Starting chiropractic care for the first time can feel a bit uncertain—especially if you’re not sure what the process looks like. Whether you’re coming in for back pain, neck tension, posture concerns, or simply to improve your overall wellness, it helps to know what to expect.
At Clements Chiropractic, the goal is to make your first visit as informative, comfortable, and helpful as possible. You won’t find a one-size-fits-all approach here—just thoughtful care tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Here’s a step-by-step look at what typically happens during a first visit, so you can walk through the door with confidence.
Step 1: Initial Paperwork and Intake
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the front desk team and asked to fill out some initial paperwork. This includes information about:
- Your current health concerns or symptoms
- Medical history and previous injuries
- Lifestyle factors such as work habits, activity level, and stress
- Any specific goals you have for your care
This information gives the chiropractor a well-rounded view of your health and helps identify patterns or issues that might be contributing to discomfort.
You can expect a friendly, relaxed atmosphere where your questions are welcomed and your time is respected.
Step 2: Consultation and Health History
Next, you’ll sit down with the chiropractor for a one-on-one consultation. This is your chance to talk through what brought you in, what you’re experiencing, and what you hope to get out of care.
The chiropractor will ask detailed questions about your symptoms, when they started, how they’ve progressed, and what activities make them better or worse. This conversation helps shape a clearer picture of what’s going on—and what might be contributing to the problem.
Even if you’re not currently in pain, this consultation is still an important step. Many people seek chiropractic care as a proactive way to stay healthy, manage stress, or correct posture—so there’s no need to wait for something to go wrong before booking your first appointment.
Step 3: Physical Examination
After the consultation, the chiropractor will perform a physical assessment. This may include:
- Posture evaluation
- Range of motion testing
- Reflex and muscle strength checks
- Spinal palpation (feeling along the spine for tightness, misalignment, or tenderness)
- Orthopedic or neurological tests, if needed
This step isn’t about rushing into treatment—it’s about gathering as much information as possible to make an accurate diagnosis and care plan.
If additional imaging (such as X-rays) is needed, the chiropractor will explain why and help guide you through that process.
Step 4: Explanation of Findings
Once the assessment is complete, the chiropractor will take time to explain what they found, what it means for your health, and how chiropractic care can help. This is often referred to as the “report of findings.”
You’ll learn:
- What’s causing your discomfort or imbalance
- How your posture or movement patterns may be contributing
- What the recommended treatment plan looks like (including how many visits may be needed and how progress will be tracked)
- What kind of results you can realistically expect
This is also a good time to ask questions about the process, techniques used, or any concerns you might have.
Step 5: First Adjustment (If Appropriate)
If the chiropractor determines that it’s safe and appropriate, you may receive your first adjustment during the same visit.
Adjustments are gentle, targeted movements designed to improve spinal alignment, reduce tension, and restore normal joint function. Most people feel immediate relief, improved mobility, or a sense of relaxation after their first adjustment.
That said, everyone’s experience is different. Some may feel minor soreness afterward—similar to how you might feel after stretching or working out. The chiropractor will let you know what to expect and how to care for your body after your visit.
If an adjustment isn’t recommended on the first day (due to the need for further testing or time to review imaging), the chiropractor will explain the reasoning and schedule follow-up care accordingly.
Step 6: Discussing Next Steps
Before you leave, you’ll have a clear understanding of the next steps in your care plan. This may include:
- Scheduling follow-up visits
- Stretching or mobility exercises to do at home
- Lifestyle or ergonomic tips to support healing
- Any recommendations for additional therapies or referrals
The focus is always on helping your body heal and function better—without unnecessary treatment or guesswork.
Final Thoughts
Your first visit to Clements Chiropractic is designed to be thorough, informative, and completely centered on your needs. Whether you’re seeking pain relief, injury recovery, or long-term wellness, the process begins with listening, understanding, and creating a plan that works for you.
There’s no pressure, no rushed decisions—just the start of a supportive partnership focused on your health and well-being.
If you’ve been considering chiropractic care but haven’t taken the first step yet, now’s a great time to find out what it can do for you. We recommend Clements Chiropractic.
