What Actually Happens at Your First Chiropractic Visit
Nervous about walking in the door? Here's every step of a first visit at Abide, from the paperwork to the report of findings, so nothing catches you off guard.
Most people who call us for a first appointment ask some version of the same question: what are you actually going to do to me? It's a fair thing to want to know before you commit, and the honest answer surprises people — in most cases, we're not going to adjust you at all.
The short version. Your first visit runs about an hour: a sit-down consultation, a hands-on neurological and spinal exam, digital X-rays if we need them, and a plain-English report of what we found along with the care plan we recommend. You'll usually get your first adjustment at your second visit — and that's a deliberate choice, not a delay.
Before you arrive
Two things make the visit go smoothly, and both take about five minutes.
Fill out your new patient paperwork online ahead of time. It's the single biggest difference between a relaxed start and a rushed one. Then plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early anyway, so you're not walking in still catching your breath.
Bring these with you:
- Valid photo ID
- Insurance card, if you have one
- Any prior medical records or imaging
- A list of any medications you're currently taking
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You'll stay fully clothed for the whole examination — there are no gowns involved. Leave the heavy jewelry at home.
The five parts of a first visit
1. Consultation and health history
We start sitting down, not on a table. This is where you tell us what brought you in, how long it's been going on, what you've already tried, and what you're actually hoping to get back to doing. The goal is to understand the problem before we touch anything.
2. Comprehensive examination
Next comes the hands-on part: neurological testing, orthopedic assessment, and spinal analysis. We're looking for areas of nerve interference and spinal misalignment — the underlying pattern, not just the spot that hurts.
3. Digital X-rays, if needed
Not everyone needs imaging. When the exam tells us we need to see the structure of your spine to care for you safely, we'll take digital X-rays right here in the office.
4. Report of findings
This is the part patients tell us they remember. We sit back down and walk you through what we found in plain language — what's going on, what's causing it, and what we think it'll take to correct. You won't be handed conclusions you don't understand.
5. Your care plan — and why we don't adjust on day one
We finish by laying out the plan: what care we recommend, how often, over what stretch of time, what we expect it to accomplish, and what it'll cost. Then it's your call.
What we don't do is adjust you on the way out the door.
Nothing happens without your say-so. We'd rather spend the whole first visit understanding your situation than start adjusting before we know what we're treating. An adjustment given on a hunch can feel productive on the day — but a plan built on the full picture is what gives you results that last. You'll know exactly what we intend to do, and why, before any of it happens.
Most patients get their first adjustment at their second visit, once you've agreed to the plan and we know precisely what we're correcting. Our adjustments are gentle and specific — they're about restoring proper alignment and clearing nerve interference, not about producing dramatic noises.
What about insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible payment options. Coverage varies enough from plan to plan that the only reliable answer is a phone call — give the office a call at (479) 435-6888 and we'll verify your specific benefits before your appointment.
Ready to book your first visit?
Take a look at our new patient page for the full details, then schedule an appointment online at a time that works for you. If you'd rather talk to a person first, call us at (479) 435-6888 — that's genuinely fine, and it's often the fastest way to get your questions answered.
Common Questions
How long does the first visit take?
Plan for about an hour. Arriving 10–15 minutes early to finish your paperwork keeps the consultation starting on time.
Will I get adjusted on the first visit?
Usually not, and that's deliberate. The first visit is for the consultation, the exam, and building your care plan. Most patients get their first adjustment at their second visit, once we fully understand what we're correcting and you've agreed to the plan.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly with us, and we accept most major insurance plans.