Your first chiropractic appointment: what actually happens
A lot of people come to their first appointment not really knowing what to expect. Some are a little nervous. Some have heard things from friends. Some have watched videos online that looked either very dramatic or very boring.
So let me just tell you exactly what happens when you come to see me for the first time. No surprises. 😊
The first visit is actually two appointments
Something that surprises a lot of people: your first visit is split into two separate 30-minute appointments. I always try to schedule them as close together as possible, because most people want to start care quickly and I completely get that.
This is intentional. The hardest part of chiropractic isn't the adjustment. It's knowing exactly where the restrictions are and understanding your body properly before we start.
Appointment 1: the full assessment 🔍
Your health history
We talk about why you're here, what you've been noticing, how long it's been going on, and what your daily life looks like. Work, sleep, movement habits, past injuries. All of it matters.
Postural analysis
Using digital imaging, I look at how your body is organised in space. Are your shoulders level? Is your head sitting over your spine or forward of it?
Spinal palpation and range of motion testing
I use my hands to feel the spine and ask you to move in specific ways, looking for areas of restriction, tension, or altered movement.
Orthopaedic and neurological tests
Specific tests to assess joint function and nerve involvement, helping me understand the full picture before recommending anything.
The Insight nervous system scans 🔬
Three computerised scans that give me an objective picture of how your nervous system is functioning:
- EMG (electromyography): measures muscle tension and electrical activity along the spine
- Thermography: detects temperature imbalances along the spine
- HRV (heart rate variability): evaluates how well your nervous system is adapting to stress
These scans are non-invasive and painless. They give me data I can't get with my hands alone, and they become a baseline we can measure your progress against over time.
If I need a clearer picture of your spine structure, I may also refer you for X-rays before the second appointment.
At the end of appointment 1, I take time to analyse your results in detail before we meet again. This is why the two visits are separated.
The first appointment is a conversation before anything else. I want to understand the full picture first.
Appointment 2: report of findings and first adjustment 📋
Your results, explained clearly
You'll see your scan results and understand exactly what they mean, without jargon. This is your report of findings.
My honest recommendation
I tell you how often I'd suggest seeing you and for how long, based on your specific situation and goals. Not a vague "let's see how it goes."
Your first adjustment, if appropriate
If chiropractic is the right fit for your situation, we do your first adjustment in this session. An adjustment is a specific, controlled input to a joint in the spine, aimed at restoring movement and supporting nervous system function in that area.
You may hear a sound. That's just gas releasing from the joint, the same thing that happens when you crack your knuckles. It's not bones. It's not dangerous. 😄 Some people notice immediate ease. Some feel a little tender for a day or two, similar to after a workout. Both are common responses.
Understanding your care plan 🧠
Chiropractic is a process, not a one-time fix. Think of it like going to the gym. One session doesn't transform your body. It's the repetition, the consistency, the progressive input over time that creates lasting change. Your nervous system works the same way. That's neuroplasticity.
During the first month, most of my patients come between 1 and 3 times per week depending on their situation and goals. This is where the foundational work happens, while the nervous system is adapting and the spine is beginning to rebalance.
As you progress, the frequency reduces. Eventually we move into monthly maintenance to support what's been achieved long term. 📈
Progress exams are built into the care plan at regular intervals. We redo the Insight scans and reassess the same objective and subjective measures from the first visit. Not just "do you feel better" but actual data showing what has changed. This is how we make sure we're on track together and adjust the plan if needed.
What about follow-up visits?
Follow-up visits are 15 minutes. Once the full assessment is done and I know exactly where the restrictions are, the adjustment is fast and precise. The hard work was the assessment. Follow-ups are focused and efficient.
If you want to understand more about what preventive and maintenance care looks like long term, I wrote about it in my post on why I go to the chiropractor when I'm not in pain.
Follow-up visits are short and focused. The thorough work happens at the first two appointments.
A few things to know before you come
- Wear comfortable clothes you can move in
- Bring any recent imaging you have: X-rays, MRI, or scan results
- You don't need a referral, you can book directly
Frequently asked questions
Is a chiropractic adjustment painful?
Most people find adjustments comfortable. Some notice a little tenderness for a day or two after the first session, similar to after a workout. If anything feels uncomfortable during the adjustment, you tell me and we stop.
Do I have to commit to anything on the day?
No. I'll give you my honest recommendation at the report of findings appointment, but you decide what you want to do. A first visit is an assessment, not a contract.
How long do appointments take?
Both the first and second appointments are 30 minutes. Follow-up visits are 15 minutes.
Can children see a chiropractor?
Yes. I work with children and families regularly. Adjustments for children are very gentle and adapted to their age and size. More info on my Families page.
Can I come during pregnancy?
Yes. I use specific techniques adapted for pregnancy throughout all three trimesters. You can read more in my post on chiropractic care during pregnancy.
What if chiropractic is not right for me?
I'll tell you honestly at the report of findings appointment. If I think you'd be better served by a different practitioner first, I'll refer you out. I work with a network of healthcare specialists for exactly that reason.
Is chiropractic only for people in pain?
Not at all. Many of my patients come for preventive or maintenance care. You can read more about that in my post on why I go to the chiropractor when I'm not in pain.
First appointments are not dramatic. They're a conversation, a thorough assessment, and a clear picture of where things stand. That's it. 🙌
Ready to find out what's going on? Book your first two appointments in Barcelona.
Book your first visit →Lea Salgado, Chiropractor · Barcelona · leaquiropractica.com
