What to Expect on Your First Visit
Your chiropractor needs a full understanding of your health history and overall current health in order to provide the best possible care for you.
Set aside at least an hour for your first visit to the chiropractor. Future visits typically last 15 minutes or less, though the time required will depend upon the type of treatment you require. Here’s what you might expect.
On your first visit, your chiropractor may ask about the following:
- a description of your present condition and how it’s affecting your daily life
- the steps you have taken to manage your condition
- personal and family medical history
- major illnesses you have experienced
- surgeries you have had
- medications and supplements you are taking
- your diet and exercise
- your sleeping habits, daily activities, work routine, stress level, and home life
It is a good idea to wear comfortable clothes and shoes for your visit to the chiropractor. Your chiropractor may ask you to change into a gown to perform some of these tests:
- a check of your blood pressure, pulse and breathing
- a test of your reflexes, strength and sensations
- an analysis of your movement — he/she will observe how you walk, turn, bend or lift things, as well as how your body moves in the affected area
- a hands-on evaluation of how well your joints, muscles and other tissues are moving, identifying restrictions and areas of improper motion
