Never Been to a Chiropractor? Here's Exactly What to Expect at Pura Vida

Uncertainty is one of the most common reasons people put off getting chiropractic care. They've heard the stories — cracks, pops, forceful manipulations — and they're not sure it's something they want. They don't know what to expect, and not knowing keeps them in pain longer than they need to be.

This post is for those people. Here is exactly what happens at your first visit to Pura Vida Chiropractic — nothing hidden, nothing oversold.

Before You Arrive

If you're a new patient, you'll complete intake paperwork before your first appointment. This covers your health history, current symptoms, medications, prior injuries and surgeries, and your goals for care. You can download the forms from our website and complete them at home if you prefer — which saves time and lets you think carefully about your history without feeling rushed.

Wear comfortable clothing you can move in. Avoid a heavy belt if you're coming for low back issues, and skip heavy jewelry if you're being seen for neck or upper back problems. Bring any relevant imaging — X-rays, MRIs, CT scans — if you have them, along with the reports.

Plan for your first visit to take about 45 to 60 minutes. It's more involved than a typical follow-up visit, and that's intentional. The time invested in the first visit is what allows Dr. Foss to design a care plan that actually addresses what's wrong — rather than a generic approach that may or may not apply to you.

The Consultation

Your visit begins with a personal consultation with Dr. Foss. Not an intake coordinator, not a staff member reading your paperwork back to you. Dr. Foss sits down with you and listens to your story.

He wants to understand:

• When your symptoms started and what, if anything, triggered them
• How your pain or condition has changed over time
• What makes it better or worse
• What you've already tried
• How it's affecting your daily life, sleep, work, and activity

This conversation matters. Chiropractic diagnosis is not just about what shows up on imaging or in an exam — it's about understanding the whole pattern, including the history. Two patients with identical X-ray findings can have completely different root causes and need completely different treatment.

The Examination

Following the consultation, Dr. Foss performs a comprehensive physical and neurological examination. For most new patients, this includes:

Postural assessment — Dr. Foss observes your posture from the front, side, and back, noting spinal alignment, shoulder and hip height, head positioning, and any visible asymmetries. This gives an immediate picture of the structural imbalances at work.

Range of motion testing — you'll be asked to bend, twist, and rotate through specific movement patterns. Dr. Foss measures the range and quality of motion and notes where restrictions, pain, or compensation patterns occur.

Orthopedic testing — a series of specific manual tests to identify which structures are involved in your condition. These tests help differentiate disc problems from facet joint issues from muscle strains from nerve entrapments.

Neurological examination — testing of reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation to identify any nerve involvement. This is particularly important for patients with arm or leg symptoms, numbness, or weakness.

Palpation — Dr. Foss palpates the spine and surrounding musculature, feeling for joint restriction, muscle tension, swelling, and tenderness.

SOT Category Assessment — Dr. Foss uses the systematic evaluation process unique to the Sacro-Occipital Technique to identify your specific pattern of pelvic and spinal imbalance.

Diagnostic Imaging

Based on his examination findings, Dr. Foss will advise whether digital X-rays are indicated for your case. Not everyone needs X-rays at the first visit — but for many patients, they provide information that significantly changes how care is approached.

X-rays allow Dr. Foss to assess bone alignment, disc space height, vertebral degeneration, fractures or structural anomalies, and the degree of curve loss or reversal in the cervical and lumbar spine. If you have recent relevant imaging from another provider, bring it — Dr. Foss will review it personally.

The Report of Findings

After reviewing everything, Dr. Foss sits down with you again for your Report of Findings. This is the part of the visit where everything comes together.

He will explain in plain, clear language:

• What he found and what it means
• What is causing your symptoms (the root cause, not just the symptom)
• What your treatment options are
• What a realistic recovery timeline looks like
• What a personalized care plan for your situation would include

You'll have the opportunity to ask questions at every step. Nothing moves forward until you understand and agree with the plan. There is no pressure.

Your First Adjustment

If it's clinically appropriate — which it usually is — Dr. Foss will perform your first adjustment at the end of the first visit.

At Pura Vida, adjustments are primarily performed using the Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, non-force system that uses wedge-shaped blocks placed under the pelvis, allowing gravity and body weight to produce the correction over several minutes. There is no cracking, no high-velocity thrust, no discomfort.

For many patients, the first adjustment produces an immediate sense of ease — a reduction in tension, a feeling of things "letting go." Others feel the effects more gradually over the following day or two. Occasionally patients experience mild muscle soreness after the first visit, similar to what you might feel after exercising muscles that haven't been used properly in a while. This is normal and typically resolves within 24-48 hours.

After Your Visit

Dr. Foss will outline a recommended care plan based on your findings. For most patients, this involves more frequent visits initially — typically two to three times per week — tapering down as your condition improves and stabilizes. He'll give you realistic expectations about timeline and progress.

Many patients notice meaningful relief within the first two to four visits. The structural correction that produces lasting results takes longer — but the improvement you feel along the way makes it worthwhile.

There's no long-term commitment required. You can evaluate your response to care and make decisions as you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring to my first chiropractic visit? Bring your ID and insurance card if you have one (we are insurance friendly). If you have recent imaging—X-rays, MRIs, CT scans—bring those. Most importantly, bring a description of what's bothering you. If you've kept a pain diary, bring it. The more information I have, the more thorough my evaluation can be on your first visit.

Will I feel sore after my first adjustment? Some patients feel mild soreness similar to post-workout muscle soreness—especially if their condition is acute or they haven't been adjusted before. This typically resolves within 24-48 hours. Others feel immediate relief and no soreness at all. I use SOT protocols designed to minimize post-adjustment soreness while maximizing correction effectiveness.

How much does a first visit cost, and does insurance cover it? Call (210) 685-1994 to discuss costs before your first visit. We are insurance friendly. Bring your insurance card and ID to the office to verify how your insurance can contribute to your care. If you don't have insurance, we discuss payment options directly. The first visit is comprehensive, so the fee reflects the thorough evaluation and time investment.

What if I need X-rays or imaging—will they take new ones? I assess whether imaging is clinically necessary based on your symptoms and findings. If you've had recent imaging, I'd rather use those to avoid unnecessary radiation. If imaging is needed, I'll explain why and discuss the cost. X-rays are done only when clinically warranted, not routinely.

How quickly will I feel better, and how long will treatment take? Many patients notice improvement within 2-4 visits, though lasting structural correction takes longer—typically 4-12 weeks depending on your condition. I give realistic timelines based on your first evaluation and what I find. Some conditions resolve quickly; others require consistent care for deeper healing. There's no long-term commitment; you evaluate progress as you go.

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Ready to experience the difference?

Dr. Dan Foss and the Pura Vida team are accepting new patients. Call us at (210) 685-1994 or visit puravidasanantonio.com to schedule your first visit. We're open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 7am–4pm at 2318 NW Military Hwy #103, San Antonio, TX 78231.