What Does a Chiropractor Do? Tips for Getting the Most from Your Visits

If you're dealing with pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, chiropractic care can be a game-changer.

At Tintern Chiropractic, we focus on evidence-based techniques that get to the root cause of your pain—so you can feel better, faster, and get back to doing what you enjoy most. But to get the most out of your visits, a little preparation and the right mindset can make a big difference.

Here are some common questions my patients ask, along with my best advice to help you get results as quickly and effectively as possible.

What Does a Chiropractor Do to Help with Pain?

Many people wonder, what does a chiropractor do and how can it help with pain? Simply put, chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, particularly those related to the spine, joints, and nervous system.

Rather than just masking symptoms, I use evidence-based techniques—like spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercises—to correct the root cause of your discomfort. The goal is to restore proper movement, reduce pain, and prevent future issues so you can get back to your daily activities as quickly as possible.

What should I do before my appointment?

The more I know about your symptoms and lifestyle, the better I can tailor your treatment. Before your visit, you'll be sent a Patient Intake Form via email. It's essential that you complete this before you come in.

Take a few minutes to think about what you're experiencing—when did your pain start? What makes it better or worse? How is it affecting your daily life? This will help me better understand what you're experiencing and how I can best help, before you arrive.

It’s also helpful to wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement, especially if we’ll be performing mobility exercises or adjustments. And if you have any recent imaging or medical records related to your condition, bring them along. The more information I have, the more precise and effective your care will be.

What questions should I ask during my visit?

The best results come when patients are actively involved in their care. Feel free to ask me about:

• The underlying cause of your pain—not just the symptoms

• The specific treatments we’re using and why

• What you can do at home to speed up your recovery

  
  

If you’re unsure about anything—whether it’s how long treatment will take or what you should and shouldn’t be doing between visits—let's chat! I want you to feel confident and informed every step of the way.

What should I expect after an adjustment?

While some patients may feel immediate relief after an adjustment, most others notice gradual improvement over the following days. Some mild soreness—like what you’d feel after a workout—is completely normal and usually fades quickly. This is just your body adapting as we correct underlying issues.

Staying hydrated, moving gently, and avoiding heavy lifting or intense activity right after your visit can help you feel your best. And of course, if something doesn’t feel right, reach out. Your care plan should always be working for you.

How often should I come in?

That depends on what’s causing your pain and how your body responds to treatment. If you’re dealing with an acute issue, we may start with more frequent visits to make quick progress. As your symptoms improve, we’ll scale back and focus on long-term strategies to keep you pain-free.

Our goal isn’t just to provide temporary relief—we want to correct the problem at its source. So rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we’ll create a plan that makes sense for your body, your lifestyle, and your goals.

What can I do at home to support my recovery?

Chiropractic care works best when combined with the right at-home strategies. Depending on your condition, I may recommend targeted exercises, mobility work, or small changes to your daily habits—like adjusting your posture at work, using better lifting techniques, or making sure your sleep position isn’t putting stress on your spine.

The key is consistency. When you follow through with your personalized care plan, you’ll see results faster and reduce the chances of your pain returning.

How Can I Prevent My Pain from Coming Back?

When you come to see me, my goal isn’t just to get you out of pain—it’s to keep you out of pain. Once we’ve addressed the root cause, the next step is preventing it from coming back. This often involves a combination of strengthening exercises, mobility work, and small lifestyle changes to reduce stress on your body.

For some people, that means improving movement patterns, like learning to lift properly or sit with better posture. For others, it’s about staying active and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting. Everyone’s needs are different, so we’ll create a plan that works best for your body and your routine.

Final Thoughts

I'm here to help you get out of pain and back to living the life you deserve. By coming prepared, asking questions, following through with your personalized care plan, and keeping in touch about how you’re feeling, you’ll get the best possible results from your chiropractic care. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here to help—book your appointment easily online or get in touch if you have further questions!