What does a chiropractor do during the first consultation?

During the first appointment with a chiropractor, they conduct a thorough intake, perform a physical examination, and draw up a treatment plan. In many cases, an initial treatment also takes place during this visit, depending on the findings. This makes the first appointment longer than a regular follow-up consultation. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about what you can expect.

How long does a first appointment with a chiropractor take?

A first appointment with a chiropractor typically lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. This is considerably longer than a follow-up visit, as time is needed for a comprehensive intake, a physical examination, and discussing a treatment plan. Follow-up consultations generally last 15 to 30 minutes.

The extra time at the first visit is intentional. The chiropractor wants to gain a complete picture of your complaints, medical history, and lifestyle before any treatment takes place. The more specific the complaints, the more thorough the examination needed to determine the right approach. If you come in with acute symptoms, the chiropractor may decide to include an initial treatment within that same appointment.

What questions does a chiropractor ask during the intake?

During the intake, a chiropractor will ask about your current complaints, medical history, lifestyle, and any previous treatments you have received. The goal is to gain insight into the possible cause of your symptoms, not just the symptoms themselves. This includes questions about when the pain started, what makes it worse or better, and whether there is any radiating pain.

Specific topics covered during the intake include:

• The nature, location, and duration of your complaints
• Previous injuries, surgeries, or treatments
• Medication use and known medical conditions
• Work posture, sleep habits, and stress levels
• Physical activity and movement patterns

This information helps the chiropractor build a complete picture of your situation. Spinal complaints rarely arise from a single cause. Physical overuse, prolonged poor posture, and stress can reinforce one another and together contribute to pain and stiffness.

How does a chiropractor examine your spine?

Following the intake, the chiropractor performs a physical examination to assess the mobility, posture, and nerve function of the spine. Using their hands, the chiropractor feels along the spine to identify blockages, tension, or misalignments in the vertebrae. This is known as a chiropractic orthopedic and neurological examination.

The examination may include the following components:

• Postural analysis: assessment of the alignment of the shoulders, hips, and spine in a standing position
• Range of motion testing: evaluating how far and how smoothly you can bend, rotate, and extend
• Palpation: feeling along the spine and surrounding muscles to detect tension and subluxations
• Neurological tests: checking reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation to identify any nerve involvement

In some cases, the chiropractor may request additional imaging such as an X-ray, particularly if structural abnormalities are suspected or if the complaints follow a trauma. However, this is not standard practice at every first appointment.

Will you receive treatment at the first appointment?

In many cases, treatment does begin at the first appointment, but this is not always guaranteed. After the intake and examination, the chiropractor will determine whether immediate treatment is appropriate and beneficial. When the findings are clear and there are no contraindications, an initial adjustment is almost always performed.

If treatment does take place, it may involve a chiropractic adjustment in which the chiropractor applies targeted, controlled pressure to a specific joint in the spine. The goal is to restore mobility and reduce pressure on the surrounding nerves. You may hear a cracking sound during this process, which is caused by the release of gas bubbles in the joint fluid and is completely normal.

When complaints are complex or when additional examination is required, the chiropractor may choose to postpone the first treatment until a subsequent appointment. This is a sign of thoroughness, not hesitation.

What does a chiropractic treatment plan include?

A chiropractic treatment plan outlines how many appointments are needed, how frequently they will take place, and which techniques will be used. The plan is tailored to your specific complaints and goals, ranging from acute pain relief to long-term recovery and prevention. The chiropractor will present the plan to you at the first appointment and discuss the expected progress.

A treatment plan typically includes the following elements:

• The diagnosis or working hypothesis based on the examination
• The treatment goal, such as pain reduction, improved mobility, or restoration of nerve function
• The planned treatment techniques, such as chiropractic adjustments, mobilization, or dry needling
• The frequency and expected duration of the treatment period
• Home exercises or lifestyle recommendations to support recovery

For acute complaints, treatment often begins with a more intensive phase involving multiple appointments per week, after which the frequency is gradually reduced as symptoms improve. Preventive care — where people return periodically even without active complaints — is a choice many people make after completing a course of treatment.

Do you need a referral to see a chiropractor?

No, you do not need a referral from your doctor to see a chiropractor. Chiropractors are primary care providers, which means you can contact them directly and make an appointment without involving a physician. This applies throughout the Netherlands.

The absence of a referral requirement is a major advantage, especially when you are dealing with acute complaints. You do not need to wait for a referral or a spot in a specialist’s waiting list. You can take the initiative yourself and quickly access examination and treatment.

Do keep in mind that chiropractic care is generally not covered by basic health insurance in the Netherlands. Some supplementary insurance plans offer partial reimbursement. It is advisable to check this with your health insurer in advance.

How we help you take your first step toward recovery

At Ruggensteun, we guide you from your first appointment through a complete recovery program, focusing on the underlying cause of your complaints rather than just the symptoms. Our chiropractors in Eindhoven and Valkenswaard use evidence-based techniques and take the time to thoroughly assess your situation.

What you can expect from us:

• A comprehensive intake and physical examination at the first appointment
• A personalized explanation of your complaints and their possible causes
• A clear treatment plan tailored to your goals
• Specialized treatments such as the Y-strap, CFR, and dry needling, performed by certified chiropractors
• Quick availability for acute complaints, without a doctor’s referral
• Free parking at both locations

Want to find out what we can do for you? Get in touch directly or book an appointment through our website. Your first step toward less pain and greater freedom of movement starts with a single consultation.