I’m usually not one for visiting doctors, especially voluntarily. Yes, I understand it’s important to schedule appointments for things like the dentist, an eye exam, or a mammogram, but appointments with the chiropractor just seem, well, unnecessary. That is until you have an athletic injury that’s only getting worse and you realize you finally have to pull the trigger on booking a chiropractic first visit. 

Going to any new medical professional can induce some level of anxiety and may even be a bit scary, but I had the honor to sit down with my very own chiropractor, Michael Risher of The Rehab Lab, to discuss what to expect at your first chiropractor visit so you know exactly what your first chiropractor appointment will entail.

What to expect at your very first chiropractic visit

Before we dive into what you can expect at your first chiropractic visit, you may be wondering what to wear to your first chiropractor appointment. This was definitely a question I had — and I recommend opting for athleisure attire or anything you would wear to the gym or for a workout. Basically, whatever you feel the most comfortable in. 

Oh, and if you’re female, I recommend a sports bra. Yeah, that’s right — I live that braless lifestyle, but this is one of those appointments where you’ll want to support the girls.

1. Basic paperwork

Prior to your first chiropractor appointment, you’ll most likely be asked to fill out some paperwork. This usually entails your basic information, medical history, and of course, the main reason for your visit. You may also be asked questions like your daily physical activity levels. You know, the usual suspects.

“On your first chiropractic appointment, you can expect to give a full medical history and a comprehensive exam,” says Risher. “The exam will likely include a full spine [assessment] as well as whatever other pain areas you go in with.”

2. Discussion

At your chiropractic first visit, you’ll sit down with your chiropractor and discuss the primary reason for your visit, with a focus on any pain you may be experiencing. Some questions you may want to be prepared to answer include:

• When and how did the pain first start?
• Where is the pain felt?
• Can you describe the pain? Is it burning, dull, searing, sharp, or throbbing? Does it come and go, or is it continual?
• Did the pain start as a result of an injury?
• What activities/circumstances make it better or worse?

These are questions you may want to consider before your appointment so you can be prepared to answer them. Also, the more detail the better!

3. The chiropractic exam

After your discussion, a thorough chiropractic exam will be conducted. Specific orthopedic and neurological tests may also be used to assess things like range of motion, muscle strength, and muscle tone.

Further chiropractic tests may be necessary to assess the affected area, such as assessing the motion of the affected body part(s), having the patient move in a specific manner, and posture analysis.

4. Diagnosis

After your Q&A discussion and initial exam, the chiropractor will then make a diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, the chiropractor can determine if the condition will respond to chiropractic care.

“From there, chiropractors have many tools to help you,” says Risher. “Acupuncture, cupping, dry needling, electric stim, exercise, Graston, heat, massage, ultrasound, etc. While all chiropractors will typically adjust you on the first visit, some might deem other modalities to be more important than the adjustment and will focus more on the soft tissue and rehab aspect.”

5. Treatment plan

Speaking of a treatment plan, at the end of the initial visit, your chiropractor will explain the official diagnosis, an individualized chiropractic treatment plan (or other treatments), and the anticipated length of chiropractic care. That’s it! See, pretty simple, right? “At the end of the day, you can expect to feel a little sore but a lot better,” shares Risher.

The bottom line on visiting a chiropractor

If you’re debating whether or not it’s time to schedule an appointment with the chiropractor, I say go for it. It’s a decision you won’t regret. If you need any recommendations in Chicago, check out Risher on Instagram or follow The Rehab Lab Chicago and get excited about your first chiropractor appointment now that you know exactly what to expect at your first chiropractic visit.