What to expect when you visit the clinic
Initial Consultation
On your arrival at the clinic you will be asked to fill in a Patient Information Form giving your name and contact details, GP name and address, information about your complaint, general health, previous medical history, current health and any medication that you are taking. You will be asked to change into a gown for the examination.
Case History
The chiropractor will start by taking your case history. This involves asking more detailed questions about your complaint, general health and previous medical history. Some questions may appear unrelated to your complaint but it is important for the chiropractor to have all the necessary information in order to establish the correct diagnosis and determine what the best treatment plan will be.
Examination
The case history will be followed by an examination which will include a postural assessment, range of motion assessment, orthopaedic and neurological tests and a chiropractic assessment. It may also be necessary to examine the abdomen or measure pulse and blood pressure. Occasionally further tests are necessary such as an X-ray or an MRI scan.
Report of Findings
Following the examination the chiropractor will discuss with you the findings; this is called the report of findings. The chiropractor will explain to you what is wrong (the diagnosis) and what has caused it.
Then the chiropractor will discuss the proposed treatment plan which includes how chiropractic can help, what the treatment involves, how much treatment is needed and how long it may take to improve. The chiropractor may also discuss whether there is a possibility that the symptoms may recur and whether or not preventative or maintenance treatment may be advisable.
Often lifestyle changes and exercises will be suggested. It is very important to follow this advice carefully in order to accelerate the recovery and reduce the chance of recurrences.
The chiropractor will also discuss possible side effects of the treatment and alternative treatment options. You will have an opportunity to ask questions at this point.
Treatment
Often the patient will receive some treatment on the first visit. Some patients request some time to think about the information that they have been given and therefore prefer not to have treatment on their first visit. Occasionally it is necessary to refer a patient for further investigation before treatment can commence.
The most important part of chiropractic treatment is the adjustment. Commonly chiropractors use a short, sudden thrust onto the joint in a specific direction in order to restore movement to the joint in that direction. Sometimes a 'pop' or a 'crack' can be felt or heard during the adjustment and this is called an audible release or a cavitation. This happens as a result of gases being released from the synovial fluid (lubricating fluid inside the joint) due to a change in pressure as the adjustment is carried out.
There are many different techniques that can be used to give an adjustment, all of which are gentle and safe. Other techniques used include the Activator, Sacro-Occipital Technique and Neuroimpulse Protocol and with these techniques an audible release will not be heard. The treatment is also likely to include soft tissue massage, advice on lifestyle, posture, exercise and using ice or heat.
