What Happens During a Chiropractic Physical Exam? | Marlborough Clinic
- Marlborough Chiropractic Clinic
- Jan 9
- 4 min read
Why the Initial Assessment is Your Most Important Step
When you’re dealing with musculoskeletal pain or simply want to optimise your health, a physical exam is the crucial first step. It is the bridge between "where it hurts" and "how we fix it."
If you are looking for a chiropractic physical exam in Marlborough or near Swindon, understanding the process can help ease any nerves. At Marlborough Chiropractor Clinic, our assessment is designed to be thorough, evidence-based, and—most importantly—comfortable.
What to Expect: The Physical Exam Procedure
A physical exam is a detailed assessment of your body’s structure and function. Unlike a quick check-up, we focus heavily on the relationship between your spine, muscles, and nervous system.
During your initial 45-minute consultation at our Marlborough clinic, we will:
Discuss Your Medical History: We listen to your story, including past injuries and lifestyle factors.
Postural Analysis: We observe how you stand and move to identify hidden imbalances.
Palpation: We gently feel muscles and joints to detect tenderness, heat, or restricted movement.
Orthopaedic & Neurological Testing: We test your reflexes, muscle strength, and joint range of motion to pinpoint the exact source of your pain.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
To get the most out of your physical examination, we recommend the following:
Wear Comfortable Clothing: Loose, stretchy clothes (like gym wear) allow us to assess your movement easily.
Note Your Symptoms: Think about when the pain started and what movements make it better or worse.
Bring Your History: If you have had recent X-rays or MRI scans elsewhere in Wiltshire, please let us know.
Arrive Early: Our clinic at 30 The Parade is easy to find, but arriving 5 minutes early gives you time to relax and complete any paperwork.
Why This Process Matters for Your Recovery
The physical examination process is the foundation of your care. We don't believe in "one size fits all" treatments. By performing a rigorous exam, we can:
Identify the Root Cause: Often, where you feel pain isn't where the problem started.
Create a Personalised Plan: We tailor our adjustments and soft-tissue work to your specific anatomy.
Ensure Safety: We screen for "red flags" to ensure chiropractic care is the right path for you.
Track Progress: We use your initial exam results as a benchmark to measure your improvement over the coming weeks.
Your Path to Better Health in Marlborough
Once the exam is complete, we sit down and explain our findings in plain English. We will discuss whether chiropractic care is suitable for you and, if so, we can often begin your first treatment during that same visit.
Whether you are suffering from lower back pain, sciatica, or neck tension, a professional physical exam is your first step toward moving freely again.
Preparing for Your Physical Exam Procedure UK
Preparation can make your physical exam smoother and more effective. Here are some practical tips to help you get ready:
Wear comfortable clothing - Loose, stretchy clothes allow easy movement and access for examination.
Bring a list of symptoms - Note when your pain started, what makes it better or worse, and any other relevant details.
Prepare your medical history - Include past injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions.
Avoid heavy meals or strenuous exercise right before your appointment to ensure your body is in a neutral state.
Arrive a little early to complete any necessary paperwork and relax before the exam.
Remember, this is your time to share openly with your practitioner. The more information you provide, the better the assessment will be.
What Happens During the Physical Exam?
The physical exam procedure UK typically follows a structured yet personalised approach. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what you can expect:
Initial Discussion
Your practitioner will start by asking questions about your health, lifestyle, and specific concerns. This conversation helps tailor the exam to your needs.
Observation and Posture Analysis
You might be asked to stand, sit, or walk while the practitioner observes your posture and movement patterns. This can reveal imbalances or areas of strain.
Palpation and Muscle Testing
Using their hands, the practitioner will gently press on muscles, joints, and soft tissues to identify tenderness, swelling, or tightness. They may also test muscle strength and flexibility.
Range of Motion Assessment
You’ll be guided through various movements to check how well your joints move and whether any restrictions or pain occur.
Specialised Tests
Depending on your symptoms, specific tests may be performed to assess nerve function, joint stability, or other factors.
Throughout the exam, your comfort and feedback are important. Don’t hesitate to speak up if something feels uncomfortable or painful.
Why the Physical Examination Process Matters
Understanding the physical examination process is key to appreciating its value. This process is not just about identifying problems but also about empowering you with knowledge about your body. It helps:
Pinpoint the exact cause of your pain or discomfort.
Develop a personalised treatment plan that targets your unique needs.
Track progress over time to adjust care as needed.
Prevent future injuries by addressing underlying issues.
For those with musculoskeletal pain, this exam is the foundation for lasting relief and improved wellbeing. It’s a proactive step towards regaining control over your health.
After the Exam - What Comes Next?
Once the physical exam is complete, your practitioner will discuss the findings with you. This is your chance to ask questions and understand what’s going on with your body. Based on the results, you might receive:
Recommendations for chiropractic adjustments or other therapies.
Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, or posture.
Lifestyle advice to support healing and prevent recurrence.
Referrals for further tests or specialist care if needed.
It’s important to follow through with the suggested plan and keep communication open. Your active participation is vital for the best outcomes.
If you’re ready to take the next step, you can request an appointment and start your journey to better health today.
Taking care of your musculoskeletal health is a journey, and a physical exam is a valuable first step. With clear expectations and a supportive approach, you can feel confident and empowered throughout the process. Here’s to moving freely and living fully!
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