What to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Appointment

Thinking about trying chiropractic care for the first time? You probably have questions — and that’s exactly why this page exists.

At KOAH Chiropractic in Romeoville, Illinois, we believe your first appointment should feel like a conversation, not a sales pitch. Dr. Ellul will listen to what’s been going on, assess what’s actually causing your pain or discomfort, explain what he found in plain terms, and then — only if it makes sense for your situation — recommend a care plan. Nothing happens without your understanding and agreement.

Your care starts with two focused appointments. Your first visit is the New Patient Exam — a consultation and physical assessment, with X-rays if needed. Your second visit is the report of findings, where Dr. Ellul explains your results, recommends a care plan if one makes sense, and — if you’re ready — performs your first adjustment.

Here’s exactly what to expect at each step.

Your First Appointment — Step 1: The Consultation

When you arrive, you’ll complete a brief intake form covering your health history, current symptoms, and what you’re hoping to address. From there, you’ll sit down with Dr. Kenneth Ellul for a focused consultation.

Dr. Ellul will ask about your symptoms — where the pain is, how long it’s been there, what makes it better or worse, and what treatments you’ve already tried. He’ll also review any relevant health history, including prior injuries, surgeries, or current medications.

This conversation matters. The better we understand what’s going on, the more targeted your care plan will be.

What to bring:

• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing (athletic wear is ideal)
• Any existing imaging (X-ray or MRI) — helpful but not required
• Your insurance card if you have coverage
• A list of any current medications

Your First Appointment — Step 2: The Physical Assessment

After the consultation, Dr. Ellul will perform a physical assessment — evaluating your posture, range of motion, spinal alignment, and neurological function. This typically includes simple tests like how far you can bend, reflex checks, and an evaluation of how you walk and hold your weight.

The goal is to identify the root cause of what you’re feeling — not just where it hurts, but why. For most new patients, the assessment takes 15–20 minutes.

You may or may not need X-rays at your first visit. Dr. Ellul will let you know based on what he observes during the assessment — and if you do, they’re included in your new patient exam.

Your First Chiropractic Adjustment

Your first chiropractic adjustment happens at your report of findings visit — after Dr. Ellul has reviewed your results with you, provided your exam supports it and you’re ready.

A chiropractic adjustment is a gentle, controlled movement applied to specific spinal joints. The goal is to restore proper alignment, reduce nerve pressure, and improve range of motion. For most patients, the adjustment itself is comfortable — many notice immediate relief.

You may hear a “popping” or clicking sound during the adjustment. This is simply the release of gas from within the joint and is entirely normal. It is not your bones cracking, and it’s not painful for the vast majority of patients.

After your adjustment, you’ll have a few minutes to rest, Dr. Ellul or a team member will check in with you, and you’ll leave with a clear understanding of your next steps.

It’s also common to feel mild muscle soreness the day after your first adjustment — similar to how muscles feel after a new workout. This typically resolves within 24 hours.

Insurance and Cost

KOAH Chiropractic accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, and Aetna. Call us at (815) 293-3000 before your visit and our billing specialist will verify your specific benefits — so there are no surprises when you arrive.

Paying without insurance? Your first visit is a $200 New Patient Exam that includes your consultation, a complete chiropractic exam, and X-rays if needed — and you’ll see the full cost of any recommended care before committing to anything. Full details are on our insurance and payment options page.

Why KOAH Chiropractic for Your First Visit?

Dr. Kenneth Ellul graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic — consistently recognized as one of the world’s leading chiropractic programs — and has built his practice around treating complex cases that other providers sometimes struggle with. As a U.S. Navy veteran, Dr. Ellul brings a disciplined, focused approach to care and a genuine commitment to getting patients to full function.

KOAH Chiropractic offers chiropractic care, massage therapy, spinal decompression, and other integrated services under one roof — meaning you won’t need referrals between providers if your care plan evolves. Our bilingual team (English and Spanish / Hablamos español) serves patients from across Will County, including Romeoville, Joliet, Bolingbrook, Lockport, and Crest Hill.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a first chiropractic appointment take?

Plan on about 45–60 minutes for your first visit — the New Patient Exam — which covers your consultation, your physical assessment, and X-rays if needed. Your first adjustment happens at your second visit, the report of findings.

When do I get my first adjustment?

At your second appointment, called the report of findings. Dr. Ellul first reviews your exam and X-ray results with you, explains what he found in plain language, and then — if care makes sense for your situation and you’re ready — performs your first adjustment at that same visit.

Do I have to commit to a care plan at my first visit?

No. Your first visit is the exam. At your second visit — the report of findings — Dr. Ellul shares what he found and his recommendation clearly, and even then there is absolutely no pressure to start treatment. You decide when you’re ready.

Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?

For most patients, no. Some people feel immediate relief. Mild muscle soreness the following day is common after a first adjustment — similar to working out a new muscle — and typically resolves within 24 hours.

Is chiropractic care safe for first-time patients?

Yes. Chiropractic is a well-established, low-risk form of musculoskeletal care. Dr. Ellul conducts a thorough assessment before any treatment to confirm it is appropriate for your specific situation.

How soon will I feel better?

Many patients feel some relief after their first adjustment. The full timeline depends on what’s causing your pain and how long the problem has been present. Dr. Ellul will give you an honest, specific estimate at your consultation — not a vague open-ended answer.

Do you see patients who have never been to a chiropractor before?

Absolutely — many of our patients are first-timers. We walk every new patient through every step before we begin. Nothing happens without your understanding and full agreement.

Meet the team you’ll see at your first visit.