Care for the pain and stiffness after a collision.

What to Bring to Your First Visit

Bring information that helps the clinic staff understand the collision, your symptoms, and any care already received. Useful items include:

• A photo ID
• Insurance or claim information, if available
• The accident date
• Hospital or urgent-care discharge instructions
• Imaging reports
• A current medication list
• Contact information for any other treating providers

Before the appointment, make a short note of where you feel pain or stiffness, when each symptom began, and which movements or activities make your pain better or worse. Also report numbness, weakness, dizziness, headaches, balance problems, or other symptoms rather than assuming that they come from a particular injury.

What Happens During the First Evaluation

The first visit typically includes a review of the accident, symptoms, medical history, current limitations, and x-rays. The provider may evaluate areas of pain or tenderness, mobility, range of motion, strength, posture, and other findings relevant to the complaint. The purpose is to determine whether your condition appears appropriate for care at the clinic or whether emergency, medical, imaging, or related specialist evaluation should come first.

Treatment recommendations are made after the evaluation. Recommendations should reflect the findings, the nature and severity of the injury, prior health conditions, and the patient's response to care. Not every patient needs the same services or number of visits. If treatment is appropriate, the provider should explain the recommended approach and how progress will be assessed.