Visiting a chiropractor for the first time can bring up a lot of questions. Will it hurt? What happens during the appointment? Will I feel better right away?
At Smith Chiropractic Health Care in Elmwood Park, IL, we know that trying something new—especially when it comes to your health—can feel intimidating. That’s why we prioritize creating a welcoming, informative, and personalized experience for every patient, especially on day one.
Here’s what you can expect when you book your first chiropractic visit with us.
Step 1: A Warm Welcome and Thoughtful Conversation
When you arrive at our clinic, you’ll be greeted by our friendly front desk team. We’ll walk you through any initial paperwork (or confirm what you’ve filled out online), answer your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable from the moment you step inside.
Then you’ll sit down with Dr. Carly Smith or a member of our care team for a one-on-one consultation. This is your chance to share what’s going on with your body and what brought you in.
We’ll ask about:
- Your current symptoms or concerns
- Your health history (injuries, surgeries, conditions, lifestyle)
- Your daily habits, stress levels, and physical activity
- Your goals for chiropractic care
Whether you’re coming in for chronic pain, an injury, preventative wellness, or family care—we want to know what matters most to you.
Step 2: A Full Chiropractic Evaluation
After the consultation, we’ll complete a thorough physical evaluation. This is where we assess how your spine, posture, and nervous system are functioning.
Your evaluation may include:
- Postural analysis (how your body holds itself at rest)
- Spinal palpation (feeling for areas of tension or misalignment)
- Range of motion testing
- Reflex and neurological checks
- Muscle tone assessment
- Digital X-rays (if clinically indicated and safe to do so)
This process is painless and gives us a clear picture of how your spine is aligned and where any stress or interference might be occurring.
Step 3: Reviewing What We Find
After gathering all the necessary information, we’ll take time to explain what we’ve found in a way that makes sense—no jargon or confusion.
If we identify spinal misalignments (also called subluxations), we’ll walk you through what that means, how it might be affecting your health, and how chiropractic care can help.
You’ll also have a chance to ask questions like:
- What’s causing my pain?
- How many visits will I need?
- Will the adjustments hurt?
- How will I feel afterward?
Our goal is to make sure you feel informed and empowered—not pressured.
Step 4: Your First Adjustment (If Appropriate)
In many cases, patients receive their first chiropractic adjustment during their initial visit. If we determine it’s safe and appropriate to proceed, we’ll use gentle, targeted techniques to begin addressing areas of misalignment.
At Smith Chiropractic, we use a variety of methods—including manual adjustments, drop table technique, and low-force instruments. We always explain what we’re doing before we do it and tailor your care to your comfort level.
You may feel immediate relief, or you may feel subtle changes that build over time—it depends on your body and condition.
Step 5: Personalized Care Plan + Next Steps
Before you leave, we’ll create a personalized care plan based on your needs and goals. This may include:
- Recommended frequency of visits
- Home care advice (ice/heat, movement tips, stretches)
- Nutritional or postural recommendations
- Progress milestones to watch for
This plan is designed to move you from relief care to long-term wellness, helping you feel better—and stay better.
Bonus: Tips to Prepare for Your First Visit
To get the most out of your first chiropractic appointment:
- Wear comfortable, flexible clothing
- Bring any imaging or records from past providers (if available)
- Come with questions—it’s your body, and we’re here to support you
Discover the Benefits of Chiropractic in Elmwood Park
Whether you’re in pain, dealing with stress, or simply looking to invest in your health, chiropractic care can be a powerful, natural option. And your first visit is the first step on that journey.
At Smith Chiropractic Health Care, we’re here to support you with expert care, compassionate listening, and a customized approach that fits your body and your life.
📅 Ready to book your first appointment? Click here to get started.
🧠 Want to learn more about our techniques? Learn more here.
