What to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Appointment
Booking your first chiropractic appointment can feel like a step into the unknown. What happens? What should you wear? Will anything happen on the first visit? Here's a walk-through of a typical first appointment at Balance Chiropractic Kenmore, so you can arrive feeling relaxed and prepared.
Before you arrive
When you book, we'll ask you to complete a health history form. This covers things like your current concern, past injuries, health conditions, medications and lifestyle. It helps your chiropractor prepare and means more of your appointment time is spent on you rather than paperwork.
Wear comfortable clothing you can move in. Activewear or loose clothes are ideal. There's parking available underneath the clinic on Moggill Rd, and our reception team will greet you when you arrive.
The conversation
Your appointment starts with a conversation. Your chiropractor will ask about:
What's brought you in and how it's affecting your day-to-day life
When it started and what makes it better or worse
Your work, activities, sleep and general health
Your goals, whether that's getting back to the garden, the gym or just sitting comfortably at your desk
This is also your time to ask questions. No question is too small.
The examination
Next comes a physical assessment, which may include:
Watching how you move, sit and stand
Testing the movement of your spine and other joints
Checking muscle strength, reflexes and sensation where relevant
Orthopaedic tests to help understand what's contributing to your symptoms
Your chiropractor will explain each step as they go and will only proceed with your consent. If anything in your history or examination suggests you need imaging, we have an on-site X-Ray machine.
The plan
Once the assessment is complete, your chiropractor will talk you through what they've found in plain language, then discuss a proposed plan of care. This includes what care may involve, how often we suggest you visit, the expected costs, and what you can do at home to support your progress.
Whether care starts at the first visit depends on your individual situation, and your chiropractor will discuss this with you. You're in the driver's seat at every stage, and we'll always seek your informed consent before any care begins.
Common questions
Do I need a referral? No, you don't need a GP referral to see a chiropractor in Australia. Some Department of Veterans' Affairs and Medicare care plan arrangements do involve a GP referral, and we're happy to explain how these work.
Can I claim on private health? Many extras policies include chiropractic care. We have HICAPS available for on-the-spot claiming, so you only pay the gap. Check with your fund about your level of cover.
How long is the first visit? Allow around 30 minutes so there's plenty of time for your history, examination and discussion.
Can I bring someone? Absolutely. You're welcome to bring a support person, and children are welcome at our family-friendly clinic.
Ready when you are
Our Kenmore clinic at 1/2105 Moggill Rd cares for individuals and families from across Brisbane's western suburbs, including Chapel Hill, Brookfield, Pullenvale, Bellbowrie and Moggill. If you've been putting off getting something checked, we'd love to meet you.
Book online or give our friendly team a call to arrange a time that suits.
