Booking your first visit with any new provider comes with questions. What happens when I walk in? Will you adjust me right away? What does it cost, and do I need a referral?
I'm Dr. Archie at Groundwork Chiropractic in West Garden Grove, and in this post I'll walk you through exactly what your first visits with us look like, what's included in our $49 New Patient Visit, and why we chose to be a cash-based practice. My goal is simple: no surprises.
What a First Chiropractic Visit Usually Involves
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), chiropractors approach patient care in a way similar to conventional medicine: they interview the patient, take a detailed health history, do an examination and tests, and then develop a plan, start treatment, and monitor progress.
That's the same order we follow. The difference at Groundwork is how we split it up and what tests we include.
Visit One: Your History, Exam and Scans
Your first visit is about understanding what's going on. I don't adjust anyone before I know what I'm working with.
A health history conversation
We'll sit down and talk about what brought you in, when it started, what makes it better or worse, and what your work, sleep, training and daily routine look like. If you're not sure what details matter, I wrote a short guide on what to tell your chiropractor about your pain. It's also the time to bring up past injuries, surgeries, medications and other health conditions, because those help me decide what kind of care is appropriate for you.
A neurological and spinal exam
Next, I'll do a detailed neurological and spinal exam. That can include checking how you move, reflexes, strength, sensation and posture, depending on what you're dealing with.
EMG and thermography scans
Every first visit includes two scans that are a big part of how I work:
Surface EMG uses sensors placed on the skin along your spine (no needles) to look at muscle activity. You can read more in our EMG post.
Thermography looks at temperature patterns along the spine, which we use as one window into how your nervous system is working. More in our thermography post.
Both scans are quick and non-invasive. They aren't used to diagnose disease. They give us a baseline so we can compare later and see how you're responding to care.
X-rays, only if medically necessary
Some people expect X-rays at every chiropractic visit. At Groundwork, X-rays are taken only if your history and exam show they're medically necessary. Many patients never need them.
Visit Two: Your Results, Your Plan and Your First Adjustment
At your second visit, we'll go over your findings together in a report of findings. I'll show you your scan results, explain what I'm seeing in plain language, and answer your questions.
From there, I'll recommend a personalized care plan built around what we found and what you want to get back to, whether that's sleeping comfortably, lifting your kids, or getting back on the mats.
Then, if it's right for you, you'll get your first adjustment. Much of my care uses Torque Release Technique (TRT) with the Integrator, a handheld instrument that delivers a gentle, controlled tap. In some cases a manual adjustment may be appropriate, including for the neck. When that's the case, I'll explain what I'd like to do and why, and I'll ask for your OK first. You're always welcome to ask questions or say no.
Some people notice mild soreness or stiffness after an adjustment. The NCCIH notes in its overview of spinal manipulation that mild side effects like this are common and usually go away within 24 hours. If anything feels off, let me know.
Why We're Cash-Based
Groundwork is cash-based, which means you pay us directly for your care. For our patients, that means:
Clear pricing up front. Your New Patient Visit is $49, and you'll know the cost of your care plan before you start.
No referral needed. You can book directly with us.
Care built around your findings. Your plan is based on your exam, your scans and your goals.
I know cash-based care isn't the right fit for everyone, and I'm always happy to talk through the cost of a plan before you commit to anything.
What's Included in the $49 New Patient Visit
Here's everything that comes with our $49 New Patient Visit:
A health history consultation with me
A detailed neurological and spinal exam
EMG and thermography scans
X-rays, only if medically necessary
A report of findings, where we go over your results together
A personalized care plan
Your first adjustment, if it's right for you
A free infrared sauna session
You can see the full list of what we offer on our Services page.
When to See a Medical Doctor First
A chiropractic visit isn't the right first stop for every symptom. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
Back or neck pain after a serious fall, car accident or other injury
Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin or inner thighs
New weakness, numbness or tingling in an arm or leg that's getting worse
A sudden, severe headache, or changes in vision or speech
Chest pain, trouble breathing, or pain with a high fever
If you're ever unsure, get checked by a medical doctor first. I'm always glad to work alongside your other providers. You can also read more on red flags in our posts on sciatica and neck pain and tension headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get adjusted on my first visit?
Usually not. Your first visit is your consultation, exam and scans. We review your results at your second visit and do your first adjustment then, if it's right for you.
Do I need a referral?
No. You don't need a referral, and because we're cash-based, there's no paperwork to sort out with anyone else before you come in. You can book directly with us.
What are EMG and thermography, and do they hurt?
They're quick, non-invasive scans included in every first visit. Surface EMG uses sensors on the skin, not needles, and thermography reads temperature patterns along the spine. Neither should hurt.
Do you always crack the neck?
No. Much of my care uses the Integrator's gentle tap. Manual adjustments, including the neck, are sometimes appropriate, and I'll always explain what I recommend and ask for your OK first.
Ready to Get Started?
If you've been meaning to get something checked, I'd be glad to meet you and take a closer look.
Claim your $49 New Patient Visit, call us at 714-622-5459, or stop by 12752 Valley View St Suite D, Garden Grove, CA 92845.
— Dr. Archie Bayacal, Groundwork Chiropractic
This post is general information, not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation.
