You have finally decided to take care of your pain, and you want to know what to expect when you get to your chiropractic physician’s office.
As a new chiropractic patient, you may feel anxious before your first appointment because you don’t know what to expect. Chiropractic care is a proven, safe and effective option for many causes of pain. Whether you’ve been referred to a chiropractor by your medical doctor or have decided to visit one on your own accord, your first visit should be an exciting step towards getting you back on the path to better health.
When you first come into the office for your appointment, you’ll be asked to complete a Health and History Form. You can fill this form out in the waiting area or in your own home before coming in for your appointment. This questionnaire is very important in helping the doctor get an overall look at your health and detect any underlying conditions.
When that’s complete, you’re ready to see the doctor. He/She will ask you some questions about your symptoms. Then you will perform a series of physical tests to evaluate your problem. These exams check your range of motion, reflexes and strength, joint mobility and posture.
Once that is complete, the doctor will explain his/her findings, recommend a specific treatment plan, and notify you if there are any additional tests that are required.
With your consent, treatment may even begin on the same day.
The type of treatment will vary depending on the nature of your condition, but may include the following:
- Joint Manipulation to restore movement to restricted segments.
- Therapy Modalities to help release muscle tightness and decrease inflammation.
- Myofascial Release to massage chronically tight muscles.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises to help prevent the problem from returning.
You can also expect the doctor to provide nutritional counseling and daily living advice for helping your condition. The goal is to fix you as quickly as possible and give you the tools to keep feeling good on your own. If you have any questions related to your first visit or your treatment plan, please don’t hesitate to call your doctor.