If you’ve never seen a chiropractor, the first visit can feel like a bit of a mystery. Some people picture a quick crack and a pat on the back. That isn’t how it works here, and it shouldn’t be how it works anywhere.
Here’s how a first visit goes at our office in Lake Villa, start to finish.
Before you come in
You’ll fill out a health history, either at home or when you arrive. You can download the forms from our New Patient Forms page and bring them with you, which saves time in the waiting room.
The forms ask what’s bothering you, when it started, what makes it better or worse, and what you’ve already tried. Be as specific as you can. “My lower back hurts when I stand up after sitting” tells me a lot more than “back pain.”
The conversation
Before I touch anything, we talk. I want to know how this is affecting your day. Is it keeping you from sleeping, from lifting your kids, from getting through a shift? Those answers shape the plan more than any single test does.
The exam
Next comes a physical exam. I’ll check how you move, where you’re tight, and how your joints respond. I’ll also run a few simple orthopedic and neurological tests, like checking your reflexes and your strength, so we can rule out anything that needs a different kind of care.
If something in your history or exam points to a problem outside what chiropractic can help, I’ll tell you and refer you to the right place.
Your first treatment
In most cases you’ll get your first treatment the same day. Adjustments are gentle and specific, and I’ll explain what I’m doing before I do it. If you’re nervous about the popping sound, tell me and we’ll talk through your options.
Depending on what’s going on, treatment might also include stretches, exercises to do at home, or massage therapy with our licensed massage therapist.
How long it takes
The first visit takes longer than follow-ups because of the history and exam. When you call, we’ll tell you how much time to plan for.
How many visits will I need?
This is the question I hear most. It depends on what’s going on and how long it’s been going on. A stiff neck from sleeping wrong last week usually settles faster than back pain you’ve had for three years.
After your exam, I’ll give you a clear plan with a rough number of visits and what we’re aiming for, and we’ll adjust it as you improve.
What to wear
Wear something comfortable that you can move in, like athletic pants and a t-shirt. Skip anything with a lot of buttons or a stiff belt.
Insurance
We work with many insurance plans. Check our Insurance page, or call us and we’ll verify your coverage before your visit so there are no surprises.
If you have questions before you come in, call us at (847) 265-5600 or send us a request. We’ll find a time that works for you.