What to Expect at your First Chiropractic Appointment

What to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Appointment

A first chiropractic appointment is very similar to other healthcare providers. A typical new patient visit consists of four components.

Health history, where we will ask you questions about your health concerns and health history. We will go over the information you have provided on the forms that were emailed to you prior to the visit. (If you can fill your forms in before you visit the chiropractor, this allows time for them to be studied before you arrive in the clinic.)
Physical examination, including various tests for posture, range of motion, orthopedic and neurological tests are performed alongside a specific chiropractic examination.
Report of findings, is usually performed at a follow-up visit. This gives time for your chiropractor to go over your results and formulate a plan and best options for you.
Treatment is optional at your first visit. If once you are assessed, you are found to have any issue that chiropractic could help, you will have the option to start treatment that day.

The Examination;

In most cases, you do not need to get changed or undressed for your examination. The tests that will be performed are based according to your history and symptoms. They could vary from general physical examination tests like blood pressure to neurological tests like reflexes through to postural examination and ranges of movement. Your chiropractor needs to rule out red flags and determine if chiropractic care is suitable for you.

The Report of Findings;

This is performed on a separate day. This allows time for your chiropractor to study your results and formulate the best care plan for you. You will be presented with different options of care. This will be based on the outcome you hope to achieve. For the best results, you will also be required to do some homework. This will be aimed at addressing the biggest stresses on your body. You might need postural exercises, you might need more sleep to allow for healing and repairing, you may need nutrients to give your body all it needs to heal and repair. All these lifestyle habits will be addressed in your report. It is of course your choice whether you make these changes or not.

The Treatment;

Chiropractic treatment involves chiropractic adjustments to the spine or other joints alongside soft tissue therapy.

Chiropractic adjustments can come in various shapes and forms, but they all involve movement. Sometimes the adjustments will be hands-on and you may hear clicks and pops from your joints as gas is released. Or there are low force techniques using a tool called an activator and the blocks. There are many techniques available for us and your chiropractor will always endeavor to find a technique that suits your body so you have the fastest results whilst feeling safe and secure. Read here for 7 reasons people have chiropractic appointments and how treatment may help.

Appointment Length;

The new patient chiropractic visit with treatment will take approximately an hour and all follow-up regular adjustment visits will usually take 10-15 minutes.

If you have a new injury please call in advance to extend your appointment time so there is plenty of time allocated to your needs.

What to Wear to Chiropractic Appointment;

During a chiropractic appointment and examination, you will have to lie down on a treatment table, so your clothes have to be comfortable and flexible. The best approach is to go for loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid heavy jackets, too many layers, ties, skirts, and dresses, and be prepared to loosen a belt.

Make an Appointment

You can book online for a free 15-minute chiropractic discovery call. You can ask any questions you might have and find out if chiropractic may be able to help your condition. Or you can book in online as a new chiropractic client.

As a chiropractor and nutritionist, I see patients daily that breakthrough aches and pains and reverse the signs of aging joints with chiropractic care. With help, they can turn their life around to a happier, healthier version of themselves. Make yourself a priority today, and get back to living life at your best.

Yours in Health,
Dr. Anthea Holder
(Chiropractor and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner)