What to Expect on Your First Chiropractic Visit

People seek chiropractic care for many reasons, but the most common reason is pain (particularly musculoskeletal pain). Most people see a chiropractor because they are experiencing back pain and sciatica, neck pain and headaches, or joint pain in the arms or legs. Others go to a chiropractor for relief from injuries after car accidents or sports injuries, or for ongoing maintenance of spinal health.

At Performax Chiropractic we treat conditions of the spine (back & neck) as well as joints such as shoulders, elbows, wrists/hands, hips, knees and feet. Some people also visit us regularly simply because they want to prevent problems with their spines before they start!

Proper preparation ensures you get the most from your first visit. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement. Gather relevant medical information, including details of previous injuries, and surgeries, conditions. Bring X-rays, MRI scans, or medical reports if available, and list all current medications and supplements.

Stay hydrated before your appointment, as this helps with muscle flexibility and makes examinations more comfortable. Most importantly, prepare a list of questions or concerns you'd like to address during your consultation.

Your first chiropractic visit typically lasts between 45 minutes and an hour. The appointment divides into consultation, examination, and potentially initial Treatment.

Chiropractor will begin with a detailed conversation about your condition. Expect questions like when did your symptoms start, what caused the pain in the first place, how would you characterize the pain, does it spread to other areas of the body, or what are some of things that ease or exacerbate it.

You'll also discuss your medical history, lifestyle factors, work environment, and sleep patterns. This conversation helps identify underlying causes and contributing factors to your condition.

After the consultation, your chiropractor will conduct a physical assessment. This usually includes postural analysis, range of motion tests, neurological assessment, orthopaedic tests and lastly palpation in which the chiropractor uses their hands to feel for areas of tenderness, heat ,swelling and abnormal movement.

The exam is usually gentle, and it shouldn't make your pain worse than you have had already.

Not all patients require imaging, but your chiropractor may recommend it based on your history and examination findings. X-rays are good at showing bone structure and alignment. MRI scans produce detailed images of soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments, and nerves.

Your chiropractor will only request imaging when necessary to inform treatment decisions. Many patients don't require any imaging at their first visit.   

If treatment is appropriate during your initial consultation, your chiropractor will explain what to expect. Common techniques include spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, mobilisation, and guided stretching.

Every treatment is geared to meet your individual needs, condition and comfort level. The chiropractor will explain the procedures to you before they are performed and obtain your consent.

If treatment is appropriate during your initial consultation, your chiropractor will explain what to expect. Common techniques include spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, mobilisation, and guided stretching.

All techniques are tailored to your specific needs, comfort level, and condition. Your chiropractor will always explain procedures before performing them and gain your consent. 

Following your first treatment, you may experience various reactions, all of which are normal. Some patients feel immediate relief, whilst others experience mild soreness similar to post-exercise discomfort. It is normal to feel tired, and sometimes your symptoms may get worse for a short time before getting better.

These reactions typically subside within 24 to 48 hours. Stay well-hydrated, avoid strenuous activities immediately after treatment, and follow any advice your chiropractor provides.

To maximise benefits from chiropractic care, be honest and thorough about your symptoms and medical history.Follow your chiropractor's advice regarding home exercises and lifestyle modifications. Attend appointments consistently, especially initially, as regular sessions produce better results than sporadic visits.

Communicate any changes in your symptoms to your chiropractor, and be patient with the process. Some conditions improve quickly, whilst others require time and consistent effort.

Your first visit to the chiropractor is the first step in achieving better musculoskeletal health. By knowing what to expect, properly preparing and being open with your chiropractor you set yourself up for success.

At Performax Chiropractic we provide a range of services that caters for your overall health. Whether you are seeking pain relief, increased mobility and , the consultation is designed to help you achieve that.

Your initial visit typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, including consultation, examination, and potentially first treatment. Follow-up appointments are usually 15 to 30 minutes.

The examination is generally gentle and shouldn't cause significant pain. Some movements may be slightly uncomfortable if you're already in pain, but your chiropractor works within your comfort zone.