Medical Examinations

It All Starts With Your First Visit

At Health 1st, our chiropractors work alongside a medical doctor at the same location to improve patient health. For example, our doctors refer patients to chiropractors for conditions like low back pain, headaches or sports injuries. Meanwhile, our chiropractors refer patients to their doctor colleagues for conditions requiring medical care or medication. At Health

1st you will first be examined by our Licensed Medical Physician who will evaluate your pain or injury and determine the best course of treatment which could include Chiropractic Treatment, Physiotherapy, Massage Therapy, Home Exercises,  Pain relieving trigger point injections and more.

Our Therapists and Doctors

Our goal is to provide "hands on" treatment for "quality care", which is personalized for each patient and each physical problem. This is especially important in the early stages when"pain" is of primary concern and of utmost importance. At Health 1st we firmly believe in and practice the three step process for your recovery which includes Pain relief, stabilization and rehabilitation.

Therapy is prescribed for injuries of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, bones and other soft tissues.  The first goal is to reduce pain if present. This is followed by a thorough stabilization and rehabilitation program, which could include back school, body biomechanics (posture), electrical modalities (TENS, ultrasound, electric stimulation, etc.), hands on techniques, stretching, gym and spa exercise equipment like the ATM-2, aerobic equipment and an exercise program in the office and at home.

Kinesio Taping

The Kinesio Taping Method is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused or tired muscles, and support muscles in movement on a 24-hour-a-day basis. It is not a restrictive type of taping and allows for full range of motion. In contrast, traditional sports taping is wrapped around a joint strictly for stabilization and support during an athletic event. Kinesio Tape is used to treat anything from headaches to foot problems and everything in-between. Examples include rehabilitation from sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back strain/pain (subluxation, herniated disc), knee and shoulder conditions, and many more.

 
TENS Therapy

As a pain management tool or a muscle relaxant, TENS Therapy, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Therapy, uses mild electrical impulses as an alternative to drugs. TENS Therapy is approved by the FDA, is covered by many insurance carriers, and has been prescribed by doctors as a safe,reliable, non-addictive pain management system for decades.

TENS Therapy gently stimulates nerves and blocks pain signals before they can be received by the brain. It is especially popular in elderly patients, who may be severely affected by side effects from strong prescription medications; however, it may be used by anyone suffering from pain. TENS Therapy is generally used to relieve back pain, but many types and causes of pain may benefit from it, including arthritis.

Some people are a bit apprehensive about receiving TENS Therapy. The sensation produced by the TENS machine is relaxing rather than painful and the current used for stimulation is very low. In the event that the machine is turned up too high, the patient may experience minor discomfort in the form of tensing muscles. The sensation is comparable to receiving too much pressure during a massage. If this occurs, the setting can be adjusted quickly and easily.

Digital X-Rays and x-ray digitization

All of our offices are equipped with "State of the Art" Kodak digital x-ray equipment which allows our physicians to make an accurate and timely diagnosis. We also offer X-ray digitizing. Which allows the treating physician the best possible information on the biomechanical status of the patients spine. With this diagnostic information available, the physician can accurately diagnose the patient, and the patient can understand the structural improprieties when they see their spine next to the standard spine.

Digitizing post x-rays utilizes scientific imaging analysis by a Board Certified Radiologist to determine treatment progress, or lack thereof, assisting the physician in determining the permanency of the condition. This assists in a more accurate assessments and need of rehabilitation, reducing job activity, or determining actual levels of disability in those patients who will not completely recover from those injuries.

In patients who are stable, this evaluation of  x-rays by digitizing, insures that pre-injury status has been obtained, and permanent residuals do not play a role in any given case. Once this form of analysis has been performed, a baseline can be established for the patients permanent condition.

In combination with other analysis, maximum medical improvement can be accurately documented, objectively by the treating physicians.

Physiotherapy

Our staff consists of intellectually and clinically highly regarded professionals in the fields of Exercise Therapy, Physiotherapy and Physiology in addition to our entire Health Staff Team. Our physicians are trained to assist all of your therapy needs.

In the treatment of any medical condition, an accurate diagnosis is of primary importance. Only then can a patient be treated safely, appropriately and effectively. Even patients with the same diagnosis require individual attention and care. We treat the whole person. Each patient is given the respect they deserve.

Our efforts are geared to maximize every patient's potential and speed up recovery time. Conservative management is always preferred. Treatments and therapies are adapted to each patient's special needs. We work hard to completely resolve all correctable problems. The goal is to reach the same functional level that was present prior to an injury or medical setback. If this cannot be achieved, there is almost always a significant improvement. Preventative care should not be forgotten. It is of utmost importance and is almost always indicated for the well patient.