What to expect at your chiropractic care consultation
A guide to your first chiropractic care appointment with a chiropractor in New Zealand.
Before your appointment
Most New Zealand chiropractor practices send a new-patient form before your first visit. Complete this in advance so the chiropractor can read it before you arrive — it includes your medical history, current medications, allergies and the specific concern you want assessed.
- • A list of current medications and dosages
- • Any recent imaging (x-ray, MRI, CT) or specialist letters
- • Your ACC claim number if your problem follows an injury
- • Your health-insurance details if you have cover (Southern Cross, nib etc.)
- • Comfortable clothing that lets the chiropractor assess the affected area
During the consultation
Duration: Initial consultations are typically 30–45 minutes; follow-up visits 15–25 minutes.
Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and managing mechanical disorders of the spine and other joints. A typical first visit includes a history, posture and movement assessment, and may include manual adjustment, soft-tissue work, exercise prescription and ergonomic advice. Some practices also use rehabilitation tools, dry needling or shockwave therapy.
Questions worth asking
- • What is your working diagnosis, and what else are you considering?
- • What is the recommended treatment plan and how long should it take?
- • What does the evidence show about success rates for this approach?
- • What is the total expected cost — including imaging, equipment or follow-ups?
- • What should improve, and by when, before we change approach?
- • When should I contact you between visits, and how?
Verifying your chiropractor
Chiropractor services in New Zealand are a regulated health profession in New Zealand. Every practising chiropractor must hold an Annual Practising Certificate from the New Zealand Chiropractic Board and works under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003. Verify registration on the NZ Chiropractic Board public register, check that the Annual Practising Certificate is current, and look for chiropractors who explain their assessment findings clearly and refer on when a complaint sits outside their scope. You can search the public register at chiropracticboard.org.nz at any time.
Plan your chiropractic care treatment
Related care
Other health services frequently considered alongside chiropractic care:
Chiropractic care: questions
What happens at a chiropractic care consultation?
Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and managing mechanical disorders of the spine and other joints. A typical first visit includes a history, posture and movement assessment, and may include manual adjustment, soft-tissue work, exercise prescription and ergonomic advice. Some practices also use rehabilitation tools, dry needling or shockwave therapy.
How long does a chiropractic care consultation take?
Initial consultations are typically 30–45 minutes; follow-up visits 15–25 minutes.
What should I bring to a chiropractic care consultation?
Bring a list of your current medications, any imaging or specialist letters, your ACC claim number if relevant, your private health insurance details, and a list of questions you want to discuss. Wear clothing that allows the practitioner to assess the affected area.
Will I need a referral?
No — chiropractors are first-contact practitioners in New Zealand. You can book directly without a GP referral, including for ACC-funded injury treatment.