Chiropractic Clinic
Did You Know?
Dr. Don has been voted the “Best Chiropractor/Clinic in Copperas Cove"
for the past 13 years running, in both the Copperas Cove Leader Press and the Cove
Herald. Read what some of his patients have to say ...
The Benefits of Chiropractic
Chiropractic is an essential piece in your health care puzzle. By maximizing the
potential of your muscles, joints, and nervous system, your body is able to function
at its greatest level - and with improved health and quality of life for you.
Consultations
Wondering if you might benefit from chiropractic? Whether you have been to
a chiropractor previously or not, Cove Physical Rehab offers consultations to prospective
patients who would like to meet the doctor and ask questions, face to face. Just
call us to schedule your appointment.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
Going to the chiropractor for the first time can be intimidating, particularly if
a patient has recently experienced trauma to the back or neck. Often, patients are
distressed, in pain, and beginning to experience the mental and emotional side effects
of an injury. There are a few specific things we will review and discuss before
proceeding with any adjustments.
You can expect your first visit to be a bit longer than usual visits, at least an
hour. We may need to take x-rays, look at MRIs, or other reports from previous physicians
or Chiropractors.
You will be asked to fill out a New Patient Intake Form (click here to download this form.) We will also ask you
if you have ever been to a Chiropractor before. We have a spine model and can explain
what we feel is going on in your specific situation. Our staff will listen carefully
to understand your needs. Then, after a thorough examination, we will explain the
scientific basis of your condition, and if chiropractic care is indicated, we will
discuss the seriousness of your case, how long it may take, and what the cost will
be.
Treating Injuries
If you are seeking Chiropractic as the result of any injury, we will inquire on
the nature of the injury and the timeframe pain started, and the specific location
of the pain. Following this, we may take an x-ray of your neck and/or back to determine
the specifics of the injury. We will then explain the nature of the injury, how
this will impact your life if the condition goes untreated, and what can be done
to correct the problem.
If your injury is moderate or serious, we will explain the mental side effects (including
depression) frequently associated with such trauma and the warning signs of such
a development. These potential side effects stem from a patient's decreased
ability to live what was typically a normal life for the duration of the injury
or even to perform basic tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and working.
Getting Adjustments
There are multiple ways to accomplish adjustments. If you are considering Chiropractic
because of a chronic pain issue, you might consider taking an Advil or mild pain
reliever so that the Chiropractor can adjust you with less discomfort, but in general,
Chiropractors are gentle and considerate of your comfort level. You might also consider
massage to go along with your Chiropractic visit, especially if you are dealing
with chronic pain issues.
Getting adjusted generally takes only a few minutes. If electrical or other physiotherapy
modalities are indicated they can take from 2-15 minutes each. If massage is indicated,
we can prescribe 15-minute or half hour sessions. Once we have an idea what the
problem is, treatment is usually pretty quick. Follow-up visits may only be as little
as 15 minutes. During the initial interview and at any time during treatment, we
take time to answer your questions, explaining things in such a way that you will
understand it.
Treatments may produce mild discomfort, but should not produce pain. If at any time,
anything makes you uncomfortable or you experience additional symptoms; speak up.
Some symptoms may be a sign of more severe issues, and keeping symptoms or discomfort
from your provider will never improve things and could delay needed treatment.
Return Visits
Every patient is different. Professional performers (such as athletes or professional
sports competitors) are looking to maximize their performance and may want to come
in weekly or more often. Patients who have had a trauma may need to be seen as often
as 3 times a week, for a period of time. Some patients come in 2 or 3 times and
then not again unless they experience a new injury.
Pregnant patients often present with an issue that is resolved and then come regularly
after until the baby comes. Some patients just really enjoy being healthy and want
to stay that way. They sometimes schedule monthly visits.
We will work with your family practitioner, physical therapist, or neurologist if
requested. In the event of persistent problems (such as frequent headaches following
an injury) we may refer you to a family doctor or neurologist for further diagnosis
or other care.