Whether you are familiar with chiropractic care or this is your first time, you can expect your visit to Lake Crest Chiropractic & Wellness to be different from any healthcare experience you’ve had before. Dr. Klein and his staff do everything in their power to help relieve their patient's symptoms as fast as possible, with as few treatments as necessary.
To see all that we offer, check out our services page.
THE FIRST VISIT: CHIROPRACTIC
The initial chiropractic visit consists of a thorough health history and physical examination followed by a diagnosis and treatment. Let’s talk about what you can expect from your first chiropractic visit in greater detail, one component at a time.
During your visit, Dr. Klein will conduct a physical examination to evaluate your condition(s)—the examination will be comfortable and non-invasive. Physical exams can test muscle tone, muscle strength, posture, range of motion and neurologic integrity.
Depending on your unique condition(s), the chiropractor may also use additional diagnostic tools to more accurately understand what needs to be treated. The most common diagnostic tools are x-ray and MRI. Any tests that can’t be performed at Lake Crest Chiropractic will be referred to Baptist Princeton Hoover.
Once Dr. Klein gathers the results from your physical examination and any diagnosis tests that may have been made, he will discuss your treatment options. If Dr. Klein believes that chiropractic can help you, he will begin treatment immediately. However, if he feels that your health needs would be better met by a different healthcare provider, a referral will be made.
Dr. Klein and his staff care deeply about each of their patients, and every visit will be centered around your unique needs – your first visit is no exception to that rule.
How should I prepare for my first appointment?
1. Download and complete our New Patient Forms. These forms are available at our office should you not be able to complete them beforehand. If you are completing paperwork at our office, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.
2. We recommend that you wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes to your first visit.
3. Bring any past test results you have, if applicable.*
4. Bring any imaging studies and reports (x-rays, CT scans, MRIs) that have been performed, if applicable.*
*If you do not have these reports, we can help you request them from the facility that performed the test(s). Please call us at 205-988-9898 or email Amanda at Amanda@lakecrestchiropractic.com
Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?
Adjustment (or manipulation) of a joint may result in the release of a gas bubble between the joints, which makes a popping sound. The same thing occurs when you “crack” your knuckles. There is usually minimal, if any, discomfort involved.
Is chiropractic treatment appropriate for children?
Yes! Children can benefit from chiropractic care--they are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Dr. Klein adapts care to the individual patient, in the case of children, he is very gentle in his adjustments.
What conditions can chiropractic care provide relief from?
Dr. Klein provides care for patients of all ages, with a variety of health conditions. Although he is well known for for caring for patients with back pain, neck pain and headaches; he also cares for patients with a wide range of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, involving the muscles, ligaments and joints. The benefits of chiropractic care extend to general health issues, as well, since our body structure affects our overall function. Dr. Klein also counsels patients on diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy habits, and occupational and lifestyle modification.
Is chiropractic treatment appropriate for pregnant women?
We have many pregnant women in our office and have found that chiropractic adjustments provide relief from many things, especially the increased low-back pain brought on by pregnancy. Chiropractic manipulation is safe for the pregnant woman and her baby, and can be especially attractive to those who are trying to avoid medications in treating their pain. Dr. Klein can also offer nutrition, ergonomic, and exercise advice to help a woman enjoy a healthy pregnancy.
In addition, the adjusting table that Dr. Klein uses had a “drop” in the middle, which allows for him to accommodate your growing abdomen.
Do insurance plans cover chiropractic?
Yes! Our office will assist you with the determination of benefits (including deductibles, co-payments and patient portion of fees).
What if I don’t have insurance?
At Lake Crest Chiropractic & Wellness, we have budget friendly cash plans. We believe in the healing properties of chiropractic, and work hard to make chiropractic care fit into any budget. We also partner with CareCredit, a healthcare credit card company designed for your health, beauty, and wellness needs. It's a way to pay for the costs of many treatments and procedures and allows you to make convenient monthly payments.
What type of education and training do chiropractors have?
Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions. An applicant for a chiropractic college has already acquired nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work. Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are the standard.
Doctors of chiropractic undergo a rigorous education in the healing sciences, similar to that of medical doctors. In total, the curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience.
In addition to Dr. Klein’s undergrad and graduate education, he attends multiple continuing education courses on chiropractic and nutrition each year.
How long will my visits take?
Although this depends on the extent of your condition, first minutes may take between 45 minutes and an hour. Once your course of treatment has been established, the following visits usually last between 10 – 30 minutes.
Will I have to come back 3 times a week for the rest of my life?!
No! We absolutely adore seeing our patients, but it's our mission to get our patients better as fast as possible using the least amount of visits possible.