April 1, 2026

Your First Chiropractic Visit: What to Expect at Pura Vida Chiropractic

Wondering what happens at your first chiropractic visit in San Antonio? Dr. Dan Foss walks you through every step — from health history and exam to X-rays, report of findings, and your first adjustment.

By Dr. Dan Foss, DC

Your First Chiropractic Visit: What to Expect at Pura Vida Chiropractic

If you have never been to a chiropractor before, you might not know what to expect when you walk through the door. That uncertainty can hold people back from getting care they genuinely need. At Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, Dr. Dan Foss has spent over 23 years helping new patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident from the very first appointment.

This guide walks you through exactly what happens at your first visit — step by step.

Step 1: Health History and Intake

Your first visit begins with a thorough health history. You will complete an intake form that covers your current chief complaint, how long you have had the problem, what makes it better or worse, and your overall health history including past injuries, surgeries, medications, and family health history.

This information is not just paperwork — it is the foundation Dr. Foss uses to understand why your body is experiencing what it is experiencing. Understanding the full picture helps him design a care plan that addresses the root cause rather than just the immediate symptoms.

What to bring to your first visit:

Any existing X-rays or MRI reports relevant to your complaint
A list of current medications and supplements
Your insurance information (if applicable)
Arrive 10–15 minutes early to complete paperwork, or download and print the forms in advance from our website

Step 2: Consultation

After your intake forms are reviewed, Dr. Foss will sit down with you for a personal consultation. This is a conversation — not a lecture. He wants to hear your story in your own words.

He will ask about:

When your symptoms started and how they developed
What you have already tried (other providers, medications, physical therapy)
How your pain or condition is affecting your daily life, work, sleep, and activity
Your health goals — whether that is pain relief, improved function, or long-term wellness

Many patients tell Dr. Foss things they have never been able to fully explain to other providers, because he takes the time to actually listen. Understanding your experience is as important as examining your spine.

Step 3: Physical and Neurological Examination

Following the consultation, Dr. Foss performs a comprehensive physical and neurological examination tailored to your complaint. This typically includes:

Postural analysis — assessing how your body holds itself and where structural imbalances exist
Range of motion testing — measuring how freely you can move your spine, neck, shoulders, and hips
Orthopedic tests — specific manual tests to identify the involved structures (discs, joints, ligaments, muscles)
Neurological examination — testing reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation to identify any nerve involvement
Palpation — feeling the spine and surrounding muscles for areas of restriction, tenderness, and muscle tension

For patients with back pain, neck pain, or sciatica, the neurological exam is particularly important to determine whether nerve roots are involved and which spinal levels require attention.

Dr. Foss also performs his specialized SOT Category Assessment — a systematic evaluation process unique to the Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) that identifies the specific pattern of pelvic and spinal imbalance driving your condition.

Step 4: Diagnostic Imaging (When Indicated)

After the examination, Dr. Foss will advise whether digital X-rays are clinically appropriate for your case. X-rays are not taken for every patient — they are recommended when they will meaningfully inform your care.

X-rays are typically recommended when:

You have significant structural back or neck pain
You are being evaluated for scoliosis
You have had a recent injury or accident
Your history suggests degenerative changes that need to be quantified
You have not had recent imaging for a chronic condition

When taken, X-rays allow Dr. Foss to see your bone alignment, disc space height, joint degeneration, and any structural findings that affect how he approaches your treatment. This is especially important for conditions like herniated discs, scoliosis, and degenerative joint disease.

Step 5: Report of Findings

After reviewing your health history, examination findings, and any imaging, Dr. Foss sits down with you again to deliver your Report of Findings. This is one of the most important parts of your first visit.

He will explain in plain, understandable language:

What he found and what it means
Why your body is experiencing the symptoms you came in with
What the likely contributing factors are
What your treatment options are
What a realistic recovery timeline looks like for your specific situation
What a personalized care plan would include

You will have the opportunity to ask questions at every step. Dr. Foss wants you to fully understand your condition before any treatment begins.

Step 6: Your First Adjustment

If it is appropriate based on your examination findings — which it usually is on the first visit — Dr. Foss will perform your first chiropractic adjustment. At Pura Vida Chiropractic, adjustments are typically performed using the Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), which is a gentle, non-force method that uses specially designed wedge-shaped blocks and gravity rather than high-velocity manipulation.

SOT is appropriate for patients of all ages and conditions — including those with osteoporosis, disc herniations, previous spinal surgeries, or significant degeneration. There is no twisting, cracking, or forceful movement required.

Many patients experience significant relief during or immediately after their first adjustment. Others notice gradual improvement over the first few days. Dr. Foss will let you know what to expect for your specific case.

What Happens After Your First Visit?

Following your first visit, Dr. Foss will outline a personalized care plan. For most patients, this involves:

An initial care phase — more frequent visits (typically 2–3 times per week) to establish correction and reduce acute symptoms
A stabilization phase — less frequent visits as the spine rebalances and symptoms resolve
A maintenance phase (optional) — periodic visits to maintain results and prevent recurrence

You are never locked into a plan. Dr. Foss reviews progress regularly and adjusts the plan as your condition evolves. Many patients achieve their initial goals and choose to continue with wellness chiropractic care to maintain their health proactively.

How Long Does the First Visit Take?

Your first visit at Pura Vida Chiropractic typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent visits are much shorter — usually 20 to 30 minutes — once Dr. Foss knows your case and has established your care plan.

Why Choose Dr. Dan Foss for Your First Chiropractic Visit

With over 23 years of clinical experience in San Antonio, Dr. Foss has welcomed thousands of new chiropractic patients — many of whom were nervous, skeptical, or had been told nothing could be done for their condition. His Advanced SOT Certification through SORSI and additional specialty training in cranial chiropractic, pediatric care, and regenerative therapies give him diagnostic and treatment tools most chiropractors simply do not have.

Dr. Foss is also fully bilingual in English and Spanish — his entire team communicates in both languages so you never have to worry about being misunderstood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor? No. In Texas, you can see a chiropractor directly without a physician's referral. Simply call the office or book online and Dr. Foss will take care of the rest.

Will my insurance cover chiropractic care? Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care. Please call the office at (210) 685-1994 before your visit so the team can verify your specific coverage. We also offer a free initial consultation so you can experience the care before committing to a treatment plan.

What should I wear to my first chiropractic appointment? Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement is best. Avoid wearing a belt or heavy jewelry if possible. For low back evaluations, athletic shorts or pants with a waistband that can be lowered slightly make the examination easier.

Serving New Chiropractic Patients Across San Antonio

Pura Vida Chiropractic serves patients from Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, Castle Hills, Leon Valley, Helotes, Shavano Park, Boerne, and the Medical Center. If you have been putting off your first chiropractic appointment, there is no better time than now to take the first step toward lasting health.

Ready to Feel Better? Book Your Free Consultation Today

Pura Vida Chiropractic 2318 NW Military Hwy #103, San Antonio, TX 78231 📞 Call (210) 685-1994 🕐 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

👉 Book Your Free Consultation