First Visit Experience

What to expect on your first visit...

After making an appointment with Dr. Bob or Dr. Catie, you will meet with them for an initial consultation.  Here you can explain your problem in more detail so the doctors can differentially diagnose what the problem may be.  They will then do a targeted physical exam that includes range of motion, appropriate orthopedic tests, and a review of the nervous system.  

As long as they feel like it is safe and appropriate to adjust, your chiropractic treatment will start on your first visit.  There are some instances where diagnostic testing, in the form of x-rays or MRI, will be necessary before treatment begins.  The office will coordinate this referral with the PCP for your convenience.  You will go over a treatment plan together which outlines a timeframe of treatment frequency and duration, and will include education of proper ergonomics and postural exercises to target the issue.  Treatment plans are unique to each patient and we are always here to answer your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Nobody can predict the way your body responds during the healing process, but most of the time patients find relief within the first couple of visits.  Your body must get acclimated to a new position so that takes time and consistency. 

A chiropractor helps to align the spine and restore mobility in the joints.  When there is dysfunction at a level of your spine, it can interrupt the nervous system, cause inflammation, decrease the range of motion, and cause muscular tension; all leading to pain. This dysfunction can be caused by bad biomechanics, poor posture, repetitive motion, and arthritis. Chiropractic treatment can help to alleviate this dysfunction, but can also address the holistic body to make permanent changes.

It is not only safe, it is encouraged!  The pelvis is constantly expanding and shifting to make room for the baby’s proper positioning.  If there is dysfunction in the pelvis, hips, or lower back, that can impact the body’s response and can sometimes lead to a breech position for the baby.  Utilizing the Webster Technique, chiropractic adjustments are safe for both mom and baby! 

The most common complaints that bring patients to the office are:

  • Neck Pain
  • Lower back Pain
  • Rib Pain
  • Sciatica
  • Arm Pain
  • Disc injury
  • Headaches
  • TMJ
  • Vertigo
  • Scoliosis

No!  The treatment plan is tailored to each patient individually.  Once the acute pain is resolved, the doctors educate the patients on how they can avoid exacerbations and maintain proper spinal health.  Preventative spinal care is recommended, but that can mean different things to each person.  Some people like to get adjusted more frequently because they like the positive side effects they feel from it!

Absolutely!  Children suffer from physical trauma just as much as adults do (maybe even more – when was the last time you did a somersault?!). It is better to clear the child of that spinal dysfunction before it becomes a chronic issue.

McArdle Chiropractic participates in several insurance companies for the convenience of their patients.  Your co-pay will depend on the particular plan you are in and whether or not you have a deductible.  The friendly office staff can look up your benefits to give you an idea of what your coverage looks like.

  • Blue Cross/Blue Shield
  • United Healthcare
  • Tufts Payspan
  • Medicare
  • Harvard Healthmate
  • Cigna
  • Aetna
  • Each insurance plan has a different coverage for chiropractic care, but our office staff is happy to look up your information and explain the benefits to you and your family.  FSA and HSA plans are also accepted here.
  • If you do not have insurance coverage, the initial office visit is $80 and subsequent visits are $50.

Services Available

  • Chiropractic Treatment
  • Spinal Traction
  • Pre-Natal Adjustments
  • Pediatric Adjustments 
  • Muscular Modalities
  • Massage Therapy available on-premise
  • DOT Physical Exams (Coming Soon!)
  • Supplementation available