What to Expect During Your First Chiropractic Visit in Kennewick, Lakewood, & Pasco
At our clinic, we believe in making your journey to recovery as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here’s what you can expect during your first few visits.
We begin every patient journey with clear, helpful explanations about how insurance works, what your benefits cover, and how we’ll work directly with your attorney if needed—so you don’t have to worry about unexpected bills or out-of-pocket costs. This conversation sets the tone: we’ve got your back, both literally and figuratively.
What to Expect on Day One
Your first visit is all about understanding your needs and making sure you feel comfortable with the process. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our friendly team, who will guide you through the insurance and billing process. We understand how important it is to remove any financial concerns, so we make sure everything is clear upfront.
You’ll meet with one of our experienced chiropractic physicians who will take a detailed intake. asking important questions to understand the mechanism of your injury. We’ll want to know everything about the accident—your position, whether your head was turned, and other key details to ensure we address all areas of concern. This is essential to formulating the best treatment plan for you.
After your intake, we perform a comprehensive physical examination. This includes testing your range of motion, orthopedic assessments, and identifying any neurological symptoms that may be related to spinal injury. If you’re experiencing pain in your neck, back, arms, or legs, we’ll be looking to pinpoint the source with precision.
In most cases, we’ll take X-rays during this first visit to better understand the extent of injury and ensure there are no hidden issues like fractures or misalignments. Before you leave, the doctor will go over all findings with you—including imaging results and what they mean. Our goal is for you to walk out of your first appointment with a crystal-clear understanding of what’s going on inside your body and a sense of what comes next.
Chiropractic Treatments You May Receive
When you return for your second visit, we shift gears from evaluation to early treatment. Based on your exam and X-ray findings, your provider will determine if it’s safe to begin chiropractic adjustments. In some cases, especially early on, we’ll start with lighter mobilization techniques rather than full spinal manipulations. This allows your body to begin healing without overwhelming already sensitive tissue.
You’ll likely begin experiencing our therapeutic treatments right away. These may include:
- Massage Therapy – to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and aid in soft tissue recovery
- Class IV Laser Therapy – a powerful, non-invasive treatment that reduces inflammation and promotes tissue repair at the cellular level
- Gentle Mobilization – early-stage, low-force movement to help restore joint mobility without aggravating inflammation
This stage is about setting the foundation for healing—reducing pain, calming inflammation, and preparing your body for more progressive chiropractic care.
Personalized Plans for Long-Term Relief
Each patient’s recovery journey is different. After the initial evaluation and early treatments, we tailor a specific care plan based on your progress and the nature of your injuries. Some patients may continue with manual adjustments; others may benefit from spinal decompression, therapeutic exercises, or ongoing soft tissue therapy.
Throughout your treatment, we check in regularly on your progress, make adjustments to your plan, and collaborate with other medical providers when needed. Our goal is to restore your function and get you back to the life you enjoyed before the accident—with better awareness and a healthier spine.
Why Patients Trust Our Chiropractic Process
We don’t treat symptoms. We treat people. Every exam, every treatment, and every adjustment is part of a thoughtful process designed to understand your body and help it recover. And whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, we keep the focus on comfort, clarity, and communication.
At Washington Chiropractic, we’re not just here to “crack your back.” We’re here to guide you through recovery, help you understand your body better, and support you through every step of healing.
Ready to feel like yourself again? Schedule your first visit today—we’ll take it from there.