Your First Visit

Before You Arrive

What to wear

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is ideal. You do not need to undress for the assessment or care — we work through clothing for most techniques.

What to bring

• Your Medicare card
• Your private health fund card (if applicable)
• Any referral letters, imaging reports (X-ray, MRI), or relevant medical records
• A GP referral if you are on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan for Medicare-subsidised visits

How long it takes

Your initial consultation is approximately 45 minutes. This gives us time to listen properly, assess thoroughly, and begin care if appropriate. Follow-up visits are typically 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 1: Your History

We start by listening. We will ask about your current concerns, how long you have had them, what makes them better or worse, and any relevant health history. This is not a rushed process — we want to understand the full picture before we examine you.

Step 2: Physical Assessment

Annica will perform a thorough physical examination. Depending on your presentation, this may include:

• Postural and movement analysis
• Range of motion testing
• Orthopaedic assessments to identify the source of your symptoms
• Neurological screening (reflexes, sensation, muscle strength) where indicated
• Vascular checks where clinically appropriate

This screening is an important part of ensuring that chiropractic care is safe and appropriate for you. If at any point we identify something that requires medical attention or imaging, we will discuss this with you promptly.

Step 3: Findings & Discussion

We explain what we have found in plain language — no jargon, no rushing. We will discuss:

• What we think is happening and why
• Whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your situation
• What our recommended approach involves
• How long we would expect care to take, and what the goals are

You are always welcome to ask questions, take time to think, or seek a second opinion. There is never any pressure to proceed.

Step 4: Your Care Plan

If chiropractic care is right for you, we will outline a clear plan with defined phases:

• Relief phase — reducing your current pain and improving function.
• Corrective phase — addressing underlying factors to reduce the chance of recurrence.
• Maintenance (optional) — some patients choose periodic check-ups. This is always your choice, never an obligation.

Our goal is your independence, not dependence. We want to help you understand your body well enough to manage it yourself.

Step 5: First Treatment

In most cases, care can begin during your first visit — with your informed consent and at your own pace. We offer a range of techniques including:

• Manual adjustments
• Gentle mobilisation (low-force, no "cracking" if you prefer)
• Soft tissue therapy
• Exercise and movement advice

We always discuss what we are going to do before we do it. Nothing happens without your understanding and agreement.