Your First Chiropractic Appointment: What to Expect at Schafer Chiropractic and Associates
Thinking about seeing a chiropractor for the first time?
Perhaps you’ve been struggling with back pain, neck stiffness or recurring discomfort that is making everyday activities difficult. Maybe you just feel something is not quite right, and you simply want to have your spine and nervous system assessed. You may have heard positive experiences from friends but still feel unsure about what happens during a consultation.
Will you be adjusted straight away? Will the treatment hurt? Do you need X-rays? And what if you’re nervous about having your spine examined?
These are reasonable questions.
At Schäfer Chiropractic and Associates in Somerset West, the first appointment is primarily about understanding you, your symptoms and your health history. It is not a one-size-fits-all treatment session, and an adjustment is not automatically performed on every patient.
Here’s what you can expect.
What does a chiropractor do?
Chiropractors assess, diagnose and manage certain neuromusculoskeletal conditions.
Depending on your symptoms and the findings of your examination, chiropractic care may involve spinal and extremity adjustments, movement advice, exercises and recommendations to support your everyday activities.
Step 1: Discuss your symptoms and goals
Your chiropractor will want to understand what has brought you to the practice and how the problem affects your life.
You may be asked:
- Where do you experience pain or discomfort?
- When did the symptoms begin?
- Did they develop gradually or after an injury?
- What makes them better or worse?
- Are you experiencing stiffness, tingling or numbness?
- Have you had similar symptoms before?
- What treatments have you already tried?
- What activities are you finding difficult?
You can also explain what you hope to achieve.
For example, perhaps you want to sit comfortably at work, return to running, sleep better, have more energy, or lift your child/grandchild without discomfort.
Step 2: Review your medical history
Your health history is an important part of a safe assessment.
Be prepared to discuss relevant medical conditions, previous operations, injuries, current medication and any investigations or treatments you have already received.
It is particularly important to mention conditions that may affect your suitability for manual treatment, including osteoporosis, bleeding disorders, certain vascular conditions, cancer, recent fractures or significant neurological symptoms.
Pregnancy, recent trauma and the use of medicines that affect blood clotting may also be relevant.
You do not need to know which details matter clinically. Share the information, and your chiropractor can ask follow-up questions.
Step 3: Have an appropriate physical examination
Depending on your presentation, this could include:
- Observing relevant posture and movement.
- Assessing joint range of motion.
- Examining the spine and surrounding areas.
- Checking muscle function.
- Performing appropriate orthopaedic tests.
- Assessing neurological signs where indicated.
- Considering whether further investigation is necessary.
Not every patient requires every test. The examination should be tailored to your symptoms and health history.
The aim is to understand the problem, identify any concerns and decide whether chiropractic care is suitable.
Step 4: Will you be adjusted during your first appointment?
At Schäfer Chiropractic and Associates, at your initial consultation an adjustment or another manual procedure may be performed when clinically appropriate. It is not automatic, and you should have an opportunity to discuss the proposed procedure and provide consent.
Sometimes, further assessment is needed before treatment can be considered. In other situations, a different form of care or referral may be more appropriate.
You should never feel pressured to undergo a procedure simply because you have booked an appointment.
If you prefer not to be adjusted during your first visit, tell your chiropractor. You can discuss the alternatives and decide how you would like to proceed.
Step 5: Do you need X-rays?
No, not everyone needs X-rays.
Imaging should be considered when it is clinically justified and likely to influence management.
Your chiropractor may recommend further investigation or referral if your history and examination indicate that it is appropriate.
Step 6: Understand your options at the Report of Findings
At your second appointment also known as the report of findings visit, your chiropractor will explain the relevant findings in understandable language.
You will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss what the findings mean for your symptoms and health.
Depending on your presentation, the options may include:
- Chiropractic care.
- Exercises or movement advice.
- Modifications to certain activities.
- Self-management strategies.
- Further investigation where necessary.
There is no guarantee that a particular treatment will work for everyone.
The purpose of the report of findings visit is to discuss the findings of the initial assessment, any relevant investigations and the available management options.
If ongoing chiropractic care is recommended, you will be explained the proposed frequency, expected duration and costs before deciding whether to proceed.
You remain involved in that decision.
Your first chiropractic appointment in Somerset West
Starting something unfamiliar can feel daunting, that’s why the first appointment is there to give you an opportunity to explain your concerns, understand the assessment process and decide whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
At Schäfer Chiropractic and Associates, the focus is on individual assessment, patient education and a personalised approach to movement and musculoskeletal care.
The practice is located at Halo Medical Suites, 31 Gardner Williams Avenue, Paardevlei, Somerset West.
Contact Schäfer Chiropractic and Associates in Somerset West to enquire about a new patient appointment or spinal screening.
