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Your First Visit

Going to the Chiropractor is a new experience for many of us. You may have heard of the Chiropractor through a friend or have done some research online. It's possible that you are just fed up with living in pain and realize it's time to finally do something about it. In either case, your first visit to A Better Life Chiropractic will really be about getting to know Deanna Barbaro and getting to the root of your issue. 

This will be achieved by an in-depth analysis of your history, condition and goals. Rather than blindly treating you, your first visit will comprise of three parts. This will be achieved by discussing your history during a personal consultation as well as your current condition and goals. A thorough spinal and structural evaluation will then be performed. X-rays are an integral part of our assessment and targeting specific areas of concern in your spine.

You will then schedule an appointment to review the results as well as your X-rays. Upon meeting with the doctor, you'll discuss your concerns and expectations as well as have the chance to ask any questions you may have.  Dr. Barbaro will discuss your customized prescribed treatment plan. This plan of action will begin with a chiropractic manipulative adjustment as you are set on the path to healing, health and well-being. For your safety, it is office policy that new patients are not treated until this second visit as this allows the Doctor time to review your X-Rays and clinical information. 

For your convenience and children's pleasure, we have a fun playroom with movies where your child can be entertained during your stay.


A SUMMARY OF YOUR FIRST VISIT:

Patient Forms

Upon entering our office, our receptionist will  welcome you as a member of our family.  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. We understand your time is valuable. If you would like to save yourself some waiting time, you may download this paperwork in advance by clicking the link: NEW PATIENT FORMS. You may also call in advance and give your insurance information so that insurance coverage is determined beforehand saving you more of your valuable time.

Consultation

Next, you will have a consultation with Deanna Barbaro or her assistant to discuss your health-related problems, concerns, and potential treatment options. This initial visit is designed for Deanna Barbaro to learn more about you, your condition, and  expectations to determine how chiropractic care can meet your goals. A brief review of your history and description of concerns will be followed by a thorough examination. 


Examination

After your consultation, a complete examination will be performed as well as testing of your reflexes and flexibility. Other standard neurological, orthopedic, postural, and physical tests may be performed as needed. However, nothing  will be done in our office  without your consent. During this process, we strive our best to educate you, the patient, on certain activities to avoid based on  your examination and history. 


X-Ray Studies

X-rays are an integral part of our assessment and targeting specific areas of concern in your spine. Rather than blindly treating you, Dr. Deanna will adjust you after reviewing your X-Rays on your follow up visit.   X-rays help us develop  the most effective treatment plan for you, and alert us of  any serious spinal conditions. Most people are amazed once they see their X-rays up close. In some cases, they can even identify their misalignments and degeneration themselves.

Chiropractors Often utilize X-ray Studies:

Based on the nature of your condition as well as a number of other factors, X-ray studies of your spine or injured body part may be indicated. Doctors of Chiropractic receive over 300 hours of X-ray studies in college prior to graduating and thus are fully trained to take radiographs and identify subtle abnormalities of the spine as well as more serious pathologies. 

X-rays Are Safe and Provide Valuable Information:

X-rays are a relatively safe and cost effective way to view the structure and general condition of the spine. They can reveal spinal regions under high stress and expose areas of degenerative change. This can often provide essential additional information which correlates history and examination findings allowing for a more accurate spinal analysis and a more individualized and effective treatment plan. X-rays are also useful in assessing the appropriateness of chiropractic care as they can help to rule out the existence of more serious pathological processes such as spinal fractures, tumors and infections which require immediate emergency medical intervention. 

Procedures Used To Minimize Exposure:

While prolonged exposure to radiation can be potentially harmful to the human body, the diagnostic X-rays utilized by the chiropractic doctor pose a minimal health risk. In fact, according to radiation guidelines for diagnostic X-ray studies, it would take more than 300 full spine X-rays performed by a chiropractor for these guidelines to be met. In addition, the following steps are used to further reduce the amount of X-ray exposure:

- Only necessary X-ray views will be taken eliminating unnecessary X-ray exposure 

- Shielding and filtration to block or reduced the X-ray beam from affecting sensitive tissues and areas of non-diagnostic interest

- Rare earth (intensifying) screens can cut X-ray exposure by 50%

- Collimation to narrow the X-ray beam to include areas of interest only

- Grids to reduce scatter radiation and improve X-ray quality

- High speed film lowers exposure time by up to 1/12th compared to "hospital" X-rays

- Increasing kilovoltage and minimizing milliamperage further reduces X-ray dosage

- Minimal exposure times of just 100ths of a second

- Digital X-rays further reduce radiation exposure compared to film X-rays.  Less radiation is needed to produce the same image quality image as film (digital X-rays gives 80% less exposure to radiation than conventional X-rays)

1988 Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors - Plaugher G. Textbook of Clinical Chiroprctic: A Specific Biomechanical Approach. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1993


Report of Findings

Once the information is collected  and examinations are performed, Deanna Barbaro 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, Deanna Barbaro will discuss your chiropractic recommendations and notify you if  your condition  requires care with other providers.   Deanna Barbaro  will  provide the best  treatment and  wellness program for your needs.


Treatment

After reviewing your X-Rays with the doctor and her recommendations,you may experience your first treatment. Dr. Barbaro will begin your first chiropractic manipulative adjustment setting you on the path to healing, health and well-being.   Treatment is interactive and educational, so  you can express 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.

Location

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Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:30 am-10:30 am

3:30 pm-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

Closed

3:30 pm-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-10:30 am

3:30 pm-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-10:30 am

3:30 pm-6:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "What condition first brought you to our office? My balance, neck, back and shoulders

    What treatments did you first try? Medication, physical therapy

    How have you benefited from Chiropractic care? I now walk straight, free of lower back pain...more"
    Lori S. - NAPLES, FL