.	Vermont Chiropractic Orthopedics: The Chiropractic Examination .

Examination, Diagnosis, and Treatment

When you first arrive at our clinic, you will need to fill out the usual medical office paperwork. We will then spend however much time we need talking about your problems and taking your medical history. Sometimes that's a little time; sometimes that's a lot. It all depends on whether the source of your problem is obvious or not . To help in the diagnostic process we will use a variety of orthopedic, neurological, and postural tests. We want our diagnosis to be as precise as possible. We may order additional diagnostic procedures like x-rays, an MRI or a CAT scan.

Once all of the diagnostic work has been done we'll talk to you about your diagnosis and treatment plan. The primary mode of chiropractic treatment is spinal or extremity manipulation, essentially mobilizing the bones and joints of your neck, back, and extremities. For most people, manipulation is a comfortable experience. We usually have several different options for manipulating the body. If you experience discomfort, you will tell us and we will choose another option. This is one point at which communication between patient and doctor is extremely valuable. We need your input.

Other treatment modalities include physical therapeutics, electrical stimulation, hot packs, traction, exercise, and soft tissue methods like massage and trigger point therapy.