What to expect?
Your first visits
Visiting a chiropractor for the first time should feel clear and straightforward.
Your initial appointments give us time to understand your concerns, complete an appropriate assessment and explain what we believe the next step should be.
You are welcome to ask questions at any stage.
Before your first appointment
You may be asked to complete a health history form before arriving.
This helps your chiropractor understand relevant background information and allows more time during the appointment to discuss your concerns.
Please bring any information that may be useful, including:
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relevant scan or imaging reports
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information about previous injuries
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medical reports relating to your concern
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a list of medications, where relevant
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and details of previous treatment or care
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily.
Your initial consultation
Your first appointment begins with a conversation. Your chiropractor will ask about:
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what has brought you to the practice
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when your symptoms or concerns began
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what makes them better or worse
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how they affect your work, sleep, exercise or family life
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previous injuries or health conditions
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your current activities
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and what you hope to achieve
This is also an opportunity for you to explain any concerns or preferences you have about care.
Your chiropractic examination
With your consent, your chiropractor will complete an examination that is appropriate to your situation. This may include an assessment of:
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posture
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spinal and joint movement
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muscle function
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balance or coordination
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relevant orthopaedic tests
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relevant neurological findings
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and specific movements associated with your concern
Not every test is required for every patient. Your chiropractor will select the parts of the examination that are relevant to you.
Will I receive care at my first appointment?
This will depend on your presentation and the assessment findings.
In some cases, chiropractic care may be appropriate at the first visit. In others, your chiropractor may prefer to review the findings, obtain further information or recommend another form of assessment before care begins.
Nothing will be performed without explanation and consent.
Your report and recommendations
At your follow-up appointment, your chiropractor will explain what was found during the assessment. This visit may include a discussion of:
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how the findings may relate to your concerns
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whether chiropractic care is appropriate
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the proposed approach to care
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how often appointments are recommended
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how your progress will be reviewed
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the likely costs
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and any alternative options or referrals.
You will be encouraged to ask questions and take time to decide whether the proposed approach is right for you.
There is no obligation to proceed with care.
Regular appointments
Ongoing appointments are usually shorter than the initial consultation.
Your chiropractor will ask how you have responded, reassess relevant findings and provide the care that has been discussed and agreed upon. Recommendations may change as your condition, circumstances and goals change.
What to wear
You will generally remain fully clothed during your appointment.
Comfortable clothing is recommended. Depending on the area being assessed, your chiropractor may ask whether you are comfortable adjusting or removing an outer layer of clothing.
Your privacy and comfort will always be respected.
Children and babies
A parent or caregiver will remain involved throughout appointments for babies and children.
The assessment and techniques used will be adapted to the child’s age, size and developmental stage.
We take time to explain what is happening and encourage parents to ask questions.
Pregnancy appointments
Appointments during pregnancy are adapted for comfort.
Supportive cushions and alternative positions may be used as pregnancy progresses.
Please let your chiropractor know about any relevant pregnancy concerns or advice provided by your maternity team.
Running late or changing an appointment
Please contact reception as soon as possible if you are running late or need to change your appointment.
Appointments cancelled with less than 24hours notice may incur a fee in accordance with the practice cancellation policy.
Ready to book?
Contact our friendly reception team on 09 522 0222 to help you choose the correct appointment type and answer any questions about your first visit, or click the link below to book online.