What To Expect During Your Visit

1) Before Your First Visit

Prior to coming in, please ensure that the office has your insurance information and you have filled out all of the new patient forms online. Otherwise, you can elect to fill out the paperwork in the lobby once you come in. If you have not received any paperwork via email or have insurance questions, you can give our office a call at 202-599-9069. Please bring any prior imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs, lab results) and pertinent doctor reports from previous chiropractors or treating facilities. This may include your primary care doctor’s reports, your lab reports, or a list of your medications. Our goal is to deliver the most comprehensive care and get the best overall understanding of your entire history.

2) Consultation and Detailed Examination

During your initial consultation, the doctor will gather an thorough history of you and your condition, and you will have the opportunity to explain what you have been experiencing. Dr. Shiau may ask questions pertaining to your condition to get a more accurate diagnosis. X-rays/ MRIs may or may not be required depending on your condition. Dr. Shiau emphasizes and values good patient-doctor communication, and it is his priority that every patient is listened to and cared for.

After the consultation, the doctor will perform a physical examination on your problem. This includes range of motion testing, muscle and neurological evaluation, orthopedic evaluation, and functional movement screening. This hands-on examination allows the doctor to definitely diagnosis what is suspected to be generating your pain. During this step, no treatment is rendered yet. The doctor will palpate (feel) your spine, muscles, areas of complaint, and evaluate thoroughly what the issue may be.

3) Diagnosis and Treatment Options

After the consultation and examination, the doctor will have a more accurate diagnosis and treatment care plan. Once you are considered a good candidate for chiropractic/ acupuncture care, a realistic and customized care plan will be generated for your particular unique condition. Dr. Shiau will discuss what treatment will entail, how long treatment will last, the exact fees of the services, and together with the patient, generate a treatment care plan. Our fees are very transparent, and there is never any surprise billing. Alternative options to treatment will also be discussed, as well as the risks and benefits. Prognosis will also be discussed if necessary. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more before any treatment is rendered.

4) Same Day Treatment

At DISC, we offer high-quality care using the latest research and state-of-the art equipment. Typically, treatments are delivered the same-day, consisting of full body alignment of the spine and extremity joints, and soft-tissue therapies. Soft-tissue therapies include electrical muscle stimulation, moist heat therapy, myofascial release (muscle scraping), cupping therapy, acupuncture/ dry-needling, spinal traction, and more. Each treatment will vary depending on your condition, your recovery stage, and what the doctor deems medically necessary to treat you. The first visit will be about 30-60 minutes, with subsequent visits being about 30 minutes.

5) Prescribed Strengthening and Stretching Program

As you continue with treatments and your condition improves, you will be prescribed a customized strengthening and stretching program for you to perform. Our mission is to get you functional and independent as quickly as possible. If you have any questions about a particular rehab exercise, please inquire with our clinical staff.