A chiropractor is an important member of your healthcare team! For most chiropractors, we pride ourselves in being part of your community and helping you through whatever life throws at you at every stage and transition of your life so it's important that you find a chiropractor who you feel comfortable with and is convenient for you.
1. Location Location Location:
Start with finding what is easiest for you to get to. Most would choose a chiropractor that is either close to their home or work. Along with this comes hours of availability. If you were planning on heading to an appointment during your lunch break, is the office open at lunch? If you were planning on popping by on your way to or from work, you have to make sure they are open.
2. Areas of Interest:
Now this isn't a cut and dry rule as most chiropractors will see a large variety of the general population, but if you feel you are a more specific demographic, you may want to find a chiropractor that has additional training in this aspect. The most common example would be pregnancy. Most chiropractors will have the knowledge and basic training to assess and treat throughout pregnancy, however, this might be a case to find a chiropractor who has specific and additional training in peri-natal care.
3. Connection:
Read the biography of the practitioners available to you and find one that you feel you can connect with. Most of the biographies are written by the chiropractor themselves so you get an idea of their style, hobbies, and background. For example, if you're an avid mountain biker, you might prefer someone who understands the demands of the sport. I would like to think that your chiropractor is someone you will hopefully consider part of your healthcare team for many years to come so it's important to find someone you feel comfortable with and makes you feel comfortable.
4. Scheduling:
Are you a busy mom on the go? Or maybe you work a very busy 9-5 day and you only have a moments to get in and out for treatment. These are all important factors to consider when choosing the right chiropractor for you. Chiropractic visits can range from 5 minutes to even 60 minutes. This does not always reflect the amount of treatment time within that nor does it reflect the amount of relief you might get either. 15-20 minutes generally is the most common treatment time which often will appeal to those on the go because it's a relatively short amount of time to have to commit to. Another factor to consider is their scheduling periods. Do you need to make an appointment or will they take drop-ins? If you are booking an appointment, how far in advance do you need to make an appointment? Again, these are more personal questions for you and will differ from each individual's scenario.
5. Treatment Style:
The most important thing to consider is treatment style. While I encourage you to go in open minded, chiropractic care remains a hands-on, manual therapy dominant treatment. Keep this in mind when you go in for the first time which is why #1-4 are so important to consider. Are you really afraid of the cracking noises you've heard others talk about? Maybe you're very nervous and not sure you're ready for anyone to touch your neck? Look at the techniques and treatments that are provided and make sure you feel comfortable with that area of examination and treatment.
If you're ever not sure, give the clinic a call! Most front office staff will be able to answer a wide range of questions and the more specific ones will likely be directed to the chiropractor to return your call.
If you have any questions, shoot me a message!
- Dr. Shirtina