Top Qualities To Look For When Choosing A Chiropractor

Chiropractic care is based on the belief that the body can self-heal. Chiropractors use chiropractic adjustments, which involve applying controlled pressure to the affected spinal joints in order to relieve pain and discomfort. Studies show that chiropractic care can effectively reduce symptoms of neurological conditions.

Some common goals of chiropractic care include improving mobility and flexibility (by improving range of motion), reducing pain and stiffness, and correcting poor posture to prevent injuries.

If you are looking to start your Chiropractic journey and need Chiropractors near Seatac, then reach out to Ascent Chiropractic. Let’s dive into the top qualities to look for when choosing a chiropractor.

Things to Check When Choosing a Chiropractor

Once you have decided to give chiropractic care a try, choose the right chiropractor equipped with the skills and know-how to understand your unique healthcare needs and develop a care plan to meet them.

Here are some things to check when choosing a chiropractor.

Credentials and Licensing

Make sure the chiropractor you’re considering has a valid license. To earn their license, a chiropractor must pass a certification examination conducted by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners or NBCE.

The test checks the know-how and expertise of applicants. Licensed chiropractors have completed a doctorate program and have obtained their Doctor of Chiropractic or D.C. degree from an accredited college. When you select a licensed chiropractor, you can be rest assured that they are equipped to help you manage your specific neuromusculoskeletal disorder.

Reputation

Before seeing a chiropractor, check their reputation. Read patient reviews on reliable, third-party review sites to better understand the techniques that the professional uses and how the practice operates.

Patient reviews can also help you gain an understanding of the process of scheduling appointments, and analyze the chiropractor’s expertise. Remember to check out reviews that include details related to patient wait times.

Go to the practice’s social media profiles to see what people are saying about it. Find out if there are any malpractice claims against the practitioner.

Experience

You will want to choose a chiropractor who has been practicing for at least five years and has experience managing cases similar to yours. If you want to give a specific procedure a try, ask about the chiropractor’s experience with it and their success rates.

Specializations

Some chiropractors near Seatac specialize in certain areas, such as sports injuries, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, headaches, neck pain and more. Depending on your condition, you may want to choose a chiropractor who specializes in your area of concern.

Recommendations by Your Doctor and Friends

Ask your primary care doctor to share a list of chiropractors they know. If an acquaintance is currently seeing a chiropractor near Seatac or has used one in the past, ask them the following questions to assess the practitioner’s skills and expertise

• Which chiropractic care techniques did the professional use?
• How easy or difficult was it to make an appointment with the chiropractor?
• Are you satisfied with the outcome?
• How approachable was the chiropractor?
• Did the professional take the time to really listen to you or did they try to rush through appointments?
• How do you rate the professional’s communication skills?
• What happened during a typical appointment?
• If the need arises, would you consider the chiropractor in the future?

Insurance Coverage

If you have health insurance, you may want to choose a chiropractor who accepts your plan to receive the most insurance benefits. Ask your insurer to share a list of chiropractors in their network. Select one who has experience helping people grappling with conditions similar to yours. Remember if you choose an out-of-network chiropractor, your policy may not cover your treatment costs.

Communication Style

Choose a chiropractor who makes you feel comfortable during your first meeting, ask your questions, and notice how the practitioner responds. Do they respond to your questions effectively? Do they look interested and engaged? Is the chiropractor able to explain the approach they plan to take and your diagnosis in a way you can understand?

If you need some information and the chiropractor is busy, drop them an email, or call their office and observe how the team handles your inquiry.

Patient-Centered Approach

Look for a chiropractor who focuses on your specific needs and goals. A good chiropractor will come up with a chiropractic care plan that addresses the root cause of your condition to improve your overall health and wellness, and not just its symptoms.

Location and Office Hours

Consider the location of the chiropractor’s office and their office hours. You’d want to choose a practice located close to your home or office. If you have a busy schedule and can’t see the chiropractor on weekdays, make sure they work weekends. As a chiropractor near Seatac, Ascent Chiropractic is a great option for anyone living in Seatac, Burin, and Des Moines.

Ascent Chiropractic uses a whole-body approach to care. Our chiropractic care techniques are designed to strengthen and stabilize the entire body, not just the skeletal, muscular, or nervous system. Call 206-241-3836 to make an appointment today.