Making an appointment with a new healthcare provider always comes with a few unknowns. What will the office be like? What will they actually do? Will it hurt? If you have never been to a chiropractor before, or if your only experience has been with a different type of chiropractic care, it is completely normal to have questions. Knowing what to expect can help you walk in feeling relaxed, informed, and ready to take the first step toward feeling better.
At Keystone Chiropractic, we do things a little differently than most chiropractic offices. Our neuro-structural approach is thorough, technology-driven, and designed to get to the root of what is going on with your spine rather than simply chasing pain. Here is a step-by-step look at what your first visit will look like so there are no surprises.
Step 1: Your Consultation
Your visit begins with a one-on-one conversation with your chiropractor. This is your chance to share what brought you in, whether it is a specific pain or symptom, a concern about your posture, or simply a desire to be proactive about your spinal health. There are no wrong reasons to come in, and no concern is too small to mention.
Your chiropractor will ask about your health history, your daily habits, what you have tried in the past, and what your goals are for care. This conversation matters because it gives us context. Two people can have the same type of back pain, but the cause, the contributing factors, and the best approach can be completely different. The more we understand about your situation, the more effectively we can help.
This is also your opportunity to ask us anything. If you are curious about how chiropractic works, what our approach involves, or how long care typically takes, we welcome those questions. We believe you should understand your own health, and we take the time to make sure everything is explained clearly.
Step 2: Your Infrared Spinal Scan
After your consultation, we perform an infrared thermography scan of your spine. This is a quick, completely non-invasive scan that measures heat patterns along your back. Inflammation produces heat, so the scan reveals exactly where nerve interference and inflammation are occurring along the spine.
The scan takes just a few minutes, and there is no discomfort involved. What it provides is an objective, measurable picture of how your nervous system is functioning. This is one of the tools that sets our office apart. Rather than relying on guesswork, we use real data to guide every decision about your care. And because the scan is repeatable, we can use it over time to track your progress and show you how your nervous system is responding to adjustments.
Step 3: Digital and Motion X-Rays
If your chiropractor determines that x-rays are necessary, they will be taken during your first visit as well. Our digital x-rays show the overall structure and alignment of your spine. They reveal where vertebrae have shifted, whether the natural curves of your spine have been altered, and if any degenerative changes are present.
We also use motion x-rays, which are less common in most chiropractic offices but incredibly valuable. While standard x-rays show your spine in a static position, motion x-rays capture how your vertebrae move in real time. They show us which segments are moving properly, which are stuck or restricted, and which are moving too much. This biomechanical detail gives us a level of precision that simply is not possible with a standard examination alone.
Every finding is shared with you and explained in clear, easy-to-understand terms. We will walk you through your x-rays so you can actually see what is happening in your spine and understand why you have been experiencing the symptoms you have. For many patients, this is the first time anyone has ever taken the time to show them what is going on structurally, and it often changes how they think about their health.
Step 4: Your Report of Findings
Once your consultation, scan, and any necessary x-rays are complete, your chiropractor will put everything together into a clear picture of your spinal health. This is called your Report of Findings, and it is one of the most important parts of your visit.
During your Report of Findings, your chiropractor will explain what they found, what it means, and how it connects to the symptoms or concerns you came in with. They will outline a recommended care plan that is specific to your condition, your goals, and your body. This plan will include how often they recommend you come in, what type of adjustments they anticipate using, and whether supplemental treatments like spinal decompression may be beneficial.
We do not use a one-size-fits-all approach. Your care plan is built around your unique findings, not a generic template. And if we determine that your condition requires care beyond what we provide, we will tell you honestly and help connect you with the right provider.
Step 5: Your First Adjustment
For many new patients, the adjustment is the part they are most curious about. At Keystone Chiropractic, our adjustments are different from what most people expect. We do not adjust every bone in the spine during a single visit. Instead, we focus on the specific vertebrae that our analysis identified as the most critical to correct. This targeted, intentional approach means your body receives exactly the care it needs.
The adjustment itself is quick, and many patients describe it as feeling like a gentle, controlled pressure. For patients who prefer not to experience the traditional popping or cracking associated with chiropractic care, we offer a computerized adjusting instrument that delivers precise corrections with a light, tapping motion. It is especially popular with patients who are new to chiropractic, those who are nervous about their first visit, and patients with conditions like osteoporosis that call for a lighter touch.
If spinal decompression is part of your recommended care plan, you may also experience your first decompression session during this visit. Low back decompression sessions last about 6 to 8 minutes, and most patients describe the sensation as a slow, comfortable stretch. Cervical decompression for neck-related issues is even shorter, lasting about 30 seconds, due to the smaller and more sensitive nature of the cervical vertebrae.
Step 6: Your Path Forward
Before you leave, you will know exactly where you stand and what the plan is moving forward. There will be no confusion about what was found, why it matters, or what the next steps look like. We also make scheduling easy through our mobile app, SKED, so you can book and manage your appointments right from your phone without needing to call the office.
As part of your ongoing care, your chiropractor may also recommend professional-grade supplements to support your body’s healing process. Natural anti-inflammatories like curcumin and astaxanthin can complement your adjustments by helping manage inflammation at the cellular level. These products are available through our online Fullscript portal at 20 to 25 percent off retail pricing, making it convenient and affordable to stay on track between visits.
It is also worth knowing that Keystone Chiropractic works with many in-network insurance plans. If you have questions about coverage, our team can help you understand your benefits before your visit so there are no financial surprises.
The $29 New Patient Special
We believe that everyone deserves access to quality spinal care, which is why we offer a $29 new patient special that includes your consultation, infrared spinal scan, any necessary x-rays, and your first decompression session. It is designed to make that first step as easy as possible.
If you have been thinking about seeing a chiropractor but have not taken the leap yet, this is your invitation. Whether you are dealing with back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, or you simply want to find out how your spine is doing, your Plano chiropractor and the Keystone Chiropractic team are ready to welcome you. Book your appointment with us today.
