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What to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Visit After an Accident

If you’ve been injured, especially in a car accident or another unexpected incident, you’re likely dealing with discomfort, stress, and uncertainty about recovery. Taking the first step toward healing with chiropractic care is a great choice, but we know that starting something new can feel a bit nerve-wracking.



At Rainey Chiropractic, we want to put your mind at ease by sharing what you can expect from your first visit and how we’re here to make the process as comfortable and supportive as possible.

1. Complete Your Initial Paperwork


When you first arrive, we’ll ask you to fill out some initial paperwork. This is our way of gathering essential details about your medical history, current symptoms, and specific areas of concern. This information helps us create a treatment plan that’s tailored just for you. We’re here to answer any questions and provide assistance, so don’t worry about any unfamiliar forms—our friendly staff is here to guide you through every detail.


2. Share Details of Your Accident to Help Us Personalize Your Care


Once you’ve completed the paperwork, you’ll meet with the chiropractor in a calm, private setting. During this conversation, we’ll ask about your accident—what happened, how you’ve been feeling, and any particular areas of pain or tension. This is your chance to share anything that might be affecting your recovery, including any daily activities or movements that feel uncomfortable.


We understand that discussing an injury can be emotional, so we approach this with empathy and care. Your safety and comfort are our priorities, and we’re here to listen and understand your unique experience.


3. A Gentle Physical Exam to Assess Your Injuries


After getting to know your story, we’ll conduct a gentle physical exam to assess your injuries. This is a careful evaluation where we check your spine, joints, and muscles for any misalignments, stiffness, or tension that might be impacting your recovery.


Throughout the exam, we’ll explain each step so you know exactly what we’re doing and why. We’ll move at a pace that’s comfortable for you, ensuring that you feel safe and supported. This exam helps us pinpoint the areas that need care and provides a clear foundation for your personalized treatment plan.


4. Relaxing Therapy to Begin Your Healing


Once we’ve assessed your needs, we’ll introduce you to some gentle, relaxing therapies that support your body’s natural healing process. These therapies include:


  • Mechanical Traction Table: This specially designed table provides a gentle stretch for your spine, relieving pressure on your vertebrae and encouraging improved circulation. The table is great at helping ease tension while you relax.


  • Ice Therapy: Cold packs are applied to reduce inflammation in sore areas, providing relief from pain and stiffness. It is especially helpful in alleviating initial discomfort.


  • TENS Unit (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): We may use a TENS unit to deliver mild electrical pulses to specific muscles. This technique helps relax tight muscles and encourages pain relief, leaving you feeling looser and more comfortable.


These therapies are entirely non-invasive and designed to be as gentle as possible. We’re here to answer any questions and adjust these treatments according to your comfort level.


5. Review Your Personalized Treatment Plan and Schedule Follow-Up Appointments


After your first visit, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan just for you. This plan will outline the types of therapies and adjustments you’ll receive over the coming weeks, as well as goals to support your healing and overall wellness. We want you to feel confident and prepared, so we’ll go over any questions you have about the plan together.


We’ll also work with you to schedule follow-up appointments that fit comfortably into your schedule. Whether you need early morning or late afternoon visits, we’ll do our best to make it easy for you to prioritize your recovery.


Take the First Step Toward a Safe, Supportive Healing Journey


At Rainey Chiropractic, we’re committed to making every visit a positive, comfortable experience. We’re honored to be part of your recovery journey and are here to support you through every step. Our team is ready to answer questions, offer encouragement, and help you feel your best as you recover.


If you’re ready to begin the healing process, reach out to schedule your first appointment. We look forward to welcoming you with care, compassion, and the guidance you need to feel at ease on the road to recovery.

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