Your First Visit to a Chiropractic Clinic

In many ways, a visit to a chiropractic clinic is similar to a visit to any other healthcare practitioners. While a chiropractic clinic visit has its own exclusive elements, the intake procedures, office settings, and other procedures are familiar.

While not all chiropractors will have the same first clinic visit-approach, the process will generally stay the same. In today’s post, we’ll discuss what to expect on your first visit to a local chiropractic clinic.

Getting a Warm Welcome

No matter what type of healthcare clinic it is, patients will feel most comfortable if they receive a warm and friendly welcome from all the clinic staff. From the front desk receptionist to the nursing assistant to the actual doctor – patients will feel more at ease if they are greeted with a smile.

A positive attitude and environment will immensely help patients feel better even without meeting the chiropractor yet or starting the treatment.

Meeting the Chiropractor for the First Time

At your initial meeting, the chiropractor will make sure to get a better understanding of your condition. He or she may ask you to elaborate on when your health concerns began, what made them worse or better, and what health approaches have you tried.

The purpose of this interview is to determine if you are an excellent candidate to get chiropractic treatment. If not, you will be given a referral to a different healthcare approach.

First Chiropractic Clinic Appointment

A standard first appointment with a chiropractor will typically include four parts: 1) the initial intake procedures; 2) the physical assessment; 3) creating a treatment plan; 4) follow-up procedures.

Initial Medical Intake Procedures

Your first consultation at the chiropractic clinic will run similarly to a regular medical consultation. There will be some paperwork or questionnaires you have to complete. You’ll have to provide your contact information, health history, current health condition, and prevailing health concerns.

Expect an initial intake procedure at your first chiropractic clinic visit.

You may also need to answer questions about your allergies, diet, sleeping patterns, activity levels, stress levels, and other health conditions that may or may not relate to your symptoms. Typically, the chiropractor will ask you where you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your body.

Physical Assessment

As you move on to the physical assessment, the chiropractor begins a routine exam of your body. He or she will then follow it up with observations that will focus more on your spine. While examining the spine, the chiropractor will still give special attention to parts of your body where you are experiencing more pain.

For instance, if you’re suffering from lower back pain, the chiropractor will also need to conduct a neck exam. This is because neck and back pain are typically related, and the secondary irritations may affect those parts of the body.

The physical assessment will typically include a variety of tests. These tests will entail motion and mobility tests, reflex tests, muscle strength tests and comparisons, orthopedic tests, and even neurological tests if needed. The chiropractor will also do additional tests that will focus more on areas of complaint throughout the patient’s body.

The Treatment Plan

A chiropractic treatment plan is devised around the findings during the initial assessment and consultation. The treatment plan will take into consideration the following:

  • Your overall health condition.
  • The extent of your discomfort, injury, irritation, or pain.
  • Your spine’s condition, your age, and the impact of the injury on your spine.
  • Your health goals and what you expect to achieve from the chiropractic treatment plan.
The chiropractic treatment plan is based on your medical assessment.

The goals you want to achieve should align with the discussion and consultation you have had with your chiropractor. Many patients often want quick solutions and simple relief from their pain or discomfort; however, what’s more important is developing habits and regiment that will ultimately improve your general health and yield lasting solutions – not just opting for quick fixes.

During an initial chiropractic clinic visit, the chiropractor will let you know the status of your health and recommend a path on how to manage your pain or discomfort. You will be encouraged to ask questions and voice out any concerns you may have. As in any relationship involving healthcare providers, maintaining a mutual understanding and trust is vital.

Healing Partnership

Success in chiropractic care is all about commitment and partnership between the patient and the chiropractor. The results you get will depend on what you do during and between each chiropractic visit.