Your Questions Deserve Clear Answers
If you’re considering chiropractic care, it’s normal to have questions.
At Chandler Chiropractic, we believe you deserve clear, straightforward answers to those questions before making decisions about your health.
Why choose chiropractic care?
Daily routines such as work, stress, and lack of exercise all lead to an unhealthy body, which eventually leads to pain. Pain is your body’s cry for help. Many times the problems began long before the pain starts, but you do not know it.
That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive FAQ—to answer the questions patients ask us every day, address common concerns and fears, explain how chiropractic works, and help you better understand what to expect.
But there’s also an important difference between answering a general question about chiropractic and answering a specific question about you.
We can explain how chiropractic works. We can talk about headaches, neck pain, low back pain, sciatica, posture, the nervous system, adjustments, digital X-rays, safety, and many other topics.
What we can’t determine from a website is exactly what’s happening inside your body.
That requires listening to your history, understanding your symptoms, performing a thorough examination, and, when clinically appropriate, using digital X-rays or additional testing to gather more information.
That’s why we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all recommendations.
Two people can walk into our office with the exact same complaint and have very different histories, examination findings, and needs. Chiropractic may be an excellent option for one person, while another may need additional testing or another healthcare provider involved in their care.Our responsibility is to help determine the difference.
After more than 22 years of caring for patients, we’ve learned that education builds confidence and understanding leads to better decisions.
So explore the questions below. Learn. Ask questions. Challenge assumptions. And if there’s something you don’t understand, ask us.
We believe transparency is an important part of good healthcare.
And when you’re ready to find out what may be happening in your body, the first step isn’t an adjustment.
It’s a conversation.
Getting Started At Chandler Chiropractic. Frequently Asked Questions.
There are a lot of great chiropractors and chiropractic offices, so what makes Chandler Chiropractic different?
We believe it’s the entire experience.
From the moment you walk through our doors, we want you to feel that you’ve come somewhere different.
A beautiful, calming environment.
A welcoming and helpful team.
Doctors who listen.
A thorough examination.
Time spent understanding your history.
Advanced digital X-rays when clinically appropriate.
Individualized recommendations.
Physical therapy, massage therapy, and other supportive services when appropriate.
And, perhaps most importantly, a team that genuinely cares about what happens to you.
We don’t want you to feel like another appointment on the schedule.
We want you to feel like family.
We Take the Time to Understand the Whole Story
One of the biggest differences in our approach is what happens before we ever make a recommendation.
We listen.
We want to know when your problem started, what you’ve been through, previous injuries and accidents, what you’ve already tried, what makes things better or worse, and how your symptoms are affecting your life.
Then we examine.
And when digital X-rays are clinically appropriate, we don’t take them simply to check a box.
Our doctors take the time to carefully evaluate what they’re seeing and consider those findings alongside your history and examination.
Because no single piece of information tells the whole story.
The better we understand the entire picture, the better informed our recommendations can be.
Your Care Is Built Around You
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter care.
Your recommendations are based on your history.
Your examination.
Your imaging when appropriate.
Your goals.
And eventually, your response to care.
That’s an important part of individualized healthcare that sometimes gets overlooked.
A care plan shouldn’t simply be created and then followed blindly.
We want your feedback.
How are you responding?
What’s changing?
What’s improving?
What isn’t?
Is something working differently than we expected?
We listen, reassess, and pivot when appropriate.
Your care should evolve as you do.
We Look Beyond the Adjustment
Chiropractic adjustments are central to what we do, but they’re not the only resource available to our patients.
When appropriate, we may integrate physical therapy, rehabilitation, massage therapy, home recommendations, and other supportive approaches into your care.
Why?
Because sometimes achieving the best possible result requires looking at more than one piece of the puzzle.
And if we believe you need something we don’t provide, we’ll tell you.
We may recommend an MRI or other advanced imaging.
We may recommend evaluation by another healthcare professional.
We have relationships with specialists and other providers throughout the Valley because we believe something very strongly:
Healthcare is a team sport.
Our goal isn’t to do everything ourselves.
Our goal is to help you get the care you need.
We Help You Understand the Financial Side Too
Healthcare shouldn’t feel like a financial guessing game.
Our team works to understand your insurance benefits and utilize your available coverage when applicable. We’ll explain what we know about your benefits and help you understand your options before moving forward.
If insurance doesn’t provide the coverage you expected, we’ll talk with you about other available options.
Transparency matters to us—clinically and financially.
We want you to understand what’s being recommended, why it’s being recommended, and what you can expect.
We Want to Move Beyond Reactive Healthcare
A lot of people begin thinking about their health only when something hurts.
We understand.
Pain has a way of getting your attention.
But one of our long-term goals is to help patients move from simply being reactive about their health toward becoming more proactive.
Instead of repeatedly asking:
“How do I make this pain stop?”
we also want patients asking:
“What can I do to keep my body functioning well so I can continue doing the things I love?”
That’s a very different conversation.
And it’s one we love having.
You’re Not Just a Spine to Us
You’re a person.
You have a family.
A job.
Hobbies.
Responsibilities.
Goals.
Things you want to get back to doing.
Maybe it’s picking up your child without worrying about your back.
Maybe it’s playing another round of golf.
Maybe it’s getting through a workday without a headache.
Maybe it’s competing in your sport.
Maybe it’s traveling after retirement.
Or maybe you simply want to wake up and feel like yourself again.
Those things matter to us because they matter to you.
After more than two decades of caring for patients, we’ve learned that people aren’t simply looking for an adjustment.
They’re looking for someone who will listen.
Someone who will investigate.
Someone who will explain.
Someone who will give them an honest recommendation.
And someone who will continue listening as their needs change.
That’s the experience we’ve worked to create at Chandler Chiropractic.
Thorough when thoroughness matters.
Flexible when your needs change.
Honest when another option is better.
And committed to caring for you like family.
That’s what makes Chandler Chiropractic different.
Lasting Results for All Stages of Life.
Absolutely. In fact, Chandler Chiropractic was founded as a family practice, and caring for entire families remains one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. The whole family can benefit from chiropractic.
It’s not unusual to look around our office and see children, parents, and grandparents all coming in together.
Sometimes we have three generations receiving chiropractic care at the same time.
We’ve even had four generations of the same family under care in our office.
That’s pretty special to us.
Chiropractic Care for Every Stage of Life
Every member of a family is different.
A child doesn’t have the same needs as Mom.
Mom may not have the same concerns as Dad.
An athlete may be dealing with the physical demands of competition, while Grandma or Grandpa may simply want to stay mobile enough to travel, golf, garden, walk, and remain independent.
That’s why being a family chiropractic practice doesn’t mean giving everyone in the family the same care.
It means understanding what each individual needs at their particular stage of life.
Our examination, adjusting approach, recommendations, and goals are adapted to the age, history, health, lifestyle, and needs of each person we see.
Families Often Start With One Person
We’ve seen this happen countless times.
One member of the family comes to us because something is bothering them.
They begin feeling and functioning better.
Then their spouse starts asking questions.
Then someone mentions the child who’s playing sports.
Or the parent who’s struggling to stay active.
Before long, we’re caring for several members of the same family.
And we love that.
There’s something different about caring for a family over time. We get to know their lives, their activities, their challenges, and what matters to them.
Different People. Different Goals. One Family.
Not everyone in your family needs to have the same symptoms—or even come to us for the same reason.
One person may be experiencing headaches.
Another may have neck or low back pain.
A young athlete may be recovering from a sports injury or working on mobility and function.
An older family member may be focused on staying active and independent.
And sometimes someone simply wants to know whether chiropractic care is appropriate for them.
That’s where the conversation begins.
We don’t assume every member of the family needs chiropractic care simply because one person does. We evaluate each person individually and make recommendations based on what we find.
It’s Why Our Tagline Means So Much to Us
When we say:
Lasting Results for All Stages of Life
it’s more than a tagline.
It represents the kind of practice we’ve worked to build from the beginning—a place where we can care for a child as they grow, support an athlete through years of competition, help Mom and Dad stay active, and eventually care for Grandma and Grandpa too.
From the youngest members of your family to the oldest, our goal is to help each person keep doing more of what they love for as long as possible.
That’s family chiropractic at Chandler Chiropractic.
Absolutely seniors receive chiropractic care and see great results. We regularly care for older adults and seniors at Chandler Chiropractic.
One of our biggest goals for patients as they get older is helping them remain active and continue doing the things that make life enjoyable.
Traveling.
Golfing.
Walking.
Gardening.
Driving.
Exercising.
Playing with the grandchildren.
Simply maintaining the freedom to keep doing what they love.
Getting older doesn’t mean you have to stop moving.
Chiropractic Care Should Change With the Patient
A 75-year-old patient shouldn’t necessarily be adjusted the same way as a 25-year-old athlete.
That’s why understanding the individual patient is so important.
Before recommending care, our doctors take a thorough health history and perform an examination to understand previous injuries, current concerns, mobility, balance when appropriate, medications, health conditions, and other factors that may affect our recommendations.
When clinically appropriate, we may also take digital X-rays to evaluate the spine for findings such as degeneration, arthritis, previous injuries, structural changes, and other information that may influence how—or whether—we adjust a patient.
If we have concerns about bone health, osteoporosis, a fracture, or another condition that requires additional evaluation, we’ll recommend the appropriate next step before moving forward.
Safety always comes first.
Are Chiropractic Adjustments Gentle Enough for Seniors?
Chiropractic care can be modified considerably based on the individual patient.
Some older adults are comfortable with traditional hands-on adjustments.
Others may benefit from a gentler approach using an instrument such as an Activator.
We can also modify positioning—including adjusting a patient while sitting upright when appropriate—if getting on or off the table or lying in a particular position is uncomfortable.
There isn’t one adjustment that every senior receives.
We adapt the care to the person—not the person to the care.
Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Care?
Chandler Chiropractic accepts Medicare.
Medicare coverage for chiropractic services has specific requirements and limitations, so our team can help you understand how your individual benefits apply and what costs you may be responsible for.
We believe patients should understand the financial side of their care before making decisions, just as they should understand the clinical recommendations.
It’s About More Than Getting Older
Many older patients aren’t interested in slowing down.
They want to stay active.
They want to travel.
They want another round of golf.
They want to walk without worrying about whether they can make it back.
They want to work in their garden, exercise, drive, spend time with their families, and maintain as much independence as possible.
That’s what makes caring for older adults so rewarding.
Our goal isn’t to make someone younger.
It’s to meet them where they are, understand what their body needs, and help them continue doing more of what they love for as long as possible.
That’s what Lasting Results for All Stages of Life means to us.
Absolutely, we work with young athletes. Athletes of all ages are an important part of our practice at Chandler Chiropractic.
We care for young athletes participating in everything from football and basketball to gymnastics, baseball, soccer, golf, dance, cheer, wrestling, and many other sports.
Some come to us because they’re dealing with an injury.
Others want help with mobility, function, recovery, or the physical demands their sport places on their body.
And some families simply choose to make chiropractic part of their athlete’s overall approach to staying healthy and active.
Young Athletes Put a Lot of Stress on Their Bodies
Sports are good for kids, but they’re also demanding.
Running, jumping, tackling, throwing, tumbling, lifting, swinging, falling, and repetitive training can place significant stress on a developing body.
Sometimes there’s one obvious injury.
Other times, it’s the accumulation of hundreds or thousands of repetitions throughout a season.
That’s why we don’t only ask:
“Where does it hurt?”
We want to understand the athlete, the sport they play, previous injuries, training schedule, movement patterns, physical demands, and what they’re trying to accomplish.
Chiropractic Isn’t Just About Sports Injuries
Many athletes first discover chiropractic because something hurts.
But pain isn’t the only reason athletes come to our office.
Athletic performance depends on the entire body working together. Mobility, coordination, strength, balance, joint function, and the nervous system all play important roles in how an athlete moves and performs.
The nervous system is the communication network between the brain and the rest of the body—including the muscles involved in movement and athletic performance.
That’s one reason our doctors look beyond the painful area and evaluate how the athlete is functioning as a whole.
When chiropractic care is appropriate, our goal is to support healthy spinal and joint function, mobility, and movement so the athlete can continue doing what they love.
What About Concussions?
Concussions deserve special attention.
If an athlete has sustained a head injury or is showing signs of a possible concussion, the concussion needs to be properly evaluated and managed by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Return-to-play decisions should never be based simply on whether an athlete says they feel better.
A concussion can also occur alongside injuries involving the neck and surrounding musculoskeletal structures. Once the athlete has been appropriately evaluated, our doctors can determine whether chiropractic care has a role in addressing those associated concerns and work alongside other healthcare professionals when necessary.
Healthcare is a team sport—and that is especially important when we’re caring for young athletes.
From Young Athletes to Lifelong Athletes
One of the things we love about our practice is that athletics doesn’t have an age limit.
We care for student athletes, weekend warriors, competitive adults, golfers, runners, gym enthusiasts, and people who simply want to remain active as they get older.
Sometimes we’ll care for the young athlete and realize Mom and Dad are sitting in the waiting room dealing with their own aches and pains.
Before long, we’re caring for the whole family.
That’s one of our favorite parts of what we do.
Whether the goal is recovering from an injury, supporting better movement, staying active, or simply continuing to participate in the sport you love, our recommendations begin with understanding the individual athlete—not simply the sport they play.
Because ultimately, performance isn’t just about today’s game or this season.
It’s about helping athletes stay healthy, active, and doing what they love for years to come.
Lasting Results for All Stages of Life.
Yes. Children and pediatric patients are an important part of our practice at Chandler Chiropractic.
Our doctors love caring for children—from infants and growing kids to teenagers and young athletes—and we especially enjoy having the opportunity to care for multiple generations of the same family.
Children aren’t simply smaller adults. Their bodies are growing and developing, their lifestyles are different, and the way we examine and adjust them should reflect their age, size, development, history, and individual needs.
Why Do Parents Bring Their Children to a Chiropractor?
Parents come to our office for many different reasons.
Sometimes there’s an obvious musculoskeletal concern, such as discomfort, posture, mobility, a fall, or a sports-related injury.
Other parents have questions about chiropractic while their child is experiencing concerns such as colic, ear infections, digestive issues, bedwetting, focus or concentration difficulties, or other health challenges.
It’s important to make a distinction:
A child having one of these conditions doesn’t automatically mean chiropractic is the answer.
Our role is to listen to what’s happening, understand the child’s history, perform an age-appropriate examination, and determine whether chiropractic care may have an appropriate role or whether another healthcare provider should be involved.
Is Pediatric Chiropractic Different From Adult Chiropractic?
Yes.
The techniques and amount of force used with infants and young children are modified appropriately for their age, size, and development. Our doctors use gentle approaches and explain what they’re doing so parents can understand and feel comfortable with the process.
As children grow—and especially as they become active in sports—their needs can change considerably.
That’s why we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to pediatric chiropractic care.
We Love Caring for the Whole Family
One of our favorite things about being a family chiropractic practice is watching families grow.
We may care for Mom and Dad, then their children, and eventually find ourselves helping a young athlete through the physical demands of the sport they love.
Our goal is the same regardless of age:
Listen first. Examine thoroughly. Explain what we find. And make recommendations based on the individual person in front of us.
That’s what we mean by Lasting Results for All Stages of Life.
In most cases, no—you do not need a referral to schedule an appointment with a chiropractor in Arizona.
Most patients can contact Chandler Chiropractic directly and schedule their first visit without seeing another healthcare provider first or obtaining a referral.
What If I Have Medicare?
If you have Original Medicare, you generally do not need a referral to see a chiropractor.
However, some Medicare Advantage, replacement, or supplemental plans may have their own requirements. Depending on your individual plan, a referral or other authorization may be required for chiropractic benefits.
Because these plans can vary, it’s always a good idea to verify the requirements of your particular policy.
If you’re unsure, give our office a call. Our team can help you understand what information may be needed and work with you to verify your chiropractic benefits.
What About Other Insurance Plans?
Most of the general insurance plans we work with do not require patients to obtain a referral before seeing a chiropractor.
Insurance policies and benefits can change, however, so we’ll always work to verify the details of your individual coverage rather than making assumptions based solely on the name of your insurance company.
Don’t let uncertainty about a referral keep you from calling.
Our team deals with insurance questions every day and can help you determine what applies to your particular situation before you begin care.
What you’ll need depends somewhat on your individual situation, but you should bring a few basic items can help make your first visit to Chandler Chiropractic go smoothly.
For most new patients, we recommend bringing:
- Photo ID, such as your driver’s license
- Insurance card, if you’ll be using insurance
- Glasses or reading glasses, if you need them for paperwork
- A current medication list, especially medications you’d like your doctor to be aware of
- Previous imaging or reports, such as an MRI, X-rays, or other relevant diagnostic studies, if you have them available
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything. Our team will help you determine what’s actually needed based on your circumstances.
What Should I Bring If I Was Injured in a Car Accident?
If you’re coming to Chandler Chiropractic following an auto accident or other personal injury, we’ll need some additional information so our team can properly document your case.
When available, please bring:
- Your auto insurance information
- Accident and claim information
- Your claim number
- Attorney information, if you’re working with an attorney
- Any previous imaging, medical records, or other information related to the accident
- Your photo ID and health insurance information, when applicable
If you’re unsure what you need, don’t let that keep you from scheduling or coming to your appointment.
Give our office a call, and we’ll help you figure out exactly what applies to your situation.
Our goal is to make getting started as simple as possible so that when you arrive, we can focus our attention where it belongs—on you.
Wear whatever you’re comfortable in.
You don’t need special clothing for your first visit to Chandler Chiropractic. Comfortable clothes that allow you to move easily can be helpful during the examination, but there’s no need to change your normal routine just for your appointment.
What If I’m Wearing a Dress or Skirt?
No problem.
We have shorts and gowns available in the office if your doctor needs them for your examination or X-rays. Your comfort and privacy are important to us, and we’ll explain anything that’s needed before proceeding.
What About Jewelry and Shoes?
If X-rays are needed, jewelry and other metal items in the area being imaged may need to be removed. Wearing less jewelry can simply make that part of your visit a little easier.
Shoes that are easy to take on and off can also be convenient, but they’re certainly not required.
Most importantly, come as you are.
We’ll provide anything special you may need for your examination or X-rays and make the process as comfortable and easy as possible.
At Chandler Chiropractic, we have multiple doctors who work together as a team. You may not always see the same chiropractor and while each chiropractor brings their own experience and professional judgment to your care, our doctors follow the same Chandler Chiropractic philosophy and clinical systems. They share a similar approach to adjusting, a commitment to thorough examinations and patient education, and a common goal:
Understanding the bigger picture behind your symptoms and providing consistent, individualized care.
Your Care Doesn’t Start Over With a Different Doctor
One of the advantages of our team approach is the way we communicate.
We take detailed notes at every visit, including what was found, what was done, how your body has been responding, and the feedback you’ve shared with us.
Before adjusting you, our doctors can review your previous visit information and your available imaging so they understand your history and can build upon the care you’ve already received.
You’re not starting over simply because another doctor walks into the room.
Your care continues from where the previous visit left off.
Our Doctors Work From the Same Playbook
Consistency among our doctors is extremely important to us.
Our doctors are trained in the clinical systems and philosophy we’ve developed at Chandler Chiropractic so patients can feel confident seeing the entire team.
That doesn’t mean every adjustment will be identical.
In fact, it shouldn’t be.
Your needs can change from one visit to another. Our doctors use your history, examination findings, imaging, previous visit notes, your response to care, and what you’re telling us that day to determine the appropriate approach for that visit.
The goal is a seamless experience, regardless of which doctor you’re seeing.
What If I Prefer One Particular Doctor?
Just tell us.
Some patients enjoy seeing different doctors on our team, while others prefer the familiarity of seeing the same chiropractor each visit.
We’re happy to work with your preference whenever scheduling allows.
If you choose to see only one specific doctor, your appointment options may be more limited based on that doctor’s schedule, and occasionally you may have a longer wait.
If flexibility and convenience are more important to you, you can feel comfortable seeing another doctor on our team knowing they have access to the information necessary to continue your care.
Ultimately, we want you to be comfortable.
Whether you prefer one doctor or enjoy seeing our entire team, our goal is for you to receive the same level of attention, communication, and commitment to your health every time you walk through our doors.
We’ll tell you. If chiropractic is not the right option for you, we will have that conversation.
As doctors, we need to recognize when chiropractic care fits your needs and when another healthcare provider should become involved.
That starts with a thorough history and examination. When appropriate, digital X-rays can give us additional information and help us decide whether chiropractic care makes sense, whether we need to modify our approach, or whether you should receive further evaluation first.
If your needs fall outside the scope of our care, we won’t pretend otherwise.
Healthcare Is a Team Sport
Over the years, we’ve built relationships with physical therapists, orthopedic specialists, pain management providers, imaging facilities, and other healthcare professionals.
If your examination suggests that you need an MRI, other diagnostic testing, or an evaluation with another provider, we’ll help you determine the next step.
Another provider may need to take the lead. Chiropractic care may still fit into a broader healthcare plan. In some cases, chiropractic simply isn’t the right place to begin.
Your health matters more to us than keeping every part of your care inside our office.
Chiropractic Doesn’t Have to Compete With Other Healthcare
We don’t believe healthcare has to be either/or.
You may benefit from chiropractic care while also working with a physical therapist, primary care physician, orthopedic specialist, pain management provider, or another healthcare professional.
Each provider brings a different area of expertise.
As chiropractors, we focus on the relationship between the spine, movement, and nervous system.
I often describe the nervous system as the motherboard of the body because the brain, spinal cord, and nerves form a communication network that supports movement, sensation, coordination, and many other normal body functions.
That’s why chiropractors pay close attention to the spine and nervous system.
At the same time, we don’t believe chiropractic is the answer to every health problem.
It isn’t.
Good healthcare requires us to understand our role, recognize when another provider’s expertise can help, and keep your needs at the center of every decision.
Good Doctors Know When to Refer
When chiropractic care fits your needs, we’ll explain why.
When another provider should become involved, we’ll explain that too.
If you need additional testing before we can make a recommendation, we’ll tell you.
We don’t view a referral as a failure.
We view it as good healthcare.
Our goal isn’t to prove that chiropractic is the answer.
Our goal is to help you find the right answer for you.
No two patients are exactly the same.
That’s why we believe a chiropractic care plan should NOT be exactly the same either.
When our doctors make recommendations, they consider your health history, previous injuries and accidents, examination findings, X-rays when clinically appropriate, current symptoms, lifestyle, physical demands, stress levels, goals, and how your body responds as care progresses.
Our goal isn’t simply to help you feel better for a few days and then repeat the same cycle when the problem returns.
We’re looking for lasting improvement in how your body moves and functions.
Why Can Care Be More Frequent in the Beginning?
This is something we spend time explaining to patients.
When chiropractic care is appropriate, visits may be more frequent during the beginning stages of a care plan. As your body responds and progress is demonstrated, your doctor may recommend changing that frequency over time.
Think about other changes you make in your body.
You don’t build muscle by going to the gym once.
You don’t improve your fitness by exercising once a month.
And you don’t change long-standing movement patterns overnight.
Meaningful change generally requires consistency over time.
That’s one reason frequency can be an important part of the doctor’s initial recommendations.
But Frequency Is Only One Part of Your Plan
While some patients may begin with similar visit frequencies, that doesn’t mean they’re receiving identical care.
Far from it.
Where and how your doctor adjusts you will depend on your individual examination findings and how your body is functioning. Your doctor’s approach may even change from one visit to another as your body responds and your needs change.
If physical therapy, rehabilitation exercises, massage therapy, home recommendations, or other supportive services are appropriate, those recommendations are also based on your individual needs.
Your care should evolve as you do.
We Also Have to Consider the Stress You’re Still Experiencing
Healing doesn’t happen in a bubble.
While we’re working with the effects of previous injuries and accumulated stress, you’re still living your life.
You’re still working.
Sitting at the computer.
Driving.
Exercising.
Raising children.
Experiencing emotional stress.
Sleeping in the same bed.
Doing many of the things your body was adapting to before you ever walked through our doors.
Those factors can influence how you respond and are part of the bigger picture your doctor considers when evaluating your progress and recommendations.
What If I Just Want Relief?
That’s okay too.
Some patients come to Chandler Chiropractic looking for the most comprehensive approach possible. Others simply want help getting out of pain and aren’t interested in pursuing a longer-term plan of care.
We can meet you where you are.
Our doctors will always have an honest conversation with you about what they found, what they believe is contributing to your problem, and the care they professionally believe gives you the best opportunity for optimal results.
We take that responsibility seriously.
A doctor shouldn’t change a professional recommendation simply because it’s easier to hear. We want to give you the same recommendation we’d want a member of our own family to receive.
But it’s also important to understand something:
It’s your health, and ultimately it’s your decision.
You can accept all of the doctor’s recommendations, some of them, or decide that relief-focused care better fits what you’re looking for right now.
If relief is your goal, we’ll respect that decision.
And choosing relief-focused care doesn’t mean you’ll receive less attention, less compassion, or less effort from our doctors. We’ll bring the same commitment to your visits and work with you toward the goals you’ve chosen, within what we believe can be provided safely and appropriately.
That’s what we mean when we say healthcare should be a conversation.
Our responsibility is to give you our best professional recommendation. Your responsibility is to decide what’s right for you. Our job is to respect that decision and continue caring for you to the best of our ability.
That’s individualized care at Chandler Chiropractic.
After your examination and any clinically appropriate digital X-rays are complete, your doctor’s work isn’t finished.
In many ways, it’s just beginning.
Your doctor needs time to take everything we’ve learned about you and put the pieces together.
That includes your current symptoms, previous injuries and accidents, health history, lifestyle, examination findings, and what we’re seeing on your X-rays.
No single finding tells the whole story.
Your X-rays don’t tell the whole story.
Your examination doesn’t tell the whole story.
And where you hurt today doesn’t necessarily tell the whole story.
It’s when we evaluate all of that information together that your doctor can develop a more complete understanding of what’s happening and determine the most appropriate recommendation for you.
Your Doctor Takes Time to Analyze Your Findings
We don’t believe recommendations should be made in a hurry.
Your doctor will carefully review your examination findings and X-rays, looking at factors such as spinal structure, alignment, curves, degeneration, previous injuries, and other findings that may influence your recommendations.
When appropriate, your X-rays may also be sent to an independent radiologist for an additional professional interpretation.
Once your doctor has completed that analysis, we’ll be ready to sit down with you and explain what we’ve found.
We want you to understand what’s happening in your body, what we recommend, why we’re recommending it, and what you can realistically expect moving forward.
Why Does Chiropractic Care Sometimes Take Time?
One analogy we often use with patients is orthodontics.
You wouldn’t expect an orthodontist to adjust your braces once and have perfectly straight teeth the next morning.
The body needs time to adapt to change.
The same principle of gradual adaptation is important when thinking about chiropractic care. If your examination indicates that chiropractic is appropriate, your recommendations will take into consideration how long you’ve been experiencing the problem, your examination and imaging findings, previous injuries, your overall health, and how your body responds to care.
That’s why two patients who walk into our office with the same complaint may receive very different recommendations.
We aren’t developing a plan for a headache, a bad back, or a painful neck. We’re developing recommendations for the individual patient sitting in front of us.
And our doctors will always recommend what they believe is in your best interest.
Yes. Chandler Chiropractic accepts all insurance plans*, although your individual chiropractic benefits can vary significantly depending on your specific policy. *Please note, if you are on Medicaid or AHCCCS insurance – those two insurance are NOT accepted in our office.
Even two people with the same insurance company may have very different deductibles, copays, coverage limits, and chiropractic benefits.
That’s why we don’t want to simply tell you, “Yes, we take your insurance,” and leave it at that.
We’ll Help You Understand Your Benefits
Our experienced billing team works to verify your chiropractic benefits as accurately as possible. In many cases, information from your doctor’s examination and the appropriate diagnosis codes helps us better determine how your specific plan may apply to your care.
Once we’ve gathered that information, we’ll review your benefits with you before you begin your recommended care plan, so you have a clearer understanding of your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.
What If I Have a Deductible?
Many insurance plans have deductibles that must be met before certain benefits begin paying. Chiropractic coverage is no different, and your deductible may apply to your care.
But don’t panic.
We understand that insurance coverage isn’t always as comprehensive as patients expect, and we’re very sensitive to the financial side of healthcare.
We’ll work with you.
You’re welcome to pay for your care in the way that works best for you, whether that means utilizing your insurance benefits, choosing available cash-payment options, or discussing financing.
We offer financing through CareCredit as well as in-house payment options for qualifying patients.
Our goal is transparency.
Before beginning care, we want you to understand what’s being recommended, what your insurance may cover, and what you may be responsible for financially—so you can make an informed decision without surprises.
Most new patients can use our online new-patient discount. Your first visit costs $49, typically and includes a consultation, chiropractic exam, and X-rays when clinically appropriate.
We make your first visit cost clear and simple.
What If I Have Insurance?
You can use insurance for chiropractic care when your plan covers it. Coverage varies by plan.
We often need information from your exam, including the correct diagnosis codes, to verify your chiropractic benefits. This helps us determine how your plan may apply.
Many patients choose our discounted first-visit option because it offers a predictable starting cost. We can then review your condition and verify your insurance benefits when applicable.
Our team will explain your coverage, benefits, and potential costs before you begin a recommended care plan.
What If I’m Paying Cash?
Cash-paying patients can also use our straightforward first-visit pricing.
We encourage you to ask questions about cost. You should understand the financial side of your care before you begin.
Our goal is transparency. We want you to understand your recommended care and its potential cost before you decide to move forward.
Your first visit to Chandler Chiropractic typically takes about 60 minutes.
We intentionally reserve that time so your doctor doesn’t have to rush through one of the most important parts of your care—understanding you.
During your first appointment, our team will take time to review your health history and current concerns, talk with you about how your symptoms developed, complete a thorough chiropractic examination, and, when clinically appropriate, take digital X-rays.
We believe that time matters.
Our goal isn’t simply to identify where you hurt. We want to gather the information necessary to better understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and make thoughtful, individualized recommendations about what comes next.
Complete Your Paperwork Before You Arrive
To make your first visit as smooth and efficient as possible, we’ll send your new-patient paperwork to you digitally before your appointment.
Completing it before you arrive can help save time in the office and gives our doctors an opportunity to review important information about your history and current concerns.
So while you should plan on approximately an hour for your first visit, know that the time isn’t spent waiting around.
It’s time we’ve intentionally set aside to listen, examine, investigate, and begin putting together the complete picture of your health.
We do a thorough initial exam because the better we understand you, the better recommendations we can make.
When a patient comes into Chandler Chiropractic with pain or another symptom, we don’t want to know only where it hurts today. We want to understand the history that may have led to where they are now.
Many patients tell us: “It just started out of nowhere.” And sometimes symptoms really do begin suddenly.
But other times, what feels like a sudden problem may actually be the point when the body can no longer compensate for stresses that have been accumulating for months, years, or even decades.
Previous car accidents. Sports injuries. Falls. Years behind a computer. Physical demands at work. Poor posture. Emotional stress. Lifestyle and nutritional factors.
Sometimes there’s one obvious event. Other times, there are multiple factors that have accumulated over time.
That’s why we don’t want to simply ask, “Where does it hurt?”
We want to ask, “How did you get here?”
Your History Helps Us Understand the Bigger Picture
During your initial visit, your doctor and our Chiropractic Assistants take time to understand your current symptoms, previous injuries, lifestyle, health history, and the physical, emotional, and chemical stresses that may be relevant to your situation.
We then combine that information with a thorough physical examination and, when clinically appropriate, digital X-rays. Each part gives us another piece of information.
Together, they help your doctor determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate and, if it is, what type of individualized recommendation makes the most sense for you.
Your history and examination can also help us identify factors that may influence your progress and give us a more informed basis for discussing what you might realistically expect from care.
We Don’t Want You Riding the Pain Roller Coaster. Many patients have experienced the same frustrating cycle for years: They hurt. They feel better. The problem returns. They feel better again. Then it comes back. The pain roller coaster.
Our goal is to look beyond today’s symptoms and better understand the factors that may be contributing to that cycle. Because if we’re looking for lasting results rather than another quick fix, a good recommendation has to start with a good examination. That’s why we’re thorough.
Many patients ask this, will I get adjusted on my first visit, when they call our office.
At Chandler Chiropractic, our doctors first review your health history and complete an appropriate examination. They may also take and study X-rays before recommending an adjustment.
If we take X-rays, we believe we should carefully review them. Imaging does more than create a picture of your spine. When clinically appropriate, it can help your doctor:
- Understand your spinal structure
- Identify findings that may affect your care
- Decide whether an adjustment is appropriate
For these reasons, we do not rush through your examination just to provide an adjustment.
We Also Want to Hear From You. If you hope to receive an adjustment during your first visit, please tell us.
Our doctors welcome open conversations. We want to learn about your expectations, past chiropractic care, concerns, and goals.
After your evaluation, your doctor may feel comfortable providing an adjustment that day. In other cases, the doctor may recommend completing the examination, reviewing your X-rays, or gathering more information first.
If that happens, we will explain the reason.
Good healthcare should involve a conversation. We will listen to your concerns, explain what we find, and share our professional recommendation. Then, we can decide on the most appropriate next step together.
We want to meet you where you are while providing the careful, thorough care every patient deserves.
Your first visit has one main purpose: to understand your health before recommending care. Most initial appointments take about 60 minutes.
We Begin With Your Health History
Your chiropractor and Chiropractic Assistants will ask about your health history. They will also discuss the symptoms or concerns that brought you to our office.
We may ask:
- When did the problem begin?
- How did your symptoms develop?
- Have you experienced injuries or accidents?
- What makes your symptoms better or worse?
- What treatments have you already tried?
- How do your symptoms affect daily life?
The event that caused you to seek care may not be the original source of the problem. That is why we look beyond what hurts today. Understanding your history helps us evaluate your current condition more accurately.
Next, We Perform a Thorough Examination
Your chiropractor will complete a comprehensive examination. This evaluation may include your:
- Spine
- Movement
- Posture
- Muscle function
- Neurological findings
- Other areas related to your concerns
We also check your spine for changes in movement, alignment, and function. Chiropractors commonly refer to these findings as subluxations.
This process helps us connect your symptoms with your examination findings. It also gives us the information needed to consider appropriate next steps.
Digital X-Rays When Clinically Appropriate
Your doctor may recommend digital X-rays when they are clinically appropriate. Imaging can provide additional information about your spine and overall condition.
Our digital X-ray system may help us evaluate:
- Spinal alignment and curves
- Degenerative changes
- Signs of previous injuries
- Other findings that may affect your care
X-rays can also reveal information that changes our recommendations. We may adjust our approach, request additional testing, or determine that chiropractic care is not the best starting point.
When appropriate, we send X-rays to an independent radiologist. This provides an additional professional interpretation at no extra charge during your initial analysis.
We Review Your Findings Before Making Recommendations
We do not believe your care plan should be decided in a rushed conversation.
After your examination and any necessary imaging, your doctor reviews the findings carefully. We consider what those findings mean for your health, goals, and current condition.
If chiropractic care appears appropriate, we create individualized recommendations. These recommendations reflect your history, examination results, and personal goals.
If another step should come first, we will explain that clearly.
Your first visit at Chandler Chiropractic is about more than receiving an adjustment. It begins with understanding you.
We listen, investigate, and gather the information needed to make thoughtful recommendations about your next step.
A PHILOSOPHY, ART & SCIENCE SINCE 1897
The History Behind Chiropractic
Daniel David “D.D.” Palmer operated a magnetic healing office on the corner of Second and Brady streets in downtown Davenport, Iowa. Dr. Palmer realized that although various forms of manipulation had been used for hundreds if not thousands of years, nobody had developed a philosophical or scientific rationale to explain their effects. Dr. Palmer made a point to codify the philosophy, art and science of this practice. Dr. Palmer named it chiropractic which comes from the Greek words, cheir, meaning “hand” and praktos, meaning “done” — resulting in the phrase “done by hand.”
In September 1895, Dr. Palmer performed the first chiropractic adjustment
Dr. Palmer noticed that the janitor, Harvey Lillard, who worked in his building, was nearly deaf. Dr. Palmer inquired about the cause of his deafness and was informed that when Harvey was exerting himself in a cramped, stooped position, he felt something give in his back and immediately became deaf. Harvey had been nearly deaf for 17 years.
Dr. Palmer decided to examine Harvey. Upon examination, he noticed a bump, which he determined to be a spinal vertebrae out of position. Harvey said he noticed this bump right after he lost his hearing.
Dr. Palmer reasoned that if the vertebra was replaced, Harvey’s hearing should be restored. With this object in view and a half-hour talk to persuade Harvey that it would work, Dr. Palmer racked the misaligned vertebrae into position by using the spinous process as a lever and soon after the man could hear as before.
From this first adjustment, Dr. Palmer continued to develop this new method of healing people and in 1897 established the Palmer School of Cure in Davenport. Dr. Palmer’s son B.J. Palmer headed the school from 1906 until his death in 1961. He changed the school’s name to Palmer School of Chiropractic, which is now known as the Palmer College of Chiropractic. Since Palmer College opened, chiropractic has developed rapidly and there are now more than 35 chiropractic schools and colleges around the world.
