Most people see a chiropractor for one of two reasons:
- They have a problem that is causing pain, discomfort or dysfunction that they believe may be helped by a chiropractor
- They are fit and well and understand the importance of good spinal function in the maintenance of health.
What to expect on your first visit to one of our practices
Duration of visit
Approximately 40 to 45 minutes.
On arrival
A receptionist will ask you to complete a pre-consultation health history questionnaire to enable your chiropractor to evaluate your current and previous health status.
Consultation
After completing the health history questionnaire you will be shown to one of the consultation rooms. You will be asked to view an educational DVD whilst your chiropractor reviews your file. Your chiropractor will then discuss areas of concern with you and may ask questions that focus on issues raised in your pre-consultation history.
Examination
Your chiropractor will perform a series of tests and examinations to determine the cause of your problems, and whether your problems will benefit from chiropractic care. Your chiropractor may need some time to correlate all the findings before any treatment and recommendations for care are given.
You may be referred to another professional for opinion before treatment commences. Radiological examination (X-rays) could be one such referral. Spinal X-rays are generally bulk-billed to Medicare.
X-rays may be recommended by your Chiropractor after the examination and before your next appointment for three main reasons:
- to assist in determining whether your spine is structurally sound, or whether there is any pathology (disease process) present that may affect or hinder your response to chiropractic care
- to gain information on the function of your spine
- to identify any variation in your individual anatomy of the joints and skeletal structure that will assist your chiropractor in providing you with the most appropriate care
Before treatment you and your chiropractor will discuss the content of a consent form. You will be asked to sign the consent form or give verbal consent for treatment based on information presented by your chiropractor and outlined in the consent form.
Report of Findings
Duration
The Report of Findings is approximately 25 to 45 minutes in duration and usually occurs at your second visit.
Consultation
This report will include explanation of your physical and X-ray findings (if applicable); recommendations and suggestions to assist with your care. It can be advantageous to have company at this appointment to help you and those closest to you, understand your particular needs.
In some cases health issues may be uncovered that need to be addressed by you, or by another health professional. We regularly work with health professionals from a range of disciplines as we do not believe that we have all the answers to all problems. We will assist you in prioritising your health care, and in seeking the best help at that time.
Subsequent Visits
Duration
Subsequent visits vary from 5 minutes to 30 minutes depending on your individual needs at the time.
Remember, diagnosis can never be made until a complete examination is performed, however if you're suffering from the most common afflictions that may be the result of poor spinal health, you may enjoy results from chiropractic treatment.