Everything You Need to Know
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
We know that coming to a clinic for the first time can feel daunting — particularly if you are in pain and unsure what to expect. This page covers everything you need to know before your first visit, from booking to what happens in your appointment, so you can arrive feeling informed and at ease.
Your initial consultation lasts approximately one hour. It is a thorough, unhurried appointment — we take the time to understand your problem properly before recommending anything. Here is how it unfolds:
History
Your chiropractor will begin with a detailed conversation about your symptoms — when they started, what makes them better or worse, and how they are affecting your daily life. We will also take a full medical history, covering any previous injuries, conditions or treatments. This context shapes everything that follows.
Examination
We carry out a thorough orthopaedic and neurological examination to identify the root cause of your problem — not just where it hurts. This may include assessment of your posture, joint movement, muscle strength, reflexes and nerve function. Where relevant, specific clinical tests are used to confirm the diagnosis.
Report of Findings
Once we have completed the history and examination, we will give you a clear, plain-English explanation of our findings — what is causing your symptoms and why. Using models and diagrams where helpful, we will walk you through:
- Our diagnosis and what it means for you
- Our recommended treatment plan and the reasoning behind it
- The options available to you
- Any further investigations we feel are necessary
- Practical self-help advice you can act on immediately
You will also receive a new patient pack summarising everything we have discussed. Please ask as many questions as you need — we do not move on until you are completely clear on your diagnosis and treatment plan.
First Treatment
Once you are happy with everything discussed, treatment begins in the same appointment. You do not need to come back on a separate day before treatment starts.
Learn
Subsequent Appointments
Follow-up appointments are typically 20 to 40 minutes. Chiropractic care often involves a series of visits, with each one building on the last. Your treatment is tailored to your specific condition and progress — we do not use a one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on your presentation, your treatment may include:
Spinal manipulation (Diversified technique)
A precise, controlled adjustment to restore joint mobility and reduce nerve interference. You may hear a gentle popping sound; this is entirely normal and is simply gas shifting within the joint.
Soft tissue work
Including Active Release Technique and Graston to release muscle tension and scar tissue
Myofascial dry needling
For chronic muscle pain and trigger points
Kinesiology taping
To support posture and reduce muscle overload between sessions
Rehabilitation exercises
Targeted programmes to restore strength and prevent recurrence
Ergonomic and postural advice
Particularly relevant for desk workers and those with occupational pain
Sports massage
Available as a standalone service or as part of a combined treatment plan
How do I book an appointment?
You can book online 24 hours a day via our booking system, or call us on 0121 448 6990 during clinic hours. To book online, select your preferred practitioner, choose a date and time, fill in your details and make payment to secure the appointment.
Please note: appointments with Guy or Sian must be booked by calling reception on 0121 448 6990 or emailing info@harbornechiropractic.co.uk.
What type of appointment should I book?
The right appointment depends on your situation:
- Initial Consultation (£55, approx. 1 hour) — for all new patients. Includes history, examination, report of findings and first treatment. If you have not been to the clinic before, please book this appointment.
- Re-Examination (£50, approx. 40 mins) — if you have not visited the clinic for two years or more. Includes a full reassessment.
- Treatment (£43) — for existing patients returning for ongoing care. If you have credit on account, please call the clinic to book rather than booking online.
- Shockwave Initial Consultation (£70, approx. 40 mins) — for new patients wanting shockwave therapy. Includes history, examination, report of findings and first treatment.
- Sports Massage — available in 30 or 60 minute appointments. If it is your first massage at the clinic, please select ‘First Massage’ when booking.
How do I pay?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as cash. Online bookings require payment at the time of booking to secure your appointment. If you have credit on account from a pre-paid package, please call the clinic to book rather than using the online system.
Do you accept health insurance?
Yes. We are recognised providers for BUPA, AXA Health and Aviva. If you have private health insurance that covers chiropractic or physiotherapy, please contact your insurer before booking to confirm your cover and obtain an authorisation number. Once you have this, call us on 0121 448 6990 and we will arrange your appointment accordingly.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment. If less than 24 hours’ notice is given, the clinic reserves the right to charge the full appointment fee. To cancel or rearrange, please call us on 0121 448 6990 or email info@harbornechiropractic.co.uk.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is ideal — particularly for your first appointment, as we will need to examine the area of concern. For lower back or leg problems, shorts or loose trousers are helpful. For neck or shoulder problems, a vest top or loose shirt works well. You do not need to bring specialist clothing — just wear something you can move in comfortably.
Is there parking at the clinic?
Yes — there is free on-street parking available on Knightlow Road and the surrounding streets. The clinic is also accessible by public transport, with regular bus services running through Harborne village. If you have any difficulty finding us, call us on 0121 448 6990 and we will help.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with us without a referral from your GP. If you are using private health insurance, your insurer may require a GP referral before authorising treatment — please check your policy before booking.
How many appointments will I need?
This depends entirely on your condition, how long you have had it and how your body responds to treatment. We will give you a clear and honest estimate at your report of findings — including a realistic timeline and the number of sessions we are recommending and why. We do not prescribe long treatment courses without clear clinical justification.
I'm nervous about my first appointment — is that normal?
Completely. Many patients — particularly those who have never seen a chiropractor before — feel apprehensive before their first visit. Please know that nothing will happen without your full understanding and consent. If at any point during your appointment you have questions or concerns, just say so. Our team are used to working with nervous patients and will take as much time as you need.