Walking into a chiropractor's office for the first time can feel intimidating, especially if you're unfamiliar with chiropractic care. You might be wondering what will happen during your appointment, whether adjustments hurt, or if you'll feel better right away.
At Marshall Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Tulsa, we believe the best patient experiences start with clear expectations. Here's exactly what happens during your first chiropractic visit so you can walk in feeling confident and prepared.
Before Your Appointment
When you schedule your first visit, our friendly staff will provide you with new patient paperwork. You can complete these forms online before your appointment or arrive a few minutes early to fill them out in our office.
These forms ask about your current health concerns, medical history, previous injuries, and lifestyle factors that might affect your treatment. The more detailed information you provide, the better Dr. Marshall can understand your unique situation and create an effective treatment plan.
Your Comprehensive Consultation
Your first visit begins with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Ryan Marshall. This is your opportunity to explain what brought you in and what you hope to achieve through chiropractic care.
Dr. Marshall will ask questions about:
- Your current pain or discomfort and when it started
- Activities that make your symptoms better or worse
- Previous treatments you've tried
- Your daily routine, work environment, and physical activities
- Your overall health goals
This conversation helps Dr. Marshall understand not just your symptoms, but how your condition affects your daily life. We're not just treating pain—we're helping you get back to the activities and lifestyle you enjoy.
Physical Examination
After your consultation, Dr. Marshall performs a thorough physical examination. This typically includes:
Posture Analysis
How you stand and move reveals important information about spinal alignment and muscle imbalances. Dr. Marshall evaluates your posture from multiple angles to identify areas of concern.
Range of Motion Testing
You'll be asked to perform various movements so Dr. Marshall can assess flexibility and identify restrictions. This helps pinpoint which joints aren't moving properly.
Orthopedic and Neurological Tests
Specific tests evaluate nerve function, muscle strength, and joint stability. These assessments help determine the extent of your condition and rule out serious underlying issues.
Spinal Palpation
Dr. Marshall uses his hands to examine your spine, feeling for areas of tenderness, muscle tension, and misalignment. Years of experience allow chiropractors to detect subtle problems that might not be visible on the surface.
Diagnostic Imaging (If Needed)
Some patients benefit from X-rays or other imaging to get a clearer picture of spinal alignment and bone health. If Dr. Marshall recommends imaging, he'll explain why it's necessary and how it will inform your treatment plan.
Not every patient needs X-rays. Dr. Marshall only orders diagnostic imaging when it will provide valuable information that affects your care.
Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on his findings, Dr. Marshall will explain his diagnosis in clear, understandable terms. He'll discuss what's causing your pain or dysfunction and how chiropractic care can help.
Your treatment plan is completely personalized and may include:
- Specific chiropractic adjustment techniques suited to your condition
- Frequency and duration of recommended visits
- Complementary therapies like massage or spinal decompression
- At-home exercises or lifestyle modifications
- Expected timeline for improvement
You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns. We want you to feel completely comfortable with your treatment approach.
Treatment Begins on Day One
At Marshall Chiropractic, we believe in providing relief as quickly as possible. Unless there's a medical reason to delay treatment, most patients receive their first chiropractic adjustment during their initial visit.
What Does an Adjustment Feel Like?
Many first-time patients worry that adjustments will be painful. In reality, most people find adjustments comfortable and even relieving. You might hear popping or clicking sounds—this is simply gas releasing from the joint, similar to cracking your knuckles, and it's completely normal.
Dr. Marshall uses techniques appropriate for your comfort level and condition. He'll explain what he's doing before each adjustment so you're never surprised. If you have concerns about a particular technique, let him know. There are multiple ways to achieve the same therapeutic result.
Immediate Effects
Some patients feel immediate relief after their first adjustment. Others notice gradual improvement over several visits. Your body's response depends on factors like how long you've had your condition, its severity, and your overall health.
It's also normal to feel slightly sore after your first few adjustments, similar to the feeling after a workout. This typically resolves within a day or two as your body adjusts to improved alignment.
After Your First Visit
Before you leave, our staff will help you schedule your follow-up appointments according to your treatment plan. Consistency is important for achieving the best results, especially in the early stages of care.
We'll also discuss payment options and help you understand your insurance coverage. Marshall Chiropractic accepts many insurance plans and offers affordable options for patients paying out of pocket.
Questions You Might Have
How long will my first visit take? Plan for about 45-60 minutes. This gives Dr. Marshall adequate time for a thorough evaluation and your first treatment.
Should I bring anything? Bring your insurance information, a list of current medications, and any relevant medical records or imaging from other providers.
What should I wear? Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing works best. You won't need to change into a gown.
Will I need ongoing treatment? This depends on your condition. Dr. Marshall will discuss realistic expectations and recommend a care plan that makes sense for your situation.
A Welcoming Environment
At Marshall Chiropractic & Wellness Center, we're committed to making your first visit comfortable and productive. Our experienced team treats patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, and we're here to support your journey toward better health.
If you're experiencing pain, limited mobility, or you simply want to improve your overall wellness, we'd love to help. Our Tulsa chiropractic clinic has over 20 years of experience providing personalized, effective care that addresses the root cause of your concerns.
Ready to take the first step? Contact Marshall Chiropractic today to schedule your initial consultation. Dr. Marshall and our compassionate team look forward to meeting you and helping you feel your best.
