For Patients

First Visit

Your First Visit to Our Guelph Practice

On your first visit, your chiropractor may ask about the following:

• personal and family medical history
• major illnesses you have experienced
• surgeries or operations you have had
• medications you are taking
• a description of your present condition
• the steps you have taken to manage your condition
• your diet and exercise
• your sleeping habits, daily activities, work routine, stress level, and home life

It is a good idea to wear comfortable clothes and shoes for your visit to the chiropractor. Your chiropractor may ask you to change into a gown to perform some of these tests:

• a check of your blood pressure, pulse and breathing
• a test of your reflexes, strength and sensations
• an analysis of your posture
• an X-ray of your spine
• an analysis of your movement — he/she will observe how you walk, turn, bend or lift things, as well as how your body moves in the affected area
• a hands-on evaluation of how well your spine moves, identifying restrictions and areas of improper motion

Tip:
Bring a copy of any X-rays or radiology reports you have. These assessments give your chiropractor a better picture of your complete health. He or she will make a diagnosis, prescribe a course of treatment, and once the matter of informed consent has been discussed, treatment usually begins.

If your chiropractor diagnoses a condition more appropriately treated by another health care professional, he or she will make a referral.