I am often asked this question either by patients who are traveling or have relatives out of town who are in need of care. Finding a good chiropractor is a bit different than finding a good MD. Typically, the referral network is not the same for practitioners of holistic medicine.

If you’re in a new part of the country, sometimes it’s best to contact the local heath food store and ask the staff who in the area has a good reputation. Personal knowledge from someone you trust is always better than on-line reviews. Why? Practitioners can game the system with phony write-ups and Facebook Likes, “Gee, imagine that!”

The issue is further compounded as no two chiropractors work the same. Having been in practice for over 40 years, I’ve seen hundreds of types of chiropractic protocols and styles of practice. This is because chiropractic is not an exact science. Accuracy and skill in adjusting is just as important as the academic book knowledge. Finding someone who’s focused in their work and detailed oriented is equally important as a 4.0 grade average.

In truth, healing is as much an art as it a science and depends on at least five factors:
1) the age of the patient
2) how much damage has been done to the body
3) how much vitality is present in the patient
4) how willing is the patient willing to follow directions
5) how good is the doctor

There are of course the more usual ways to check a practitioner’s references. A few key strokes will quickly put in touch with the state’s licensing board. Once you click on the professional specialty you can scroll down to the practitioner’s name and license number. If an ethical violation has occurred or if disciplinary action has been taken against the doctor, that information will be referenced here.

For myself there are two things I look for when I select a provider in any profession. First, I ask is the practitioner consistent in what they do. There are many different schools of healing as well as different treatment techniques. However, everyone should be following some standard of care according to some protocol.

If a practitioner is consistent in what they’re doing, they’re probably going to get you well- even if it’s inefficient system they’re practicing in. It might just take longer. Second, does the provider have a sense that they’re trying to evolve you. The goal being to get you better to reach maximum medical improvement. Going to a chiropractor three times a week till the sun blows up is just as foolish as being on a life time drug prescription without a periodic review. Pushing forward and making progress should always be the goal. Adjustments in treatment are necessary when deemed appropriate.

The body has it’s own innate intelligence to heal and correct itself. Given some simple changes in diet, digestion, and detoxification will help remove the source of stress. This allows the body to be in a better place to heal itself.

For more information about finding the right practitioner, or how we can help you reach healthy days again, just contact us today.