What to expect on your first visit to us
An initial consultation usually lasts 1-1½ hours where we will take a full case history including medical history and discuss any existing conditions.
Initial Consultation
We will undertake a general physical examination, including specific and appropriate orthopaedic and neurological tests. We discuss your reasons for wanting chiropractic treatment and the areas that are affected. If you have any existing or prior injuries, it may be a good idea to bring along any information you may have relating to this.
You may be asked to remove some clothing during your assessment, so please wear under garments you are comfortable in or bring along some shorts.
Please note that due to current COVID-19 restrictions, and in the interests of staying safe, regretfully we cannot offer gowns at this stage. If you would feel more comfortable in a gown, please ensure you bring one with you. You can read more about how we are keeping you safe during your visit to us by clicking here
Diagnosis
Based on your case history and examination findings your chiropractor will make a diagnosis as to what the problem is and discuss this with you. This is to ensure you have a basic understanding of the diagnosis and the treatment that is suggested.
Your Chiropractor will explain how the suggested treatment is suitable to your complaint and then offer it to you. If you are not comfortable with the suggested treatment, we may be able to offer an alternative.
A first treatment session is included in the initial consultation fee and this may be undertaken on the same day or if you prefer, another appointment can be scheduled at a time that is more convenient.
First Treatment
During your first treatment, your chiropractor will perform a health check on your spine and other key areas to ensure nothing was overlooked during the initial diagnosis. Depending on your complaint, other techniques may be used to release & relax muscles and joints such as massage techniques, rhythmic joint movement and muscle release techniques.
These techniques are all perfectly safe and are not painful in any way.
Future Treatment Advice and Planning
Treatment lengths can vary and depend on the nature of the presenting complaint, whether it is acute or chronic, if there is any tissue injury and how well the individual responds to treatment.
Often between 2 to 6 treatments is common, with one treatment at weekly intervals then gradually spacing out appointments to wider intervals.
Long standing conditions (more than 3 months), or where there is a history of recurrence, may take longer to resolve.
Aftercare
Patients are often given aftercare advice and some home exercises to do. This can involve stretching of particular muscles or muscle groups or strengthening exercises; advice on posture, sleeping position, heat/cold therapy and general wellness and lifestyle advice.
Although advised to take things easy following a chiropractic treatment, patients are also encouraged to keep as mobile as possible within reason of the presenting complaint.
Wellness
Often patients return for periodic ‘maintenance’ treatments, the aim of which is to maintain correct alignment and to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence or a new injury in the future. Just as people attend their dentist for regular check-ups or go for a routine physical examination, many of our patients prefer to attend for regular periodic chiropractic treatments.
Regular maintenance treatments are designed to keep you feeling good and help reduce the stresses and strains you place on your body. These treatments usually only last around 20-30min.