What to Expect From Your First Chiropractic Adjustment

Feeling nervous about your first chiropractic visit? You’re not alone. Here’s what typically happens during your first adjustment and how chiropractic care is designed to support comfort, safety, and healing.

Walking into a chiropractor’s office for the first time can come with a lot of questions. Will it hurt? Will there be cracking sounds? What exactly does a chiropractor do during an adjustment? These concerns are completely normal, especially if you’ve never experienced chiropractic care before.

On the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City, Apollo Chiropractic PC offers patient-centered chiropractic care focused on education, comfort, and personalized treatment. Andrew Dube, DC, takes time to explain each step of the process so you know exactly what to expect from your first visit.

Here’s a closer look at what your first chiropractic adjustment typically involves.

Your initial consultation and exam

Your first visit usually begins with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, health history, and daily activities. Dr. Dube may ask when your pain started, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your movement or quality of life.

A physical examination follows, which can include assessing your posture, range of motion, and areas of tenderness or restriction. This step helps identify how your joints and muscles are functioning and whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition.

Understanding the treatment plan

Before any adjustment is performed, your chiropractor explains their findings and discusses a recommended care plan. This may include chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue techniques, or other supportive therapies based on your needs.

This is also your opportunity to ask questions. Understanding why a specific approach is recommended helps you feel confident and informed about your care.

What a chiropractic adjustment feels like

A chiropractic adjustment is a controlled, precise movement applied to a joint, most commonly along the spine. The goal is to improve joint motion and reduce areas of restriction.

Some adjustments produce a popping or cracking sound, which is simply gas releasing from the joint, similar to cracking your knuckles. Not all adjustments make noise, and the sensation is typically brief. Most patients describe the feeling as pressure followed by relief.

After your first adjustment

After your adjustment, you may notice changes in how your body feels. Some people experience immediate relief, while others feel mild soreness, similar to what you might feel after exercising unfamiliar muscles. This usually resolves within a day or two.

Dr. Dube may also offer guidance on movement, posture, or follow-up care to support your progress.

Chiropractic care at Apollo Chiropractic PC

At Apollo Chiropractic PC, first-time patients are treated with care, transparency, and respect. Dr. Dube focuses on clear communication and personalized treatment to help you feel comfortable every step of the way.

If you’re considering chiropractic care and want to know what your first visit will be like, contact Apollo Chiropractic PC on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Call today or schedule your appointment online to get started.