You may be curious about what is going to happen during your first Chiropractic visit here and what lies ahead after that. Here we will explain a few facts:

The first thing you will need to do to is fill in some registration forms and a health questionnaire.

Then your chiropractor needs to establish the reasons for you being at the clinic. You could be asked questions that may not be about the pain or complaint that brought you here today, but about other matters such as your health history. Some of these questions may appear irrelevant but they are important in order to obtain an overall health picture to ensure that you do not need to be referred to your GP or another healthcare practitioner.

Your chiropractor will keep all your personal details confidential. No one else will be given access to your notes without your permission.

Your chiropractor will then perform an examination to confirm any early ideas formed about your specific problems. This may involve removing your outer layers of clothing. This examination will concentrate on your musculoskeletal system (the spine, arms and legs) and may also check your heart, lungs and abdomen. This is performed in order to eliminate any other causes of your problem and is quite normal procedure in a chiropractor’s clinic. It is not normal for a chiropractor to examine intimate areas and if it is felt that you would benefit from such an examination you will be referred to your General Practitioner (GP).

First Treatment Visit

We explain everything first.....

The purpose of your consultation with your chiropractor is to discuss your problem and your health goals and see if chiropractic is likely to help you.

Following the initial consultation, treatment for your condition is likely to be offered immediately. However, in some situations, treatment may be delayed for a day or two in order to gather further information. Your chiropractor may need to consult your GP, view hospital x-rays, or perform blood or urine tests.

Before treatment starts your chiropractor will discuss with you the results of the examination. You will be told in clear and simple language and shown on a model or chart what is wrong with you and what can be done about it. You will also be advised of your role in the treatment plan, of any lifestyle changes that would be beneficial, exercises that might help and perhaps some dietary changes. There are many suggestions that your chiropractor might make in order to help you to help yourself. A large part of the healing process is up to you so please follow any instructions and advice carefully and completely.

You will also be advised of all charges relating to future care. It would certainly be appropriate at this point for you to be told of any likelihood of a recurrence of your problem and the possibility of the need for any ongoing care. This is not an unusual situation with patients who have had serious injuries or those who have had long-term problems as a result of wear and tear to the joints.

Patients appreciate that we explain everything in advance!

Use of X-ray Investigations and other tests

X-rays may also be required but decisions will be made in consultation with you before any such procedure is undertaken. There is a small risk with excessive radiation, so no x-ray procedure is undertaken lightly. At all times your chiropractor will weigh the risks against the benefits and advise you accordingly. Typical patients who may require x-ray are those who have had recent injuries, older patients where there may be a question relating to bone density, unusual examination findings or a history of other diseases.

What can I expect during treatment?

Chiropractic care mainly involves treatment by manipulation to the joints of the spine or other areas of the body. Most often this involves a short impulse to the joint bringing an easing of symptoms and sometimes being accompanied by a popping or cracking sound. The ‘crack’ is thought to be the sound of bubbles of gas popping in the fluid of the joint as the pressure is released. This is called an adjustment.

Most of us are a little worried whenever we encounter a new treatment; you are not alone if you are a little apprehensive at this point. Before any procedure is undertaken your chiropractor will completely inform you of what to expect and when you are about to receive your first adjustment.

Generally a chiropractic adjustment does not hurt although there may be some minor short-term discomfort which quickly passes. You will find that ensuing treatments are much more pleasant and may last less time as your body needs less adjustments because your body is getting better. This will certainly be aided by your feeling more at ease with your chiropractor, as well as starting to feel that your symptoms are subsiding.

Apart from the adjustment your chiropractor may use a wide variety of techniques including muscle work, the use of ice or heat and exercises. If you have questions about any of these procedures simply ask your chiropractor for an explanation at any time. 

After the investment of time needed on the first few visits, many patients become concerned that every visit will be of equal length. A typical chiropractic treatment visit may require just 10 to 15 minutes. Please don’t think the brevity of a regular visit lessens its value! With the groundwork laid, we can quickly assess the condition of your spine and your current problem and adjust you so you can get back to your activities quicker.

Like a regular workout at the gym, each visit builds on the ones before. Missed visits can interfere with the specific treatment plan for your problem and therefore your overall recovery. So please do try to schedule your appointments as recommended - we are trying to help you.

We recognize your time is valuable. So we do everything possible to run on time and minimize the impact on your busy life.

Are there any risks?

There are risks when attending any healthcare professional but generally these risks and reactions with chiropractic care are much less than with many other options for your problem. Like most forms of treatment the symptoms may take some time to ease as there is often no instant cure. Rarely, patients may experience temporary soreness over the areas being treated but this soreness is often transient. Spinal problems may appear to flare-up in the early stages of treatment and where any underlying inflammation is already present your condition may initially seem to worsen. Some people experience feelings of tiredness or fatigue following treatment. This tiredness is usually gone within a few hours or after a night’s rest.

Following treatment to the joints of the neck, some aching of the neck and shoulder muscles may be noticed for a short while. Serious side effects are extremely uncommon. It has been shown in research that chiropractic is one of the safest and most effective forms of treatment available for a wide array of spine and muscle associated problems throughout the body.

Your chiropractor will, of course, be more than happy to discuss fully all concerns you may have regarding your treatment, giving an honest appraisal of your particular case.