Finding the right chiropractor means finding one who suits your needs! A chiropractor you can trust to ease your aches and pains and improve your health.
Choosing a chiropractor is challenging because, like all professions, chiropractors vary in quality, expertise, styles, and processes.
How to find the right chiropractor for you
Find a chiropractor that uses evidence-based research and will explain the problem and recovery time.
Ask a friend for a referral or research your chiropractor before your first visit. It’s ok to ask them questions so you can get an understanding of what to expect from each visit.
Other things you can work out over time, such as your preference for style, technique, and personality.
Finding a chiropractor on the North Shore
We took some time to interview our chiropractors at Balanced Spine, so that you can get a feel for their style and philosophy.
Q: What made you become a chiropractor?
Dr. Robin Taylor
“That is an interesting question. Having been a chiropractor for close on 50 years, looking back it was the realization and further understanding that as humans we are designed to be healthy and that the body is self-healing. Equally, that sickness and disease are a natural part of living and if we treat our bodies properly then we adapt, heal, and maintain health.
At age 20 years that was an amazing revelation and the desire to become a chiropractor and help people was born. The rest is history, and now in the twilight of my career I get to work with many patients and some wonderful younger chiropractors.”
Q: Are all chiropractors different and does it matter what technique a chiropractor uses?
Dr. Natasha Marriage
“Chiropractors are all educated in finding misalignments that are affecting nerve supply and applying a force to correct that misalignment. These are called subluxations. Some chiropractors favour particular techniques, just as some people prefer certain techniques. It often comes down to personal preference, much like drinking your coffee black, with milk, or a milk alternative.
Personally I use manual technique mixed with some soft tissue work. But different chiropractors will do different things, often still getting great results.”
Q: How can I get the most out of my chiropractic appointment?
Dr. Tamsyn Capper
“I always like my patients to come to their appointment nice and relaxed and preferably not in a rush. It’s good to relax and let your nervous system unwind before your adjustment because healing happens best when your nervous system isn’t under stress.
At Balanced Spine we get people laying down for a minute first to help with this. I also ask people to go for a walk after an adjustment to help integrate any changes we’ve made to your body and always drink lots of water. An early night can help too as we know sleep is great for our nervous system and for allowing maximum repair and healing to happen.”
Q: What type of pain is chiropractic most successful in treating?
Dr. Sara Sumich
“Oh this is a great question! There has been lots of studies done that shows the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment, specifically with headaches, neck pain, and back pain. I do find that we often get great results with conditions affecting the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system as we know these systems well.
I always tell people that are worried that it won’t work for them to just give it a go – it won’t hurt and is a fairly inexpensive way to change pain that is affecting your life. Most importantly, in that first or second visit we will be able to point you in the right direction about whether chiropractic is something that would help your condition.”
Q: How long is a typical Chiropractor session?
Dr. Edward Benson-Cooper
“A typical chiropractor session is around 10-15 minutes long. This gives up plenty of time to assess the body and spine and adjust what is needed. Most people tell me they love this as its easy to fit into to their busy day-to-day schedule.
There is a longer time needed in the initial first visit and second visit, which allows me to get all the information I need and figure out what is going on and how long it will take for your body to heal. Every body is so different and that’s what gets me excited.”
Q: How does a chiropractor know where to adjust?
Dr. Natasha Marriage
“As a chiropractor I preform a thorough case history and physical exam to get to know your body and your spine well. Then, I combine all that information and decide where it is appropriate to adjust and where not too. It is a skill that we have evolved over many years of study and practice.”
Q: Do most people keep coming back to their chiropractor?
Dr. Tamsyn Capper
“Coming back to the chiropractor is always a patient’s choice. For many people, their issues may have been underlying for a long time so we wouldn’t expect things to be perfect straight away and it can take time to get back to your best. Also, many people, even when they are at their best, like to try to maintain the good work they’ve done.
Many people see chiropractic as a preventative approach for their health. Just like a car, we don’t wait until they break down to get a service. It’s often easier to keep yourself healthy rather than waiting until we’re back in pain or with symptoms.”
Q: I heard Doctors don’t like Chiropractors, is this true?
Dr. Sara Sumich
“I don’t believe it is true at all, however in saying that some doctors I’m sure don’t fully know what we do, and this can cause some hesitancy around our profession.
At Balanced Spine we get loads of doctor referrals for patients with back and neck issues, and I also have a few patients that are doctors, and they love to come see us for care.”
Q: Does every Chiropractor have to use X-ray?
Dr. Edward Benson-Cooper
“For me, the answer is no. Should every chiropractor make a clinical judgment on whether X-rays are necessary? Absolutely. Every chiropractor trained in New Zealand is qualified to take and interpret X-rays. At Balanced Spine, we carefully assess each individual on a case-by-case basis to determine if additional imaging is needed before beginning any treatment.
In my view, what truly defines a great chiropractor is having the clinical wisdom to know when imaging is essential – and when it isn’t.”
Who is the right person for you?
If you are ready to find out who the ideal chiropractor is to help you with your health goals, give us a call! We offer a caring, innovative chiropractic clinic in Albany and we welcome the opportunity to see if a chiroprator for you is right here at Balanced Spine.