How to Find a Good Chiropractor: A Complete Guide
- Caleb Gorman D.C.
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
When you’re dealing with sciatica, a nagging sports injury, or even something as simple as "I slept on my neck wrong", it can be overwhelming trying to decide what kind of care you need—and who you can trust to provide it. Chiropractors are often one of the first providers people think of when it comes to musculoskeletal (MSK) problems. But with so many different practices, philosophies, and treatment styles out there, how do you actually find a good chiropractor?
This guide walks you through what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to tell the difference between a chiropractor who only offers short-term fixes and one who can truly help you recover, stay active, and prevent future problems.
The Challenge: Not All Chiropractors Practice the Same Way
One of the most confusing things about chiropractic care is that it’s not standardized the way many medical specialties are. Two chiropractors could have the same degree (Doctor of Chiropractic, or DC), but their approach to care may look completely different.
Some focus almost exclusively on spinal adjustments, often delivered in high-volume settings.
Others emphasize rehabilitation, soft tissue therapy, and patient education alongside adjustments.
Then you will find chiropractors that fall somewhere in between.
For patients, it’s hard to know who’s right for you. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of a chiropractor who will give you comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Step 1: Check Credentials and Licensing
The most basic requirement for any chiropractor is a DC degree from an accredited chiropractic college, plus an active license in your state.
But good chiropractors go beyond the basics. They pursue advanced certifications that prove they are serious about musculoskeletal care. Some of the most valuable include:
MDT (McKenzie Method): A system that helps identify the root cause of back, neck, and extremity pain, and teaches patients how to self-manage.
DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization): Focused on restoring natural movement and stability, especially valuable for athletes.
ART (Active Release Technique): A gold-standard soft tissue therapy for overuse injuries and adhesions.
Dry Needling: A powerful evidence-based technique for releasing tight muscles and reducing pain.
If a chiropractor has invested in one or more of these, it’s a strong sign they treat far more than just the spine—they treat the entire musculoskeletal system.
Step 2: Look for a Thorough Exam Process
A good chiropractor won’t start treatment without a proper evaluation. Your first visit should include:
A detailed history of your symptoms, activities, and medical background.
A physical exam assessing posture, joint movement, strength, and neurological function.
Clear communication about what they believe is happening and why.
If your first visit feels rushed or treatment begins without understanding your condition, that’s a red flag.
Step 3: Pay Attention to the Treatment Plan
Forward-thinking chiropractors create customized treatment plans that combine different strategies. These plans should include:
Short-term goals: Reducing pain, improving motion.
Medium-term goals: Restoring strength, movement, and function.
Long-term goals: Preventing recurrence through exercise and lifestyle strategies.
You should also receive home exercises or self-care strategies—not just in-office care. If your chiropractor expects you to come in multiple times a week indefinitely with no end in sight, that’s a red flag.
Step 4: Notice Their Toolbox
While adjustments are powerful, they should not be the only thing offered. Chiropractors treating MSK conditions effectively often use a toolbox approach, which may include:
Adjustments and mobilizations
Soft tissue therapy (ART, Graston, myofascial release)
Dry needling
Corrective exercise and rehab
Movement retraining (DNS, McKenzie)
Education on ergonomics, activity modification, and recovery
Decompression, Shockwave, Laser Therapy
The more comprehensive the approach, the better your chances of lasting results.
Step 5: Evaluate Their Communication
A good chiropractor explains things clearly and encourages your involvement. They’ll answer questions like:
What is causing my pain?
How long will it take to improve?
What can I do at home to help myself?
If the focus is only on “you need more adjustments,” without explanation or empowerment, you may want to keep looking.
Step 6: Look at Reviews and Referrals
Referrals: Ask friends, family, or your primary care doctor for recommendations. Athletes can ask coaches or trainers, since they often know the best local MSK providers.
Reviews: Read Google reviews —look for patterns in how people describe their experience. Do they mention feeling listened to? Getting lasting results? Having a clear plan?
Step 7: Know the Red Flags
Not every chiropractor practices evidence-based care. Be cautious if you hear:
“You’ll need adjustments 3x per week for life.”
“We can cure non-MSK conditions like asthma or diabetes.”
“You have a subluxation causing nerve interference."
While adjustments are powerful, MSK conditions require a more complete approach.
Why Comprehensive MSK Care Matters
Musculoskeletal conditions are complex. There is never one exact reason you have pain. It's usually a multitude of things piled on together. They come from:
Movement dysfunction
Weakness or overload
Soft tissue restrictions
Postural adaptations
Repetitive stress
That’s why chiropractors who use adjustments + rehab + soft tissue + education consistently achieve better outcomes.
For example:
A runner with Achilles tendinopathy needs dry needling, eccentric loading, and ankle mobility.
An office worker with chronic neck tension may need breathing drills and posture education.
A baseball player with shoulder pain may benefit from shoulder manual therapy, rotator cuff strengthening, and thoracic spine mobility.
Where the Forward-Thinking Chiropractic Map Fits In
If you’re still unsure how to pick the right chiropractor, resources like the Forward-Thinking Chiropractic Map can help. This map highlights doctors across the country who are integrating evidence-based, comprehensive MSK care into their practices.
It’s not the only way to find a chiropractor, but it’s a helpful shortcut if you want reassurance that you’re choosing someone who offers more than just adjustments.
Final Checklist for Patients
When searching for a chiropractor, ask yourself:
✅ Are they licensed and do they have advanced certifications (MDT, DNS, ART, Dry Needling)?
✅ Did they take time to evaluate me properly?
✅ Did they create a plan with clear goals and an endpoint?
✅ Do they use more than just adjustments?
✅ Do I feel listened to and included in the process?
✅ Are they giving me tools to help myself?
✅Do they have a network of trusted healthcare providers to refer to when needed?
If the answer to these is yes—you’ve found a good chiropractor.
Closing Thoughts
Finding the right chiropractor can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Look for someone who blends adjustments with soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation, and patient education. Make sure they communicate clearly, use evidence-based methods, and give you a plan that empowers YOU to take charge of your health.
Chiropractic care done well is more than just a quick pop—it’s a comprehensive, patient-centered system for helping people move, heal, and perform at their best.
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