Chiropractic is an increasingly more widely accepted part of the healthcare model. Research continually backs the effectiveness of chiropractic care. As the profession’s popularity grows, so does the number of offices nationwide. A 2018 license check revealed 68 chiropractors practicing in Livonia alone! This abundance of physicians brings us to the ever-important question: how do I choose the best Livonia chiropractor?
Potential patient needs to remember to do their research. There are various office styles, techniques, equipment, personalities, etc. The list can go on. This diversity is why we suggest diligence before selecting a chiropractor in Livonia. We’ll go over a variety of things to consider below.
Adjusting Technique
A typical visit involves the chiropractor locating a segment of the spine that is not moving correctly and then using force to get that section moving better. When the spine moves, you feel well, and everything works great. Fixated segments can cause pain, tenderness, and other dysfunction.
Throughout time, various techniques have been formulated to move the spine. These techniques range from instrument-assisted to muscle testing to hands-on adjustments. Patients must understand their preferred techniques and ask their potential chiropractor which methods they use.
In our office, we use a combination of hands-on and instrument-assisted adjusting. The amount of force will vary widely from patient to patient, dependent on age, condition of the spine, and patient preference.
We will often utilize instrument-assisted adjusting for older patients, children, or patients who don’t like the “pop” often associated with manual adjustments.
Rehabilitative Knowledge
Research consistently regards a chiropractic adjustment as having a significant impact on patients with back pain.1 Studies also show that incorporating the rehabilitative exercise of the spine can yield even better results.2
Patients may only spend 15 minutes in the office. The chiropractor must provide their patient with stretches and exercises they can perform independently. This both allows the patient to get better quicker and increases the patient’s independence from the chiropractor. A major red flag for anyone shopping for a chiropractor is that they do not offer any therapies they can do independently.
Hours
When searching for a Livonia chiropractor, it is essential to look at their hours. If you work in Livonia, find one you can see before/after work or during your lunch break. If you’re looking for a chiropractor closer to home, ensure they have hours you can make without missing work.
The fact of the matter is that most people who need to see a chiropractor need more than one visit. You can’t go to the gym once and get all your desired muscles. You can’t have braces on for 15 minutes and expect straight teeth. Changes in the body can take time and repetition of visits.
It’s also important that the chiropractor takes into account your busy schedule. Our office knows how busy our patients are. With their agenda in mind, we provide same-day, evening, and Saturday appointments. Saturday appointments are an excellent addition for our patients who have obscure weekday hours.
Office Environment
Picking a chiropractor in Livonia with an office atmosphere you jive with can be difficult. Most desire an atmosphere that is personal but not overbearing. Patients don’t want to feel like another number, but they also don’t want someone else prying into their personal life.
Our office prides itself on a personal atmosphere from the first visit. We provide friendly text and email alerts for appointments and periodic health e-newsletters to ensure patients get the most out of their experience. Our doctor makes care recommendations, but the decision ultimately falls on the patient. We are here to support patients with whatever path they choose.
Our office also boasts a Kid’s Corner. This is a perfect place for kids to play while their parents get adjusted. This eliminates any barriers to parents needing to find a sitter before seeing the chiropractor. We also treated many families and wanted to offer something our younger patients would enjoy.
Community Involvement
Patients should seek a chiropractor that goes beyond his/her involvement in the office. This goes beyond chiropractic and should involve decision-making for any business in any community. They should support those who support something greater than themselves.
Our office focuses on community outreach and our ability to continue impacting those outside our four walls. Dr. Dockery is a proud member of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Dockery personally impacts the community as a member of the local service organization, Livonia Jaycees. In his downtime, Dr. Dockery participates in several local soccer leagues in Livonia and is a regular Jack Kirksey Livonia Recreation Center member.
Whether seeking relief from chronic pain or simply aiming for optimal health, your Livonia chiropractor guides you every step of the way. Contact our office to schedule an appointment by Clicking Here or giving us a call today: 734-427-6333
References:
- Schneider et al. Comparison in spinal manipulation methods and usual medical care for acute and subacute low back pain: a randomized clinical trial. Spine 2015 Feb 15;40(4):209-17.
- Evans, et al. “Two-year follow-up of a randomized clinical trial of spinal manipulation and two types of exercise for patients with chronic neck pain.” Spine. 2002;17(21):2383-9.