Your First Chiropractic Visit: What to Expect

Nervous about seeing a chiropractor for the first time? Let’s walk through it together.

Trusted, personal care in neighborhood clinics throughout Greater Milwaukee.

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Your first visit

Your first visit in 4 steps

  1. Share your story

    Your doctor asks what brings you in, when it started, what makes it better or worse, your daily activities, and your goals.

  2. Get a thorough exam

    Your doctor checks how your spine and joints move, where it’s tender, and your strength, reflexes, and sensation. X-rays are taken if needed.

  3. Talk through your options

    Your doctor explains what they found and walks you through care options. You decide what's right for you.

  4. Begin care at your next visit

    Treatment begins at visit two. In acute cases, your doctor may decide same-day treatment is appropriate.

You'll see the same doctor as your care continues, so the person treating you knows your history and your progress.

Before you come

What to bring and how to prepare

A little prep helps your doctor understand what’s going on, and helps you feel ready.

  • Write down when the pain started and what makes it better or worse.
  • Bring a list of your medicines, past injuries, and surgeries. Your doctor will ask about your health history.3
  • Bring your insurance card and a photo ID. After a car accident or work injury, bring your claim number too.
  • Wear comfortable clothes you can move in.
  • Write down your questions, so you don’t forget them.
  • Tell your doctor if you’re nervous. They’ll go at your pace.
  • Plan for about [XX] minutes, and arrive a few minutes early to check in.

Your care, your choice

Your doctor explains what they find and talks through options. You decide what’s right for you.

Save time at check-in

Fill out your new patient forms online before your visit.

Your worries, answered

Common worries, answered honestly

Feeling nervous before your first visit is normal. Here are straight answers to the questions people ask most.

Does it hurt?

Most people feel little or no pain during an adjustment.2 Some feel a little sore afterward, a lot like after a workout.2

What’s that popping sound?

It’s gas being released from the joint, like when you crack your knuckles.2 It doesn’t mean anything broke, and not every adjustment pops.

Do I have to be adjusted?

No. If you don’t want an adjustment, say so. Gentle joint movement, muscle work, and exercise are other options. You choose your care.

Is it safe?

Mild, short-lived soreness, stiffness, or a headache is common. These usually go away within a day.1 Serious problems are very rare.1

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothes you can move and bend in, like athletic wear. Skip tight jeans, belts with big buckles, and lots of jewelry.

How long does it take?

Plan for about [XX] minutes. That leaves time to talk, get a full exam, and take X-rays if needed.

What about cost?

Eligible new patients can request a first visit for $29, including a consultation, an exam, and X-rays if needed. We’re also in-network with most insurance companies. Verify your insurance before you come in.

How we help

How we help first-time patients feel at ease

Learn more about chiropractic care and how our doctors work with you.

Good to know

If you don’t want an adjustment

Say so, and your doctor won’t adjust you. Gentle joint movement, muscle work, and exercise are other options. You choose your care.

Listen first

Time to tell your story

Your doctor asks about your pain, your health history, and your goals before anything else.3

Explain

Every step, before it happens

Your doctor tells you what they’re checking and why. Ask questions any time.

Gentle option

Gentle joint and muscle work

Slow movements and pressure, with no quick thrusts, if you prefer a softer start.

Your pace

No pressure to commit

You get time to think about your options. The plan is yours to accept, change, or decline.

Same doctor

Someone who knows you

You see the same doctor as your care continues, so they know your history and progress.

Hands-on

Spinal adjustments, if you want them

Targeted adjustments help stiff joints move more freely. Your doctor explains each one first.

Select clinics

Physical therapy and massage

Physical therapy at Menomonee Falls, Waukesha, and West Allis North. Massage at Hales Corners and Oconomowoc.

Sound familiar?

What brings people in for the first time

Most first-time patients come in for one nagging problem. You don’t need a diagnosis to book.

Back

Lower back pain

An ache or stiffness that’s changing how you sit, sleep, or work.

Learn more
Neck

Neck pain

A stiff neck that makes it hard to turn your head or focus.

Learn more
Head

Headaches

Headaches that seem to start at the base of your skull.

Learn more
Nerves

Sciatica

Pain that runs from your lower back down one leg.

Learn more
Injury

Car accident injuries

Neck, back, or shoulder pain after a crash, even days later.

Learn more
All conditions

Not sure what it is?

Browse every condition we care for, from shoulders to feet.

Learn more
Insurance and your first visit

Care that fits your coverage

We’re in-network with most insurance plans, including Medicare, and our team can check your benefits before you come in. No insurance? New patients can start with the $29 first visit.

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  • Consultation
  • Exam
  • X-rays if needed
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With insurance
In-network with most insurance companies
  • Most commercial plans
  • Medicare
  • Auto accident claims
  • Workers’ compensation
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Why Milwaukee trusts us

Trusted by Greater Milwaukee since 1982

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Winners and finalists, including our doctors and practices before they joined us. See every award, with sources

Common questions

Questions about your first visit

Most people feel little or no pain during an adjustment. Some feel mildly sore afterward, similar to after a workout. Tell your doctor if anything feels uncomfortable, and they’ll adjust their approach.

The pop is gas being released from the joint, like when you crack your knuckles. It isn’t a sign that anything is breaking. Not every adjustment makes a sound.

No. You choose your care. If you don’t want an adjustment, say so. Gentle joint movement, muscle work, and exercise are other options.

Mild, temporary soreness, stiffness, or a headache is common after an adjustment, and usually fades within a day. Serious problems are very rare. Your doctor reviews your health history first to choose care that fits you.

Plan for about [XX] minutes. Wear comfortable clothes you can move and bend in, like athletic wear.

Often, yes. Same-day appointments are available at many of our clinics, depending on the day and each clinic’s hours. Call your nearest clinic or request an appointment online to check today’s openings. Your first visit is for your consultation and exam, and treatment typically begins at your next visit.

Usually not. Your first visit is for listening, a full exam, and X-rays if needed. Treatment begins at visit two. In acute cases, your doctor may decide same-day treatment is appropriate.

No referral is needed. Some insurance plans may require one for full benefits. Our team checks your plan when you verify your insurance and lets you know before your visit.

Eligible new patients can request a first visit for $29, including a consultation, an exam, and X-rays if needed. The offer requires requesting an appointment online and a visit within five business days. Medicare and Medicaid patients aren’t eligible.

Bring your insurance card, a photo ID, and a list of your medicines, past injuries, and surgeries. After a car accident or work injury, bring your claim number and any ER or urgent care paperwork.

Chiropractic Company has 20+ neighborhood clinics across Greater Milwaukee. Find a location close to home or work, and request your first appointment online.
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Conditions

Sources

  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Spinal Manipulation: What You Need To Know. 2022.
  2. Cleveland Clinic. Chiropractic Adjustment. 2022.
  3. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Chiropractic: In Depth. 2019.
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