Normally your first visit will last approximately one hour. Should you wish to bring a friend or member of your family you are very welcome to do so.

A chiropractor’s first concern is to find out what is wrong and to screen for anything which would require referral to your GP or to hospital. Chiropractors are trained to investigate each patient’s condition before considering treatment. They will usually spend considerably more time than a GP is normally able to allocate, in order to thoroughly understand your condition.

During this time the chiropractor will:

• Take a full case history
• With your permission, perform a thorough physical examination
• Carry out neurological and orthopaedic tests
• Consider referral for diagnostic imaging, e.g. X-Ray, MRI scan
• Effect treatment if appropriate or refer onwards

Before your treatment starts

Treatment is very much a partnership between you and your chiropractor. Before your treatment starts, your chiropractor will explain to you clearly:

• What was found in the examination
• The treatment plan proposed
• The benefits and risks associated with your condition and proposed treatment

You should ask your chiropractor as many questions as you need to, in order that you are sure you understand what you have been told. Your chiropractor will then ask you to give your permission / consent for treatment.

Do I need to tell my GP?

You do not need to let your GP know unless you want to. Many GPs and orthopaedic specialists recommend chiropractic care to their patients. With your permission, your chiropractor may wish to send a report to your GP, with details of your condition and the treatment you are receiving. This is because your GP holds all your medical records and it is in your interests for them to be complete and up to date.