What to Expect on Your First Visit: PT, Chiropractic, Medical & Massage

The new year often brings a wave of motivation, whether it’s sticking to resolutions, recovering from holiday stress, or finally addressing that nagging pain. If you’re considering care at a multidisciplinary clinic like Arvada Sport and Spine Group, you may be wondering what happens during your first visit.

We’ve put together a guide to help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to take the first step toward better health.

1. Evaluation

Your first visit starts with an evaluation.

What to Expect:

• Discussion of your medical history and current symptoms
• A review of medications, past injuries, and lifestyle factors
• Physical exam to identify any underlying conditions or limitations
• Recommendations for next steps, whether that’s imaging, lab work, or referral

Why it matters: The evaluation ensures your care plan is safe, targeted, and personalized.

2. Physical Therapy (PT) Assessment

If you’re coming in for PT, the initial visit focuses on function, movement, and pain patterns.

What to Expect:

• Functional movement tests to assess strength, balance, and flexibility
• Identification of movement limitations and pain triggers
• Personalized exercise and treatment plan
• Education on self-care techniques you can do at home

Goal: To help you regain mobility, improve strength, and prevent future injuries.

3. Chiropractic Evaluation

A chiropractic assessment focuses on spinal alignment, joint function, and nervous system health.

What to Expect:

• Posture and spine analysis
• Range-of-motion testing
• Gentle palpation to identify areas of tension or misalignment
• Recommendations for spinal adjustments or other hands-on therapies

Benefit: Restoring proper alignment can reduce pain, improve function, and enhance your body’s natural healing.

4. Massage Therapy

Massage therapy complements PT and chiropractic care by addressing soft tissue tension, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation.

What to Expect:

• Discussion of areas of pain, tightness, or stress
• Assessment of muscle tone and movement patterns
• A customized massage session targeting your needs
• Guidance for home stretches or self-care techniques

Why it helps: Massage therapy supports recovery, enhances mobility, and reduces stress on the body.

5. Creating a Team-Based Care Plan

One of the biggest advantages of a multidisciplinary clinic is that your care is coordinated.

• Your PT, chiropractor, medical provider, and massage therapist communicate to ensure treatments complement each other.
• Your plan is personalized, focusing on your goals, lifestyle, and timeline for recovery.
• You’ll leave with actionable steps to start feeling better immediately.

Tips to Prepare for Your First Visit

• Bring a list of medications and any recent medical records
• Wear comfortable clothing for movement and assessment
• Be ready to discuss your goals and any previous injuries
• Bring questions! Your care team wants you to feel informed

Start Your Year Off Right

Whether your goal is pain relief, improved mobility, or overall wellness, your first visit is the critical first step toward better health. At Arvada Sport and Spine Group, our team approach means you get the right care from the right provider so you can move, feel, and perform your best.

A Team Approach Means Better Outcomes