Before You Arrive
Before your first visit, you’ll complete a short intake form so we can understand your health history, current concerns, goals and any relevant medical or injury history before you walk through the door.
Your first visit
Your First Visit is aboutClarity & Answers
We will listen to your concerns, assess your spine, posture and movement, explain what we find and discuss whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
Book Your First VisitMore Than a Consultation
What’s included in your first visit
- Comprehensive health and symptom history
- Discussion of your health goals
- Postural and movement assessment
- Chiropractic and spinal examination
- Neurological or functional testing where relevant
- Review of previous imaging or reports
- Referral for additional imaging where clinically appropriate
- Clear explanation of what happens next
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What to expect
A clear first step, from start to finish
No rushed decisions and no confusing explanations. We take the time to understand what is happening and what your next step should be.
Your Conversation
We start by understanding what you’re feeling, how long it has been there and how it is affecting your life. We’ll also talk about your health goals and what you’re hoping to achieve.
Your Examination
We assess your posture, movement, spinal function and other relevant areas to better understand how your body is functioning and what may be contributing to the problem.
Objective Testing
Where appropriate, we use our scanning technology and other testing to gather more objective information and build a clearer picture of what is happening.
Your Next Step
Once we have the information we need, we’ll explain what happens next. If further testing or imaging is required, we’ll discuss this with you before making recommendations about care.
Frequently asked
Everything you need to know before you book
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed. You can book your first visit with us directly without seeing your GP or another health professional first. We’ll take the time to understand your concerns and let you know if any further testing, imaging or referral is needed.
We also regularly work alongside GPs and other health professionals, and many patients are referred to us as part of their broader care.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Chiropractic care is extremely safe when it is provided by a qualified & properly trained chiropractor. Before any care begins at Alma Health, we take the time to understand your history, assess you properly & decide what is appropriate and safe for you.
Serious adverse reactions are extremely rare, with some published estimates estimating serious complications in about 1 in every 2 million treatments. To put this number into perspective, you are more likely to be struck by lightning than to be seriously injured by a chiropractor.
What can I expect at my first visit?
Your first visit is about understanding what is going on. We’ll talk through your concerns, health history and goals, then complete a physical examination and any relevant testing. From there, we’ll explain what happens next.
How long does the first visit take?
Your first visit usually takes around 30 minutes. At Alma Health, we pride ourselves on being thorough and taking the time needed to do things properly. This gives us time to understand your history, talk through your concerns, complete your examination and gather the information we need.
Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
Whether you are adjusted on your first visit depends on your individual presentation, your goals and what the chiropractor finds during your assessment. In some cases, care may begin on the first visit. In others, we may want to complete further testing, review your findings or gather more information first.
What should I bring with me?
Bring any previous scans, X-rays, reports or medical information that may help us understand your history. If you do not have anything, that is completely fine. We will gather everything else we need during your visit.
Will I need X-rays or other imaging?
Imaging is only considered where clinically appropriate. If it is recommended, we will explain why and discuss the next step with you.
What happens after the first visit?
After your first visit, we review everything we found and decide on the most appropriate next step. At your next visit, we will explain your findings clearly and talk you through any recommendations.
How many visits will I need?
The number of visits depends on what is going on and what you want to achieve. We will give you a clear recommendation based on your assessment rather than using the same plan for everyone.
Do you accept private health insurance?
Yes. If your private health insurance includes chiropractic cover, you may be able to claim part of your visit. The amount you receive back depends on your individual policy and level of cover.