What happens during your 1st chiro visit?

Step 1: A Friendly Welcome and Paperwork

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the clinic team, who will have you fill out some paperwork. This usually includes:

• Medical History Form: Detailing past injuries, surgeries, or chronic pain.
• Reason for Your Visit: What’s been bothering you—back pain, stiffness, posture issues, or maybe just a general wellness tune-up?

This information gives your chiropractor a full picture of your health before they begin.

Step 2: The Initial Consultation (Let’s Chat!)

Your chiropractor will sit down with you to talk through:

• Your Symptoms: Where does it hurt? Is it sharp, dull, or constant?
• Your Lifestyle Habits: What’s your daily posture like? How active are you?
• Your Goals: Pain relief, improving posture, or optimising performance—your chiropractor wants to tailor their care to suit you.

This consultation is all about understanding your needs and goals.

Step 3: Physical Examination

Here’s where your chiropractor gets hands-on to assess what’s going on:

• Postural Assessment: Analysing how you stand, sit, and walk to identify imbalances.
• Spinal Palpation: Feeling for misalignments, tightness, or tender spots in your back and neck.
• Range of Motion (RoM) Tests: Checking how well your joints move to pinpoint restrictions.
• Neurological Tests: Testing reflexes, muscle strength, and nerve response to ensure your nervous system is functioning well.
• Orthopaedic Tests: Assessing specific areas of pain or dysfunction, like herniated discs or joint stiffness.

This thorough evaluation allows your chiropractor to identify the root cause of your issue.

Step 4: Diagnostic Imaging (If Needed)

If your chiropractor needs a deeper look, they may recommend imaging such as:

• X-rays: To check for misalignments, fractures, or arthritis.
• Other Scans: Like MRIs (though these are rarely required for most cases).

Not everyone will need imaging, but it can help with complex conditions.

Step 5: Your Personalised Care Plan

Once the assessment is complete, your chiropractor will explain their findings and create a treatment plan tailored to you. This plan might include:

• Adjustments: Realigning your spine to restore motion and reduce pain.
• Soft Tissue Therapies: Techniques like stretching or myofascial release.
• Lifestyle Tips: Advice on posture, stretching, and movement habits.

They’ll walk you through every step to ensure you feel confident moving forward.

Step 6: Your First Adjustment (If Ready)

If it’s appropriate, your chiropractor may perform your first adjustment during this visit. It’s quick, precise, and designed to address your specific issue. Many people feel immediate relief or a sense of release, though results vary.

Step 7: Aftercare and Next Steps

Before you leave, your chiropractor will:

• Explain what you might feel after your session (e.g., light soreness or improved mobility).
• Schedule a follow-up appointment to track your progress.
• Offer advice on how to care for your body between visits.

Final Thoughts: A Fresh Start for Your Spine

Your first chiropractic visit isn’t just about fixing pain—it’s about starting a journey toward better health and mobility. It’s an informative, personalised experience that sets the foundation for long-term wellness.

So, if you’ve been thinking about seeing a chiropractor, don’t wait! Your spine (and overall health) will thank you.

Xoxo,

Ollie