Choosing the right chiropractor isn’t just about their ability to relieve spine-related discomfort. As a patient, you must be able to trust that your chiropractor, much like any other health practitioner, has in-depth training and experience. They should also be equipped with the right tools and the ability to communicate efficiently. These factors are key to having the best chiropractic experience possible, with effective and enjoyable treatment.
What To Consider When Choosing a Chiropractor
With several Chippendale chiropractic professionals to choose from, how do you pick the right chiropractor for you? Here are some things to consider when choosing a chiropractor.
Credentials and Experience
Chiropractors are well-trained professionals who utilize their extensive training and education in 5 years of university courses to safely perform effective care. Still, it’s good to do a background check on your chiropractor to see their credentials and, more importantly, to verify if they’re fully registered to practice.
Look into the experience of your chiropractor as well, especially as it pertains to your condition (i.e. do they have a special area of interest?). The more people they’ve treated with a case similar to yours, the more they will know how to approach your treatment and provide you with the best care.
Reviews
Do a quick Google search of your chiropractor’s website and social media channels to dig up reviews from current and past patients. These can help you weed out chiropractors that are ineffective, unprofessional, or inappropriate. Reviews also give you insight regarding what to expect, helping you decide whether or not the methods of the chiropractor are right for you.
Cost
Filtering your chiropractor based on whose services you can afford is not a wise choice. Often you’ll get less treatment and expertise with cheaper chiropractors or their equipment is less. Why pay less money if it is less likely to work, especially when you only have one chance to help the main healing process that occurs after an injury. If you have an insurance plan, you might be encouraged to pick from the roster of preferred chiropractors supported by it to lessen the amount of costs that you have to pay out of pocket. The trouble with that is the practitioner will have a contract with the insurance company and the payment is with the insurance company rather than the practitioner being loyal to you when you are paying them directly. Also, these member preferred chiropractors have no extra training or qualifications, they are preferred by the insurance company because the private health fund has a financial contract with the practitioner or clinic. Knowing how often you should go to a chiropractor for maintenance can also help you to understand the total amount of costs involved.
Techniques and Equipment
Chiropractors employ several different chiropractic techniques to treat patients. These techniques can be physically hands-on, use specialized equipment, or involve a combination of both. Most chiropractors are knowledgeable in a range of specialised techniques. Be sure to check if the person you’re considering is experienced in applying the appropriate method to treat your conditions.
Additionally, consider the tools that your chiropractor uses. Having nicely maintained tools can signal that they’re serious about their practice and only provide the best for their patients. Still, keep in mind that they may not need to use a lot of equipment to effectively treat you.
Comfort and Communication
Chiropractic treatment requires you to be up close and personal with your chiropractor, both mentally and physically. It’s important that you’re physically comfortable and able to openly communicate when they are examining your body. You will need to share your needs and medical experiences with them to ensure that you get the most optimised care. You can schedule initial meetings or call your chiropractor just to see if you’re comfortable, then decide whether or not to continue with treatment.
Red Flags To Look Out for When Choosing a Chiropractor
Like in all health professions, occasionally a chiropractor might use methods that can be questionable to many others in the chiropractic community. You should keep an eye out for these, and think twice before going with a chiropractor who:
- Doesn’t recommend a treatment plan
- Doesn’t perform re-examinations
- Diagnoses the same conditions or applies the same treatment plan to all their patients
- Isn’t recommended by other patients or health practitioners
- Pressures you to sign up or attend paid programs
- Adjusts areas in an uncontrolled or excessive way (like some Youtube videos)
- Claims to invent one-of-a-kind / miracle techniques
- Promises to cure unrelated conditions (e.g. cancer, severe diseases like multiple sclerosis, etc.)
- Relies solely on selling expensive products with minimal physical care
If you encounter something questionable that your chiropractor suggests or does, don’t be afraid to ask questions or request clarifications. You should be well informed and confident that what they’re doing is actually beneficial for you.
How To Find the Best Chiropractor
Finding the best chiropractor requires a bit of research and vetting. They should fit the criteria you’ve curated based on your needs and preferences. That said, even if you’ve chosen the right chiropractor for you, you must nurture the relationship by being open and honest about your experiences. Transparency can make the appointments more comfortable and the treatments more effective.
Here are some tips to find the best chiropractor:
Look For Referrals
The best way to find a trustworthy chiropractor is through public reviews or referrals from your general physician (GP), other healthcare providers, or your trusted colleagues, friends and family. These people will likely give you recommendations based on their professional trust and positive personal experiences, leaving you in good hands.
Do Your Research
Do the necessary background checks on your chiropractor; dig deep to see if they match your needed treatment, preferences, and location. You can also schedule an initial visit to properly vet your choice. Ask pertinent questions like, “What should I expect during sessions?”, and “What type of chiropractic techniques do you usually perform?” It’s best to get a picture of the experience so you know what you’re getting into.
Consider Your Preferences
Chiropractic treatment is very personal, so you have to be sure that you’re getting a service that suits your preferences. Some chiropractors offer additional services such as massages or telehealth consultations, which may suit your needs and preferences better. These options could lead to a more comfortable experience for you.
For the Best Chiropractic Experience, Be Open
Every chiropractic plan is tailored to the needs of each patient. So, to get the best treatment, you must be open to your chiropractor about your medical history and your previous chiropractic experiences, if any. This information will help them to apply the necessary techniques and give the right recommendations to support the care and development of your neuro-musculoskeletal health.