Starting care somewhere new can feel like a big step. We've been doing this since 1984, and one thing that hasn't changed: we take the time to actually listen before we do anything else.
Below you'll find exactly what to expect at your first visit — no surprises, no pressure. If you have questions that aren't answered here, just call us. We pick up the phone.
Four simple steps. Most of our patients tell us afterward they wish they'd come in sooner.
Give us a call at 562.429.4446 or use the booking button above. We keep same-week appointments available for new patients whenever we can. When you call, feel free to describe what's been bothering you — we'll make sure you're scheduled with the right care in mind.
No referral needed. You can come straight to us.
We keep the paperwork light. Please bring:
Dr. Tropeano will sit down with you first — no rushing, no clipboard handoffs. He'll ask about your history, what's been hurting, what you've tried, and what you're hoping to get back to doing. Then a thorough physical examination follows, focusing on posture, range of motion, and spinal alignment.
Depending on what he finds, same-day treatment is often possible — many patients receive their first adjustment, massage, or acupuncture session right then. We'll always explain what we're doing and why before we do it.
At the end of your first visit, Dr. Tropeano will walk you through what he found and what he recommends. Care plans at Village Health Center are individualized — there's no one-size-fits-all protocol here. Some patients need a few focused visits, others benefit from ongoing maintenance care. We'll give you our honest assessment and let you decide what feels right.
We've been a Long Beach neighborhood practice for 40 years because we treat people, not conditions. You'll leave knowing exactly what the path forward looks like.
Here are the questions new patients ask us most often. If yours isn't here, just call — we're happy to talk through anything before your first visit.
No referral is required to see Dr. Tropeano. Chiropractic care is a direct-access profession in California — you can schedule your appointment without going through your primary care physician first. If you'd like us to coordinate with your doctor, we're happy to do that too.
We work with most major insurance plans, including many PPO policies. The best way to confirm your specific coverage is to give us a call at 562.429.4446 with your insurance card handy — we can usually verify your benefits the same day. We also see patients on a self-pay basis with straightforward, transparent pricing.
Plan for about 60 to 75 minutes for your initial appointment. That gives Dr. Tropeano enough time to take a thorough history, conduct the examination, and — if everything points in the right direction — begin treatment on the same visit. Follow-up appointments are typically 30 to 45 minutes.
For most patients, the adjustment itself is not painful — many describe it as a relief. You may hear a popping sound, which is simply gas releasing from the joint, not anything breaking or cracking. Some patients notice mild muscle soreness the day after their first adjustment, similar to what you'd feel after a good workout. It typically passes within 24 hours. Dr. Tropeano adjusts his technique to your comfort level throughout the visit — you are always in control of the pace.
Absolutely. We see patients of all ages at Village Health Center, and children are always welcome to accompany you. Pediatric chiropractic care — for things like growing pains, sports injuries, or postural concerns — is something Dr. Tropeano is comfortable discussing during your visit. Just let us know when you call so we can plan enough time.
We've been welcoming new patients to our Long Beach practice since 1984. Call us or book online — whichever feels easier. If you have questions first, we pick up the phone.
5406 Village Rd, Long Beach, CA 90808