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Your First Visits
Your first two visits will generally be half an hour each.
Brief PaperworkFirst of all you will be asked to fill in a health history sheet. This provides us with general information about yourself and your condition.
Next, one of our Chiropractic Assistant (CA) will do a thermal scans on your spine to measure your spinal nerves. These tests take about 5 minutes.
ConsultationOnce the paperwork has been completed, your chiropractor will carefully listen to you as you go through your health concerns.
History & ExaminationNext, the chiropractor will ask you various questions related to your condition. Your posture will be assessed from the feet up. Then a number of specialized tests will be performed to determine which areas of the body are affected, and if there is a likely chiropractic problem.
If this is the case, further gentle tests will then be done to assess spinal motion, muscle strength, and nerve function.
Once all your preliminary tests and examinations are assessed your chiropractor will recommend a regime of care to help you achieve your health goals.
X-ray StudiesSpinal postural x-rays will usually be made after the first visit, and viewed by the chiropractor.
These are done so that we can SEE the spinal posture and structures, as we don't like to guess with your spinal health care. X-rays help us to rule out more serious conditions and assist us in developing the most effective care plan for you. The x-rays are taken by local approved hospitals.
ON YOUR SECOND VISITThe results of the scans, compared with the findings of our x-ray results and chiropractic tests, will be explained to you in a REPORT OF FINDINGS.
At your Report of Findings you will see your x-rays and scans and have them thoroughly explained, and you will be given a summary to take home, along with appropriate exercise instructions and care regime.
YOUR FIRST CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTOnce all the information has been compiled and explained to you, the chiropractor will give your first adjustment. The technique used will depend on your individual needs. Regular visits, or "adjustments" do not take very long. Your chiropractor spends a great deal of time assessing your case in the beginning and so knows exactly what needs to be done on each visit.
MODERN GENTLE TECHNIQUESModern, gentle techniques such as the "activator" method (pictured) suit some patients. Patients may not "feel much happening" at the time, but these techniques are very specific and can have a powerful effect on the nervous system and spinal function.
Some patients may respond better to more traditional "hands-on" methods. All techniques are extremely safe. Chiropractic is ideally suited for all ages, from babies through to elderly people.
YOUR BODY'S HEALING RESPONSEThe changes that your body experiences during your chiropractic care will vary from person to person. Some people feel immediate changes with pain or symptom relief. Some people do not "feel" a difference straight away, and occasionally your body may respond in a way that has you feeling not-so-good.
These are all common, normal responses in the early stages of care, and can be compared to the discomfort of starting a get-fit program where the body is being asked to do new things. If you are at all concerned by any changes you are experiencing, please talk with us.
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