If you've never seen a chiropractor before, then you probably don't know quite what to expect. You aren't sure what your initial consultation will involve.
This first consultation is often an overall assessment so that the chiropractor can create a suitable treatment plan for you. To make the most of this assessment, you should prepare for it. The following tips will help.
Write down relevant information
You can improvise in your first appointment and just answer your chiropractor's questions as they ask them. However, this isn't the most efficient way to go. You might forget to mention something important or you might not know the answer to a question with no prior thought.
Think first and write down key points that might come up in the session. The chiropractor can evaluate your problem most effectively if you give them as much information as possible about the reasons why you're there.
As well as outlining your core problem, you should write down more in-depth information about your symptoms. For example, think about the kind of pain or discomfort you have and ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the pain sharp, stabbing or dull?
- When does it hurt?
- Does a particular activity make it worse or better?
- Do you have any referred pain or discomfort in another area of your body that might link to the core problem?
- Write down the answers to these questions. This creates a useful picture of your problem.
Bear in mind that the chiropractor might also ask you general medical history questions to check that they can treat you. So, make sure to jot down any other health problems you have and any medications and their dosage that you currently take.
While you'll probably refer to your list during the consultation, remember to have a quick scan through at the end. If you forget to mention something, you can do this before you leave.
Plan to wear loose clothes
In some cases, an initial chiropractic assessment doesn't involve any treatment. In others, your chiropractor may start work on the spot.
In either case, you should wear loose clothing for this appointment. You are likely to go through a range of movements, motion evaluations and manipulation tests in the assessment. You need to be able to move freely and to remove any items of clothing that get in the way.
Tight clothes limit your movements and make this process more difficult. For example, if you're wearing tight jeans, then they might affect your flexibility. Loose trousers or sweatpants are less constricting.
Depending on your problem, your chiropractor may ask you to change into a medical gown to make the assessment easier. It's easier for you to do this if you are wearing clothes that are quick to take on and off.
Pack a pen and paper
At the end of your first session, your chiropractor will tell you what happens next. They may want you to have further diagnostic tests, such as an X-ray, either in their clinic or in another medical facility. Or, they may simply discuss their findings and recommend an immediate treatment plan.
Sometimes, chiropractors give advice on things you can do at home as part of your treatment. For example, you may get exercises and advice on how to manage your pain more effectively.
However, it's sometimes hard to retain all the information you get at the end of an initial session. So, make sure to take a pen and paper in with you. You can then write down things you need to remember or do so you don't forget them.
To book an initial assessment appointment and to get more useful preparation tips, contact Rasura Chiropractic.
