After filling out paperwork (expect 15-20 minutes to complete this task), including Federal HIPPA requirements, Dr. Dru will conduct a Preliminary Consultation. He will talk with you in detail to gain an understanding of your health history and develop an understanding of the condition that brought you to his office. Dr. Dru will then discuss with you why chiropractic technique works and how your particular needs can be addressed by chiropractic care.

Dr. Dru will then perform an orthopedic and neurological examination of your spine. He will also conduct: range of motion tests; possibly a palpatory exam; postural assessment; and as clinically indicated he will take radiographs (x-rays) to get an exact blueprint of your unique spinal column. After correlating all this information, Dr. Dru will determine what vertebrae need to be adjusted and with how much force.

If Dr. Dru determines that chiropractic cannot help you, he will refer you to a specialist who can.

While Dr. Dru is reviewing your x-rays, moist heat will be applied, if appropriate, to your spinal column. Afterwards you will get an introduction to the drop table (see techniques) and what to expect from the adjustment. Dr. Dru will dialog with you throughout the entire process so there are no surprises as to what is happening or what to expect.

Before you leave, Dr. Dru will schedule you for a second visit to receive detailed results of your radiographs and other diagnostic examination assessments. The amount of time between a first and second visit varies, dependant upon your personal needs.

You may experience a bit of soreness after your first adjustment. Your muscles are moving and responding to the chiropractic work. This will feel similar to having worked out for the first time in a long time.

On your second visit, Dr. Dru will give you a report of findings that include: the results of your examination; x-ray findings (lines drawn on your x-rays show your condition compaired to the norm); and health variables unique to your case. You are encouraged to ask questions so you have a thorough understanding of your condition. You may find it helpful to bring your partner with you on your second visit so that they can understand the nature of your condition.

Once your findings have been thoroughly covered, Dr. Dru will make specific recommendations as to the best course of action.

Unlike many practitioners, Dr. Dru does not require you sign a long-term contract, nor does he suggest long-term care plans. He wants you to be responsible for your own health and believes your health is a cooperative effort between the two of you. Dr. Dru will provide you with the information and support you need to make informed decisions regarding return visits. He also will see how his style of adjusting works with your body. Sometimes, as a better fit for you, he will recommend another chiropractic professional who uses a different technique better suited to your situation.

Remember, you can expect be a bit sore after your adjustment. You may actually initially feel as though you have gotten worse before your body rebounds towards recovery. Be patient, your system is working hard and the soreness should only last a short while.

The first two visits allow both you and Dr. Dru to get a "feel" as to if his chiropractic technique is helpful to your situation. If so, Dr. Dru will make follow up adjustments at each additional visit.

Traditionally, you visit a chiropractor for a series of adjustments. This helps your body retrain its soft tissue to hold a new position. Muscle has memory so repeted adjustments are helpful in establishing the revised bone positioning. Dr. Dru will probably suggest massage, pilates, yoga, or swimming to help your soft tissue retrain at a more rapid rate allowing you will heal faster. 

If you are having challenges after the first few adjustments, let Dr. Dru know. There are changes to the adjustments or alternative ways to address an underlying problem that can be explored. It is important that you discuss any concerns regarding your body's reactions to chiropractic care with Dr. Dru. He will not know to look for alternative treatments unless you let him know you are having difficulties. Dr. Dru is concerned for your continued health first and foremost and is very open to your input. Remember, chiropractic care is a cooperative healing experience.

Occasionally, if Dr. Dru is working on you for a scoliosis problem, gross translation problems, or structural abnormalities, he will do a follow-up x-rays a couple of months out to see how the progress is coming. He will discuss any a post x-ray needs with you.