Published: April 13, 2026
Written by Dr. Michael Kricken
Many people who would benefit from chiropractic care put off booking because they are unsure what the experience actually involves. Questions about what will be assessed, whether it will be uncomfortable, and what happens after that first visit are completely normal - and worth answering before you walk through the door.
As a Calgary chiropractor, I want to give you a clear and straightforward overview of what you can expect from your first appointment at Lakeview Chiropractic.
There is nothing complicated required before your first visit. Simply arrive dressed in comfortable clothing. Whether you are coming from work or home, your normal everyday clothes are perfectly fine.
If you have any relevant imaging such as X-rays, MRI reports, or previous assessment findings, bringing those can provide useful context. That said, they are not required. Many of my patients arrive without any prior records, and that is completely fine.
Your first appointment begins with a conversation.
I take the time to understand your history - what brought you in, how your symptoms developed, what makes them better or worse, and how they are affecting your daily life.
This is not a rushed intake process. Understanding the full picture of your experience, including past injuries, relevant health history, and your goals, helps guide how I approach your assessment and determine what type of care is appropriate.
Following our discussion, I perform a focused physical assessment. This typically includes evaluating:
The assessment is hands-on and thorough, but always guided by your comfort. Nothing is forced, and your feedback plays an important role in how I proceed.
In most cases, yes.
Once I have completed the consultation and assessment, I will explain my findings and, if appropriate, begin treatment during the same visit. I always walk you through what I am recommending and why, so you feel informed before anything is done.
In some situations - particularly when symptoms are very acute or the history is more complex - I may recommend a more gradual, staged approach. In those cases, I will clearly outline a plan so you know what to expect moving forward.
Chiropractic care at Lakeview is always individualized.
While spinal adjustments are the most well-known aspect of chiropractic treatment, they are only one part of the approach. Adjustments involve precise, controlled movements applied to restricted joints.
Depending on your needs, care may also include:
Treatment is never forceful. If anything feels uncomfortable, I rely on your feedback and adjust the approach accordingly.
Most patients leave their first appointment feeling some level of improvement - whether that is reduced tension, easier movement, or simply feeling less guarded.
Some people experience mild, temporary soreness afterward, similar to what you might feel after a new workout. This usually resolves within a day or two and is a normal response.
It is also important to understand that a single visit rarely resolves a long-standing issue. Recovery timelines depend on how long symptoms have been present, what factors are contributing, and how your body responds to care. I make sure to discuss realistic expectations with you from the start.
At the end of your appointment, I will outline my recommendations for ongoing care based on your goals.
This may include how often I suggest follow-up visits and what kind of progress we are aiming for. My recommendations are always explained clearly, and there is never any pressure to commit to a predetermined plan.
Some patients only need a few visits to address a specific concern. Others benefit from a longer course of care or choose to continue with occasional maintenance visits. The right approach is always individualized.
Uncertainty about what to expect is one of the most common reasons people delay seeking care.
My goal with your first visit is to answer your questions, explain what I find, and provide a clear path forward - without pressure and without assumptions.
Our $95 new patient offer makes getting started simple, and same-day appointments are often available.
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Living with persistent discomfort can quietly affect how you move, work, and feel each day. Our focus is on helping you move toward greater comfort, mobility, and confidence.
Don't wait to start feeling better.
Easily book your appointment online and find relief in our comfortable, welcoming clinic
Back pain is one of the most common causes of daily discomfort. Chiropractic care focuses on restoring alignment, mobility, reducing tension, and addressing contributing factors.
Same-day appointments often available
Begin with a focused consultation and assessment to evaluate mobility restrictions, tension patterns, and contributing factors influencing comfort.
Begin with a focused consultation and assessment to evaluate mobility restrictions, tension patterns, and contributing factors influencing comfort.