What to Expect from Your First Visit

What is the role of a chiropractor?

Chiropractic care is centered around weaknesses and misalignments in the skeleton and muscles, otherwise known as neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. A chiropractic adjustment is also called spinal manipulation. The job of a chiropractor is to manipulate these systems to relieve pain and joint soreness. All chiropractors, including BC + PT’s doctors, undergo special training in manual adjustment techniques, which we use to alleviate the patient’s pain. As with any other doctor appointments, the first visit starts with your medical history and a physical exam.

Medical history / exam

Your first visit with us will last roughly about an hour. Your BC + PT chiropractor will ask about your medical history and your symptoms. You and your doctor will privately discuss why you want help, any past injuries, any medical conditions, and any lifestyle habits that have been affected by your pain or injuries.

The BC + PT website offers our new patient form that you can download ahead of time as well! We strive to make sure that our patients feel as comfortable as possible, and for some that means completing your paperwork at home rather than in the office.

After you have discussed your medical history and what brought you into meeting your amazing chiropractor, they will move on to the physical exam. During the physical exam, testing muscle strength, range of motion, or checking reflexes are some examples of what to expect. If necessary, you may be referred out for diagnostic testing, such as an x-ray or MRI.

Treatment

The treatment your BC + PT chiropractor will utilize depends on the type of complaint coupled with the location of the pain or injury. They may utilize methods such as an adjustment, ultrasound, e-stim, or even decompression. Chiropractic treatment is a process, and the doctor may set you up on a treatment plan, which will be assessed periodically as you are healing. There isn’t a set time frame as to how frequently you will need to see your chiropractor. However, following the treatment plan designed for you, as well as being honest with them on how you are feeling, is the best way to make sure that you are on track to accomplish your goals with chiropractic care.