5 Things to Expect at your First Chiropractic Visit
Visiting a new clinic or meeting a new health care practitioner can be overwhelming, especially when you are in pain. At Basin View Chiropractic we want to ensure that you are comfortable even before stepping into the clinic. That’s why we 5 things you should expect for your first chiropractic visit.
1. Intake Paperwork
Like any other health care clinic, there is always paperwork involved! This isn’t just to obtain your personal information, but it gives the chiropractor an opportunity to obtain an impression of your overall health, as well as any other challenges you may be facing.
2. History
This is your opportunity to tell the doctor what is going on, or what has initially brought you into the clinic. During this time, the doctor will ask you several health-related questions pertaining to your current complaint(s). This is also a great opportunity for the doctor to learn about your goals and expectations!
3. Physical Exam
There will always be a thorough physical exam on your first visit. The physical exam may include an array of tests: vitals (heart rate, blood pressure, etc), a neurological exam, orthopaedic testing, range of motion and/or movement based testing, as well as hands-on palpation. This indicates to the chiropractor what your limitations are and gives a suggestion as to where your pain is coming from. Most often, there is no need to remove any clothing. Your comfort level is our number one priority! We do suggest wearing comfortable clothing to your first visit.
4. Special Tests or Imaging
This may be only be necessary for certain patients, depending on the findings from the history and physical exam. Most patients do not require further imaging and they can start care right in the office. The chiropractor may want to send a patient for X-Ray, MRI, CT scan, or blood work to better understand their health and determine the right plan of management.
5. Treatment or Referral
Depending on the previous four steps, you may begin care that day. Your treatment will include a variety of options such as spinal or extremity manipulation and mobilization, soft tissue therapy and rehabilitation exercises. A referral may be required to help ensure you are on the right path to relief. This step should get you from where you were when you first came in to where you want to be when treatment is over!
If you have any other questions or concerns about your first chiropractic appointment, please do no hesitate to contact us!