What to Expect as a New Patient

Visiting a chiropractic office for the first time can be a bit nerve-wracking, but it’s also an opportunity to learn about your body and how chiropractic care might help you. Here’s what you can generally expect:

1. New Patient Paperwork

Please click the link below to print the new patient paperwork to fill out before your appointment. No printer? No worries. Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to fill it out in the office. Bring your insurance card and photo ID as well to your first appointment.

2. Consultation

Once you’ve filled out the forms, you’ll have a one-on-one consultation with the chiropractor. They’ll ask questions to understand your concerns and goals for treatment. Be open and honest about your symptoms and any previous treatments you’ve had.

3. Examination

The chiropractor will perform a physical examination. This might include checking your posture, range of motion, and any areas of pain. They may also perform neurological or orthopedic tests.

4. Discussion of Findings

After the examination, the chiropractor will explain their findings and may suggest a treatment plan. They’ll discuss whether chiropractic adjustments or other therapies could benefit you.

5. Adjustment (if appropriate)

If it’s deemed appropriate, you’ll receive your first chiropractic adjustment during this visit. The chiropractor will explain the technique they’ll use and what to expect.

6. Post-Adjustment Care

You may receive recommendations for at-home care like icing instructions, exercises, or lifestyle changes that can complement your treatment.

7. Follow-Up Appointments

Finally, the chiropractor will likely discuss the frequency of follow-up appointments based on your treatment plan.

Tips for Your Visit:

• Wear comfortable clothing: This will make it easier for the chiropractor to assess your movement and posture.

• Be prepared to ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask about anything you don’t understand or want to know more about.

• Relax: It’s natural to feel a bit anxious, but the chiropractor is there to help you.

Overall, the first visit is about understanding your needs and how chiropractic care can support your health!

What to Expect After Starting Chiropractic Care

Phase 1: Relief Care

If you are in pain when you come into our Stillwater chiropractic office, our first objective is to help you reduce pain and start feeling better as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the underlying condition which is causing your pain, it is typical for a patient to need chiropractic care or adjustments 2-3 times per week for 1-3 weeks.

Phase 2: Corrective/Restorative Care

During the corrective phase of chiropractic care, muscles and other tissues are allowed to heal more completely, which helps prevent further injury or pain. The goal of corrective or restorative chiropractic care is to help bring your body back to 100% functioning. It is typical to need chiropractic care or adjustments about 4-8 times per month depending on your overall health and the severity of your problem.

Phase 3: Wellness Care

Once your body has fully healed and you are no longer experiencing back pain or other pain symptoms, it is important to come in for periodic chiropractic adjustments to avoid further problems in the future. Usually, this phase of chiropractic care only requires a quick visit to the chiropractor 1-2 times per month, based on your lifestyle and goals.