You've been putting up with it long enough — the neck stiffness, the nagging back pain, the headaches that won't quit. Here's exactly what happens when you walk through the door, and what to expect from here.
Every patient who walks in has their own story. Here are some of the most common ones. If yours is in here — or close to it — Dr. Loewenstein has treated it many times over.
No surprises, no mystery. Here's exactly what a first visit with Dr. Loewenstein looks like — from walking in to walking out with a plan.
This is the question almost every new patient has: "Why can't you just fix it in one visit?" The honest answer is that your body doesn't heal in one session — and anyone who tells you otherwise isn't being straight with you. Here's how it actually works.
These are the things patients often believe before they start — and what the reality actually looks like.
Keep it simple. Here's everything you need — and a few things that can help if you have them.
Most people who start chiropractic care and don't finish have one thing in common: they never had a clear plan. They felt better, assumed they were done, and stopped before the root cause was corrected. Here's what we do differently.
Honest answers to the most common things new patients want to know before they book.
Plan on 45–60 minutes. That includes your consultation, a thorough physical and orthopedic exam, and in most cases, your first treatment. Follow-up visits are shorter — typically 25–35 minutes — because the intake work is already done and we get right to it.
In most cases, you'll receive treatment at the first visit. Once the exam is complete and it's appropriate to proceed, Dr. Loewenstein will get to work — soft tissue therapy, an adjustment, and corrective guidance. The only exception is if the exam reveals something that warrants further evaluation first, in which case you'll be told exactly why and what the next step is.
Most patients don't find it painful — you'll typically feel pressure or a brief sensation during the adjustment, followed by relief. Some people feel mild soreness the next day, similar to how you feel after a workout your body hasn't done in a while. That's your muscles and joints adapting. If anything feels uncomfortable, say so — techniques can always be modified.
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Athletic wear is ideal — gym shorts, leggings, a t-shirt. The exam involves movement testing and palpation, so anything you can move freely in works. You won't need to change into a gown.
It depends on what you're dealing with and your goals. For acute low back pain or neck pain, most patients start with 2–3 visits per week for 2–4 weeks, then taper. For more complex conditions or if you've been dealing with something chronic, it may take longer. You'll get a clear written plan at your first visit with realistic timelines — not a vague "let's see how it goes."
Because joints, muscles, and discs don't heal in one session — tissue adaptation takes weeks. Each adjustment builds on the last, progressively restoring alignment, mobility, and neuromuscular control. Pain goes away faster than the underlying problem is corrected, which is exactly why finishing the corrective phase matters. That said, if a plan feels excessive or isn't producing results, you should always ask — and expect a direct answer.
Most patients notice improvement within the first 2–3 visits. Acute conditions often respond quickly — sometimes significant pain relief after the first appointment. Chronic or complex conditions take longer, but there should be measurable progress within the first few weeks. If you're not seeing any change after several visits, the plan will be reassessed — something will be adjusted.
You can always stop care at any point — there's never any obligation. But it's worth understanding the difference between pain relief and functional correction. When pain disappears, it usually means phase one is working. The underlying movement and stability deficits that caused the problem are often still there. Whether you want to continue into the corrective phase is your decision, made with full information.
Dr. Loewenstein is in-network with Aetna, Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, HealthNet, Medicare, and VA Community Care Network (CCN). We verify your benefits before your first appointment — you'll know your copay or out-of-pocket cost before you come in. No billing surprises. If your plan isn't listed, call (858) 558-3111 and we'll check your coverage in minutes.
We offer straightforward cash-pay rates for patients without insurance or who prefer to pay out of pocket. Call the office at (858) 558-3111 for current rates — we keep it transparent and simple.
No referral needed for most PPO plans — you can call or book directly. A few exceptions: UC SHIP for UCSD students requires a referral from Student Health Services, and Kaiser plans require an ASH referral from your PCP. We'll confirm any requirements when we verify your benefits.
The office is at 5151 Shoreham Place, Suite 175 in UTC San Diego — off the 805, easy to reach from La Jolla, Sorrento Valley, Clairemont, and UCSD. Free parking is available in the lot — no meters, no validation. Suite 175 is on the first floor at the end of the courtyard on the left.
Book online or call the office. We'll verify your insurance before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect — no surprises, no pressure.