If you’ve never seen a chiropractor before, not knowing what to expect can be enough to put you off booking. We get it. At Chiro Pro we want you to feel completely comfortable before you walk through the door — so here’s exactly what happens at your first appointment, from start to finish.

You don’t need a referral to see Chris — you can book directly online at any time. Before your appointment it’s helpful to think about:

• When your problem started and what may have caused it
• What makes it better or worse
• Any previous treatment you’ve had for the same issue
• Any relevant scans, X-rays or medical reports — bring these along if you have them
• What medications you’re currently taking

Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated. There’s no need to bring anything else.

Your first appointment begins with a thorough case history. Chris will ask you about your current complaint — where the pain is, when it started, what aggravates it and what eases it. He’ll also ask about your general health history, any previous injuries or surgeries, and your goals for treatment.

This isn’t just box-ticking. Understanding the full picture is essential to getting to the bottom of what’s actually causing your problem — and making sure the treatment is appropriate for your specific situation.

Once Chris has a clear picture of your history, he’ll perform a comprehensive physical examination. Depending on your complaint this may include:

• Assessment of your posture and movement patterns
• Range of motion testing of the affected joints
• Orthopaedic and neurological tests to identify the source of your problem
• Assessment of muscle strength, reflexes and sensation where relevant
• Palpation of the spine and surrounding structures to identify restricted joints and muscle tension

The examination is thorough but not uncomfortable. Chris will explain what he’s doing throughout and check in with you along the way.

After the examination Chris will explain exactly what he found — in plain language, not medical jargon. He’ll tell you what’s causing your problem, why it developed, and what he recommends in terms of treatment. He’ll also give you a realistic indication of how many sessions you’re likely to need and what to expect over the course of treatment.

At Chiro Pro there are no hidden surprises. If chiropractic isn’t the right approach for your situation, Chris will tell you honestly and point you in the right direction.

In almost all cases treatment begins at your first appointment — you won’t leave without having received care. Once Chris has explained his findings and you’re happy to proceed, he’ll begin treatment tailored specifically to what he found in your examination.

Your first treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, joint mobilisation, dry needling or soft tissue work — whatever combination is most appropriate for your situation. Chris will always explain what he’s doing and why before he does it.

Your first appointment is approximately 30 minutes in total.

It’s normal to feel some mild soreness or fatigue in the treated area for 24-48 hours after your first appointment — similar to how you might feel after a new exercise. This is a normal response and usually settles quickly. Most people feel an improvement in their symptoms within the first few sessions.

Chris will give you specific advice on what to do and what to avoid between appointments to support your recovery. He may also give you some simple exercises to do at home.

At Chiro Pro we have HICAPS available for on the spot private health insurance claiming — meaning you only pay the gap at the time of your appointment if you have extras cover. We also accept DVA white and gold cards, workers compensation, CTP insurance, NDIS, GP Management Plans and Home Care packages.

Give us a call on (02) 4304 9679 if you’d like to discuss fees before booking.

Now you know exactly what to expect — there’s nothing to be nervous about. Book online today and take the first step towards lasting relief with Dr. Chris Metcalfe at Chiro Pro in Umina Beach.

Learn more about the treatments used at Chiro Pro including chiropractic adjustments, dry needling and joint mobilisation. We also accept a wide range of funding options including private health insurance, DVA and GP Management Plans.