Your first chiropractic visit: a little less unknown

Matt Heins

22 hours ago

3 min read

What to bring, what we’ll discuss, and how we approach your first appointment at Heins Chiropractic.

Scheduling an appointment with someone new can bring up plenty of questions.

Will I be adjusted right away? What should I wear? What if I’m nervous? Do I need to know exactly what’s causing my discomfort before I come in?

You don’t need to arrive with all the answers. Your first visit gives us a chance to understand what’s happening, hear what matters to you, and discuss appropriate next steps.

Here’s how to prepare.

Start with your intake forms

Your health history gives us useful context before the examination. Include your current concerns, previous injuries or surgeries, medications, and other health conditions—even if you aren’t sure whether they relate to your symptoms.

Heins Chiropractic offers online intake forms you can complete before your appointment. A printable option is also available if you prefer paper. You can find both on our Intake Forms page.

When describing your concern, everyday language is enough.

“My back feels stiff when I get out of the car” tells us something useful. So does “I can’t turn comfortably when I check my blind spot.”

Tell us what you want to get back to

Where you hurt matters. How it affects your life matters, too.

Maybe you want to sit through work more comfortably, sleep without repeatedly changing positions, or get through a round of golf without thinking about your back.

Consider a few details before your visit:

When did you first notice the problem?
What seems to make it better or worse?
Is it improving, staying the same, or becoming more frequent?
What activity would you most like to feel comfortable doing again?

You don’t need a written timeline. A few examples can help us understand your priorities.

The examination helps guide the next step

Dr. Heins will review your concerns and perform an examination based on your symptoms and health history.

That may include checking how you move and assessing relevant joints, muscles, and nerve function. The examination helps determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate or whether another type of evaluation is needed.

If something is uncomfortable, say so. If you’re uncertain about what a test involves, ask. Your feedback is part of the process.

We’ll discuss what we find

After the examination, we’ll explain the findings and recommendations in understandable terms.

When appropriate, the examination, discussion, and initial treatment can happen during the same appointment. Treatment depends on what we find and your informed consent.

You can ask about the purpose of a recommendation, its potential benefits and risks, available alternatives, or what to expect afterward.

If you’re nervous about an adjustment or have preferences about treatment, tell us before we begin. That conversation helps us plan care with you.

A few practical things to bring

For your first appointment, it’s helpful to have:

A list of medications and relevant health information.
Any relevant imaging reports you already have.
Your insurance information, if you plan to use coverage.
Questions you want to remember to ask.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily.

If you have questions about coverage or payment, call ahead. Benefits depend on your individual plan, and it’s reasonable to understand your options before your appointment.