Many people, who could strongly benefit from some chiropractic care, shy away from it simply out of nervousness. Rarely are people eager to volunteer to visit a doctor; we avoid those potentially awkward and scary interactions. The truth is that a chiropractic clinic is far different from a regular doctor appointment. While they focus on healing your body, the experience can be far less clinical and rather more enjoyable.
Most chiropractors will answer your preliminary questions with a phone call or online contact form, allowing you to warm up to the idea of a visit. Below we’ve outlined what you can expect when visiting a chiropractic clinic for the first time.
Initial Setup
Once you’ve selected a Portland chiropractor, the first thing you will do is fill out the necessary forms. These forms can usually be found on the website for the Portland chiropractic clinic you are choosing Make sure to fill out the correct forms. For instance, if you were involved in an auto accident, fill out the auto injury forms. After filling out the correct form, call and schedule your first appointment. You can always ask questions about the forms over the phone or when you show up for your appointment.
History & Examination
When you arrive for your first appointment with a Portland chiropractic clinic, the first thing you will do, after turning in the required forms, is sit down with a Portland chiropractor and discuss your health history, diet, daily activities, and, most importantly, the location of the pain you are experiencing. After this discussion you will subsequently receive a short physical examination of your spine and posture, and may be asked to do some light bending. Overall, this initial assessment is a very important and standard part of chiropractic treatment.
Treatment
If your initial history and examination revealed no reason to proceed with caution – e.g., a more severe health issue or dietary complication – then you will most likely receive your first treatment that day or shortly after, usually a few days to a week at the most. In some cases you may need to take X-rays before proceeding with a first treatment.
Follow Up
Not long after your first appointment–and in some cases, your first treatment– you will have a follow up meeting. This meeting will be a report and overview of your first visit and physical assessment. During this time, key questions will be answered and the goals of your future treatments outline. Things like the number of visits recommend, what style of treatment, and costs can be discussed. If you have any concerns, make sure to voice them during the meeting; or if they come to you later, email your Portland chiropractic clinic.
[ photo by: kaex0r on Flickr, via CC License ]
