Experience

What to Expect During Your First Visit

When you visit AstroChiropractic, here’s what you can expect:

1. Pre-Appointment Form

Before your visit, we’ll send you a link to an important form.

The form helps us gather essential information about your health history, current condition, and any ACC claims you may have. If you have an existing acute injury and an ACC claim, please have your claim number handy (e.g., AB123456). If you’re unsure of your claim number, you can find it in your ACC correspondence or by calling 0800 222 070. Only ACC claims less than one year old can be used for treatment at AstroChiropractic. Additionally, we can create and process ACC claims on-site during your appointment if we deem the injury to be acute and it meets all ACC standards for coverage. We assess your injury on a case-by-case basis and ensure it aligns with current ACC criteria before proceeding with treatment.

2. Initial Consultation and Physical Examination

When you arrive, your chiropractor will have reviewed your form and will ask additional questions to clarify your condition. You’ll undergo a comprehensive physical examination, which may include:

  • Postural Examination
  • Balance and Coordination Tests
  • Range of Motion Assessment
  • Orthopedic Testing (to identify musculoskeletal issues)
  • Neurological Testing (to assess symptoms like tingling, numbness, or weakness)
  • Cranial Nerve Testing (especially important for balance issues, vision problems, dizziness, vertigo, or migraines)
  • Gait Analysis (to evaluate walking patterns)
  • Spinal Examination (to check for misalignments or dysfunction)
  • Ultrasound or X-rays (if necessary, performed off-site)

This thorough examination allows us to pinpoint the root cause of your issue and create a clear plan for your care. Based on your findings, we may proceed with a spinal adjustment during your first visit.

3. Adjustment and Treatment

During your first visit, spinal adjustments may be performed to restore joint alignment and reduce pain. The “cracking” sound heard during the adjustment is caused by gas being released from the joint and is a normal, common occurrence. Remember, the goal isn’t to hear the “crack,” but to restore mobility and reduce discomfort. If no sound is heard, it doesn’t mean the adjustment didn’t work—what matters is improving function and mobility. Follow-up assessments will track your progress over time.

4. Personalized Follow-Up Care Plan

After your first visit, we’ll schedule your follow-up appointment as soon as possible. The sooner we see you again, the better we can assess how your body is responding to the initial adjustment. Based on how you’re feeling, we’ll create a customized care plan, which may include:

  • Exercise and Stretching Programs
  • Additional Therapies (e.g., soft tissue work, rehabilitation exercises)
  • Referrals (to other healthcare professionals if necessary)
  • Ultrasound or X-rays (if needed, off-site)

Take the first step toward better health—book your appointment now!

What to Expect During Your First Follow-Up Appointment

Thank you for booking your first follow-up appointment! This visit is one of the most important stages of your recovery, as it helps us understand how your body is responding to the treatment from your first visit. Your progress during this time will shape the next steps of your care plan, and it’s critical for determining the best course of action moving forward.

Here’s what you can expect during your first follow-up visit:

Assessment of Your Response to Initial Treatment

This appointment is essential for evaluating how your body has responded to the initial adjustment. Depending on how you’re feeling and how your body is reacting, we may adjust your treatment plan accordingly. The first follow-up provides valuable insight into the effectiveness of the initial treatment and helps us refine the approach moving forward.

  • Improvement: If you’ve noticed reduced pain or increased mobility, that’s a great sign! In this case, we’ll likely continue your treatment plan at a steady pace. You may not need to come in as frequently, and we’ll focus on maintaining your progress.
  • No Significant Change: If you haven’t noticed much improvement or still feel similar to how you did after your first visit, we may increase the frequency of your visits during the first few weeks. This is normal as your body adjusts, and more regular adjustments will help promote progress.
  • Worsening Symptoms: If your symptoms have worsened since your first visit, it’s important to address this immediately. We may refer you for further diagnostic tests (e.g., X-rays) to rule out any other underlying issues and ensure your care is fully aligned with your needs.
  • Fluctuating Symptoms: If your symptoms seem to fluctuate or feel like a “rollercoaster,” this could indicate that your body is in an unstable state. More frequent adjustments will likely be necessary to stabilize your condition and promote healing.

Continued Treatment

In addition to assessing your progress, we’ll continue active treatment during your first follow-up visit. This may include:

  • Trigger Point Therapy: To release muscle knots and reduce tension.
  • Myofascial Release: To address fascia tightness and improve movement.
  • Soft Tissue Work: To improve circulation and alleviate muscle pain.

We understand that recovery is a journey, and we want to make sure you feel confident and supported every step of the way. During this visit, your chiropractor will also discuss your personalized care plan moving forward. If you didn’t purchase a treatment package during your first visit but are considering it now, we offer a “trial before you buy” option. This means the cost of your first visit will be applied toward the treatment package, giving you a reduced price while continuing care based on your body’s response.

Remember: Your Progress Matters

Your progress is important to us, and we’ll adjust your treatment plan accordingly. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here to guide you toward lasting health and well-being.

Don’t wait—book your follow-up appointment now!

What to Expect in Continuing Follow-Up Treatments

Ongoing follow-up visits are essential for your recovery process. These visits allow us to assess your progress, adjust your care plan, and continue providing the treatments necessary for full recovery. Here’s what you can expect during your follow-up appointments:

  • Spinal Adjustments and Manipulation: We’ll continue adjusting your spine to address any misalignments. As your body heals, the adjustments may evolve based on your progress.
  • Trigger Point Therapy & Myofascial Release: These techniques help relieve tight muscle knots, reduce pain, and improve range of motion, supporting overall function.
  • Exercise & Rehabilitation: We’ll guide you through strengthening exercises and stretches to improve flexibility and prevent future injuries.
  • Ongoing Assessment & Care Plan Adjustments: Your chiropractor will continuously assess your progress and adjust your care plan to meet your needs. This may involve changes in treatment frequency, type of therapies, or new interventions.
  • Injury Management & Preventative Care: We’ll provide strategies to prevent re-injury and optimize recovery, including referrals to specialists if necessary.
  • Education & Self-Care Guidance: We’ll offer advice on posture, movement, and self-care techniques to enhance your healing and prevent future issues.

The Importance of Consistency

The key to success in chiropractic care is consistency. By following the care plan we set for you—including attending follow-up appointments and doing prescribed exercises—you’ll achieve the best possible results. Chiropractic care is a journey, not a one-time fix, and staying committed will help you achieve lasting relief and better health.

Don’t pause your progress—book your follow-up appointment now!