What to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Visit
Your first appointment runs about an hour, and there is a second visit where your chiropractor goes through everything they found. Here is the whole process, start to finish, so nothing catches you off guard.
See What to Expect
A Clear, Step-by-Step Start
No surprises. From the moment you arrive, here is what happens.
- 1
A detailed health history
You fill out a health questionnaire that takes about ten minutes to do properly. It is detailed and goes back to your childhood, because old injuries often matter more than people expect. We email it to you so you can do it at home, or you can fill it out here before your appointment. - 2
A detailed posture analysis and consultation
An assistant takes you through a detailed posture analysis to see how your head, your shoulders and your hips line up. It is complimentary, it is not a diagnosis or a treatment, and there is no obligation to book anything afterwards. Dr. Brad or Dr. Lynne then sits down with you for a consultation. You ask questions, they ask questions, and you both work out whether this is the right fit. If they think you would be better helped somewhere else, they will say so and point you toward the right person. - 3
A thorough, non-invasive examination
If you both decide to go ahead, the examination happens the same day. It has three parts: a chiropractic assessment of the alignment and movement of each vertebra, a neurological assessment (muscle strength, cranial nerves, sensation, reflexes, coordination), and a postural assessment following up on anything the scan flagged. Nothing here is invasive, and you never have to disrobe at any point. - 4
Spinal X-rays, arranged offsite
After the examination, your chiropractor sends you for a set of spinal X-rays at a nearby imaging clinic. You go at your convenience, and your X-rays are sent directly to our clinic. Full details on where to go are below. - 5
Your Report of Findings
Your second visit takes about twenty minutes. Your chiropractor goes through your posture scan, your examination results, and your X-rays in detail, explains the options for care, and gives you their recommendations. You will also meet briefly with the office manager to go over clinic policy, how to use any benefits you have, appointment times, and payment options.
Why We Refer You for X-Rays
Two reasons. The first is safety. Conditions like a vertebral fracture or an aneurysm in the artery running along the front of the spine can both cause spinal pain, and while they are rare, it is worth knowing for certain before any hands-on care begins. X-rays are due diligence.
The second is that postural correction depends on measurement. We work from the structure of your spine, and seeing that structure on film is what lets us plan care specific to you rather than working from a general impression.
If you already have a recent set of chiropractic X-rays we can use, we will not send you for new ones. Anyone under 13 usually will not need spinal X-rays either, unless the examination turns up something like a scoliosis or a marked forward head posture that should be looked at now rather than later.
Getting Your X-Rays Done in Burlington
We refer out rather than imaging in-house, for two practical reasons: OHIP covers the X-rays themselves when they are done at a medical facility, and a radiologist reads them and sends back an independent report, so you get a second set of eyes on your spine.
The clinic we refer to is in the Halton Family Health building at Walkers Line and Dundas Street, about five minutes from the office. They are open seven days a week with evening hours, and no appointment is needed, so you can go when it suits you.
Bring three things: the requisition your chiropractor gives you after your examination, your health card, and $31 for the radiologist report. The X-rays are covered by OHIP; that report fee is not. Your X-rays are sent directly to our clinic, so there is nothing for you to carry or keep track of.
What Happens at Your Report of Findings
This is where everything comes together. Your chiropractor walks you through the results of your detailed posture analysis and examination, goes through your X-rays with you in detail, explains what options for care are available here, and gives you their recommendations.
It takes about twenty minutes. If there is someone else in your household involved in decisions like this, a spouse or a partner, you are welcome to bring them along. They usually have questions of their own, and it is easier to answer them face to face than to relay it all secondhand.
After the Report of Findings, you can start care if you decide to go ahead.
The care plan you choose is ultimately your decision, and with your consent, your first adjustment happens at that same visit.
Common Questions About Your First Visit
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
How long does the first visit take?
Why do I need X-rays before starting care?
Do I have to pay for the X-rays?
Where do I go for my X-rays?
Will I be adjusted on my first visit?
Will I have to disrobe?
What if chiropractic is not right for me?
Ready to Get Started? Book Your First Visit.
Booking takes a couple of minutes. Call the clinic if anything is unclear.