Introduction
First Steps Chiropractic is a private orthopedic practice located in the suburban area of Riverbend, serving patients of all ages with a focus on non‑pharmacological treatment of spinal and musculoskeletal conditions. The clinic was established in 2005 by Dr. Amelia K. Jensen, a licensed chiropractor with a background in sports medicine and a commitment to evidence‑based care. The organization has expanded to include two satellite locations in neighboring cities and offers a range of services from spinal adjustments to rehabilitation therapy. First Steps Chiropractic operates under the principles of holistic patient care, emphasizing education, prevention, and individualized treatment plans.
History and Background
Founding and Early Development
Dr. Jensen founded First Steps Chiropractic after completing her chiropractic degree at the National College of Chiropractic and gaining clinical experience at a university hospital. The initial practice opened in a single office space on Main Street in Riverbend, attracting patients through community outreach and referral from local physicians. Within its first year, the clinic secured a partnership with the Riverbend Community Health Center, enabling integrated care for patients with chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders.
Expansion and Growth
By 2010, the practice had grown to include a second provider, a physical therapist specializing in neuro‑rehabilitation, and a licensed massage therapist. The addition of these disciplines facilitated a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. In 2014, First Steps Chiropractic relocated to a larger facility that accommodated advanced diagnostic equipment, including a low‑dose digital radiography unit and a therapeutic ultrasound machine. The 2016 opening of a satellite clinic in Lakeside expanded the patient base and increased access to care for residents of the eastern suburbs.
Current Status
As of 2026, First Steps Chiropractic employs six licensed chiropractors, two physical therapists, three licensed massage therapists, and a full support staff that includes administrative personnel and health educators. The practice serves over 12,000 patients annually and maintains an active presence in community health fairs, school athletic programs, and employer wellness initiatives. The clinic's mission statement underscores a commitment to personalized care, continuous professional development, and community engagement.
Key Concepts and Philosophy
Holistic Care Model
The holistic care model at First Steps Chiropractic integrates chiropractic adjustment, manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education. This framework is designed to address the mechanical, functional, and psychosocial components of musculoskeletal health. Patients receive individualized treatment plans that include ergonomic counseling, posture correction strategies, and lifestyle modification guidance.
Evidence-Based Practice
First Steps Chiropractic adheres to evidence‑based guidelines issued by professional organizations such as the American Chiropractic Association and the International Association of Chiropractic and Osteopathy. Treatment protocols are regularly reviewed against the latest systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials. The clinic participates in an internal audit system to monitor clinical outcomes and ensure adherence to best practices.
Patient Education and Self‑Management
Central to the clinic's philosophy is empowering patients to manage their own health. Education sessions cover topics such as spinal biomechanics, core stabilization, injury prevention, and the role of nutrition in musculoskeletal health. Patients are encouraged to set realistic goals and track progress through digital health portals.
Practice and Services
Chiropractic Adjustments
Adjustments at First Steps Chiropractic employ a range of techniques, including the classic high‑velocity, low‑amplitude thrust, the gentle flexion‑distraction method, and the activation technique. Clinicians select the approach based on patient age, condition severity, and individual tolerance.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy services focus on functional rehabilitation, neuromuscular re‑education, and strength conditioning. Common interventions include proprioceptive training, gait analysis, and therapeutic exercise prescriptions. The clinic uses a progressive load‑based protocol for patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries.
Massage Therapy
Licensed massage therapists provide myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and deep tissue massage. These modalities are used to complement spinal adjustments, alleviate muscle tension, and enhance range of motion.
Diagnostic Imaging
Digital radiography is employed to assess spinal alignment, detect degenerative changes, and monitor treatment response. Advanced imaging is performed in collaboration with external radiology partners, ensuring adherence to radiation safety standards.
Preventive Programs
First Steps Chiropractic offers workplace wellness workshops that cover ergonomics, safe lifting techniques, and office ergonomics. School-based programs focus on safe sporting practices and injury prevention for youth athletes.
Clinical Outcomes and Research
Outcome Measures
The clinic tracks a variety of outcome measures, including the Oswestry Disability Index, the Roland‑Morris Disability Questionnaire, and the Visual Analog Scale for pain. Data are aggregated to evaluate treatment effectiveness across patient populations.
Research Participation
First Steps Chiropractic has participated in multi‑center clinical trials investigating the efficacy of spinal manipulation in low back pain. Researchers have also conducted observational studies on the impact of ergonomic interventions in office workers.
Quality Improvement Initiatives
Annual quality improvement reviews assess adherence to clinical guidelines, patient satisfaction scores, and complication rates. These initiatives lead to protocol adjustments and staff training sessions aimed at optimizing patient care.
Patient Demographics
Population Served
Patients range from infants requiring gentle mobilization to retirees seeking relief from chronic conditions. The clinic has a particularly high proportion of athletes, schoolchildren, and middle‑aged adults with sedentary lifestyles.
Referral Patterns
Approximately 45 percent of new patients arrive via physician referral, 30 percent through self‑referral, and 25 percent through community outreach programs. Referral sources include primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, and sports medicine specialists.
Insurance and Payment
First Steps Chiropractic accepts most major insurance plans and offers flexible payment options for uninsured patients. The clinic emphasizes transparency in billing and provides detailed cost estimates prior to treatment.
Business Model and Operations
Revenue Streams
Revenue is generated through patient visits, diagnostic imaging, and preventive program fees. The clinic also provides group rates for corporate wellness programs.
Staffing and Training
Staff members undergo continuous professional development, including workshops on the latest evidence in spinal health and updates on regulatory compliance. New hires participate in a structured onboarding program that covers clinical protocols and patient safety.
Technology Integration
The practice employs an electronic health record system that integrates appointment scheduling, charting, and billing. The platform supports telehealth visits, which have become increasingly common following the pandemic.
Accreditation and Licensing
State Licensing
All chiropractic practitioners are licensed by the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. The clinic maintains current licensure status for all providers and verifies ongoing education credits.
Accreditation
First Steps Chiropractic has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Health Care Quality (ACHCQ) since 2012. Accreditation covers clinical quality, patient safety, and organizational governance.
Compliance with Professional Standards
The clinic follows the ethical guidelines set forth by the American Chiropractic Association and the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Compliance includes patient confidentiality protocols, informed consent processes, and adherence to evidence‑based treatment standards.
Community Involvement
Health Fairs and Outreach
First Steps Chiropractic sponsors local health fairs, providing free spinal assessments and educational pamphlets. Outreach activities include school visits where chiropractors demonstrate safe stretching techniques.
Scholarship and Internship Programs
The practice offers scholarships to students pursuing careers in allied health fields. Internship positions are available for physical therapy and massage therapy students, providing hands‑on experience in a multidisciplinary setting.
Collaborations with Local Organizations
Partnerships with the Riverbend YMCA and the Lakeside Community Sports Club allow the clinic to deliver tailored exercise programs for community members, reinforcing preventive health messages.
Future Directions
Telehealth Expansion
Plans are underway to enhance telehealth services by incorporating virtual exercise classes and remote monitoring of patient progress using wearable technology.
Research Collaborations
First Steps Chiropractic is exploring collaboration with regional universities to investigate long‑term outcomes of chiropractic care in chronic low back pain and to assess cost‑effectiveness relative to conventional medical management.
Infrastructure Development
Future renovations aim to incorporate a dedicated rehabilitation gym, a patient education center, and a wellness lounge designed to promote holistic health engagement.
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