Your first visit
— what to expect.
We know coming to a new clinic can feel uncertain. This page walks you through exactly what happens at your first appointment, how to prepare, and what your treatment plan might look like.
How to prepare for
your first appointment
A little preparation helps us make the most of your first session. Here is what we recommend.
Arrive 5–10 minutes early
This gives you time to complete a brief health history form before your appointment begins. Both clinics have parking directly outside.
Wear comfortable clothing
Loose, comfortable clothing makes assessment and treatment easier. For lower body complaints, shorts or leggings are ideal. For neck or shoulder issues, a singlet or loose top works well.
Bring any relevant imaging
If you have had X-rays, an MRI or CT scan for this complaint, bring the disc or report if you have it. It is helpful context — though not required, and we do not rely on imaging alone.
Bring your health fund card
We have HICAPS at both clinics — you can claim your private health rebate on the spot. Just bring the card you use at the pharmacy or optometrist.
Note your current medications
A quick list of any medications you take — including supplements — helps your practitioner build a complete picture of your health and any relevant interactions to be aware of.
NDIS or WorkCover patients
Bring your NDIS plan details or WorkCover claim number and insurer information. If you have a referral letter from your GP or specialist, bring that too. Our team can assist with any paperwork queries.
What happens at
your first appointment
Every first appointment follows the same structured approach — regardless of your complaint or which practitioner you see.
Health history
Your practitioner takes a detailed history of your current complaint — when it started, what makes it better or worse, what you have already tried, and your relevant medical background. This is the most important part of the assessment. Understanding the full picture is what makes treatment specific to you.
Physical assessment
A hands-on examination of your movement, strength, joint mobility and neurological function. For musculoskeletal complaints this typically includes orthopaedic and provocative testing to identify the source and contributing factors of your pain. For exercise physiology, this includes functional movement screening and capacity assessment.
Explanation of findings
Before any treatment begins, your practitioner explains what they found — in plain language. What is contributing to your pain, what is driving it, what is likely to help and how long recovery might take. No jargon, no vague reassurances. You will leave with a clear understanding of your situation.
Treatment begins
In most cases, hands-on treatment or the first stage of your programme begins in the same session. For chiropractic this may include spinal manipulation, joint mobilisation and soft tissue therapy. For exercise physiology this may include initial exercise instruction and baseline testing. For massage, your full treatment session begins immediately after a brief intake.
Your treatment plan
Your practitioner will recommend a plan — how many sessions, at what frequency, and what to expect at each stage. This is a recommendation, not a prescription. You are in control of your care and can ask any questions before committing to anything. Most patients receive a home exercise or self-management strategy to start immediately.
What to expect from
each service
First appointments differ slightly by service. Here is a breakdown of what each involves.
Chiropractic — Initial Consultation
A thorough spinal and musculoskeletal assessment followed by hands-on treatment where appropriate. Chiropractic care at Elevate Health is evidence-informed and focused on identifying the root cause of your complaint — not just managing symptoms.
- Full postural, movement and orthopaedic assessment
- Neurological screening where relevant
- Spinal manipulation, joint mobilisation or soft tissue therapy
- Home exercise prescription and self-management advice
Exercise Physiology — Initial Consultation
A comprehensive functional assessment followed by the development of your personalised exercise programme. Our accredited exercise physiologists work with patients recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions, or building long-term physical resilience.
- Functional capacity and movement screening
- Medical history and condition review
- Goal-setting and programme planning
- Initial exercise instruction and baseline testing
Remedial Massage — First Session
A brief intake to understand your current complaints and any relevant health history, followed by your full treatment session. Your therapist will explain what they are doing throughout and adjust pressure and technique based on your feedback and response.
- Brief clinical intake covering your presenting complaint
- Full hands-on treatment — deep tissue, trigger point or pregnancy techniques
- Private health rebate on the spot via HICAPS
- Home care advice and recommended follow-up frequency
How you can pay
and what is covered
We accept most funding types at both clinics. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, call us and we will help you work it out.
Private Health Insurance
Most major Australian health funds cover chiropractic and remedial massage under extras. We have HICAPS at both clinics — claim your rebate on the spot. No paperwork, no waiting.
NDIS
We are registered NDIS providers for exercise physiology. No referral is needed to contact us directly. We accept plan-managed, NDIA-managed and self-managed participants. Bring your plan details to your first appointment.
WorkCover NSW
We accept WorkCover referrals for chiropractic and exercise physiology. Your treating doctor or case manager will provide a referral. We bill WorkCover directly — no out-of-pocket cost for approved treatment.
Medicare CDM
Exercise physiology is available under the Medicare Chronic Disease Management scheme with a GP referral and Team Care Arrangement. Up to 5 subsidised allied health visits per calendar year.
Department of Veterans' Affairs
DVA-funded chiropractic and exercise physiology is available at Elevate Health. Bring your DVA Gold or White card and referral to your first appointment.
Self-Funded
We accept cash, card and EFTPOS at both clinics. Payment is due at the time of each appointment. Please ask about our fee schedule when booking if you would like pricing information in advance.
Our clinic locations
Bella Vista
Earlwood
Common questions
before your first visit
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed for chiropractic, exercise physiology or massage. You can book directly online or by phone. If you are using Medicare CDM or WorkCover, your GP or case manager will provide a referral — but we can help you navigate this if needed.
How long is a first appointment?
Initial chiropractic and exercise physiology consultations are 45–60 minutes. Remedial massage appointments are 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions are typically 30 minutes for chiropractic and 45–60 minutes for exercise physiology, depending on your programme stage.
Will I receive treatment on my first visit?
In most cases, yes. For chiropractic and massage, hands-on treatment typically begins in the same session. For exercise physiology, your first session focuses on assessment and programme planning — your programme begins at your next visit or, for some patients, in the second half of the first session.
Will I be sore after my first appointment?
Some mild post-treatment soreness is common, particularly after the first chiropractic adjustment or remedial massage session. This is a normal response and typically resolves within 24–48 hours. Your practitioner will let you know what to expect before you leave.
What if I am not sure which service I need?
Call us on (02) 8883 0178 and our team will help you choose the most appropriate service based on your situation. Alternatively,.
How many appointments will I need?
This depends entirely on your presentation, goals and how you respond to treatment. Your practitioner will give you a realistic plan at your first appointment — including an expected number of sessions and what each stage of care involves. We do not run open-ended treatment plans without clear goals and milestones.