The New Patient Experience: What to Expect

After filling out a health history form, Dr. Kehoe will sit with you and take a detailed health history.

Following the history the doctor will perform a focused exam directed to the area of your problem.

The Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula has granted Dr. Kehoe privileges to order diagnostic testing. X-Rays and MRI’s are not routinely used with Dr. Kehoe’s patients, but when deemed necessary they are ordered at this facility.

At this point the doctor will sit down with you and discuss his findings and propose a course of treatment. Treatment will consist of some of the following:

Home care/first aid (such as ice packs and advice on rest postures)

Massage: We have an excellent staff of massage therapists who are experienced in the treatment of disorders commonly seen in a chiropractic office. We also use a mechanical massage unit to relax the muscles at the start of a treatment.

Chiropractic Adjustment/Manipulation: There are numerous techniques used in chiropractic. Dr. Kehoe has studied many of these techniques and has blended what he thinks are the best components of various techniques to develop his own style of treatment. The foundation of his approach comes from these techniques.

Thompson: The Thompson technique was developed by a doctor who taught with Dr. Joseph Kehoe at the Palmer College in the 1950s. Consequently, Dr. Kehoe was raised on this technique and he incorporates the Thompson table with its drop cushions. This unique system allows spinal care without causing a lot of compression, thus a comfortable experience.

Activator: The handheld adjusting instrument was made popular by the Activator Method. While Dr. Kehoe does not use this technique, he does use the handheld instrument to provide one of the gentlest spinal adjustments possible. He also uses this tool to trigger points in muscles. Some patients come in for care but request “no neck cracking.” In those cases, he uses the handheld adjusting instrument.

Diversified: This is the classic chiropractic technique that is taught to all chiropractors in all chiropractic colleges. Controlled skillful pressures are applied to the spine with the patient either laying on their stomach, side or back. There is usually a popping sound when this technique is used and the patient typically feels a sense of relief and improved mobility immediately after the procedure.

Dr. Kehoe also incorporates soft tissue techniques. This treatment is directed to the muscles located at the problem area. He uses a combination of Active Release, myofascial release and trigger point therapy to produce a deep release of restrictions in the normal muscle tone.

Using a combination of chiropractic techniques directed to the joint and muscle techniques that restore function to the musculature will help speed the recovery in most cases.