What To Expect On Your First Visit

Chiropractors understand a lot about your body. They know every vertebrae of your spine and how your spinal colum adapts to the changing stresses of your life and gravity. Some people think their first visit to the Chiropractor might be scary. It may be unlike any other health professional you have visited, but every step of the way will be explained. Here is what to expect for your first chiropractic appointment.

It is difficult to say exactly what kind of adjustments you will receive at your visit. This is because the practice of chiropractic is as large and varied as the number of people who visit. Each person presents with their unique history, and every chiropractor has their own preferences for the application of their science. Some presentations may necessitate further investigation even before commencing care.

Because there are so many ways to help, it is perfectly fine to ask questions throughout your visit to best understand the basic concepts. Some things might seem odd, like a device with a handle and a rubber tip that the chiropractor clicks on your back to adjust vertebrae. Asking about the device and what it does is completely acceptable.

Before you make it into the exam room, you will be given detailed paperwork to fill out. The chiropractor will want to know information about your childhood, your family history and any preexisting medical conditions. They also want to know about your health and symptoms you are experiencing.

Once the paperwork is over, you will be able to go into the exam room. They will then ask lots of questions to get a thorough understanding of your concerns and goals. This is also the chance to ask about any concerns you may have that hasn’t been uncovered so far. Your chiropractor will be able to outline realistic expectations from your first visit, and hopefully address any issues to make you feel at ease so you can relax for the examination.

You will NOT need to disrobe as all the examinations are done clothed. You will need to remove any bulky jackets, glasses and belts, and empty out all your pockets so laying down will be more comfortable. Your posture, range of motion, spinal and neurological function will then be assessed.

At the end of your chiropractor will know with a high degree of certainty how to best help you:
1) You are a good candidate for Chiropractic care, we can start straight away.
2) We know what is going on and can start immediately, but will we need some more information to fully understand your case.
3) We can help but we need some more information before we can start.
4) we know what is going on and we will need to work with other disciplines to best manage your case.
5) You are not a Chiropractic candidate at this time, and we will refer you to someone more suited to your condition.

If you accept their recommendations, the chiropractor will outline treatment options. They will explain to you their findings, what they plan to do, how it will help, and how long it will take.

Depending on your chiropractor and if you agree, then care might begin during that first visit.

The chiropractor may later on draft an exercise plan to strengthen or stretch your muscles to improve balance, strength, and co-ordination. But rarely on your first visit. They may also recommend posture exercises, education on motor control or nutrition, and tips to cut anxiety which causes misalignment in joints.

Whatever you present with, and regardless of what the chiropractor finds, they can never guarantee what the result will be. The healing comes from your body, and the adjustment is unlocking that healing potential. That result may seem miraculous sometimes, but it may also have been years developing that distortion. That sort of healing rarely happens overnight. The one thing your chiropractor can guarantee is they will tell you the truth, and do their best to help you.