At your first visit, your Chiropractor will have an indepth conversation about your current situation and health history which is important for us to get to the cause of the problem and work out your goals for care. Your Chiropractor will then determine which examinations will need to be completed as part of your physical examination. These can include orthopedic and neurologic tests in the case of an injury, posture assessment, muscular strength testing and a chiropractic spinal exam.

The physical examination will include orthopaedic and neurological testing, postural assessment, joint range of motion tests and hands on spinal and muscular examination. Your Chiropractor will tailor specific examinations to your individual situation and are conducted to make sure you receive the best care possible. If you are in pain, none of the examinations performed should worsen this.

After your physical examination has concluded, your Chiropractor may require an x-ray of your spine or joints. If this is the case they will refer you to a local radiology centre. You will not need a GP referral for this. Should further imaging be required such as an MRI or CT scan, you will be referred on to the appropriate centre. The cost of x-rays may be additional to the cost of regular treatments.

It is recommended that you wear clothing that you can comfortably move in. We ask that you may remove footwear, and you may be asked to remove jewellery and bulky items of clothing. Regular clothing is not going to interfere with what your Chiropractor is able to feel when checking your spine. If you have any concerns for any reasons you should voice those to your Chiropractor so an appropriate option can be found.

Two joint surfaces are slightly ‘gapped’ by the quick controlled movement which results in carbon dioxide bubbles releasing from the lubricating fluid of the joint. These gas bubbles stay suspended on the joint fluid then return to the liquid state after a time. Contrary to the old wives tale, clicking a joint, especially in the precise and controlled way chiropractors are trained to, does not cause arthritis and in fact may help prevent it. Manual adjustments are a very safe and effective technique but if not always appropriate for your underlying conditions your chiropractor will adapt your care to suit.

Following your visit, your Chiropractor may give you some home advice to help you get the most from your adjustments. It’s very common for people to notice changes right from their first adjustments and your Chiropractor will talk to you about this at the time of your visit. If there are any activities you absolutely should be doing or avoiding your Chiropractor will let you know.

Results are as individual as we are, and while some people notice a complete and immediate change, others take a slower and steadier path to change. There are many different approaches to begin the healing process, your chiropractor will recommend what they think will be the best approach for you.