Pop! Crack! Snap!
If you’ve never visited a chiropractor before, that’s probably the most you know about it. You get adjustments (that sound kind of scary) and your pain magically goes away.
Well, actually, it’s not magic, but if you don’t know what to expect, a chiropractic appointment can seem overwhelming. We’ve put together this guide to help you learn what to expect during your first appointment with a chiropractor in Singapore and how to prepare yourself.
So let’s get started below!
1. Pinpoint Why You’re Visiting a Chiropractor in the First Place
During your initial appointment, your chiropractor will ask you all kinds of questions about your health, pain, range of motion, etc. This will help them get a better idea of what’s going on in your body, help them figure out the right diagnosis, and allow them to put together a treatment plan that matches your needs.
The more detailed you can be about your injury or condition the better.
Because of this, it’s a good idea to spend some time assessing your pain yourself before the appointment. If you aren’t sure what to look for, ask yourself these questions:
- How did the pain start (due to work, sports, household chores, etc.)?
- How long have you been in pain?
- Where do you feel pain?
- Has the pain changed or spread to another location?
- Are there any activities that make the pain worse?
If you don’t know the answers to all of these questions, that’s okay. Just do the best you can to give your chiropractor as much information as possible. You can even write out notes and take them to the appointment with you if you’re worried you might forget something.
2. Prepare Your “Patient History”
Do you take any medications for your pain (prescription or over the counter)? If not, do you take different medications for other, unrelated reasons? Make sure you tell your chiropractor!
Telling them about the medication you take will help them get a better understanding of your level of pain and the condition of your body. Even if you don’t take medications for the cause of the pain, you should still tell your chiropractor. While chiropractors don’t prescribe medications themselves, they may recommend taking over-the-counter pain relief.
You should also bring along any aids or braces you wear to help support your injury. Don’t forget to show your chiropractor x-rays or other medical scans of your injury (if you have them).
3. Wear the Right Clothing
This is one of the most important (and one of the most overlooked) parts of preparing for your chiropractor appointment. During the visit, your chiropractor will ask you to lay on a table and move your body into different positions so they can make the necessary adjustments.
You’ll have a hard time doing this if you’re wearing tight, uncomfortable clothing.
Instead, you should make sure you dress appropriately in a loose or baggy shirt and a flexible pair of pants or shorts. Make sure you avoid the following:
- Dresses and skirts
- Large or bulky belts
- Skin-tight clothes
- Too many layers (your chiropractor might ask you to take off your jacket if you have one)
- Long necklaces or dangly jewellery
- Etc.
Keep in mind, your chiropractor may also ask you to take off your shoes during the appointment. Wear something you can slip on and off quickly to make it easier for you.
4. Give Yourself Time to Relax
If you’ve never received a chiropractic adjustment before, you might be nervous or anxious about the appointment. This is understandable, especially if you’re in pain, so give yourself some time to relax before you arrive.
Close your eyes and take deep breathes. Don’t try to distract yourself by going on your phone (since this often doesn’t help).
You should also let your chiropractor know how you feel. They’ll be able to explain everything slowly and clearly so you understand, and they should take the time to answer any questions you might have during the appointment.
It’s okay to feel nervous, but telling your chiropractor about it will make the adjustments easier and more comfortable on you both.
5. Arrive at the Clinic Early
Do your best to arrive at the clinic at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. If you haven’t been to the chiropractor’s office before, you’ll need to fill out new patient information, and this can take some time. Showing up early gives you more flexibility so you don’t feel rushed or nervous before the appointment even starts.
It’s also a good idea to arrive early so you can get familiar with the space (which can help you feel more comfortable if you’re anxious). Don’t worry about sitting in the waiting room for longer than normal. If that helps you mentally prepare for the appointment, then the chiropractor shouldn’t have a problem with it.
Setting up Your First Appointment With a Chiropractor in Singapore
If you’ve never been to the chiropractor before, your first appointment might seem scary or overwhelming. Taking the time to prepare yourself (both physically and mentally) can help you feel more comfortable and get the most out of your visit.
Are you ready to see a Chiropractor in Singapore?
We can help you find a team that can assess your pain and put together the best treatment plan for your needs. Don’t hesitate to check out our directory today! We’ll get you feeling better in no time!
