Your First Visit to Morningside Chiropractic
Welcome to Morningside Chiropractic. We want your first appointment to be relaxed, informative, and focused entirely on understanding your health needs. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete your paperwork before your appointment begins.
Before You Arrive
When you get in touch, you’ll speak with our friendly reception team, Dee, Hannah, Anaïs or Carly who will help you book your appointment. If you would prefer to speak with a chiropractor before attending, or you’d like to choose either a male or female practitioner, just let us know — your comfort and choice matters to us.
If you are thinking about using any Health Insurance to cover your treatment, we would ask that you mention it at this point as it may determine which chiropractor you see.
Arriving a little early ensures your case history form is completed and gives us the essential background needed for a productive first visit.
Your Initial Visit
(Approx. 45–60 minutes)
Welcome & Paperwork
On arrival at our clinic you will be welcomed by one of our reception team and be shown to our waiting area. Here you will be asked to complete a medical and lifestyle history form. This helps us understand what brought you in and what you hope to achieve from care.
Your chiropractor will greet you and take you through each step of the process at a comfortable pace. You will be given time and encouraged to ask any questions throughout.
Your first visit has three key components: Complaint and Medial History, Physical Examination, and Treatment (if appropriate)
Your History
Your chiropractor will invite you into a private consultation room to discuss your symptoms, medical background, daily habits, and overall goals. This is a chance for you to explain your concerns and for us to assess whether chiropractic care is suitable. If we feel chiropractic is not the right approach, we will refer you to your GP or an appropriate specialist.
Your Examination
With your consent, your chiropractor will carry out a tailored examination, which may include:
- Postural checks
- Vital Signs
- Orthopaedic tests
- Neurological assessments
- Muscle and Joint Paplation
- Range of Movement (ROM) assessments
These tests help identify which muscles, joints, or nerves may be contributing to your symptoms.
Your Report of Findings
After reviewing your case history and examination results, your chiropractor will explain:
- What is causing your symptoms
- What can be done to help
- How long improvement may take
- Any potential recurrences
- Costs and treatment options
Everything is explained clearly and without jargon. You’ll have time to ask questions and discuss your goals.
Your First Chiropractic Treatment
If appropriate and with your permission, treatment may begin during your first visit. Techniques may include:
- Gentle spinal or joint adjustments/ manipulations (sometimes producing a normal “clicking” sound)
- Joint mobilisation techniques
- Soft-tissue or deep-tissue work
- Trigger-point therapy
- Activator Instrument
- Acupuncture (depending on practitioner)
- Kinesio Taping
- Rehabilitative Exercises
- Advice on posture, ergonomics and lifestyle habits
Treatment is always tailored to your comfort and needs.
Your Personalised Treatment Plan
Based on your findings, your chiropractor will create a structured care plan designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support long-term recovery. Some conditions improve quickly, while others require more time. We review progress regularly and adjust your plan as needed.
Your involvement is key — following advice and exercises at home helps you achieve the best results.
First Visit FAQs
How long does my first visit take?
Please allow around 45–60 minutes for your first visit.
This gives time for your consultation, examination and (where appropriate) initial treatment.
We recommend you arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete your paperwork.
Do I need to arrive early for my first appointment
Yes. We ask new patients to arrive at least 10 minutes before their scheduled appointment time.
This allows you to fill in a short medical history and case form so your chiropractor has all the information
they need to look after you safely.
What happens during my first visit?
Your chiropractor will begin with a detailed consultation to understand your symptoms, medical history and goals.
This is followed by a thorough chiropractic examination, which may include postural, orthopaedic
and neurological tests. Once we have all the information, we’ll explain our findings and outline a recommended
treatment plan. If it is appropriate and you are happy to proceed, treatment may start at this first visit.
Will I receive treatment on my first visit?
In many straightforward cases, yes. After your consultation and examination, your chiropractor will discuss
their findings and whether chiropractic care is suitable for you. If it is safe and appropriate to do so,
and you give your consent, treatment can begin during your first appointment.
In more complex cases we may schedule treatment for a subsequent visit or look to refer you to your GP, or another specialist for additional tests first.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Please wear or bring loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily and for us
to assess your posture and movement. Many patients find sportswear or casual clothing ideal.
If anything needs to be adjusted or removed for examination, this will always be explained and done
with your consent and privacy in mind.
Do I need a GP referral to see a chiropractor?
No. You can book directly with Morningside Chiropractic and do not need a referral from your GP.
However, we are always happy to work alongside your GP or other healthcare professionals, and we may
suggest you speak to them or refer you on if we feel chiropractic care is not appropriate for your condition.
What techniques do you use during treatment?
We use a range of evidence-based chiropractic and soft-tissue techniques tailored to your needs.
These may include gentle spinal and joint adjustments, mobilisation, soft-tissue and trigger-point work,
and adjunctive therapies such as acupuncture or kinesio taping. We will always explain what we are doing
and why, and you are free to ask questions or decline any technique you are not comfortable with.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Chiropractic is generally considered a safe and effective form of care when provided by a
properly trained and registered chiropractor. All of our chiropractors are registered with the General
Chiropractic Council (GCC) and follow strict professional and safety standards. Your chiropractor will carry
out a full case history and examination to ensure that treatment is appropriate for you.
Quick enquiry
Please get in touch by filling in the form or calling us on 0131 447 3794