What to expect at your first chiropractic visit

So many people are starting chiropractic care these days, and some for their very  first time! The question is: What is the process to becoming a patient? I will break it down for you, so you know exactly how the first encounters will go. *Note: not every chiropractic clinics function this exact way, but the process is similar in most clinics.

The first contact

You may call the clinic, email the clinic or fill out the “Request an appointment” form online, to schedule your New Patient visit.

The New Patient visit

The  big day is here! The first visit lasts around 1 hour. You will initially have to fill out a New Patient information form and a Health questionnaire before seeing your chiropractor. Once inside the exam room, your chiropractor will do a thorough consultation. They will ask many details about your primary complaint, your personal and family health history, your daily activities, and more. Then, your chiropractor will perform a physical examination. They will test your range of motion, posture, gait, vital signs, followed by neurological, orthopedic and chiropractic evaluations. After this exam, the chiropractor might send you for X-rays to complete your diagnostic testing.

Second visit- The Report of Findings

On your next visit to the clinic (approx. 45 minutes), your chiropractor will sit with you and discuss every aspect of your condition. They will show you your X-rays if they have been taken, and explain your diagnosis thoroughly. Your chiropractor will  go over your initial examination findings, and explain how chiropractic can benefit you. They will then explain the ideal program of care (method, frequency and duration), and any other logistics. An informed consent will be explained to you, and your chiropractor will answer your questions. And then, you will receive your first treatment!

From then on…

Subsequent visits will be very similar, at which you will receive the treatment that is best suited for you and your condition. A progress exam will be performed after a predetermined amount of treatments, to assess your progress and re-evaluate your needs.

I hope you enjoy your experience!