What to Expect

The first step for a new Chiropractic patient is to complete our health history intake forms. The details of your health as it pertains to acute and chronic problems are recorded as are other details of issues that may be affecting you. As with other doctor appointments, the first visit starts with your medical history and a physical exam.  Once we meet, we are able to walk through a review of your initial paperwork and answer any questions that you may have about care once your visit begins.

Our chiropractic office has a ‘new patient form’ you can complete during your first online registration and booking of your initial visit. It can be less stressful and more time efficient to answer medical questions when you are at home rather than at the doctor’s office. This will also help you focus on what’s bothering you when you meet face-to-face during your appointment.

After reviewing your health history, the doctor will meet with you to discuss your concerns and determine if and how they can be best treated through chiropractic care and/or the other services that are offered at Vibrant Niche. As a prospective patient we will discuss your goals and objectives of seeking care.

First visits often last about an hour. Your chiropractor will ask about your medical history and about your symptoms.

Tell your chiropractor about:

• Why you want help
• Past injuries
• All your medical conditions
• Any medications you take
• Any use of drugs or alcohol
• Your lifestyle habits including exercise, diet, stress and sleep

After taking your history, your chiropractor will do a physical examination. You will receive a thorough examination consisting of orthopedic, neurological, physical and chiropractic tests. We may feel your spine, move your joints and watch the way you walk. He or she will also test your muscle strength, reflexes, and range of motion. In some cases, the chiropractor might order X-rays or a blood pressure check.

Checking spinal ranges of motion is a regular part of the physical exam as are functional tests and a discussion of the specifics of your complaint. Spinal assessments are determined by careful analysis of prior imaging if available, palpation of the soft tissue of the spine, range of motion studies and tests with instruments.

One of the most important aspects of a visit to Vibrant Niche is to create a plan for outcome. We listen to what you want to achieve and determine how we can do that through different approaches and frequency including adjustments, stretching, exercises and other kind of therapy like massage or Pilates. You’ll know what the plan is and what we’re trying to achieve on your behalf.

Lastly, a chiropractor might start treatment at your first visit. If that’s the case, this is what may happen:

• You will lie on a special treatment table for an adjustment.
• The chiropractor will take the part of your body being treated—usually your neck or back—and move it to its maximum range.
• The chiropractor will give an extra thrust to make the adjustment.
• You might hear a popping sound, like the sound of cracking your knuckles.
• You should not expect to feel pain during an adjustment.

Your chiropractor might give other treatment along with an adjustment. This could include heat or ice and a muscle massage.

Before you leave, the chiropractor might give you exercises to do at home. Chiropractors also have training to help you with diet and nutrition. They do not prescribe drugs. But you might get diet advice, and your chiropractor might also recommend diet supplements or vitamins for you.

Finally, you can expect to be scheduled for a follow-up visit. Most chiropractic treatments last for several weeks. The chiropractor may recommend you return for 2 or 3 visits a week. Follow-up visits often are shorter than your first visit, lasting from 10 to 20 minutes. Ask your chiropractor how long your treatments will last and when you should start to feel better.

After a treatment, you might have some soreness in the area your chiropractor adjusted. Let your chiropractor know if you have pain that continues or gets worse.