Whether you’ve never been to a chiropractor and want to start seeing one or you’re

looking to find a different one in a new place, this blog post can help you choose a chiropractor

that is a great fit for you. Finding any new doctor can be overwhelming and confusing if you

don’t know where to start. Especially in the chiropractic profession, there is a wide range of

techniques and ways to practice chiropractic.

First things first, you need to know where to begin looking. Start by asking people you

know who live in the town you are looking to get a chiropractor. This could be a neighbor, friend

or co-worker who sees a chiropractor. That way if they recommend a chiropractor, you can ask

them questions about their experience there. If you know a chiropractor, even if they live in

another city, they would also be a great person to ask. Most chiropractors know other

chiropractors in other places from their school, from seminars, or they may have a community of

colleagues across the country via social media. Either way word of mouth is the best way to find

a chiropractor that you may like.

Next, do your research. If you have a chiropractor in mind from a recommendation, start

by searching the chiropractor’s office and look at their website or their social media. If not you

can just search for chiropractors in your area online. You can look at reviews their patients have

left as well as see what techniques they utilize. There is a wide array of chiropractic techniques

so if you have never been to a chiropractor, you may not know what to look for. Most

chiropractors use some sort of joint manipulation or adjustment technique in their treatment.

Joint manipulation is meant to restore mobility, decrease pain, and reduce muscle tightness

surrounding the joint. There are different ways of adjusting. If you are looking for a hands-on or

manual adjusting technique, the chiropractor may say just that or they may say they use a

technique called Diversified. If you are looking for a table assisted manipulation technique, you

would be looking for Thompson Drop Technique or Cox Flexion-Distraction technique. There are

also instrument assisted techniques known as Activator. If you are not familiar with any of these

methods or the type of adjusting listed on a chiropractor’s website, you could Google search it to

watch a video or get an explanation.

In addition, there are other treatment methods and modalities that chiropractors can use.

Some of these techniques include manual therapies, rehab exercises, or modalities. Manual

therapies such as Active Release Technique, Graston or Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue, Dry

Needling or Trigger Point Release are all great ways to manipulate the soft tissues in your body

such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Rehab exercises are a great way to

take an active participation in your care. Most chiropractors are well versed in exercises and

stretches that will help you get better faster and stay feeling better for longer when combined

with the treatments done in the office. Modalities such as laser therapy, ultrasound or electrical

stimulation can help with pain management and speeding up recovery.

Once you have an understanding of how the chiropractor treats and what methods they

use then you can make a better decision for which doctor you want to see. If you are still unsure

if they are a good fit, you could call the office and set up a brief consultation with the doctor to

make sure you want to proceed. You could also take in a list of questions to your first

appointment to make sure you are getting the care you want. It is important that as the patient

your wants and needs are being met when getting any sort of medical care.