What to Expect

When we see a patient for the first time we will discuss why they have consulted us and other aspects of their health. As primary care health practitioners it is important to investigate the presenting complaint as well as understanding the patient’s health history. While patients commonly consult our chiropractors for a sore back or neck, for headaches or low back pain, chiropractic can improve many other common symptoms which is why we will consider a patient’s full health picture on this first visit. The consultation will then proceed to a thorough chiropractic analysis and examination to determine a diagnosis and whether the patient may benefit from chiropractic treatment.

This initial consultation usually takes between 30 and 40 minutes. If the chiropractor determines that the patient requires a chiropractic adjustment and it is safe to do this, they will make that adjustment on the first visit. Often further investigation is necessary, such as spinal x-rays, so the patient will be referred locally to obtain these before the first adjustments are made. If the chiropractor determines that the patient requires alternative care then they will refer them appropriately to another practitioner. Sometimes patients present with complex problems which may require chiropractic intervention as well as referral to other health practitioners.

We want the best outcomes for our patients, so knowing when and where to refer is just as important as providing chiropractic care when appropriate.

Rest assured we will explain to each patient what the problem is, why they are experiencing their symptoms and how we intend to improve those symptoms before starting any treatment. Seeing a chiropractor for the first time can be a daunting experience, which we understand. Our chiropractors explain what they are doing every step of the way and make sure the patient understands and is comfortable with their treatment. When a patient receives their first adjustment it has been carefully considered and it is delivered with the utmost care. Most patients are surprised by how gentle and comfortable their first adjustment is, often feeling improvement in some way straight away.

The second consultation usually occurs within a few days where possible and often further explanation of the problem is discussed as well as other health issues which may benefit from chiropractic. The chiropractor will explain their analysis of the patient’s x-rays if they were required and after re-examining the patient for any changes since the previous treatment spinal adjustments will be made. This consultation is usually about 30 minutes long. Our chiropractors will advise each patient on how to care for their symptoms after each adjustment to aid in a speedy recovery.

Each time we see our patients we re-examine them to assess what has changed and decide what is required on that day. Our standard consultations can vary in length from 10-20 minutes. Our chiropractors determine how each patient is progressing and when they will require their next spinal check on every visit, because everyone is different and every complaint is unique to that patient. Follow up appointments can vary from a couple of days’ time in acute patients to weekly or fortnightly depending on the patient. In our practice we aim to adjust our patients minimally allowing them to heal and stabilise with less intervention. Once our patient’s symptoms have improved we will advise if further spinal check-ups are indicated.

Ideally everyone should have their spine checked regularly to maintain function and mobility and thus reduce the risk of injury. We have been educated to have our teeth checked and cleaned every six months to catch problems early and maintain our oral health, rather than visiting the dentist when we are in pain. Pain is the body’s cry for help, and like a toothache, back pain is an indicator that your spine isn’t coping and damage has occurred.

By having a regular spinal check you give yourself the best chance to maintain your spinal and nervous system health and reduce ongoing symptoms and further damage to your spine.