision about your health care needs. 

Beginning Chiropractic Care

If both you and the doctor decide that chiropractic care is appropriate, spinal adjustments will begin immediately (sometimes even on the first visit). Most of our patients begin to see results from the very first spinal adjustment. Our special gentle, yet effective, alignment of the body is interactive with the patient; gentle enough for kids (they love us), yet able to restore function and movement for the athlete and senior. 

Payment

Payment for services at our office are usually due at the time of the service unless other arrangements have been made. We accept payment by cash or check as well as Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

For your convenience our office accepts most insurance programs, including participation with Blue Cross and Blue Shield Traditional and PPO, PPOM/Cofinity, Blue Care Network, Medicare, and ASR. We also accept auto accident and workers compensation cases. To find out if your insurance covers chiropractic care, call our office at (616) 863-9482 and we will be glad to assist you in determining the extent of your insurance coverage.

For patients who have little or no chiropractic insurance coverage, flexible payment programs can be arranged. To find out more, contact our office directly at (616) 863-9482 and we will be glad to assist you in making billing arrangements.

Your Treatment Plan

Having explained your treatment plan, the chiropractor commences treatment.

This consists of various muscle and joint techniques, such as soft tissue work and manipulation. Chiropractic manipulation is also called an adjustment, which is a small but very fast movement of the joints which are restricted. Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique uses the Activator Adjusting Instrument to give consistent low-force, high-speed chiropractic adjustments.

The Activator instrument delivers a controlled, light, and fast thrust, without causing undue strain to patients. Activator adjustments are so quick and controlled, your body's muscles are less likely to resist, allowing for a more precise and exact adjustment. One of the unique features of the Activator Technique is that we can zero in on the exact area of the body that is causing your health problems. Chiropractic treatment is generally painless, although patients may feel some soreness if their muscles are very inflamed.

The aim of the treatment is to restore normal mobility and function to the restricted joints, which in turn will allow the inflammation to clear, the muscles to relax and the ligaments and tendons to heal.

Patients from all walks of life can enjoy the benefits of an Activator adjustment. Chiropractic treatment is suitable for all ages and is adapted to each individual patient. As every back problem is different, so is every treatment plan. No two patients are treated exactly the same as each treatment is 'tailor made'. The Activator Technique works well for children because it is quick and easy. Even young children who may have problems keeping still typically have no problems with Activator adjustments. Many even look forward to their next visit! Elderly patients benefit from the Activator Technique as well. The unique Activator adjustment offers a more gentle and effective care approach for elderly patients who suffer from degeneration, arthritis, and osteoporosis.

Throughout the treatment you will be continually monitored and reassessed to make sure you are progressing according to plan, and occasionally it is necessary to slightly change the approach, to make sure you are making as speedy a recovery as possible.