Serving Bonney Lake & East Pierce County since 2001
Call Henschell Chiropractic: 253-862-1555
NEW PATIENTS

What to Expect on Your First Visit

Your first visit should feel straightforward. We start by listening to what brought you in, examining the problem carefully and explaining the next step. Henschell Chiropractic welcomes accident patients as well as individuals and families seeking general chiropractic care.

Call 253-862-1555Accident Evaluation
Serving Bonney Lake since 2001Onsite Digital X-RayChiro + Massage + Rehab
Dr. Alta consulting with a patient about chiropractic care
Dr. Alta consulting with a patient about chiropractic care.

Your visit starts with a conversation

Before treatment decisions are made, the doctor needs to understand why you came in, what you are feeling and how the problem is affecting your day. That may include work, sleep, driving, exercise, household activities or simply being able to move comfortably.

If several members of your family need care, each person is evaluated individually according to age, symptoms, history and examination findings.

You do not need to have everything figured out before you arrive. If you are unsure which records, insurance information or accident details matter, bring what you have and our office can help you identify what else may be useful.

What to bring, if you have it

Bring a photo ID and any insurance information that may apply to the visit. If you are coming in after a car accident or work injury, bring the claim information you already have, if available. Previous imaging reports, relevant medical records and an up-to-date medication list can also be helpful when they relate to the current problem. You do not need to postpone appropriate care simply because every document has not yet arrived.

1. History & consultationWe discuss your symptoms, how they began, relevant health history, goals and the activities that have become difficult.
2. ExaminationThe doctor evaluates movement, tenderness, orthopedic or neurologic findings and functional limitations as appropriate for your concern.
3. Imaging if indicatedOnsite digital X-ray is available when the history and examination suggest that imaging is clinically appropriate. It is not automatic for every patient.
4. Findings & next stepsThe doctor explains what was found, whether chiropractic care is appropriate, and what treatment, rehabilitation, follow-up or referral may be recommended.

A hands-on, individualized examination

There is no single examination that fits every patient. A person with low-back pain after lifting may need a different assessment than a child involved in a collision, an expectant mother with musculoskeletal discomfort or an adult with neck pain and arm symptoms.

When appropriate, the examination may include range of motion, strength, orthopedic testing, neurologic screening and observation of movements related to work or daily activity. Concerning findings can change the plan and may lead to imaging, medical referral or another type of care.

Front entrance of Henschell Chiropractic in Bonney Lake
Examination findings help determine the appropriate next step rather than using the same plan for every patient.

If your visit is related to a car accident

We will ask about the collision, when symptoms appeared and how they have changed. It is also important to describe functional effects such as difficulty sleeping, turning your head while driving, sitting through a workday, lifting, exercising or caring for children. Those details help guide the examination and provide a clearer record of how the injury is affecting you over time.

If you are coming for family or general chiropractic care

You do not need to have been injured in an accident to become a Henschell Chiropractic patient. Our three chiropractors care for children, parents, working adults, athletes, seniors and longtime patients with a range of musculoskeletal concerns.

Will treatment begin on the first visit?

That depends on the reason for the visit, examination findings and whether additional evaluation or imaging is needed. The doctor will explain what is appropriate for you rather than assuming every new patient should follow the same first-day treatment routine.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing that allows you to move is usually best. If your work, sport or activity is an important part of the problem, be prepared to describe the positions or movements that reproduce your symptoms.

ConsultationExaminationImaging when appropriateCare planFamily careAccident care

Ready when you are.

If you have questions about your first appointment, accident information, family care or what to bring, call the office before your visit.

Call 253-862-1555
Call Henschell Chiropractic • 253-862-1555