Your First Visit
The first office visit typically lasts about ninety minutes so please plan accordingly. There are many steps taken to ensure the proper diagnosis and treatment for each individual. The first thing Dr. Helliesen will do is take a thorough health history. This history will include family, occupational, and past medical histories as well as a history of your dietary and exercise habits and previous care received. All too often in today's medical climate, the patient is rushed through their initial consult with the doctor and critical elements of their health are missed. Dr. Helliesen works outside of the high-volume medical model and will spend the time necessary to completely understand your complex medical situation.
Next, a physical examination will be performed which will include orthopedic and neurological testing. In addition, a careful spinal and muscular examination and analysis will be performed to detect any abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition.
Once Dr. Helliesen has identified the cause of your health problem, she will begin care by administering adjustments and/or soft-tissue therapies. An "adjustment," as doctors of chiropractic use the term, means the specific manipulation of any joint in the body which has abnormal movement patterns or fails to function normally. The adjustment can be given by hand or instrument, and consists of applying pressure to the joint areas that are out of alignment or that do not move properly within their normal range of motion.
In addition to performing adjustments Dr. Helliesen will pay close attention to your muscles and work to balance their tone. Many different methods are employed to reduce muscle in spasm and also to strengthen weak muscles.
Next, a physical examination will be performed which will include orthopedic and neurological testing. In addition, a careful spinal and muscular examination and analysis will be performed to detect any abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition.
Once Dr. Helliesen has identified the cause of your health problem, she will begin care by administering adjustments and/or soft-tissue therapies. An "adjustment," as doctors of chiropractic use the term, means the specific manipulation of any joint in the body which has abnormal movement patterns or fails to function normally. The adjustment can be given by hand or instrument, and consists of applying pressure to the joint areas that are out of alignment or that do not move properly within their normal range of motion.
In addition to performing adjustments Dr. Helliesen will pay close attention to your muscles and work to balance their tone. Many different methods are employed to reduce muscle in spasm and also to strengthen weak muscles.