Are you considering a chiropractic treatment session in Arlington Heights for the first time? You must be wondering what to expect at your first chiropractic treatment session.
It’s only natural to be anxious about getting a treatment you don’t know much about.
And that’s what we discuss in this post. In what follows, we look at the details of what to expect at a chiropractic treatment session. Knowing these details will help you feel more relaxed, which will positively contribute to your recovery.
Chiropractic Treatment Sessions – Overview
Initial Consultation + First Treatment Session
Most chiropractors initiate the treatment during the first visit. However, before starting the treatment, an initial consultation is a must.
As part of the initial consultation, your chiropractic care provider will ask questions about
- Your symptoms,
- The severity and frequency of your symptoms,
- Your general health and previous health conditions, and
- Your current lifestyle, dietary habits, and activity levels.
Apart from these questions, your chiropractor will also conduct a physical examination to assess your posture, mobility, flexibility, and the condition of your spine. In some cases, your chiropractor may also recommend an X-ray to get a clear view of your spine’s condition.
You can expect your initial consultation to last somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes. However, know that this is the most critical step in your treatment as it helps your chiropractor set goals for your treatment.
Following the initial consultation, your chiropractor will determine your treatment goals. Typically, chiropractic treatment goals can be divided into
- Short-term restoration goals and
- Long-term management goals.
The first treatment session will focus on short-term goals of recovery and restoration of optimal spinal alignment. Your caregiver will likely use the following technique to restore the optimal functionality of your spine and nervous system.
Spinal Manipulation
The most commonly used technique in chiropractic treatment sessions is spinal manipulation. The technique involves the manual application of force on the bones, joints, and muscles around the spine.
During the treatment session, the chiropractor will ask you to lie down on your tummy and use various manual techniques, including:
The gradual movement of the joints in different positions,
Stretching muscles in certain directions to release spasms and restore mobility and
Short and precise force application to improve range of motion.
It is common that the patient may hear a cracking or popping sound when getting manual treatment. However, it shouldn’t be a concern. Moreover, chiropractic care isn’t painful, but when getting treatment for an injured or inflamed area, the patient may experience mild discomfort, which typically subsides within 24-48 hours.
If the pain or discomfort persists after 48 hours, it’s best to consult your chiropractor again immediately.
There are several other techniques which may be used during the first treatment session, some of which include
- Instrument-assisted alignment,
- Physical therapy and
- Massage.
Your chiropractor will determine the treatment method depending on your health condition and medical history.
Subsequent Treatment Sessions
Following the initial consultation and first treatment session, your chiropractic caregiver will recommend a schedule for follow-up sessions.
Follow-up treatment sessions are very similar to the first session. The only exception is that you don’t have to repeat the initial consultation. However, your chiropractor may ask you questions about the improvement of your symptoms and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Chiropractic practitioners may recommend more frequent sessions at first. However, over time, as your symptoms improve, they will eventually reduce the frequency of your treatment sessions. Moreover, you can also expect shorter treatment sessions once your symptoms improve.
Other Elements of the Treatment Plan
Apart from the basic treatment elements in a chiropractor’s clinic, your caregiver will also recommend lifestyle modifications outside the clinic to supplement your treatment plan.
Your chiropractor may recommend dietary changes and physical activity to improve the results of your treatment. They may also suggest lifestyle changes such as improving posture to reduce the risk of recurrence of your health condition.
Key Takeaways
The key to chiropractic care is remembering that each individual’s treatment sessions will be unique. While all treatment plans involve initial consultation and the use of chiropractic techniques to correct spinal concerns, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for chiropractic care. However, the goal of every chiropractic treatment is to improve the health and well-being of the patient and improve their quality of life.
If you’re struggling with spinal health concerns in Arlington Heights or have recently been involved in an accident, and are looking for chiropractic care, get in touch with J & Co. Chiropractic. Our team of experts is committed to developing a specific treatment plan that addresses all your concerns. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you on your journey of improved health and happiness.
