WHAT TO EXPECT
AT YOUR FIRST VISIT?
Arrival: Upon arrival at our practice, you will be welcomed by our reception staff and asked to complete a form with all your personal details and health history.
Consultation: You will then be met by your attending practitioner, who will take you through to the consultation room and your presenting complaint, concerns and health history will be discussed.
Examination: Once the history is complete, a chiropractic examination will be performed which will include a physical, neurological, orthopedic, postural and/or biomechanical exam.
Report of findings: following the examination, the chiropractor will discuss their findings with you, as well as the treatment plan, concerns and answer any questions that you might have.
Diagnostic tests: If necessary, further relevant diagnostic testing may be requested prior to continuing with treatment.
Treatment: If agreed upon, at this stage the chiropractor may proceed with treatment, the techniques employed will depend largely on the patient and presenting condition. Any preferences or concerns may be expressed prior to commencing with treatment.
COMMON QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
SCROLL OVER TO REVEAL THE ANSWER
Question 1:
What is chiropractic?
Answer 1:
Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal adjustment and other joint and soft-tissue manipulation.
Question 2:
Are Chiropractors doctors ?
Answer 2:
Yes. Unlike medical doctors, chiropractors are Doctors of Chiropractic. In South Africa, they complete a 6 year Masters Degree in the field of chiropractic.
Question 3:
Does chiropractic manipulation
hurt?
Answer 3:
Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure and should be performed by a trained practitioner. It rarely causes and discomfort because minimal force and gentle pressure are used. Very often most patients feel immediate relief following treatment. Discomfort that may be reported after an initial adjustment has been described as similar to that associated with starting a new exercise program. Drinking plenty of water, using an ice/heat pack and engaging in light stretching after your first visit can help ease any discomfort and promote healing. It is usually advisable not to engage in any heavy exercise on the day following treatment.
Question 4:
Does medical aid cover
chiropractic?
Answer 4:
Yes, most medical aids do cover chiropractic care. However, various medical aid plans differ and thus it is advisable to check with your medical aid first before submitting your invoice.
Question 5:
Do I need to be referred to a chiropractor by my GP?
Answer 5:
Referral by your GP is not necessary to make an appointment. Your specific medical aid plan may however require this, in which case you would have to check with your medical aid prior to making your appointment.
Question 6:
Will I be required to remove my clothing at my appointment?
Answer 6:
Although some procedures may require you to remove some pieces of clothing, most do not. It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing to your chiropractic appointment. If you have any questions or concerns, please bring them to your chiropractor.
Question 7:
How many treatments will
I need?
Answer 7:
Each patient is different. For more chronic conditions a slightly longer treatment plan may be necessary. However, all of this should be discussed at your first appointment.
Question 8:
What are our Covid protocols?
Answer 8:
Our practice strives to adhere to all Covid-19 protocols. We ask that if you have been traveling, been in contact with a Covid positive person, or are feeling at all unwell that you call to reschedule your appointment.
You may be asked to wait in your car in which case your therapist will come out and fetch you when it is time for your appointment. Mask wearing throughout the consultation is required. Your temperature will be taken as you enter and sanitizer will be available for your hands. Sanitizing of beds and equipment takes place after every patient.
Please bring along your own towel to your consultation.
famous chiropractic quotes
Thomas Edison
The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest the patient in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.
Tiger Woods
“I’ve been going to chiropractors for as long as I can remember.
It’s as important to my training as practicing my swing.”
Peter Fonda
Regular chiropractic adjustments go hand-in-hand with good health.
Research links:
“Initial visits to chiropractors or physical therapists is associated with substantially decreased early and long-term use of opioids”.
https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/bmjopen/9/9/e028633.full.pdf
“The results of this trial suggest that CMT (chiropractic manipulative therapy) in conjunction with SMC (standard medical care) offers a significant advantage for decreasing pain and improving physical functioning when compared with only standard care, for men and women between 18 and 35 years of age with acute LBP (lower back pain)”.
“This review demonstrated an inverse association between chiropractic use and opioid receipt among patients with spinal pain.”
https://academic.oup.com/painmedicine/article-abstract/21/2/e139/5575223
“For participants with acute and subacute neck pain, SMT (spinal manipulation therapy) was more effective than medication in both the short and long term”.
https://www.nhchiropractic.org/news/research/chiropractic-better-for-neck-pain/
“Six to eight sessions of upper cervical and upper thoracic manipulation were shown to be more effective than mobilization and exercise in patients with CH (cervicogenic headache), and the effects were maintained at 3 months.”
Contact us with any questions you may have about our services.