What to expect on your first visit
From the moment you walk in, you’ll get a warm welcome from our friendly chiropractic assistants. Relax in our comfortable reception area, and when it’s time for your appointment you’ll be shown through to a private treatment room, where your chiropractor will be ready to start your consultation.
Charlotte, Karen & Victoria — your welcome team
A few things that make your visit easier
The purpose of your first visit is simple: to find out exactly what the problem is — and whether we can help. There’s nothing to prepare, but a couple of small things will make the visit smoother.
- Arrive a few minutes early — you’ll fill in a short form about the challenges you’ve been having with your health
- Wear comfortable clothing — and a gown is available if you’d prefer
- Bring a note of any medications, and any previous scans or reports if you have them
- Park at the Elm Avenue car park — just 50 metres behind the clinic
- Step-free entry and wheelchair access throughout
- Partners and family are welcome to accompany you
Your consultation, in six steps
A thorough, unhurried assessment — so we can identify the cause of your pain, explain it clearly, and agree the best way forward together.
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Your health history
You’ll start with a short form about the challenges you’ve been experiencing with your health. Your chiropractor then talks it through with you and takes a full medical history — which often reveals the background to what’s troubling you today.
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Chiropractic examination
Your chiropractor carries out a thorough orthopaedic, neurological and functional examination, including a posture assessment — to determine how well your body is moving and functioning.
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Spinal assessment
Your chiropractor checks your spine for areas of restriction and nerve interference. These can affect how your body functions — causing pain and other symptoms, sometimes far from where the problem actually sits.
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X-Ray imaging — only if needed
Our on-site digital X-Ray can help refine your diagnosis, providing detailed information about specific areas of your spine and your condition. We’ll always discuss it with you first — and only take images when there’s a clear clinical reason.
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Report of findings
Your chiropractor explains everything in plain English. You’ll understand what we believe is the cause of your pain and symptoms — and we’ll advise you on the best course of care going forward, including how to get better in the quickest possible time. (May be on the following visit)
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Your first treatment
If chiropractic is right for you — and you’re happy to go ahead — your first treatment can usually begin there and then. No pressure, and no waiting for a further appointment.
And if chiropractic isn’t the answer? We’ll tell you
Not every problem is a chiropractic problem — and we’d rather tell you straight than treat you for the sake of it. If your examination suggests you’d be better cared for elsewhere, we’ll explain why and point you in the right direction.
- Referral to your GP or an appropriate specialist when that’s the right call
- A short report, where helpful, to guide you to the right care within the NHS
- Clear answers to every question — before any treatment begins
- No pressure to commit to anything you don’t need
Questions people ask before their first visit
If you’re wondering about anything else, just give us a call — we’re happy to help.
How long will my first visit take?
Allow 40–60 minutes. Your first visit is deliberately unhurried — there’s time to talk through your history properly, carry out a thorough examination, and explain what we find without rushing you out of the door.
What should I wear?
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is ideal. Every consultation takes place in a private consultation room, and a gown is available to change into if you’d prefer.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. Chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners, so you can book directly with us — many GPs actually refer their patients to our clinic. Most private health insurance providers cover all or part of the cost of treatment. Please check your individual policy.
Will my first treatment hurt?
Treatment involves precise adjustments of specific joints, and these are typically painless. Some techniques produce a “click” or “pop” sound from the joint — a novel experience the first time, but still pain-free. Your chiropractor will explain everything before starting.
Can I bring someone with me?
Of course. Partners and family are always welcome to accompany you — whether for reassurance, a second pair of ears during the report of findings, or simply for company in the waiting room.
Can treatment really start on the first visit?
Often, yes. Once your chiropractor has explained the findings and you’re happy to go ahead, treatment can usually start without delay. Occasionally — for example when X-Ray images need careful review — we may recommend starting at your next appointment instead, and we’ll always explain why.