First Visit FAQs

What to expect

The main goal of your first visit is to have an examination and reach a diagnosis. You will be asked about problems you have been encountering and about the nature of your pain. The examination may include a few tests, such as an X-ray, to evaluate your health status.

Once you have been diagnosed, you chiropractor will develop a personalized treatment plan. The plan may include how many treatments you will need and what other procedures might occur. depending on whats causing your pain and the severity of the issue, you might receive treatment the same day. alternatively, adjustments and treatment may be scheduled for another time. Learn more about what you can expect before your visit.

  • Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. Techniques emphasize minimal force and gentle pressure. Many patients report a popping sound during their adjustment. The popping noise sometimes heard are your joints releasing tiny pockets of gas. This is completely normal.

  • Your chiropractor will walk you through adjustments to explain the process. Try to be relaxed as possible and allow your chiropractor freedom to make the adjustments. Remaining relaxed will pay off, as almost all patients find great relief when normal flexibility is returned to the affected joint.

  • After your first session, if you are like most people, you will feel more relaxed and less concerned. Many people find they breath more fully. Some patients continue to move and stretch in various ways to release any tension they may be holding. Occasionally a feeling of “letting go” may occur, allowing you to unwind chronic tension patterns. Over several sessions you will likely feel more relaxed.

  • Any adverse effects are typically minor and brief in length. The likelihood of initial or increasing pain after a chiropractic adjustment has been found to be similar to that of starting an exercise program. There are several ways you speed up the healing process after a chiropractic treatment. Self-care plans will help you restore your body to good health and help you experience the results of the treatment more quickly.

    To promote the healing after adjustment, your chiropractor may instruct you to:

    Use an ice pack on the treatment area (for any swelling or redness)

    Try light stretching exercises

    Sleep on a suitable mattress

    Avoid heavy lifting

    refrain from intense physical exercise for at least 3-5 days

    Eat a balanced diet

    Drink plenty of water

  • Patients sometimes make the mistake of receiving treatment once and then fail to follow up with their chiropractor for the recommended treatment afterward. For optimal results, you should complete the treatment plan that you discussed with your chiropractor.