What Should You Do Before Your First Chiropractic Appointment?
There's very little you need to do before a first appointment, but a few small things make the session considerably more useful.
Most of a first visit is assessment. We're working out what's driving your pain before anyone treats anything, and the quality of that assessment depends partly on what you bring to it. The more clearly you can describe your symptoms, and the more we know about your health history, the faster we get to a diagnosis and the better your treatment plan will be.
Here's what to wear, what to bring, what to tell us even when it seems unrelated, what happens on the day, and the questions worth asking while you're here.
What to wear
Clothes you can move in. Activewear, leggings, shorts, a t-shirt. You'll be asked to bend, twist and reach during the assessment, and stiff work clothes make that awkward.
Avoid thick belts, heavy denim and anything restrictive through the shoulders. Take heels off if you've come from work.
You generally won't need to undress. If access to a particular area is required, we'll ask first, and a gown and draping are available.
What to bring
Any scans or reports you have, including X-ray, MRI or CT
A list of your medications, including over-the-counter items and supplements
Referral letters or specialist correspondence
Your private health card, so we can claim on the spot
Details of any workers' compensation, NDIS or care plan arrangement
If you have imaging, bring the written report rather than only the images. The report is usually the more useful document.
Think about your history beforehand
This is the item that makes the biggest difference, and most people haven't considered it until we ask.
Five minutes on the following will improve your assessment: when it started and what you were doing at the time; whether it's changed since; what makes it worse, whether that's particular movements, times of day or activities; what makes it better; whether it wakes you at night; whether you've had it before and what helped then; and where exactly it is, including whether it travels anywhere.
Specific answers save examination time. "It's worse after twenty minutes of driving and it refers into my right buttock" tells us considerably more than "my back hurts."
Tell us this, even if it seems irrelevant
Some of it determines which techniques are appropriate:
All medications, particularly blood thinners
Osteoporosis or reduced bone density
Inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis
Any history of cancer
Recent surgery, particularly spinal surgery
Pregnancy, or the possibility of it
Recent falls or accidents
Dizziness, fainting or unexplained neurological symptoms
None of these necessarily prevent treatment. Several of them change how we treat you, which is why we ask.
On the day
Eat normally. There's no need to fast.
Arrive ten minutes early for paperwork, or complete the intake forms online if we've sent them.
Don't take stronger painkillers than usual beforehand. Masking your symptoms makes the examination less accurate. Take your normal medication as prescribed.
Allow an hour. First appointments run longer than follow-ups.
What will happen
We'll take your history, then examine you. That means watching how you move, testing joint range and muscle strength, and where relevant, checking reflexes and sensation.
You should then get an explanation of what we think is causing the problem, in language that makes sense, along with a proposed plan.
Most people receive treatment on the first visit. Occasionally we'll hold off, usually because something needs imaging or medical review first. That's a useful outcome rather than a wasted appointment, even if it doesn't feel that way at the time.
For what treatment involves, see what happens during a chiropractic adjustment.
Questions worth asking
What do you think is causing this?
What are we aiming for, and how will we know it's working?
How many visits before we reassess?
What should I be doing at home?
Is there an option other than manipulation?
You can also decline any technique. Telling us you'd rather we didn't treat your neck is a normal request and we hear it regularly.
Afterwards
Mild soreness is common after a first session, comparable to the stiffness after unfamiliar exercise, and it usually settles within a day or two. Move normally, stay hydrated, and don't plan anything strenuous for that evening.
Most people drive themselves home without difficulty, but bring someone if you'd feel more comfortable.
Costs
Ask about fees when you book, including the initial and follow-up rates and what your fund covers. We've covered this in more detail in how much it costs for a chiropractor.
Finding us
A Plus is at Shop 11/11 Lorisch Way, Rochedale. Weekdays until 6pm, Saturdays by appointment.
For the fuller picture before you come in, see our guide to chiropractic care. To book, call (07) 3521 5099 or contact us.
