What To Look For in Chiropractic Care

When it comes to choosing the right chiropractor, most people think the goal is simply to find someone who can "crack" them back into shape and ease their pain. And yes, any skilled chiropractor can provide that quick relief from stiffness, muscle spasms, or lingering aches. But if that's all you are looking for, you might be missing out on what chiropractic care truly offers.

Chiropractic care is far more than just a solution for back pain or recovery from injuries like car accidents or sports mishaps. It's a powerful, holistic approach to restoring and optimizing your entire body's function. The right chiropractor doesn't just help you feel better; they help you function better. Think improved focus, stronger immunity, better energy, enhanced athletic performance, and a greater overall sense of wellness.

Because chiropractic care is a hands-on and energy-driven healing art, finding the right provider is essential. In this blog, we'll walk you through the questions to ask when researching offices and the green flags to look for, and how to know when you've found a chiropractor who's not just good, but amazing. 

Ready to find the perfect fit for your wellness journey? Let's dive in.

Questions to Ask When Looking for Chiropractic Care

1. Ask what types of patients are typically treated.

Here are a few helpful questions to ask:

• Do you primarily see elderly patients?

• What percentage of your practice is focused on car accident or injury cases (like slips and falls)?

• Do you treat athletes regularly?

• Do you see families or children?

Asking these questions can help you quickly figure out if the chiropractor has experience with patients like you, and if they're likely to be a good fit.

Note: A chiropractor doesn't need special certifications to treat certain types of patients. All licensed chiropractors have completed training from an accredited chiropractic college and are qualified to care for people of all ages. While some chiropractors choose to get extra certifications, like a diploma in sports chiropractic, to market themselves as specialists, it does not mean others without those titles can't treat athletes or children effectively. It just means they can't advertise themselves as a specialist in that area. So when choosing a chiropractor, don't focus only on titles; focus on experience, results, and how comfortable you feel with their care.

2. Ask what adjustment techniques are used.

Different chiropractors use different methods, and it is important to find one that matches your comfort level and goals. Here are some standard techniques you might hear about:

• HVLA (High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude): The most common technique, using quick thrusts to adjust and mobilize joints.

• Upper Cervical: Focuses specifically on gentle adjustments to the top bones of the spine.

• Activator: A low-force, tool-assisted method that's great for those who prefer a gentler approach.

• Drop Table: Uses a special table with sections that drop slightly to assist with the adjustment.

• Torque Release: A precise, neurologically based technique using a handheld instrument.

Understanding these methods ahead of time can help you choose a chiropractor whose technique feels right for you.

3. Ask what other modalities are offered in the office.

Many chiropractic offices provide additional services that can complement your care and support your overall wellness. These offerings vary, so it's worth asking what's available:

• Massage therapy

• Craniosacral therapy

• Acupuncture

• Reiki

• NAET

• For athletes: Ask if they offer stretching, kinesiotaping, and warm laser therapy to support recovery and performance

• Nutrition and Homeopathy: These can be valuable when thoughtfully recommended, just be cautious of offices that push products from multi-level marketing companies. Quality care should focus on your health, not sales quotas.

Sometimes, you won't know if a chiropractor is the right fit until after a few visits. Even if everything sounds great over the phone, the in-office experience, how you're treated, how your body responds, and how comfortable you feel, matters just as much.

If you have had a negative experience with a chiropractor or simply didn't feel the connection you were hoping for, don't be discouraged. Just like in any profession, chiropractors have different styles, techniques, and energies. What works wonders for one person might not resonate with you, and that's perfectly normal. The key is to keep exploring. 

Chiropractic Care From Dr. Mary

The right chiropractor will not only help you feel better physically but will also create a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered in your wellness journey.  It's so important to keep searching until you find someone whose approach and energy align with your needs. 

For many families and active individuals, that someone has been Dr. Mary. While she doesn't label herself as a pediatric chiropractic specialist, she has a natural comfort and confidence when working with newborns and children, and parents consistently see incredible improvements in their little ones' health and comfort. Similarly, though not formally a sports chiropractor, Dr. Mary's integrative approach, combining deep tissue massage, targeted stretching, kinesiotaping, and warm laser therapy, has delivered outstanding results for athletes of all kinds, from soccer players and dancers to tennis enthusiasts and dedicated gym-goers. Her ability to adapt her care to each individual makes her a standout choice for those seeking more than just a standard adjustment.

If your child is going to the chiropractor, or trying Craniosacral therapy, for the first time, it’s completely natural for them to feel nervous or unsure. Dr. Mary’s book, A Chiropractic  Story, is a helpful resource for parents who want to explain to their children what chiropractic care is and what a chiropractor does. Don’t be surprised if you learn something new along the way too! Through simple language and fun illustrations, this book helps make chiropractic care approachable and understandable for the whole family, and it makes the experience more meaningful.

Ready to experience personalized, holistic care that meets you where you are? Dr. Mary is here to help. Contact her today and take the first step toward a better you.