The Chiro Practice - Your First Visit
Going to the chiropractor for the first time will make some people nervous! Of course, there is no need to be. Your first visit to the chiropractor will be informative, relaxing and comfortable. Your initial visit will go like this:
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Walk up to front reception and introduce yourself to our friendly staff (most people have booked an appointment in advance – recommended).
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Our staff will put you at ease and help you start filling out our new patient form.
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Once you have completed our new patient form the chiropractor will call you in for your consultation.
When you visit us for the first time, you will be asked for some personal information. The chiropractor will then spend time taking thorough medical history, including questions about accidents, illnesses and family medical history. All your details will be handled with the strictest confidentiality.
We will conduct a thorough examination which will concentrate on the joints, nerves and muscles of your body. Sometimes it may also be necessary to examine other areas, such as lungs, heart and abdomen. Based on the findings the chiropractor will decide whether any additional investigations are necessary before treatment can begin. These may include X-rays. In some cases it may be necessary to contact you GP, which your chiropractor will do with your permission.
After the examination the chiropractor will explain everything to you in detail:
- Whether chiropractic can help you.
- What the cause of your symptoms are.
- What can be done about it.
- How long recovery might take.
- How much treatment is required and how much will it cost.
A treatment plan will then be tailored to suit your specific needs. In some cases dietary and lifestyle changes may be discussed and in most cases simple home exercises will be prescribed in order to maximize your recovery. You will also be advised on how to best avoid future problems.
On your first visit you will be asked to change into a gown in order for the chiropractor to conduct a thorough spinal examination. In order to feel more comfortable we recommend that you bring a pair of shorts.
If you would feel more comfortable you are welcome to bring a friend or family member, and be sure to bring a list of questions and concerns as well as a list of any medications you may be taking. If you have had any X-ray/MRI/CT examinations recently and have access to the reports, please bring a copy.