With roughly 70% of Americans experiencing shoulder pain, you’re not alone if you’re feeling uncomfortable. And the last thing you want to do is let pain fester and prevent you from living life to its fullest. That’s why it’s critical to get help right away from a well-credentialed health professional.
Read on to learn how to choose a good chiropractor for shoulder pain relief!
Get Recommendations
You can start your search for a good chiropractor by asking your primary care physician for suggestions. A physical therapist or other medical professional can be a good source of guidance as well.
Turn to neighbors, friends, and other trusted individuals for recommendations. These individuals are more likely to give you an unbiased review. Keep in mind, however, that their treatment needs may have differed greatly from your own.
In other words, a good friend may have sought care from someone specializing in back pain. Even though the doctor may have excellent credentials, they might lack the expertise your shoulder condition requires. Gather recommendations but make a point of interviewing any potential options first.
Check reviews online, too. Doing a quick search of the doctor’s name should pop up reviews in a search engine. These reviews should offer a more unfiltered sense of the chiropractor’s skills and professionalism.
Understand the Chiropractor’s Approach
Not all chiropractic care for shoulder pain is the same. And not all chiropractors specialize in shoulder care. Aim to find a chiropractor with a track record of success working with patients who have shoulder pain.
Look for a chiropractor who takes a holistic approach to addressing shoulder pain as well. This means they’ll take the time to investigate the cause of the pain before prescribing a treatment plan. In other words, they won’t jump to a quick diagnosis.
They likely will do manual manipulations to help promote pain relief. They may do muscle re-education or dry needling. You’ll want to see a chiropractor who has a range of treatment options to suit your individual needs.
Some chiropractors will use cold and heat therapy. Others will use electrical stimulation. They may recommend dietary supplements or exercises to encourage relaxation.
Ultimately, they should offer shoulder pain relief tips that can help you see improvement. Ask what types of treatments they have used on other patients with similar issues. Also, know you’ll probably need to commit time outside of visits to help make the most of their efforts.
Look at Credentials
Make sure you’re trusting a chiropractor with appropriate educational credentials and licensing. They should be licensed to work in your state, and their record should be free of blemishes.
You can check with the licensing organization in your state. You should be able to see if there are any significant complaints or causes for disciplinary action. If there are, you may want to look for another chiropractor.
You may find evidence of maltreatment in patient reviews online, as well. Too many red flags or question marks mean you should move on to another option.
Confirm that the chiropractor you work with has a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from an accredited institution. Moreover, they should be involved in ongoing learning.
Ask a prospective chiropractor if they attend conferences. And ask if they are involved in regional or national organizations within the discipline.
You should be able to find this information on their website. A professional website should also detail the chiropractor’s years of experience. If you see an outdated or incomplete website for a chiropractor you’re considering, turn your attention to another possibility.
Consider Communication
Find a good chiropractor who also is a good communicator. It’s critical you understand what they’re telling you as they walk through your problems and offer a treatment plan. You don’t want to hire someone unable to phrase complex concepts in a way that is easier to understand.
Plan on scheduling a consultation to meet with a potential chiropractor. You can use this meeting to gauge their communication skills. You’ll also get a chance to see the office and determine whether it’s an environment where you can feel comfortable.
Look for a clean, professional space. You should be greeted upon entering the clinic. Perhaps most importantly, you shouldn’t have to wait too long for your appointment.
When you’re in the office, you want to feel comfortable talking with staff as you sit in the waiting room. And you want to feel like a valued patient. When you begin your actual appointment, you want to feel confident your questions are being answered.
Steer clear of anyone who promises instant results. In general, relieving shoulder pain or any type of chronic pain takes time.
Yes, it’s possible to feel improvements after one visit. But ongoing stretches and exercises are key to seeing long-lasting results.
Ask about telehealth options, too. A good chiropractor will offer this service to help assess your progress. Telehealth adds a layer of communication convenience between in-person visits.
Factor in the Location
Finally, don’t forget to consider location. Determine a radius from your home that will be a convenient distance from your home or office. If you choose a doctor located too far away, you may be less likely to stick with your treatment plan and schedule follow-up appointments.
Choosing the right chiropractor may mean choosing one whose office is within a reasonable commute. This is particularly true if you’ll be making multiple visits for your treatment plan.
Along the same lines, consider your budget. Traveling long distances or taking time off from work can hurt your overall financial picture. This is particularly true if you’re making several trips to the chiropractor as part of your treatment plan.
Find the Right Chiropractor for Shoulder Pain
A good chiropractor for shoulder pain will have appropriate credentials and positive recommendations from trusted individuals. Look for a practitioner with strong communication skills and a skillful approach. And don’t overlook the value of a convenient location if your treatment plan involves multiple visits.
At New York City Wellness, our knowledgeable specialists can help you recover from discomfort or injury. Our custom treatment plans offer relief using the latest techniques. Contact us today to learn more!
