If you've never seen a chiropractor — or your last one rushed you — the unknown is the scariest part. Here's exactly what your first visit at Uprise looks like, step by step, so you can walk in already knowing what's about to happen.
Before you arrive
When you book online you'll get a confirmation email with a short intake form. Filling it in beforehand gets us started faster on the day, but if you'd rather do it in the clinic that's fine too — there's tea and good coffee while you wait.
What to wear: something stretchy. Activewear is perfect. Jeans and a belt make a few of the assessments awkward. You'll stay clothed throughout.
What to bring: any recent scans (X-ray, MRI, CT), your Medicare card, and your private health card if you have extras cover. If it's a workers comp, MVA or DVA claim, bring your claim number and we'll take it from there.
Where to find us: Unit 1, 1 Blytheswood Ave, Byford WA 6122 — inside Byford Medical Centre, next to Clinipath Pathology. Plenty of free parking out front. If you're coming from Mundijong, Armadale or Kelmscott it's a straight run on the South Western Highway.
The five stages of your first visit
Welcome and warm-up
You're greeted at reception, finish any paperwork, and we have a relaxed chat in the consult room about what's brought you in. No clipboard interrogation — just a conversation.
Health history
I'll ask about the current problem, past injuries, work and home life, sleep, exercise, stress, and what you've already tried. The goal is to understand the whole picture — pain rarely shows up out of nowhere.
Physical & movement assessment
Postural screening, range of motion testing, orthopaedic and neurological checks where indicated, and hands-on palpation of the spine and surrounding muscles. This is where I figure out what's actually moving, what's stuck, and what's compensating.
Findings & plan
I sit you down and explain — in plain English — what I found, what's likely causing it, and what the realistic path forward looks like. You get a number: how many visits, over what time frame, and how I'll know it's working. If imaging is needed first, I'll say so.
First adjustment (if appropriate)
When it's safe and indicated, we begin care on day one. Diversified and Gonstead techniques — controlled, specific, low-force adjustments to the joints that need them. You'll hear about the audible "pop" everyone asks about; it's a release of gas from the joint, not a bone moving. It doesn't hurt.
What it costs
The initial consultation is structured to give us enough time to do this properly. Health-fund rebates apply on the spot via HICAPS if you have extras. Workers comp, MVA and DVA visits are bulk-billed to the insurer — you don't pay anything out of pocket.
For current fees, ring the clinic on 0485 554 932 or check the booking page — pricing's shown before you confirm.
Common first-visit questions
Do I need a GP referral?
No. Chiropractors in WA are primary-contact practitioners. Book directly.
Will I get adjusted on day one?
Usually yes, if it's safe. Some cases need imaging or a referral first. I won't adjust you if I'm not confident it's the right call — and I'll tell you why.
How long until I feel better?
Honest answer: it depends on what we find. Most patients feel a meaningful shift in the first 2–3 visits. I'll tell you on day one what's realistic for your specific situation.
Is the "cracking" sound bad?
No. It's a normal joint cavitation — basically a tiny release of gas. The sound isn't the goal of the adjustment, just a side effect.
After your first visit
You'll usually leave with two or three things to do at home — a stretch, a posture cue, sometimes a small movement to repeat through the day. The work I do in the chair gets you moving; the work you do at home keeps you there. We book your next visit before you leave, usually within the same week.
That's it. No surprises, no high-pressure sales. If you're ready, book online — most new patients are in the chair within 24 hours of booking.
— Dr Norris
Chiropractor, Uprise Chiropractic Byford