Your First Chiropractic Appointment: What to Expect

According to a study by Unnus, while 13% of patients reported being content with their family doctor, 56% were satisfied with their chiropractor. A visit to a chiropractor is comparable to an appointment with other medical professionals. The office environment and intake process are similar. However, the chiropractic treatment room and technique are unique. A typical chiropractor appointment involves a consultation, physical examination, adjustment, and a follow-up strategy. Keep reading to learn what to expect at your first chiropractor appointment.

Consultation

A chiropractor will speak with you and seek to understand what your issues and objectives are before administering any adjustments or procedures. If your main goal is pain relief, they'll want to know where in your body the pain is most intense, when it started, and if you are experiencing other symptoms.

These conversations will give your chiropractor a better understanding of your case and allow them to determine the best course of action. They'll discuss your health objectives and how to meet them. This consultation session will serve as the basis for all decisions moving forward.

Physical Examination

After performing a standard physical examination, the chiropractor will focus on your spine and the soft tissues that support it, paying close attention to the problematic regions. They'll carefully examine your body for spinal curvature and other apparent signs of injury or impairment.

Additionally, they may perform orthopedic exams to detect problems with the joints, bone, spine, and soft tissues like ligaments and tendons. An orthopedic exam involves moving a joint to measure its range of motion. Examinations of the nervous system are also standard. These evaluate your motor, sensory, and cranial nerves' functionality.

Adjustment

Expect some adjustments at your first chiropractor appointment. In most cases, this process is quick and painless. The chiropractor will have you lie down on a table while they push, pull, or twist different parts of your body to find and correct any spinal misalignments. Expect to hear some "popping" or "cracking" noises. This is normal and isn't a cause for concern.

While some people experience immediate relief following an adjustment, others may need multiple sessions before feeling the effects. Depending on your reasons for seeking therapy, adjustments may be general or targeted to a specific region, such as the shoulders, back, or neck. Your chiropractor will customize each adjustment to your needs.

Length of Chiropractic Appointment

The length of your chiropractic consultation varies depending on the severity and duration of your illness, injury, or issue. The typical length of a chiropractic visit for a first-time patient is 40 minutes, with subsequent visits lasting 10 to 20 minutes.

Post-Adjustment

After your adjustment, it's normal to experience some soreness or a slight headache for a few hours. However, with rest and plenty of water, this should go away. Keep moving, but limit yourself to low-impact exercises like biking or walking.

While each individual and chiropractic technique is unique, the above points should serve as a general guide. If you're ready to experience the transformative effects of chiropractic care, give Robinson Township Chiropractic Center a call today. We look forward to helping you!