What to Expect at Your Chiropractic Assessment

If you’ve never seen a chiropractor before, or if past experiences have felt rushed or unclear, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what your first appointment will involve.

At Midland Chiropractic Care, we believe a chiropractic assessment should be thorough, structured, and focused on understanding you, not just treating symptoms.

This page explains what you should expect from your first visit, and what we believe represents a high standard of care.

Your First Visit Is About Understanding, Not Guesswork

Your initial appointment is designed to help us understand what’s going on, why it’s happening, and what your options are moving forward.

Rather than jumping straight into treatment, we take the time to build a clear picture of your situation so any care provided is appropriate, targeted, and explained.

Step 1: Taking the Time to Understand Your History

We’ll begin by talking through your health history in detail. This includes:

• Your current symptoms and how they’re affecting you
• When and how the issue started
• Previous injuries, treatments, or imaging
• Work, activity levels, and lifestyle factors
• What you’ve already tried, and what has or hasn’t helped

Pain rarely exists in isolation. Understanding patterns over time helps us avoid short-term fixes and instead focus on meaningful improvement.

You should never feel rushed or dismissed during this part of the visit, your story matters.

Step 2: Physical Examination and Movement Assessment

Next, we’ll perform a physical examination tailored to your presentation. This may include:

• Postural and movement assessment
• Range of motion testing
• Orthopaedic or neurological screening where appropriate
• Palpation and functional testing

The purpose of the examination is to identify contributing factors, not just the sore area. Not everyone needs the same approach, and assessment guides decisions, not the other way around.

Step 3: Clear Explanation of Findings

One of the most important parts of the visit is explaining what we’ve found.

We’ll take the time to talk through:

• What structures may be involved
• What appears to be contributing to your symptoms
• What is concerning and what isn’t
• What recovery typically looks like for similar presentations

This is done in plain, straightforward language, without jargon or scare tactics. You should leave the appointment with a better understanding of your body than when you arrived.

Questions are always welcome.

Step 4: Discussing Your Care Options

If chiropractic care is appropriate, we’ll explain what that might involve and discuss your options.

This includes:

• Potential benefits and limitations of care
• What treatment may involve
• Other options or referrals if indicated
• Risks and alternatives, where relevant

We believe in shared decision-making. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and no pressure to proceed without understanding.

Step 5: Creating a Clear Plan (When Appropriate)

In many cases, a simple care plan may be discussed. This is not about locking anyone into care; it’s about providing clarity.

A plan may include:

• Goals of care (such as pain reduction, function, or confidence in movement)
• Expected frequency and progression of visits
• How progress will be reviewed
• When reassessment occurs

Plans exist to guide care, not to create dependency. They are always flexible and adjusted based on how you respond.

Step 6: Treatment on the First Visit

Many people ask whether treatment happens on the first visit.

In some cases, yes, treatment may occur on the first appointment, provided it’s appropriate, there's time, and you’re comfortable proceeding.

Depending on your presentation, this may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Manual or soft-tissue therapies
• Dry needling or other supportive therapies
• Advice, education, or simple exercises

In some situations, treatment may be delayed until further information is gathered, or until your next appointment. Your safety and understanding always come first.

Step 7: What Happens After the Assessment

If you continue with care, follow-up visits typically focus on:

• Reviewing how you’ve responded
• Adjusting care based on progress
• Gradually reducing care as appropriate
• Supporting long-term self-management

The goal is not to have ongoing appointments forever, but to helphelping you move, function, and live with more confidence.

What You Should Not Expect

A high-quality chiropractic assessment should not leave you feeling confused or pressured.

You should not expect:

• To feel rushed or unheard - that's why we have longer consult times
• Treatment without explanation - which is why we are all about communication
• A one-size-fits-all approach - because everyone is different
• Pressure to commit before understanding your options - because healthcare is about collaboration,
• Care that isn’t reviewed or adjusted over time - because our goal is to help you feel better for longer.

If you’re investing your time and trust into care, clarity matters.

A Final Reassurance

It’s okay to ask questions.
It’s okay to want explanations.
It’s okay to expect a clear plan.

A good assessment builds confidence, not uncertainty.

If you’re looking for chiropractic care that prioritises understanding, communication, and thoughtful decision-making, we’re here to help.

Book Your Initial Assessment

If you’d like to book your first appointment, you can do so easily online.

Transparent pricing, clear expectations, and a welcoming team — from the moment you arrive.

Book Online