If you have never seen a chiropractor before, it is normal to wonder what actually happens in the room. This is a plain guide to a first appointment with a chiropractor in Haywards Heath at The Health Hub, from the moment you arrive to the plan you leave with.
Before you come
You do not need a GP referral. If you plan to claim on health insurance, check your policy first, because some insurers ask for a referral before they will cover treatment.
Wear comfortable clothing that lets your chiropractor see and move the area being treated. For back and neck problems, loose trousers or shorts and a vest top work well.
We start by listening
Your first visit lasts 45 minutes. It begins with a conversation about what has brought you in: where it hurts, how it started, what makes it better or worse, and what it is stopping you from doing. We also ask about your general health, any medication you take and any previous injuries.
Then we examine how you move
Next we look at how you move and examine the joints, muscles and nerves involved. Sam often uses a structured movement screen called the Selective Functional Movement Assessment, which helps show whether the painful area is the real source of the problem or is compensating for something else.
We then explain what we have found in plain language, and what we think will help.
Treatment usually starts the same day
If treatment is appropriate, it usually begins in the same session. Depending on what we find, that may include:
- gentle joint mobilisation
- soft tissue techniques
- joint manipulation, only where it is appropriate and you are happy to have it
- dry needling with Joe, where it helps
- exercises to start at home
- advice on work, sleep and activity
Before any treatment we explain the benefits and risks that apply to you and ask for your consent. If you would rather not have manipulation, just say. There are other techniques we can use instead.
Treatment should not be painful. Some techniques can feel briefly uncomfortable on a sore area, and you may feel achy for a day or two afterwards.
You leave with a plan
By the end of the appointment you will know what we think is going on, what we recommend, roughly how many sessions it is likely to take and what to do at home in the meantime. How many sessions you need depends on the problem and how long you have had it. We review the plan as you go and tell you if you are not progressing as we would expect.
If chiropractic is not the right fit
Chiropractic care is not right for every cause of back, neck or joint pain. If we think a physiotherapist, an osteopath or your GP would be a better starting point, we will tell you. Physiotherapists and osteopaths work alongside us in the same clinic, so changing direction is simple.
What it costs
An initial consultation is £79 for 45 minutes. Follow-up treatments are £64 for 30 minutes. You pay at each appointment, and we give you an invoice to claim back from your insurer if you are covered.
Not sure whether to book?
If you are not sure a chiropractor is the right person to see, request a free 15-minute phone call and we will help you decide. Otherwise you can book online or call us on 01444 817851.
Written by Sam Pargeter, chiropractor and co-founder of The Health Hub. Reviewed by Joe Lancaster, chiropractor.