Patient Forms

Upon entering our office, a receptionist will greet you and welcome you as a member of our practice family. You will need to fill out our patient forms. This paperwork provides us with general information about you and your condition. This saves time and helps us get to know you and your specific needs.

Consultation

Before we can recommend treatment, you will have a consultation with Dr. Rugoff to discuss your health related problems, concerns as well as potential treatment options. Your first visit is designed to help Dr. Rugoff learn more about you, your condition, expectations and to determine whether chiropractic care is right for you.

Examination

After your consultation, Dr. Rugoff will perform a complete chiropractic, orthopedic, neurologic, postural and physical examination. Testing will include your ability to bend and move, reflexes as well as other standard examination procedures. Nothing will be done without your consent.

X-Ray Studies

Your specific condition may require us to order x-rays to get a full evaluation of your spine. X-rays help us rule out more serious conditions and assist us in developing the most effective treatment plan for you. Most people are amazed once they see their x-rays and can often immediately identify their own misalignments and degeneration.

Report of Findings

Once all the information and examination findings have been performed, Dr. Rugoff will schedule you for a Report of Findings, on a subsequent visit, to answer the three most popular patient questions:

• Can you help me?
• What do you recommend that I do to get better?
• How much will it cost?

After discussing your history, examination findings, goals, any x-ray or additional tests, Dr. Rugoff will review recommendations with you. If Dr. Rugoff believes he can help you, he will recommend a treatment and wellness plan. This will also be an opportunity for you discuss any concerns not covered in the report of findings. Treatment will not be started until you are confident that all your questions have been answered and that you understand Dr. Rugoff’s treatment recommendations.

Treatment

Patients will generally receive their first treatment right after their report of findings. This may include spinal adjustments, physical therapies and/or soft tissue therapies. Treatment is always interactive, so you can express any concerns you have about treatment procedures. Our goal is to use treatment procedures that you are most comfortable with.

Wellness Programs

Prior to leaving, patients will be instructed in a Home Wellness Program. If you are in pain, this may include ice or heat instructions. Exercises and stretches will be recommended as part of your program. If you desire an overall Wellness Lifestyle, we will work with you to create good habits and routines that support your success. The foundation of our Wellness Lifestyle is maintaining healthy posture and spinal alignment, eating a healthy diet, taking supplements, healthy weight control and stress relief.

Techniques

Our office employs many different chiropractic techniques which allow us to meet the needs of almost any patient. Along with traditional “hands on adjustments”, we also use some of the most up to date low force instrumentation. The use of instruments, such as the Arthrostim, allows us to perform spinal adjustments on patients who require a light touch. The instrument essentially becomes an extension of the hand and using it permits us to accomplish better corrections (adjustments) in a shorter period of time. The Arthrostim introduces a gentle force into your body at 12 - 14 "taps" per second. This speed is technically referred to as the somato-motor rhythm beta rate that is associated with relaxation of the nervous system. It helps to affect the positive changes in the body. Many patients find these techniques not only highly effective but extremely comfortable.