A patient case from today. A 51 year old man, 7 foot tall, hitting his 12 visit progress exam after starting care in mid June for acute lower back pain.
Presenting complaint
Came in originally in mid June with acute lower back pain. He is a very tall patient, which makes him susceptible to a bit of upper back hunching alongside the lower back issue.
What the assessment showed
Today was a formal 12 visit progress exam, not a regular adjustment. The exam is a scheduled check we do at the 12 visit mark on any care plan. It is the same set of movement tests and orthopaedic tests we did at his first visit, so we can compare directly. We also use a short patient-reported survey. He ticked “completely resolved” for his lower back pain. Movement, walking, lifting, standing, sitting and energy levels were all better compared to day one. Range of motion in the lower back is well improved and pain-free. Some mild upper back stiffness remains, related to his height.
The clinical thinking
The 12 visit progress exam is deliberate. We built it into every care plan because results are easier to see when you measure them against the starting line, not against how someone was feeling last week. It also forces a decision point. If the plan has worked, the patient moves into less frequent care. If it has not, we revisit the plan. Honest, measurable, and timeline-based.
Care plan from here
Steps down to maintenance. One more adjustment in three weeks, then monthly from there. The goal of maintenance care at this stage is to keep the spine moving, prevent re-injury of the lower back, and slow the long-term wear and tear that otherwise accumulates in a tall frame.
How he is now
Lower back pain fully resolved. Walking, lifting and energy improved. Overall picture is where we hoped it would be at 12 visits.
Rebates at the counter
The progress exam is a longer visit, but we charge the standard adjustment fee of $71 for it, not an extended-visit fee. His health fund has run out for the year, so he paid the $71 on Visa.
If you are still deciding
If you are weighing up chiropractic and you want to know how we measure whether it is actually working, the 12 visit progress exam is a core part of that answer. We tell you honestly where you are compared to day one. Book an initial consultation.
Patient name has been changed. Individual results vary. This case study is shared for educational purposes and does not constitute a clinical recommendation for anyone else.
Frequently asked questions
How do you measure whether chiropractic is working?
We use a formal 12 visit progress exam that repeats the movement and orthopaedic tests from the first visit, plus a patient-reported outcome survey. This allows a direct day-one versus visit-12 comparison and informs the next phase of care.
What is the standard chiropractic care plan at your clinic?
Typically 12 visits over 6 to 8 weeks, with a scheduled progress exam at visit 12. Patients can pay as they go or take a 12-visit pre-pay package with a 10% discount.
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