Chiropractic treatments offer pain relief and other benefits to people experiencing chronic pain or dealing with injury recovery. Many people experience anxiety before their first chiropractic visit, unsure of what the appointment will involve.
The Ozzie Smith Center in Chesterfield, Missouri, specializes in holistic pain relief treatments, including physical therapy and chiropractic care. In this guide, professionals from the Ozzie Smith Center share what to expect at their first chiropractor appointment.
Understanding the Chiropractic Evaluation Process in Chesterfield, MO
The first visit begins with a comprehensive patient consultation to gather essential health information. Patients complete forms detailing their symptoms, medical history, and family health background. The chiropractor asks specific questions about the onset, location, and characteristics of the pain to understand the condition fully.
Part of what to expect at the first chiropractor appointment includes a thorough physical examination. The chiropractic evaluation assesses general health markers, such as blood pressure, pulse, and reflexes. Specific orthopedic and neurological tests evaluate the affected areas in detail.
A chiropractor in Chesterfield, MO, conducts a spinal assessment to identify structural abnormalities and restrictions. This examination includes:
Range of motion testing in affected body parts
Muscle tone and strength evaluation
Neurological integrity assessment
Posture analysis to identify alignment issues
Diagnostic imaging may become necessary based on examination findings. X-rays help diagnose recent trauma, spondyloarthritis, or spinal deformities like scoliosis. The chiropractor only orders imaging when medically necessary to guide treatment decisions.
What Happens During Your Initial Visit in Chesterfield
Patients who want to know what to expect at their first chiropractic appointment should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that allows easy movement. Workout attire works well because it enables the chiropractor to perform examinations and tests without restriction. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes early allows time to complete necessary paperwork.
The initial appointment typically lasts 45 minutes or longer. Many Chesterfield chiropractors prefer to formulate a treatment plan first, so expect them to tailor treatments to each patient's needs. Some practitioners may offer a manual adjustment during the first visit if they identify issues immediately.
During a manual adjustment, the chiropractor applies controlled force to specific joints. Patients may hear popping sounds as joints move, which results from gas release in joint spaces. This sound indicates normal joint movement and poses no cause for concern.
After examining all findings, the chiropractor develops an individualized treatment plan. This plan outlines the diagnosed condition, recommended treatments, and anticipated care duration. Patients in Chesterfield receive explanations about how chiropractic care will address their specific health concerns.
Follow-up appointments generally last 10 to 20 minutes, significantly shorter than the initial visit. Patients may experience mild soreness after treatments, similar to post-workout muscle fatigue. This discomfort typically subsides quickly as the body adjusts to proper alignment.
About the Ozzie Smith Center
The Ozzie Smith Center provides comprehensive chiropractic services to residents throughout Chesterfield, Missouri. They offer natural, hands-on care focused on restoring proper spinal function and improving overall health. Their experienced team creates personalized pain treatment plans according to each patient's unique needs and helps patients understand what to expect at the first chiropractor appointment.
Call (314) 200-4955 to schedule a chiropractic care consultation today.
