6 Things to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Appointment

Whether you've been experiencing persistent aches and pains or recently experienced a car accident or sports injury, chiropractic care can be an excellent way to help your body heal. 

Chiropractors like our experts at Restore Chiropractic offer a noninvasive, holistic, whole-body approach that can promote faster healing and a greater increase in immune system function. However, we understand that our services are somewhat of a mystery for those who have yet to experience their benefits, and it can be hard to know what to expect when you walk into your first chiropractic appointment. 

Our team wants you to feel prepared, so here's an outline of what you can expect to experience during your initial appointment at our Maple Grove clinic:

1. Arrival
2. Consultation
3. Evaluation & Report
4. First Adjustment
5. Aftercare
6. Follow Up

Here’s a brief overview of what will happen at each step!

1. Your Arrival 

First-time visits typically take around an hour. Be sure to come prepared to fill out paperwork unless the office has sent it via email or text before the appointment. 

You’ll also need to bring important information, such as medications, allergies, and previous medical history, for your chiropractor's records. 

2. Your Consultation

Your chiropractor will meet with you to review your medical history, including any symptoms, diagnosis, prescriptions, or questions and concerns you have. Your chiropractor will also talk about goals you may have and discuss any particulars about the type of pain or symptoms you are experiencing.

Typical questions are about:

• The location of your pain or symptoms.
• If your symptoms are chronic or acute.
• How long you've been experiencing these symptoms.
• If you've been involved in an event like a sports injury, a car accident, or a fall.

Additionally, some instances may require an X-ray, a diagnostic tool to help the chiropractor see your spine health clearly and give you a more accurate diagnosis. 

3. Your Evaluation & Report

Once these steps have been completed, your chiropractor will go over what they have found and give you recommendations, including how many visits will be needed, care options, and ways that you can help support healing.

It's also important to remember that if you are confused or need clarification, just ask the question. Your chiropractor will be happy to help you understand each step of the process, and they may also give you additional instructions to help better guide you.

4. Your First Adjustment

Depending on the care plan and why you are visiting the office, you will likely receive your first adjustment on your second visit. At Restore Chiropractic, you will receive a very gentle and specific chiropractic adjustment from one of the Restore doctors using an instrument called the

Integrator. The adjustment is low force and does not involve twisting, cracking, or popping of the spine. This adjustment is considered a tonal adjustment focused on improving the nervous system's tension (or tone). As the nervous system heals and functions better, the muscles and the spine will begin to reorganize and calm down in tone, allowing for a more optimal range of motion and movement. 

While the focus may be on one specific area, such as the back, neck, or pelvis, each type of adjustment can vary depending on your situation and the doctor’s recommendation to get you feeling and functioning at your best!

5. Your Aftercare Instructions

After your first adjustment, your chiropractor may provide aftercare instructions, such as applying ice to sore areas or doing light stretching exercises. They may also recommend posture, activity modification, or ergonomic adjustments to support healing. 

A common recommendation is to drink plenty of water. It is important to take your aftercare instructions seriously. Icing and drinking water can help your body heal after the adjustment.

6. Your Follow-Up Plan

Depending on what your chiropractor is treating you for, they will recommend follow-up appointments and care. They will recommend a schedule based on your needs and goals, including how often you should return. 

Future visits may include ongoing adjustments and tracking your progress over time. Chiropractic care has many long-term benefits, so sticking to the recommended follow-up plan is critical. 

Get Expert Chiropractic Services in Maple Grove 

Dealing with back or neck pain can be a frustrating and exhausting experience! When you choose to work with the experts at Restore Chiropractic, we offer streamlined, innovative, and proven techniques to help you feel your best. 

We have you covered when you need an expert family, pediatric, or sports injury chiropractor with five-star results!

Let's get you back to feeling your best; call us at 612-516-3090 or click here to make an appointment today!