What To Expect

Step 1

Before You Arrive: Setting Yourself Up for Success

When you call our office at (651) 644-7207 or schedule online, you’ll speak with team members who understand that making that first call isn’t always easy. They’re trained to gather the right information without making you repeat your entire medical history over the phone.

We’ll ask about your main concerns, how long you’ve been dealing with symptoms, what you’ve tried before, and your insurance details. Think of this as the foundation work that lets us use your appointment time for what really matters—figuring out how to help you feel better.

Pro tip: Bringing a list of current medications and any X-rays or MRIs you have makes your first visit even more productive. We’re also happy to help you gather records from other providers if needed.

Step 2

First Visit: The Detective Work (45-60 Minutes)

Your first appointment is intentionally longer because this is where we solve the puzzle. Unlike the assembly-line approach you might have experienced elsewhere, we dedicate serious time to understanding your unique situation.

The Welcome You Deserve

Walking through our doors at 464 Hamline Ave South should feel different from your first step. Our team knows your name, has prepared for your arrival, and respects your time enough to start promptly. No uncomfortable waiting room marathons—just professional care delivered by people who remember what healthcare is supposed to feel like.

The Conversation That Actually Matters

Dr. Lilja will sit down with you for a real conversation—not a rushed interrogation, but a thoughtful discussion about your health. We’ll explore when your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, how they’re affecting your daily life, and what concerns you most about your condition.

We’ll also discuss your health history, previous injuries, family patterns, work demands, stress levels, and what treatments you’ve tried. Most importantly, we’ll talk about your goals. What activities do you want to return to? What does “feeling better” look like specifically for you?

When was the last time a healthcare provider spent this much time understanding your situation? Experience what comprehensive care feels like when someone actually listens.

Examination That Reveals the Real Problem

Our physical examination is designed specifically to uncover the structural and functional problems causing your symptoms. This isn’t a generic medical exam—it’s focused detective work.

We’ll analyze your posture from multiple angles because how you hold yourself reveals volumes about what’s happening inside. We’ll test how well your spine and joints move in all directions, looking for areas of restriction or instability. Simple neurological tests show us how well your nervous system is functioning and whether nerve interference is contributing to your symptoms.

Specific orthopedic tests help identify problems with discs, joints, muscles, and ligaments. Through careful hands-on examination, we’ll identify areas of tension, inflammation, and structural misalignment that other approaches might miss.

Advanced Diagnostics When Needed (Same Day Results)

If X-rays would help us understand your condition better, we can take them right here during your first visit. No scheduling separate appointments, no waiting days for results, no wondering what’s happening inside your body.

We only recommend imaging when it will change our treatment approach—when we suspect disc problems, possible structural abnormalities, or chronic conditions requiring detailed analysis. More importantly, we explain exactly what we’re looking for before taking any images, and we’ll review the results with you immediately using terms you can actually understand.

Stop wondering what’s really wrong. Get the thorough evaluation you deserve with same-day answers and clear explanations.

Step 3

Second Visit: The Moment Everything Makes Sense (30-45 Minutes)

This appointment often provides the most relief patients experience—not necessarily from treatment yet, but from finally understanding what’s been causing their suffering.

Your Condition Explained in Plain English

Using visual aids, models, and your X-rays if taken, Dr. Lilja will explain exactly what we found. You’ll understand not just where it hurts, but why it hurts and how your condition developed.

We’ll discuss the factors that led to your current situation, what we can realistically accomplish with honest timelines, and what might happen if left untreated. No medical jargon, no confusing terminology—just clear explanations that respect your intelligence.

Treatment Recommendations That Make Sense

If we believe we can help you achieve your goals, we’ll present a treatment plan that includes specific methods and why each is important for your particular condition. We’ll explain treatment frequency and duration with realistic expectations about when you should start feeling improvement.

You’ll receive detailed home care instructions including exercises, lifestyle modifications, and activities to avoid that will support your in-office treatment.

Our approach might include:

• Expert chiropractic adjustments to restore proper spinal alignment and nerve function
• Spinal Rejuvenation Therapy (S.R.T.) – our advanced approach that actually reverses spinal degeneration rather than just managing symptoms
• KDT Neuroflex Spinal Decompression for disc problems that need non-surgical healing
• SoftWave Therapy utilizing cutting-edge technology that activates your body’s natural healing at the cellular level
• Targeted nutritional support to fuel your body’s healing processes

Complete Financial Transparency

Before any treatment begins, you’ll receive a complete breakdown of insurance coverage, any out-of-pocket expenses, and payment options. No surprises, no hidden fees, no pressure to make immediate decisions. Insurance details.

Finally—healthcare with honest communication and transparent pricing. Schedule your consultation and experience what trustworthy care feels like.

Step 4

Beginning Treatment: Your Path to Relief

If you decide to move forward, we can often begin your first treatment during this same visit. This might include gentle adjustments, soft tissue therapy, or introduction to your specific rehabilitation program.

Here’s something important: you’re never pressured to start treatment immediately. Take time to think it over, discuss it with family, or seek a second opinion if that makes you comfortable. Good healthcare decisions should never be made under pressure.

Step 5

Third Visit: Finalizing Your Road to Recovery (30 Minutes)

During your third visit, we’ll review your treatment plan once more and address any questions that have come up. This is your opportunity to clarify anything and ensure you feel completely confident about moving forward.

We’ll provide a comprehensive overview of your recommended approach and detailed treatment protocols customized to your specific needs. You’ll also receive simplified financial planning with flexible payment options if needed.

About St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center

Located in St. Paul’s Highland Park area since 2000, our practice combines advanced technology with time-tested healing principles. Dr. Christopher Lilja and our compassionate team have built a reputation for clinical excellence by focusing on what matters most: understanding each patient’s unique needs and providing care that actually solves problems.

We serve:

• Residents throughout St. Paul and the Minneapolis metro area
• Patients of all ages seeking natural, effective healthcare solutions
• Anyone tired of treatments that only provide temporary relief
• People who want to understand their health and participate in their recovery

Your journey to better health starts with a single decision—the decision to experience healthcare that actually works. Make that decision today and discover what’s possible when you receive the care and attention you deserve.

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