What to Expect | SouthCare Chiropractic

Chiropractic is sometimes misunderstood. Keep reading to learn what to expect during your first visit to SouthCare Chiropractic.

Your first visit

Your first visit at SouthCare Chiropractic is a consultation that takes around a half-hour to complete.

In preparation for the chiropractic consultation, we’ll ask you to fill out a few forms to gather background information about your symptoms and condition.

We’ll ask questions such as:

When and how did the pain start?
Where is the pain located?
Is the pain sharp, dull, searing/burning, or throbbing?
Does the pain come and go, or is it continual?
Did the pain start as a result of an injury?
What activities/circumstances makes the pain better or worse?

We’ll also ask you to provide information on:

family medical history
pre-existing medical conditions
prior injuries
previous/current health providers and treatments

What happens in the exam?

During your initial exam, we usually check your…

reflexes
muscle tone
muscle strength
neurological integrity

We’ll also administer specific orthopedic and neurological tests to assess the range of motion of the affected part.

Further chiropractic tests may be necessary to assess the affected area. These tests may include: having you move in a specific manner; taking a posture analysis; and/or performing chiropractic manipulation of the affected body part.

At the end of your initial visit, the chiropractor will explain:

your diagnosed condition
your suggested individualized adjustment plan
other recommended practitioners/referrals (if required)
the anticipated length of chiropractic care
any concerns or areas to avoid adjusting

A bunch of scattered puzzle pieces — We want to make sure all of the pieces fit together. If you have a question or concern, just ask!

Frequently asked questions

Below you’ll find some of the most common questions we are asked. You can find even more on our Questions & Answers page.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask for 24 hours notice when cancelling an appointment. We also understand that sometimes it’s not possible to provide a full day, especially for patients who are on-call, or if an emergency occurs.

We try to be as flexible as possible and generally only bill a “Missed Appointment Fee” of $30.00 if a patient fails to keep a scheduled appointment with very little or no notification.

Can you bill my extended medical provider directly?

We are able to bill your medical provider directly if your coverage is through:

Manulife
Sun Life
Great West Life
Pacific Blue Cross
Green Shield
The RCMP
Veterans Affairs

Do the adjustments hurt?

No, not usually. You may feel a slight discomfort while your muscles adjust to their new position and adapt to increased movement. You might also hear a “popping” noise, similar to when your ears “pop” from changes in altitude. This sound is perfectly normal and completely safe, caused by vibration and pressure equalizing in the joint.

What should I wear to my appointments?

Comfortable pants or shorts are preferred. Yoga pants or jogging pants work well, although we do have gowns in the office if you prefer to wear one.

What are your hours?

We are open from Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8:30am to 5:00pm. On Wednesdays we’re open 8:30am to 6:00pm. We are also open most Saturdays with Dr. Alex Betts from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

Who can benefit from chiropractic?

Everyone can benefit from regular adjustments! This includes pregnant women and babies right through to seniors. Chiropractic will keep your alignment in check which in turns helps your brain and body to perform at their optimal levels.

We’re here to help the entire family!