Before You Arrive
Download and Complete Your New Patient Forms
Save time by printing and completing your new patient paperwork at home before your appointment. You can download the forms here:
Bring the completed forms with you on your first visit. If you prefer to arrive early and fill them out in the office, plan for an extra 10–15 minutes.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Dr. French accepts most major insurance plans. Before your visit, take a moment to review your coverage on the Insurance and Payment page or call the office at (203) 939-9700 with any questions. Having your insurance card ready on arrival speeds up the check-in process.
What to Bring
Bring your completed new patient forms, your insurance card, a photo ID, and any relevant medical records or imaging (X-rays, MRI reports) if you have them. If you were referred by another provider, bring any referral documentation. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement — athletic or casual clothes work well.
What Happens at Your First Visit
A Conversation First
Your first visit begins with a thorough conversation. Dr. French will ask about what’s bothering you — where the pain is, when it started, what makes it better or worse, and what you’ve already tried. He’ll want to understand your health history, your daily activities, any sports or hobbies you’re involved in, and your goals for care. This isn’t a quick intake — it’s a genuine diagnostic conversation, and it’s the most important part of the visit.
Physical Examination
After the consultation, Dr. French will perform a focused physical examination. This typically includes evaluating your posture, range of motion, and the way you move. He’ll assess your spine and the affected area by feel — checking for restricted joints, muscle tension, and areas of tenderness. He may ask you to perform simple movements to help him understand how your body is functioning. The exam is thorough but comfortable.
Findings and Recommendations
Once the examination is complete, Dr. French will explain exactly what he found — in plain language, not medical jargon. He’ll tell you whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition, what he recommends, and why. If you’re a good candidate for chiropractic, he’ll discuss a treatment approach and what realistic results look like. If chiropractic isn’t the right fit for your situation, he’ll tell you that too and point you toward the right specialist. Honest assessment is the foundation of care at this practice.
Your First Adjustment
If you’re a good candidate for chiropractic and you’re comfortable proceeding, Dr. French can perform your first adjustment on this visit. Nothing happens without your understanding and consent — he’ll explain what he’s going to do before he does it. Most patients feel some relief immediately following their first adjustment, though responses vary. Some experience mild soreness for 24–48 hours, similar to how muscles feel after a workout — this is normal and temporary.
Common Questions About the First Visit
Not always. X-rays are ordered when the clinical picture suggests they would change the treatment approach — for example, after a trauma, when there’s suspicion of a structural problem, or when a patient hasn’t responded as expected. Dr. French will recommend imaging if it’s clinically indicated, not as a routine requirement.
Chiropractic adjustments are not painful for most patients. You may hear a popping sound — this is simply gas releasing from the joint, similar to cracking a knuckle — and feel a sense of pressure and release. Some patients with significant muscle guarding feel mild discomfort during the adjustment itself, but most describe it as comfortable and report immediate relief afterward.
No. Dr. French does not require patients to sign up for packages or prepaid treatment plans. Recommendations are based entirely on how your body responds to care. Some conditions resolve in a few visits; others benefit from ongoing care. You’ll always know what’s being recommended and why — and you’re free to make your own decisions about your care at every step.
The first visit typically takes 45–60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are generally 15–20 minutes. Dr. French respects your time and keeps appointments on schedule.
If your condition is better served by a different type of provider — an orthopedist, neurologist, physical therapist, or another specialist — Dr. French will tell you directly and help connect you with the right care. He maintains relationships with many of the top providers in the Norwalk and Fairfield County area.
After Your First Visit
Following your first adjustment, Dr. French may recommend applying ice to the treated area if you experience any soreness, staying well hydrated, and moving gently rather than resting completely. Avoid intense exercise on the day of your first adjustment. He’ll schedule a follow-up visit if appropriate and explain what to expect as your care progresses.
Ready to Schedule Your First Visit?
Dr. French’s office is located at 148 East Avenue, Suite 1D, Norwalk, CT 06851 — convenient to I-95 Exit 15 and Route 1, with free parking available. New patients are welcome, and same-day appointments are available for patients in acute pain.
Call (203) 939-9700 or use the link below to book online. You can also download your new patient forms in advance to save time at your first appointment.
Serving patients from Norwalk, Westport, Wilton, Darien, New Canaan, Stamford, Fairfield, and Weston, CT.