What Happens at Your First Chiropractic Visit

Before You Arrive

There is no special preparation needed. Wear comfortable clothing that you can move freely in — something you might wear for a walk is ideal. You do not need to bring any referrals or scans unless you already have them and think they are relevant.

If you have any medical imaging, reports from other practitioners, or a list of medications, feel free to bring those along. They can be helpful context, but they are not required.

Arriving and Getting Settled

When you arrive, I will meet you and we will head to the consultation room. There is no reception desk or waiting room formality — it is a relaxed start. I set aside a full 60 minutes for initial consultations so we are not rushing through anything.

The Conversation — Your Health History

We start by talking. I want to understand what has brought you in, how long it has been going on, and how it is affecting your daily life. I will ask about your general health, any past injuries or surgeries, your work and physical activity, and anything else that might be relevant.

This is not an interrogation — it is a conversation. If something does not seem relevant to you, that is fine. I will explain why I am asking if it is not obvious. And if there is something you want to mention that I have not asked about, please do.

This part of the appointment typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes. It is important because how I assess and approach your care depends on understanding the full picture, not just the sore spot.

The Physical Assessment

Next, I will do a hands-on examination. This usually involves checking your posture, how you move, and the specific area that is bothering you. I may assess your range of motion, feel for areas of tension or restricted movement in your spine and joints, and do some orthopaedic or neurological tests depending on what you have described.

I will explain what I am doing and why as we go. If anything is uncomfortable or you want me to stop at any point, just say so.

Explaining What I Have Found

After the assessment, I will sit down with you and explain what I think is going on — in plain language, not clinical jargon. I will outline what I have found, whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your situation, and what I would recommend as a next step.

Sometimes that next step is treatment on the same day. Sometimes it is not. If I think you need imaging, further investigation, or a referral to another practitioner, I will tell you that directly. Not every presentation is something I can or should treat, and I would rather be honest about that upfront.

Treatment — If It Is Appropriate

If we both agree that it makes sense to go ahead with treatment on the first visit, I will explain exactly what I plan to do before I do it. Nothing happens without your informed consent. If you have questions or reservations about any part of the treatment, we talk about it first.

Chiropractic treatment may involve manual adjustments to your spine or other joints, soft tissue work, or mobilisation techniques. The approach depends on what is going on and what is most suitable for you as an individual.

Common Questions

Will it hurt?

Most people find chiropractic adjustments comfortable or even relieving. You may feel some brief pressure or mild discomfort, particularly if the area is already sore or inflamed. I will always check in with you during treatment and adjust my approach based on your feedback.

What is the cracking sound?

The popping or cracking sound that sometimes occurs during a spinal adjustment is caused by a release of gas from the joint fluid — similar to the sound when you crack your knuckles. It is not bones grinding or anything breaking. Not every adjustment produces this sound, and whether it happens or not has no bearing on whether the treatment is effective.

What should I wear?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is ideal. You will remain fully clothed throughout the appointment. Avoid anything too restrictive — jeans are fine, but activewear or casual clothing tends to be most comfortable for the assessment and treatment.

After the Visit — What Comes Next

Before you leave, we will talk about what to expect over the next day or two. Some people feel immediate improvement, others may feel a bit sore or tired — this is normal and generally settles within 24 to 48 hours.

If ongoing care makes sense, I will explain what I would recommend and why — but there is no pressure to commit to a long treatment plan on the spot. You are always free to take time to think about it.

Fees

An initial consultation (60 minutes) is $170. For a full breakdown of fees and what health fund rebates may be available, see the pricing page.

Ready to Book?

If you would like more detail about how we approach your first appointment, the Your First Visit page has the full picture. You can also check our frequently asked questions if there is something specific on your mind.

When you are ready, you can book your initial consultation online.