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How to Prepare for Your Visit

New Patient Visit

Preparing for New Patient Visit:

Please bring ID and insurance cards, if applicable, and a list of current medication. You are also welcome to fill out paperwork prior to your appointment, which is available on our website. If not, please be sure to arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment so we can provide it for you. If you have any recent imaging like x-rays or MRI’s, you are welcome to bring them with you as the more information we have the better we can assist you, but this is not required. Please where something comfortable. 

What to expect: 
After filling out your paperwork, we will take you back into an exam room where our medical assistant will obtain vitals. You will then be seen by a medical provider who will obtain a thorough medical history and do different orthopedic exams to evaluate your conditions. The provider may order additional testing which will be scheduled for a later date, or a referral will be sent out. X-rays will then be taken or scheduled for a later date. Follow up with the front desk to schedule your next appointment. 


Report of Findings

Preparing for Report of Findings:

This visit will be scheduled after exam and all recommended testing has been completed. At this appointment we will discuss recommended treatment plan, cost of care, and provide treatment if care plan is accepted.


What to expect: 
You will meet with Dr. Bowers who will discuss your exam and test findings along with the recommended treatment plan. You will then meet with the office manager who will discuss your insurance coverage and different payment plan options. If you agree to move forward with care, your appointment schedule will then be created. Following this, we will get you started on treatment. Each step of treatment will be explained to you as you begin the therapy. Please where something comfortable.

 
Nerve Conduction Testing (EDX)

Preparing for EDX appointment:
An EDX test could be recommended on your New Patient Exam. This test allows us to see where the breakdown in nerve communication is happening which allows us to diagnosis and create a treatment plan unique to each individual based on their condition. 


What to expect: 
The test only takes about 15 to 20 minutes. We ask you where loose-fitting clothes and avoid wearing any lotions or oils as this could increase the testing time. The doctor will use different electrodes and pins to send a current down the nerve to see where breakdown is happening along the communication pathway.


IV Therapy

Preparing for treatment:
We recommend eating at least a snack before your appointment to reduce the chance of feeling nauseous during the treatment. It’s also important to drink plenty of water 24 hours prior to the appointment since it allows for easier IV placement. Some patients may prefer to have a book or other activity to pass the time.


What to expect: 
The provider will obtain a thorough medical history and check vital signs before then curating a customized mix of supplements based on your treatment goals. The provider will then insert a needle into the arm and connect it via a tube to the drip IV bag that contains the fluids/medications. You can expect the process to take approximately 1-1.5 hours.


EPAT

Preparing for treatment:
We recommend that patients discontinue all anti-inflammatory medications at least 1 week prior as the treatment is meant is meant to trigger the body’s natural inflammatory response. Patients should wear comfortable clothes that can be pulled out of the way of the treatment area. We also offer gowns to change into, if necessary.

 

What to expect: 
Each treatment session lasts approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on how large the treatment area. You may experience some soreness at the treatment site the next day, however it should be relieved by over-the-counter Tylenol. There are no activity restrictions following EPAT so patients should be able to resume their normal activities.


Prolotherapy

Preparing for treatment:
We ask that patients please discontinue NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) at least 7 days prior to treatment. This includes medications such as Motrin, Naproxen, Advil, Aleve, Celebrex, Aspirin/baby Aspirin, Ibuprofen. Patients should also wait at least 2 weeks after taking any steroid medication (injection, pill, inhaler). Patients should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that can be pulled out of the way of the treatment area. We also offer gowns to change into, if necessary. 


What to expect: 
On the appointment day, the medical team will discuss where to focus treatment based on where you are experiencing pain as well as what anatomical structures are affected. The provider will inject a dextrose solution around these areas.


We ask patients to refrain from any strenuous activities following treatment since some may experience soreness or pain. Patients may take Tylenol as needed for pain but should avoid taking NSAIDs or using ice at the injection site for at least 10 days following the treatment. This is because they inhibit the body’s natural inflammatory response to the treatment. We ask patients to avoid still water (bathtubs, hot tubs, swimming pools) or rubbing lotions on the injection sites for 5 days. Patients will be re-evaluated a few weeks after treatment to follow-up on progress and assess if additional treatments are necessary. 


Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Preparing for treatment:
We ask that patients please discontinue NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) at least 7 days prior to treatment. This includes medications such as Motrin, Naproxen, Advil, Aleve, Celebrex, Aspirin/baby Aspirin, Ibuprofen. Patients should also wait at least 2 weeks after taking any steroid medication (injection, pill, inhaler). Patients should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that can be pulled out of the way of the treatment area. We also offer gowns to change into, if necessary. It’s important that patients drink plenty of water 24 hours prior to appointment.


What to expect: 
On the appointment day, the medical team will discuss where to focus treatment based on where you are experiencing pain as well as what anatomical structures are affected. The provider will then draw about 50cc’s of your blood for the procedure. Once the blood is drawn, it will be centrifuged down to separate the red blood cells from the platelets. We utilize the platelets to treat the affect area. 


Continue to avoid taking NSAIDS for 2 weeks following the procedure. We also recommend avoiding CBD oils, turmeric/curcumin, fish oils, and omega-3’s for 2 weeks following the procedure as well. Patients may take Tylenol as needed for pain or something will be prescribed to you by the medical provider. Please no lotions, oils, gels, or still water (e.g. pool, hot tube, or bath) over the injected area for 48 hours. Running water, such as a shower, is fine. Avoid alcohol for 3 days following the procedure. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the office. 

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