During the first visit, prior to any treatment, chiropractors are obliged to take a detailed health history. This includes details about lifestyle and risk factors to give the chiropractor a full picture of the patient's health. Since chiropractic care is a hands-on treatment modality, the patient needs to physically be in the office for treatment. In contrast, a course of medical treatment may include the use of antibiotics daily for two weeks. Chiropractors, like medical doctors, follow generally accepted protocols and guidelines.
Treatment is specific to the condition diagnosed by the chiropractor.
Spinal manipulation may well be performed on a majority of patients, but nature and location of the spinal adjustment will be directed to that patient's specific needs. Chiropractors are recognized by legislation as primary contact professionals in all jurisdictions in Canada. Physiotherapists are not. Chiropractors are trained to perform differential diagnosis. Physiotherapists are not.