At Restore Health Collective in St. Johns County, I typically set aside 45–60 minutes for a first chiropractic visit. We begin with a conversation, followed by an examination and a discussion about next steps. Treatment may begin that day when appropriate.
Whether you’re experiencing back discomfort, headaches, or difficulty with everyday movement, my goal is for you to leave feeling heard, informed, and encouraged.
We Start by Listening
Before discussing treatment, I want to understand your experience.
We review your symptoms, health history, previous injuries or surgeries, and what you’ve already tried. We also discuss how the problem affects your daily life and what you want to get back to doing.
Your goal might be getting through a workday more comfortably, returning to exercise, or enjoying activities with your family. Those details help shape your care.
Your Examination Depends on Your Concerns
After reviewing your history, I assess your movement and perform orthopedic tests selected for your symptoms. These tests help guide my understanding of the problem and whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
I explain the findings and discuss your options. If your history or examination raises a concern that needs further evaluation, I may recommend imaging or referral to another provider, such as an orthopedic or neurological specialist.
A previous surgery does not automatically rule out care, but it is important information when deciding how to proceed.
Will You Get Adjusted at Your First Visit?
Treatment can often begin during the first appointment when your history and examination indicate it is appropriate and time allows.
Before proceeding, we discuss the recommended approach and your questions. If additional evaluation is needed, we address that first.
You can also tell me if you feel uncertain about a technique or prefer to discuss alternatives.
What If You’re Nervous About Adjustments?
Some patients are uncomfortable with manual adjustments, particularly involving the neck. Tell me, we can discuss your concerns and consider other approaches.
Depending on your examination and needs, options may include an Activator handheld instrument, drop-table techniques, or soft-tissue work.
In my practice, I’ve worked with patients who preferred instrument-assisted care to manual neck adjustments. I’ve also changed positioning for patients who found lying on the treatment table difficult.
Personalized care includes adapting to your mobility, comfort, and preferences. You do not have to work toward a particular adjustment technique to participate in care.
What Should You Wear?
Comfortable athletic clothing that allows easy movement is a good choice. Avoid very loose or bulky clothing, large zippers, and items in your pockets that could press into you while lying on the table.
Depending on your examination and treatment, you may be positioned on your back, side, or stomach. Some soft-tissue techniques, such as Graston, may require access to the treatment area and the use of lotion. We’ll explain what is needed before proceeding.
How Is Your Care Plan Decided?
Recommendations depend on your symptoms, examination findings, severity, and goals.
We discuss a plan you understand and feel comfortable following. When appropriate, that may include exercises or movement recommendations adapted to your current abilities.
At each appointment, we check how you’re doing. After the initial course of care, we repeat relevant examination measures to assess progress and discuss whether further care, a different approach, or referral is appropriate.
What I Want You to Take Away
You deserve to understand what we found, what your options are, and why we recommend a particular next step.
My goal is for you to leave feeling listened to and empowered to take part in your care, with a plan that connects to the activities and daily life that matter to you.
Restore Health Collective offers chiropractic appointments in St. Johns County, serving St. Johns, St. Augustine, Nocatee, Durbin, and surrounding communities.