Have you been struggling with persistent aches and chronic pain? It’s time to consider chiropractic adjustment.
Chiropractic care is no longer a novel field. According to the Palmer College of Chiropractic, about 15% of American adults visit a chiropractor annually.
However, many people are yet to embrace the benefits of the holistic treatment chiropractic care offers out of uncertainty about what their first session would look like.
Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care, the first choice for people looking for a chiropractor in New York, discusses what to expect at chiropractor appointments in this post.
Initial Consultation and Patient Intake
When you visit the chiropractor’s office for the first time, you’ll go through the initial consultation and patient intake stage. Here, the doctor will spend time discussing your needs and answering any questions you may have about the efficiency of the treatment, the doctor’s expertise, and more.
The second stage of the consultation is the patient intake phase. At this point, the doctor will review your medical history, your record of previous injuries, past illnesses and surgeries, family history, medical background, allergies, and more.
You’ll answer a few general questions about the pain you’re experiencing, such as where you’re feeling it, when it started, and the conditions that improve or make it worse.
Physical Exam
The next stage of the appointment is the physical exam. The chiropractor will thoroughly evaluate you, starting with the vitals, like your blood pressure, heart, and respiration rates. The doctor will also order more specific neurological and orthopedic tests to evaluate the following:
- Neurological integrity
- Range of motion (especially around the affected area)
- Muscle strength and tone
- Posture analysis
Doctors often begin the evaluation by asking you to perform specific movements. Where necessary, they may request diagnostic tests such as an X-ray or an MRI scan.
After the physical exam, the doctor will discuss their findings with you and recommend a course of action.
The Chiropractic Care Plan
Many people wondering what to expect at chiropractor appointments often do so because they want to get a peek into what the chiropractor might recommend.
However, there’s no way to know the doctor’s possible recommendations until after the physical exams. Doctors create personalized care plans because every patient is unique.
Still, you can expect the recommended care plan to include soft-tissue massage and joint adjustments. Both treatment options are the bedrock of chiropractic care.
The care plan will also include details such as how many sessions you will need to undergo to feel better. Keep in mind that the care plan is not static. Your doctor can adjust it midway where necessary.
The First Chiropractic Adjustment
Most chiropractors will recommend completing your first adjustment on your first day. Once there is a clear picture of your physical health, you can get your care plan and resume treatment almost immediately.
The chiropractor will walk you through that first adjustment, ensuring you’re comfortable throughout the process. During the adjustment, you may sit upright, lie on your back, or lie on your stomach. The approach will come down to the type of pain or injury you’re dealing with.
After the adjustment, you can talk to the doctor about how you’re feeling.
Don’t hesitate to voice any concerns to the doctor if you’re uncomfortable. Chiropractors are good at determining what’s best for you as a patient. However, you have to communicate your feelings effectively, or you may not get full value from your treatment.
Scheduling Follow-Up Appointments
At the end of your first visit, the chiropractor will communicate the dates for your next appointments. It’s in your best interest to adhere to their recommendations. For many people, consistency is key to making a timely recovery.
Skipping appointments will only lengthen your recovery process. According to the National Library of Medicine, 70% of patients who keep up with appointments report positive outcomes. Keeping up with your appointments can also reduce your pharmaceutical expenses by up to 85%, according to PubMed.
Book Your First Chiropractic Care Session With Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care
Now you know what to expect at your first chiropractic appointment, it’s time to schedule that first meeting with the most experienced chiropractors in New York.
Are you looking for a chiropractor that takes insurance? Maybe you’re looking for a car accident chiropractor. Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care can help. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Call us today to schedule an appointment. Join millions of Americans enjoying the benefits of physical therapy and say goodbye to that back or neck pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will My First Chiropractic Appointment Take?
The length of your first chiropractic appointment depends on your current physical state. If your physical situation calls for diagnostic tests, it could take a couple of hours to get your results and get you started on the care plan.
However, an average first appointment takes around 45 minutes. Follow-up appointments are much shorter, with most under 30 minutes.
Will I Be in Pain During a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments generally don’t hurt. However, you may experience temporary soreness around the adjustment area, like you feel after a workout.
Some people may also get alarmed by the popping sensation accompanying chiropractic adjustments. These sensations are generally due to the release of gas in the joints and not due to damage to your musculoskeletal structure.
How Many Repeat Visits Will It Take?
The schedule for your chiropractic adjustment depends on your physical state and the type of pain you’re dealing with. Some people only need one or two sessions. Others may need a longer-term plan. Your chiropractor will create a personalized plan to help you reach your goals.
What Should I Wear During My First Chiropractic Appointment?
The best type of clothing to wear for your chiropractic appointment are loose, comfortable pieces. This is one of the most common questions from people wondering what to expect at chiropractor appointments.
Avoid visiting your chiropractor in gym wear or other clothing that might make you uncomfortable.