What to look for when choosing the best Santa Fe, NM Chiropractor
Choosing an appropriate chiropractor plays a critical role in managing pain effectively and enhancing general health. It’s important to take note of how long the chiropractor has been in clinical practice which will give you a better idea of the chiropractic practitioner’s level of expertise. Particular attention should be paid to their experience with conditions similar to yours. A chiropractor who is knowledgeable about your specific type of pain will be better equipped to devise a customized treatment plan that fits your individual requirements.
Check reviews. Does the chiropractor have multiple reviews from various well-known and respected sources? The person with the most reviews may be the best at marketing but not necessarily the best or most effective fit for you. Beware of reviews that claim miracle cures for first visits or 5-star reviews that have nothing to do with the effectiveness of treatment.
Make a few phone calls. Ask about appointment availability and fees for services such as initial visit, subsequent visits, x-rays, PT modalities, and other therapies.
At this point, you will likely have one or only a few candidates. Here are some tips to look for in your initial and subsequent encounters with the chiropractor:
- Does your chiropractor appear eager to help you improve quickly and answer all your questions?
- Do you feel comfortable with your new chiropractor?
- With effective treatment, most patients will see significant improvement within the first couple weeks of care, usually sooner.
- Is treatment physically comfortable? Occasionally, there may be some minor soreness or even worsening of symptoms after treatment. This could last up to a day or two, and improvement should be evident with continued care.
The following may be warning signs:
- Unnecessary repeat x-ray studies.
- No improvement or even worsening that does not result in a referral elsewhere.
- Pre-sold treatment packages, contracts, and memberships.
- Pressure to sign up for a lengthy treatment program spanning over weeks to months.
Most importantly, your new Santa Fe, NM chiropractor should be willing to refer you to another Santa Fe healthcare provider if chiropractic treatment is not producing positive results in a timely fashion and be honest enough on the initial visit to let you know whether or not you are indeed a candidate for chiropractic care.
