What First Time Patients Want to Know About Chiropractic and How It Will Benefit Them
If you have never been to see a chiropractor before, you may be wondering what you should expect. You have likely seen a video of or at least heard someone talk about a chiropractic adjustment. Having your back or neck adjusted is definitely a big part of the process—but what else do you need to know? Read on to discover the basics of chiropractic and what you have to look forward to.
Guide to Chiropractic for First Time Patients
Your visit will begin with a thorough examination.
Don’t expect to walk through the door of the chiropractor and get your back cracked. Chiropractors are highly-trained professionals that focus on individualized treatments and getting the best possible results. That means getting a clear picture of what your condition is and identifying the ideal treatments before starting with the adjustments.
The chiropractor will conduct a full physical examination to identify your injuries, any movement difficulties, etc. He or she will also ask a number of questions to find out how you feel and why you think you feel the way you do.
You may get an adjustment.
There are a lot of ways to adjust the human body, which are not limited to the standard adjustments you may have seen on TV or in movies. Your chiropractor can adjust not only your back but all of your joints, including knees, ankles, elbows and more. He or she can also use different tools to facilitate adjustments and employ techniques that range from extremely gentle to more forceful.
The adjustment you get will be based on your unique circumstances and the opinion of the chiropractor.
You may not get an adjustment.
It can be surprising to be told by the chiropractor that you won’t get an adjustment during your visit, but it does happen. Your chiropractor may determine that other therapies are better for your current condition. The adjustment may have to wait until your body is ready for it.
You will probably be offered supplemental therapies.
Chiropractors focus on getting the best results for patients, which often means employing supplemental and complementary therapies in addition to chiropractic adjustments. Some common therapies include massage, decompression, electrical stimulation and more. Massage can relax soft tissues to allow for better adjustments, or to help adjustments stay in place. Decompression can increase blood flow to discs. Electrical stimulation can increase healing times.
You always have final say in your treatment.
While the chiropractor will certainly have recommendations on which therapies are best suited to your needs, in the end, it is you who decides what happens. After your examination, the chiropractor will present the recommended options and let you decide if you want to start treatment.
You will probably experience noticeable improvements sooner rather than later.
Many patients are pleasantly surprised with how effective their chiropractic treatments are. Often after the first visit, you will feel less pain, more mobile and more at ease. A good adjustment and supplemental therapies can do a great deal to alleviate discomfort and stiffness. The good news is that each successive visit will only add to the good feelings you experience.
Getting Safe, Effective Treatment
According to the American Chiropractic Association, chiropractic care is one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive treatments available for injuries and degenerative conditions related to your muscles, joints and skeletal system. There are so many benefits, and so few potential downsides, that it is hard to find a reason not to try chiropractic!
Please contact our team today to schedule an appointment with a chiropractor. Discover why so many people choose chiropractic for their healthcare needs.