First Time at the Chiropractor?

To help you with your first chiropractic visit, I've put together a little guide that will answer some questions you may have.

1. What should I expect at my first appointment?

Your initial visit will be similar in many ways to other healthcare provider visits – first you’ll have to fill out some paperwork. Once completed, you will be taken to our exam room where your chiropractor will talk to you about what’s brought you in. To better understand what’s going on, they’ll perform a thorough exam. This is a combination of range of motion, orthopedic testing, neurological testing, and physical palpation. In some cases, x-rays will be taken to get a clear picture of what’s going on with your body. After, you will receive your first adjustment in one of our treatment rooms. If recommended by your chiropractor, you will then head to our therapy bay for laser, ultrasound, or electrical muscle stimulation.

2. What should I expect at my second appointment?

Your second appointment is the Report of Findings. Your chiropractor will explain your diagnosis, the root cause of your symptoms, x-ray findings, and present a personalized treatment plan including the number of visits and cost.

3. How long will a visit last?

Your first visit will be about 45 minutes and your second about 30 minutes. Follow-up visits will be much shorter, typically 5-15 minutes. Don’t worry – we’ll get you in and out in plenty of time to go about your day.

4. How long will it take to feel better?

Because treatment plans are personalized to you, the frequency of your visits depends entirely on the severity of your condition and how your body responds to treatment. This could range from several times a week to once or twice a month.

5. If I feel better after the first visit, should I come back?

We are so glad that you feel better! However, feeling better right away does not mean that the problem is fixed. The muscles and soft tissues supporting your spine have to be retrained with subsequent visits. Otherwise, you might experience a relapse of your symptoms. There is no quick fix when it comes to your health. Our goal is to get you well and keep you well.

6. Will I feel worse after my first adjustment?

Adjustments are realigning your spine and your body isn’t used to the new alignment which could lead to discomfort. It can also be due to the release of muscle tension, similar to when you work out for the first time in a while. It is not uncommon to feel a little sore or stiff afterwards, but this will disappear within a day or two. If needed, you can use heat or ice to alleviate any soreness. As your body gets used to being aligned properly, your muscles will adjust accordingly, and you won’t feel sore after being adjusted.

7. What is the "popping" sound?

It’s the same thing as cracking your knuckles – tiny gas bubbles are being quickly released into the joint. This is called a cavitation.

8. What should I wear to my appointment?

Comfortable clothing is best. Keep in mind that you will be lying facedown for your adjustments and some therapies require contact with bare skin. For your first visit, try to avoid wearing anything with metal in case x-rays are taken.

Ready to take the first step toward feeling better? We'd love to meet you - schedule your first visit today.