your first visit
Here's what happens.
No surprises. Plan for about an hour. Wear comfortable clothes that allow movement.
step 1 · 5-10 minutes
Check-in & paperwork
Bring photo ID, your insurance card if you have one, and any imaging you've already had done (X-rays, MRI, CT). For accident cases, bring police reports, ER paperwork, and your auto insurance information.
If you filled out new patient paperwork ahead of time, this part takes 5 minutes. If not, 10. We'll have you sit down with a clipboard to capture health history, current symptoms, medications, and what brings you in.
step 2 · 15-20 minutes
Consultation with Dr. Ngo
The most important conversation of your visit. Dr. Ngo will sit down with you and walk through your history in detail. When the pain started. What makes it worse. What makes it better. What treatments you've already tried. What your goals are.
This is where most chiropractors rush. Dr. Ngo doesn't. The right diagnosis depends on understanding your specific situation, not running you through a template.
step 3 · 15-20 minutes
Physical examination
Hands-on evaluation. Range of motion testing in all directions. Palpation of the spine and surrounding muscles. Orthopedic tests specific to your symptoms. Neurological screening (reflexes, strength, sensation) when relevant. Posture and gait analysis.
If imaging is needed — usually MRI for soft tissue, X-ray for suspected structural problems — we discuss that decision together. We don't order imaging on every patient as a default.
step 4 · 10-15 minutes
Findings & treatment plan
Dr. Ngo tells you exactly what she found. In plain language. With anatomy diagrams or your own imaging if helpful. You'll know what's wrong, why it's hurting, and what's going to fix it.
Then we lay out the treatment plan: what techniques will be used, how often you need to come, how long the full course should take, what milestones to expect. You'll know the cost ahead of time, what your insurance covers, and what your out-of-pocket will be.
step 5 · 10-15 minutes
First treatment (usually)
Most patients receive their first treatment on the first visit. This typically includes a chiropractic adjustment, soft tissue work, and demonstration of any home exercises. If your case requires imaging before treatment, we'll schedule that and start treatment at your second visit.
You'll leave with: a clear understanding of what's wrong, a written treatment plan, your next appointment scheduled, home exercises if prescribed, and answers to your questions.
going forward
Follow-up visits
Subsequent visits are shorter — usually 15-30 minutes. We focus on continuing treatment, monitoring progress, and adjusting the plan as you improve. Most patients are seen 2-3 times a week initially, tapering as you heal.
We reassess at regular intervals (typically every 6-8 visits). If you're not improving on schedule, we change the approach or refer you elsewhere. We don't keep treating patients who aren't responding.
What to wear
Comfortable, loose clothing. Athletic wear or loose pants and a t-shirt are ideal. We have gowns available if you'd prefer to change, but most patients don't need them.
Bringing children
If you need to bring kids, that's fine — let us know when scheduling so we can plan appropriately. Both clinics have a small waiting area where children can sit while you're being seen.
If you're nervous
Tell us. Many patients are nervous about chiropractic care, especially if they've never been before or if they had a bad experience elsewhere. Dr. Ngo's approach is built around making sure you understand and consent to everything before it happens. Nothing happens to your body that you haven't agreed to.