Can a Chiropractor Help With Knee Pain? What You Should Know

Soft tissue therapy: Includes manipulation and stretching of soft tissue.

Exercise: Strengthening and/or mobility exercises.

Advice: On modifications to your posture and/or movements.

Chiropractors may not be able to address your concern if it’s beyond the limits of their training and education. A good chiropractor will refer you to another healthcare practitioner.

Is a Chiropractor a Doctor?

A chiropractor is a doctor! Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) to be exact. However, they are not medical doctors (MD or DO). Becoming a chiropractor in the US typically takes about 7 years of postsecondary education. It involves obtaining a bachelor’s degree, completing a DC program, passing national board exams, and meeting the requirements of the state to practice.

So when people ask, “Is chiropractor a doctor?” the correct answer is “yes,” a doctor of chiropractic. However, the training and scope of practice for chiropractors is different from physicians, so people want to know where chiropractors fit into the medical profession, and thus the term “Doctors of Chiropractic” is sought after.

Examples of Chiropractic Techniques

There are many different techniques and several practitioners use a combination. Some techniques include:

Diversified technique: uses a high velocity, low amplitude thrust, often with a pop.

Gonstead: uses an analysis of a specific segment to guide adjustment of that segment.

Activator Method: uses a small handheld instrument to deliver a quick impulse.