What it is
The New Patient Examination is the foundation of any care plan with Dr. Slater. Before any hands-on treatment is offered, the visit begins with an in-depth conversation about your health history, current concerns, lifestyle, work demands, prior injuries, and your personal goals for care.
From there, a focused physical and functional examination is performed — looking at posture, joint motion, muscle and connective tissue quality, neurological screening where indicated, and the movement patterns relevant to what brought you in. The goal is a clear, individualized picture of how your body is moving today.
When the examination findings make it clinically appropriate, your first chiropractic treatment is included in the same visit. If further imaging or referral is warranted, that is discussed openly before any treatment is delivered.
What to expect
- History & conversation. About 20 minutes reviewing your concerns, medical history, and goals.
- Examination. Posture, joint range of motion, orthopedic and functional testing — only what is relevant to your case.
- Findings discussion. A plain-language summary of what was found, what it likely means, and what care could look like.
- Treatment (if appropriate). May include manual adjustments, soft-tissue therapy, mobilization, and movement-based strategies.
- Plan & next steps. Recommendations for follow-up frequency, home strategies, and any referrals.
How to prepare
- Wear comfortable clothing you can move easily in — athletic wear is ideal.
- Bring a list of any current medications, supplements, or relevant imaging reports.
- Note any insurance details — direct billing may be available depending on your provider.
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early to complete intake forms, or fill them out in advance via the booking portal.
Who it’s for
Anyone new to the practice — whether you are seeking care for a specific concern, have not visited Dr. Slater in over a year, or are simply curious about whether chiropractic care is a good fit for you. Care is provided to all ages, and no referral is required.
The first visit is about understanding the whole picture before any care is offered — not just where it hurts, but how you live, move, and what you want from your body.
What patients say
I felt heard for the entire visit. Dr. Slater explained what she was finding as she went — I left understanding my body better than after years of other appointments.
The exam was thorough but never rushed. I appreciated being told what wasn’t a chiropractic issue and where else I could get help.