What to Expect During Your First Visit to a Chiropractor
If you've been dealing with some significant aches and pains in recent months and have tried some home remedies, you may be getting close to your wit's end. If you've never been to a chiropractor before, you should certainly consider giving them a call. But what can you expect when you first turn up for a consultation?
Information Gathering
During your first visit, the chiropractor will want to gather as much information as possible so that they can advise you on what to do next. They may ask a lot of questions about your previous medical history and the state of your overall health and then turn to your existing complaint to understand what's bothering you.
Physical Examination
Once they have assessed all this information, the chiropractor will need to do a physical examination. They will carefully assess the condition of your muscles and joints and see how much range of movement you have. They'll also be interested in the state of your posture and may even take some blood pressure measurements.
Full Assessment
Before they do anything else, a chiropractor will fully assess the situation and come up with a personalised care or treatment plan. They'll tell you what they think is wrong at the moment, how it could be fixed and what course of action you should take next. This will be your opportunity to ask as many questions as you have and get an explanation of any more technical terms that they may use.
Treatment Options
Bear in mind that the chiropractor will not always recommend a course of treatment with them specifically. If need be, they may suggest that you see other experts instead of, or as well. They may even refer you to get an ultrasound, MRI or x-ray if their findings suggest that it would be the best approach. In this case, you could arrange for those tests privately or consult with your family doctor instead.
Immediate Treatment
Your chiropractor may recommend some treatment right away if they feel that it would be in your best interest. They may suggest certain adjustments that could help relieve pressure or some of the pain that you are feeling right now. However, this assessment will always be on a case-by-case basis, and you will have the option to go forward or decide what to do next in every case.
Making an Appointment
Remember, a chiropractor will represent just one of your medical experts, but they are highly trained in these areas and ready to help. Your first step will be to pick up the phone and make an appointment, so they can begin to provide you with support.
For more information, contact a chiropractor in your area.