What to Expect During Your First Chiropractic Appointment

What to Expect During Your First Chiropractic Appointment

If you're new to chiropractic, it's always helpful to know what to expect when you first attend treatment. Detailed below is a description of a typical initial assessment and treatment session. Remember that if you need more information, or have any queries before attending, the friendly team at My Chiropractor, Qld, is happy to help.

The more information your chiropractor has, the easier it is to come up with a suitable form of treatment. In the first instance, you'll be asked for background information relating to your health and lifestyle. Topics covered will include past hospitalisations, previous and current treatments and medication, details of any disabilities and chronic conditions, and information on lifestyle choices such as drinking, smoking, exercise levels, occupation and diet.

The chiropractor will want to gather as much information as possible about the problem you're seeking assistance with. This may include details of how long you've had it, whether it's getting better or worse, what circumstances can cause an improvement (or worsening), how the problem affects your everyday life and what your treatment goals might be.

Once all the information has been documented, the chiropractor will usually carry out a basic physical. This may include blood pressure and heart rate check, measurement of height and weight and temperature. The exam may also include a visual check, to look for signs of asymmetry, swelling, abnormal joints or other signs that could provide more information about the nature of the problem.

An orthopaedic exam relates specifically to the joints and muscles in a particular area. The chiropractor will assess details such as joint appearance (is there redness, for example, or swelling), range of movement, tenderness, joint stability and any signs of joint sounds (crepitus). The chiropractor will assess how smoothly the joint moves through its range of movement, as well as the strength of the muscles surrounding the joint.

Depending on the problem, one or more joints may be assessed in this way. The chiropractor may also assess the spinal bones and joints in a similar manner.

Many problems may be worsened by poor posture, gait (walking) irregularities or performing everyday activities (such as lifting, bending or sitting) incorrectly. Part of a chiropractic assessment involves observation of these activities to see if they may be contributing to the problem.

Consideration will also be given to spinal curvature - irregularities in curvature can give rise to a range of problems.

Once the chiropractor has all the information they need, they'll use their professional knowledge and expertise to devise a suitable programme of treatment. This may include not only manipulations but also remedial exercises, postural advice and lifestyle advice. The chiropractor will discuss their recommendations with you and answer any questions you may have.

The initial treatment may take place immediately following the assessment, or on a future date.