Choosing the right chiropractor for you or your family is a very individual decision that isn’t going to be the same for everybody. Here are five factors I suggest taking into consideration to find a great chiropractor.
1. I wouldn’t let insurance dictate the chiropractor I choose to see.
Insurance companies only cover symptom management, not corrective chiropractic care. Sometimes we say insurance is concerned with “sick care” not “healthcare”. Often times, even insurance companies with chiropractic coverage don’t really cover it because co-pays are higher than the chiropractor’s fees, or they have high deductibles to meet before they will cover care, so even if it’s “covered” by your plan, insurance might not be as big of a deciding factor in picking a doctor as you would expect.
2. Check if the chiropractor has a specialty and what techniques they use.
There are many, many different styles of chiropractic care and techniques, and they’re all incredible and have lots of research behind them, but different people will prefer or respond better to different types of care. Some people prefer gentle, neurologically-based techniques, like Torque Release Technique which I practice, Network, Activator or Sacro-occipital Technique. Sometimes people tell me they want to get “cracked like a glowstick” and I let them know I might not be the best fit and can suggest another practice for them. Many chiropractors also have advanced training in different areas of expertise like clinical nutrition, pediatric care, pre-natal care, neurology, or sports rehabilitation, which may influence your decision when choosing the right doctor for you.
3. You know someone who has had a great experience already.
If you have a friend who received help with a similar issue to what you’re experiencing, like headaches, shoulder pain, pregnancy discomfort, chronic earaches, digestive issues, or improving your athletic performance, then that’s a great way to choose a chiropractor that can help you with your individual goals. Word of mouth is still a great way to have an idea of where you’ll find what you need, whether you’re looking for a doctor, a restaurant, contractor, or a stylist!
4. They should be convenient for you.
For chiropractic to help you meet your goals in the long-term, it takes consistency just like going to the gym. Each adjustment builds upon the next to improve your body’s overall function. The practice you choose should have a location and hours that fit your weekly routine.
5. The doctor explains what they find about your condition and has a way to track your results under care.
I’ve had many patients come in after receiving treatment elsewhere (from chiropractors and medical doctors) who didn’t really understand the recommendations they received, or felt like they on a “conveyor belt” of patients and and didn’t feel like their care was individualized. A great chiropractor will have a method of periodically re-evaluating your condition and set time to review your progress and goals with you, making sure you’re involved and informed in the healing process.
You can learn more about this chiropractic experience by checking out patient’s success stories, or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your visit online right now!
