Your First Visit to Our St Pete Chiropractic Office

After your initial free 15 min consult with out St. Petersburg Chiropractor, your first actual visit is more in depth and will include a full comprehensive examination as well as any needed assessments. Here is what you can expect:

Patient Forms

We will request that you complete our patient forms located in the New Patient Center. This paperwork provides us with your health history and information on your condition as well as your health goals.

Consultation

Next, you will have a consultation with Dr. Samuel Richards to discuss your health-related problems, concerns, and potential treatment options. This visit is designed for Dr. Samuel Richards to learn more about you, your condition, and expectations to determine how chiropractic care can meet your goals.  If you and the doctor decide you are a chiropractic candidate, and you would like start care at our St Pete chiropractic office, an examination follows.

Examination

This is a very thorough and comprehensive non-invasive exam, testing your body’s strengths and weaknesses relative to your spine and extremities as well as other standard neurological, orthopedic, postural, and physical tests. 

Here’s what’s included in the New Patient Injury & Performance Wellness Exam

• Review of History and complicating Factors
• Vitals (Blood pressure, Pulse, Temperature)
• Advanced Multi-Segmental Body Composition Analysis by Inbody
• Digital Grip Strength
• Standing Posture Analysis with grid chart
• Selective Functional Movement Assessment
• Orthopedic & Neurological Test oriented toward your condition
• Palpation of the musculoskeletal system oriented toward your condition
• Range of Motion & Muscle Testing

X-Ray Studies

While not included in the initial exam, if it is determined, depending on your specific condition, we may order X-rays as well. X-rays help us develop the most effective treatment plan for you, and alert us of any serious spinal conditions.

Report of Findings

Once the information is collected and examinations are performed, Dr. Samuel Richards will give you a detailed report of all findings and answer any questions including:

1. How can you help me?
2. How often do I need to come in?
3. What will my treatment cost?

After reviewing your health history, goals, and examining your spine and X-rays, Dr. Samuel Richards will discuss recommendations and notify you if your condition requires care with other providers.  Dr. Samuel Richards will provide the best treatment and wellness program for your needs.

Treatment

At the conclusion of this initial appointment, you can choose to experience your first treatment. This may include spinal adjustments, physical therapy,soft tissue therapy, kineso-taping, e-stim, ultrasound, normatec dynamic air compression, deep tissue laser and/or nutritional guidance. Treatment is interactive, so you can express preferences or concerns about the different styles of treatment anytime.

Wellness Program

Prior to leaving, the doctor will suggest a wellness program to incorporate outside of treatment. If you are in pain when you first come into our office this may include: ice or heat application instructions, certain activities or positions to avoid, and at home exercises and/or stretches. If you desire, our wellness team will work with you also to create healthy habits and routines for your lifestyle. Every person is unique; therefore, everyone requires a customized wellness plan. The purpose of our wellness program is for you to achieve good spinal alignment, have a healthy diet, exercise, and maintain a positive mental state.

After your initial visit with our St Pete chiropractic office, you move into Phase 1 of your actual treatment  - natural and effective pain relief through chiropractic care – read more about our  Chiropractic Relief Care.