What can I expect from my first appointment with a chiropractor?
Initial Consultation
Your first chiropractic appointment is an opportunity to meet your chiropractor, discuss your goals, and develop a personalised care plan. During this initial consultation, your chiropractor will gather important information and conduct a physical assessment to determine the best course of action.
History Taking
Your chiropractor will begin by asking a series of questions to understand why you have come in, your goals, lifestyle habits and relevant health history, including any medications or past medical tests. These questions, which may also appear on an intake form prior to your appointment, help your chiropractor to build a picture of your health and identify any contributing factors to your pain. This process also helps to determine whether chiropractic care is suitable for you.
Physical Examination
In order to come to a diagnosis and before starting treatment, your chiropractor will perform a comprehensive examination. This may include assessments of:
- Posture and gait (walking)
- Range of motion
- Joint and muscle tension
- Nerve function
Chiropractors are trained to identify symptoms that may suggest a medical condition outside of musculoskeletal (MSK) issues. To rule these out, your chiropractor may check other areas, which could include:
- Blood pressure
- Skin observation
- Respiratory (lung) assessment
- Cardiac (heart) assessment
- Abdominal assessment
- Peripheral vascular examination (checking arteries and veins in the limbs)
Report of Findings
Diagnosis and explanation
After your assessment, your chiropractor will explain their findings, what they mean and the subsequent diagnosis. Based on these findings, they will discuss available treatment options, their benefits, and any associated risks. A common side effect of chiropractic treatment is slight soreness or stiffness, which typically resolves within 24-48 hours. If you have concerns following treatment, do not hesitate to reach out; your chiropractor can provide reassurance or reassess as needed. Additionally, they will address any specific risk factors you might have that could influence the treatment techniques they use.
Your chiropractor will also outline the likely timescale for treatment and any associated costs, which should also be available on their website and in their clinic.
Referral
If chiropractic care is not appropriate for your condition, your chiropractor will suggest alternative options.They may write to your GP to coordinate appropriate referrals or recommend further tests, such as blood tests, an ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI.
Questions and Goals
At this stage, you and your chiropractor will discuss your goals and begin to build rapport, which is imperative in setting the foundations for shared decision-making. Together, you will create a treatment plan that combines the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and your personal preferences in order to reach your personal goals.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions at any point during your consultation and treatment process. There is no question too small; feeling informed is crucial to empowering you in managing your pain.
Advice
Chiropractic care may also include guidance on lifestyle factors and a personalised exercise plan to aid your recovery and help prevent future issues.
Consent
Your chiropractor must obtain your consent before beginning treatment. Once you are comfortable with the proposed plan, you will be able to proceed. Consent is ongoing, so you can request changes at any time, such as asking the chiropractor to stop a specific technique.
Additionally, your chiropractor will seek your consent before sharing any of your health details, such as if they need to communicate with your GP.
Treatment
Your chiropractor will describe and explain the treatment techniques they plan to use so you know what to expect. They may request you undress to expose certain areas of the body and often clinics provide gowns if this is the case. If you prefer not to undress for personal, cultural, or religious reasons, let your chiropractor know, as alternative techniques may be used.
Based on your condition, preferences, and your chiropractor’s expertise, various techniques may be used. This may include, but is not limited to:
- Spinal manipulative therapy
- Joint mobilisation
- Soft tissue release techniques, such as massage and dry needling
Treatment is usually not painful, though you may feel some discomfort over areas of tension. Communicate your comfort level with your chiropractor to ensure an effective and comfortable experience.
Checklist for Your First Visit
The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) regulates chiropractors in the United Kingdom in order to maintain high standards of care for the public. The GCC offers a helpful for patients, to guide you through what to expect from your first visit, ensuring you get the most out of your chiropractic care. The GCC also has a , offering in depth information to help you choose a chiropractor, prepare for your first visit, get the most from your ongoing care, and some frequently asked questions.
Finding a Chiropractor Near You
Visit the wgŠÊ˜·³Ç’s Find a Chiropractor page to search for registered chiropractors near you.