When it comes to choosing a medical provider, it can be difficult for patients to determine who to select. ’Philosophy’is a term that I think should not apply with chiropractic care because everything we do at Tulsa Spine and Rehab is based on science. We apply research and the latest technological advancements to develop effective treatments for our patients.
First and foremost, it is important to obtain a proper diagnosis of your problem. This is why the first visit is so crucial—if we do not diagnose the problem properly, it is not possible to recommend an effective treatment. If a clinic us unable to do that, they need to send the patient to someone that can.
Second, patients should always be given some type of treatment (or treatment plan) to address their problem. Now this may sound obvious or self-explanatory, but it is often not the case. Chiropractors will often obtain a history, perform an exam, take some X-rays, and then tell the patient to return at a later date. They end up not explaining the problem or beginning treatment until the next appointment.
I believe that this is ultimately a disservice to the patient. When someone makes an appointment, they expect their problem to be addressed. I’ve spoken in the past about how we avoid taking X-rays if possible, because they are simply not needed in most cases. In addition, I believe that patients should not be sent away without even being told what their problem is and how it can be addressed. I regularly hear from patients that have visited another chiropractor in the past and left feeling confused—they are told to come back later without even having their problem explained to them.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that we will always fix the issue on the first visit. Rehab and therapy may take several visits until the patient is fully recuperated. Even so, I need to give the patient treatment that makes them feel better. This may be some type of manipulation or physical therapy, or it may be an exercise, stretch, or activity that the patient can do on their own. Either way, it is extremely important that we are able to give the patient some form of relief on the first visit.
Another deciding factor when investigating medical providers is the breadth of options they provide. A clinic’s specialization is similar to Maslow’s hammer—“if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” If the only service that a clinic provides is chiropractic care, then the scope of treatment options will be correspondingly narrow. At Tulsa Spine and Rehab, we offer a variety of options, resulting in a toolbox that is well-equipped.
We are able to make the appropriate recommendation to patients, depending on their unique needs. Chiropractic treatment will not be appropriate for every condition—we may recommend physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, exercise, or even yoga. With the proper diagnosis and immediate relief on the first visit, we are proud to develop a strong and lasting relationship with our patients.
If you would like to learn more about why Tulsa Spine and Rehab is your best choice when choosing a provider, contact us today or give us a call at (918) 743-3737.
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