What Is a Good Chiropractor?
By Dr. Matthew Sleppy, Founder of Sleppy Chiropractic
When people call our office or come in for the first time, they usually have three main questions:
What’s going on with me? Can you actually help? H
ow much is this going to cost?
After nearly two decades of running Sleppy Chiropractic, I’ve had thousands of these conversations—and I never get tired of them. People come in frustrated, sometimes nervous, and often unsure about what chiropractic care actually is or what a “good chiropractor” should do. And honestly, that makes sense. There’s a wide range of care out there, and not every chiropractor takes the time to go beyond surface-level treatment.
So, if you’re doing your research, wondering who you can trust with your health, and trying to figure out what really defines a good chiropractor, let me walk you through what I’ve learned after 23+ years in this field.
First Things First: A Good Chiropractor Listens
This might seem obvious, but it’s not always the norm. A good chiropractor listens—really listens—to what’s going on with you. That means sitting down and hearing your full story before doing anything else. We don’t start with assumptions. We start with questions, and more importantly, we care about the answers.
At Sleppy Chiropractic, our first priority is to understand your full health history. We want to know:
- When your pain started
- What triggers it
- How it affects your day-to-day life
- What treatments you’ve already tried
- What your goals are—not just to feel better, but to live better
You’d be surprised how often the root cause of a person’s pain is something they don’t even realize is connected. That’s why this first step is so important.
Thorough Evaluation: No Guessing, No Rushing
Once we understand your story, we move into the evaluation phase—but we don’t rush this either. A good chiropractor doesn’t rely on guesswork. We use real data and clinical insight to get clear on what’s actually going on.
That includes:
- A hands-on chiropractic exam
- Postural and neurological assessments
- X-rays, if necessary
- And if we think there’s more going on, we’re not afraid to order further diagnostic imaging or refer out
One of the most common things I hear from new patients is, “No one has ever looked at it like this before.” That tells me we’re doing something right.
Finding the Root Cause — Not Just Treating the Symptoms
Many people come to us because they’re tired of the symptom-chasing cycle. They’ve done the muscle relaxers, the ice packs, the stretching routines—and nothing sticks.
Here’s the truth: Symptoms are the body’s alarm system. They’re important, but they’re not the problem. They’re a sign that something deeper is off. A good chiropractor looks for the origin of the problem, not just the flare-up.
We focus on finding where the issue started, which often leads us to spinal misalignments, nerve interference, or movement dysfunctions that have been building for years—long before the pain showed up. That’s where I like the saying “every spine tells a story”.
Clear, Adaptable Treatment Plans
After the exam, we lay out a game plan—simple, direct, and customized. A good chiropractor doesn’t hand out cookie-cutter care. Your body, your lifestyle, your goals—they all matter when designing a plan that actually works.
Here’s what we make sure you walk away with:
- A clear understanding of what we found
- A specific chiropractic treatment plan including specific exercises and therapies.
- How long it will take to see progress
- How we’ll measure results along the way
- And yes—what it will cost
We also build in adaptability. If your body responds faster than expected, we adjust. If life happens and your stress or activity level changes, we adjust. Chiropractic care should be as dynamic as the people we serve.
Individualized Care—Because You’re Not Like Everyone Else
Something I emphasize with my staff all the time is: every person who walks in here is unique. A good chiropractor treats you that way.
Some patients need regular adjustments to stay active and pain-free. Others come in for specific injuries or recovery. Some are here because they’ve tried everything else. Wherever you are, our job is to meet you there—not try to fit you into a one-size-fits-all program.
That includes paying attention to:
- Lifestyle habits
- Work-related stress or posture
- Athletic activity or previous injuries
- Sleep quality, nutrition, and overall stress load
We’re not just working on your spine—we’re working with you.
Ongoing Assessments & Coordination with Other Providers
Healing isn’t a straight line, and no good chiropractor should treat it like one. That’s why we perform regular reassessments to track your progress and fine-tune your care as needed.
We also know we’re not the only part of your health journey. If we need to coordinate with your primary care doctor, physical therapist, orthopedic specialist, or even mental health provider, we’re ready and willing to do that. Your health comes first—even if that means referring you to someone else.
Financial Transparency Matters
Let’s talk about money—because I know it’s one of the biggest concerns people have when considering chiropractic care or any other healthcare services.
At Sleppy Chiropractic, we’re committed to upfront, honest pricing. You’ll always know:
- What your exam and treatment will cost
- If we accept your insurance
- What your options are for care moving forward
There are no surprise bills here and no high-pressure sales tactics. Every new patient receives a complementary benefits analysis to see what all your insurance covers and how much. We believe that trust starts with transparency—and that includes your finances.
So… What Is a Good Chiropractor?
A good chiropractor is someone who:
- Listens to your full story
- Digs deep to find the root cause
- Is thorough and specific with evaluations
- Uses the right diagnostic tools
- Builds a personalized plan
- Adjusts that plan as you progress
- Communicates clearly, including about cost
- Respects your individuality
- And genuinely cares about your long-term well-being
At Sleppy Chiropractic, this is what we do every day. It’s not just our approach—it’s our promise.
If that sounds like the kind of care you’re looking for, we’d love to meet you. Whether you’re in pain, recovering from an injury, or just want to move and feel better—we’re here to help.
Schedule Your First Visit
Ready to experience chiropractic care the way it should be?
Give us a call or schedule your consultation online. Let’s start with a conversation, not a commitment. We’re here to listen, assess, and help you get back to living life on your terms.
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