Are you visiting the chiropractor for the first time and wondering what to expect? The team of providers here at Pro Rehab Chiropractic and Rehabilitation understands that the more you know about what to expect, the better your visit will be.
Our doctors offer chiropractic care to our patients at nine convenient locations across Delaware. We put together this guide to help you better understand what to expect at your first chiropractic visit.
Learning about you and your symptoms
Your first chiropractic visit usually takes longer than your follow-up visits. That’s because your first visit is a chance for your provider at Pro Rehab to learn about you and what’s bringing you into the office.
Your provider asks you about your medical history as well as any relevant lifestyle information. They also go over your symptoms, asking you to describe them in detail.
For the most effective treatment possible, it’s important not to leave out any key information. Be sure to tell your Pro Rehab provider about any of the following:
- Past injuries
- Current symptoms
- Any medical conditions
- All medications you take
- Drug and alcohol use
- Lifestyle habits (e.g., exercise, diet, sleep)
The more information your provider has, the better they can customize a treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms.
A physical exam
Once you and your Pro Rehab provider have discussed your medical history and current symptoms, it’s time for a physical exam. The specifics depend on the affected area and symptoms, but your exam typically includes:
- Palpation of your spine
- Observation of joint movement
- Observation of gait
- Evaluation of strength, reflexes, and range of motion
Sometimes your provider orders an X-ray to get a closer look at your spine.
Chiropractic treatment
During your first treatment, you can expect a series of gentle chiropractic techniques designed to move your vertebrae into correct alignment. Chiropractic adjustments should never be painful, and your provider at Pro Rehab checks in with you during your session to ensure your comfort.
Depending on your specific needs, your Pro Rehab chiropractor may incorporate the PulStar® System to help with spinal adjustments. This advanced technology records the areas of your spine that respond to gentle electrical impulses.
With the information from this system, your provider can determine the exact areas that require pressure — meaning you don’t have to worry about any snapping, cracking, or popping sounds as your bones move into alignment.
Chiropractic care can help with many conditions involving the musculoskeletal system, including:
- Neck pain and headaches
- Spinal pain and herniated discs
- Shoulder pain
- Low and middle back pain
- Sciatica
- Hip and knee pain
- Ligament injuries
- Sports injuries or conditions
- Injuries from car accidents (e.g., whiplash)
- Work injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
To learn more about chiropractic care, call one of our offices in Wilmington, Newark, Bear/Glasgow, Pike Creek, Christiana, Dover, or Lewes/Rehoboth, Delaware. You can also book an appointment online now or set up a telehealth consultation.