Dr. Vinesh Vaghmaria - Chiropractor - Cape Town

What to expect on your first visit

A visit to your chiropractor is a very similar experience to visiting your GP or other medical specialist. Remember that he or she is a healthcare professional. The difference is that the process and treatment of your complaint is always done from a holistic, drug free perspective

For your chiropractor to understand your complaint and eventually treat it, it is first important that he or she takes a full comprehensive history. Questions such as to what type of pain do you have, where the pain is, how did the pain start and so forth will be asked. He/she will also ask questions about your past health history, family history and any other conditions that you might previously have suffered from. Thereafter the chiropractor will conduct a full physical examination. This includes appropriate orthopaedic and neurological tests whereby muscle strength, nerve function and joint function, as well as body balance and alignment are determined. Your chiropractor will then be in a position to establish the problem areas and identify the source of the complaint.

If needed x-rays or laboratory tests may be required. This is not always necessary and your chiropractor will determine if and when such tests are necessary.

Once your chiropractor has diagnosed the problem, he or she will recommend a treatment plan. This treatment could be in the form of only a single visit – a spinal or joint adjustment with fairly quick relief. The condition however may require further, continued care necessitating several treatments to stabilise the problem. Treatment will most likely include manipulation, soft tissue therapies and other techniques such as heat, ice, ultrasound, massage and exercise to enhance results.

Chiropractic is not an invasive therapy, however, patients are often required to remove certain items of clothing to enable the chiropractor to examine and treat appropriately. Gowns are available for you to wear for the examination and treatment.