Seeing a chiropractor for the first time can feel a little daunting—especially if you're not sure what is going to happen.
Will you be adjusted straight away? Do you need X-rays? What should you wear? And what exactly are we looking for?
At Align & Restore Chiropractic in Strathmore, your first appointment is about understanding you, your symptoms and what you're hoping to achieve from care.
Step 1: We Talk
Your appointment begins with a detailed history.
We'll discuss your current symptoms, when they began, what aggravates or relieves them and how they're affecting your everyday life.
We may also ask about previous injuries, medical history, exercise, occupation and other factors that could be relevant.
Step 2: We Assess
Your physical assessment will depend on what you've presented with.
This may include:
Range of movement
Orthopaedic testing
Neurological testing where appropriate
Muscle and joint assessment
Functional movements
The aim is to gather information that helps us understand what may be contributing to your presentation.
Step 3: We Explain
We don't want you leaving your appointment without understanding what we've found.
We'll explain our findings, what we think may be contributing to your symptoms and whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
If we believe you need further investigation or another healthcare provider involved, we'll discuss that too.
Step 4: Treatment
Where clinically appropriate, treatment may begin during your first appointment.
This isn't necessarily the same for everyone.
Treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue techniques, mobility work or advice depending on your individual presentation.
And if there's a particular technique you're uncomfortable with, tell us. There are different treatment options available.
Step 5: What Happens Next?
We'll discuss what you can do outside the clinic too.
Depending on your presentation, this may include exercises, activity modifications or simple strategies to help manage your symptoms.
Your care should be individual to you—not a one-size-fits-all schedule.
If you've been thinking about booking your first chiropractic appointment but aren't sure what to expect, we're always happy to answer your questions.