In short
For most people chiropractic treatment is not painful. An adjustment is a specific, targeted movement applied to a joint to improve its mobility, you are told what is about to happen first, and nothing is done on the first visit, which is the examination. Mild soreness afterwards, a little like the day after exercise, is common and passes within a day or so.
It is the question people are most reluctant to ask out loud, so let us answer it first. For most people chiropractic treatment is not painful. The techniques are specific and controlled, you are told what is about to happen before it happens, and nothing is done on the first visit at all: that appointment is the examination, and treatment only begins at the second visit once you have heard what we found and agreed a plan.
This guide explains what an adjustment actually feels like, what is normal in the day or so afterwards, and how we work with anyone who is nervous or in a lot of pain when they arrive.
What an adjustment feels like
An adjustment is a specific, targeted movement applied to a joint to improve its mobility. It is quick and controlled, and you may hear a click as the joint moves. The click is gas releasing from the joint, in the same way knuckles crack, and it is not bone moving against bone.
In our clinic adjustments sit alongside soft-tissue work, exercises you do at home and advice on posture, lifting and the way your day is set up, so an appointment is never only a series of clicks. If a particular technique is uncomfortable for you, say so: there is usually another way to work on the same joint.
Nothing happens on the first visit
The first time you visit the clinic we focus on finding the root cause of your issues and how we can help you get better. That first appointment is a thorough examination: a review of your health history, a neurological and orthopaedic examination, digital posture analysis, gait analysis and a set of vitality tests. None of it is treatment, and none of it should hurt beyond the discomfort you already have.
Treatment begins at the second visit, the report of findings, and only if you are happy with everything discussed. You will know exactly what is planned before anything is done.
Afterwards: mild soreness is common
Mild soreness after an adjustment, a little like the day after exercise, is common and passes within a day or so. Drink water, keep moving gently and follow whatever exercises you were given. If something feels wrong rather than simply sore, call the clinic and tell us.
If you are in a lot of pain when you arrive
People often come to us when the pain is at its worst, and the examination is adjusted to what you can manage on the day. Tell us how you are and what positions you cannot get into, and we will work around it. Patients consistently mention in their reviews that they were made to feel comfortable and that everything was explained clearly, and that is the standard we hold ourselves to.
Nervous about your first visit?
A short phone conversation before you book is often the easiest way to settle any doubts, and you are welcome to bring someone with you. If you would like to know what happens minute by minute, our guide to the first appointment sets it out in order.
Book a New Patient Consultation
Two visits: a thorough examination, then your findings and a plan before any treatment begins. Evening appointments on Mondays and Thursdays, free parking outside.
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