What Actually Happens When You See a Chiropractor for the First Time?
Chiropractic is the largest drug-free healing profession in the world.
Because it began in North America (the first Chiropractor was actually a Canadian working in Davenport, Iowa), it’s easy to forget that it is now available to virtually every person in the world.
But if you’ve never been to a Chiropractor, you may have questions. Or you may have avoided going to a Chiropractor out of concerns about safety or whether it would even help you.
In 2021, the General Chiropractic Council in Great Britain did a comprehensive survey on the experiences and satisfaction of chiropractic patients.
In particular, the survey found that chiropractic patients:
Are often motivated to see a Chiropractor out of dissatisfaction with the care and results they were experiencing with their medical doctor.
Participants valued the information provided by their chiropractor. This included explanations of patient’s pain and providing detailed explanations of the treatment process.
So, the first thing that happens in our office with a new patient exam is a conversation about your health concerns, accidents, overall health and what you’ve done to try and heal these problems in the past.
Next, we do testing on the movement of the spine, and the function of the nerves in the spine looking for areas of misalignment that are irritating the adjacent nerves. In a nutshell, we’re looking for the underlying problem that is CAUSING your symptoms with a focus on correcting that problem rather than just masking the symptoms over and over again.
Chiropractic patients often report having a good relationship with their Chiropractor, noting in particular how they feel heard and are able to ask questions with confidence that they will be fully answered.
The survey found:
Patients noted the relationship they had with their chiropractor, most highlighting they felt cared for and listened to by their chiropractor.
Participants felt their chiropractors took their concerns and issues seriously and were helpful and available when needed.
After the consultation and exam, if x-rays are indicated, we send our patients out for x-rays.
Then, after studying all of the results together, we put together a detailed plan of care that includes: how often, how long, how much it will cost, and what home exercises or modifications need to be done.
Our goal with the second visit (where we review all of these findings and the care plan) is to allow our patients to fully understand the nature of the problem and the care proposed as well as be able to confidently decide to begin care with their “eyes wide open”, so to speak. There is no question that is off-limits during this review. Questions about safety, how an adjustment feels, my recommendations, and more are addressed fully when a patient asks.
Perhaps the most interesting finding from the survey is the change in attitude patients experienced AFTER their first visit. Feelings of apprehension and caution were replaced with confidence and a high level of satisfaction with their chiropractic care.
In the survey, it was found:
Some participants expressed apprehension and felt nervous towards chiropractic treatment or had concerns that the treatment might have a negative impact.
The positive experiences from chiropractic treatment led to patients having a new sense of belief in the method. All participants noted that they would return for treatment.
Positive outcomes lead many to return to their chiropractor as a form of maintenance care or as a form of prevention.
Satisfaction surveys regularly show that chiropractic is health care that produces great results, exceeds patient expectations, and stands in stark contrast to some of the least satisfying elements of mainstream medical care.
Participants valued their chiropractor’s specialized knowledge compared to what they considered to be generic treatment from a GP. Being able to have a detailed discussion about their pain and treatment with an expert was seen as beneficial to their treatment experience and treatment outcome.
Participants valued the professional respect given by all members of staff (not just the chiropractor).
To see what patients say about OUR office, see over 100 reviews on Google for Live Life Well Chiropractic.
If you’re ready to schedule a new patient appointment, click here to see our schedule and pick an appointment that works for you.
This one, little thing could make a big, big difference.
As always, with love.
Dr. Colin