Frequently Asked Questions

Chiropractic care is a natural approach to health that supports the body's ability to heal by restoring balance between the muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems. We use hands-on spinal manipulation and other techniques to restore proper alignment, reduce pain, and support the body's natural ability to heal — without surgery or medication.

A chiropractic adjustment is a safe, natural technique used to restore proper movement to spinal joints that are restricted in motion. By applying a gentle, targeted force to specific areas of the spine, chiropractors help reduce tension, improve range of motion, relieve pressure on the nervous system, and support the body's natural healing process. You might hear a "pop" or "crack" during the adjustment — that's just gas being released from the joint. It's completely normal and usually feels great!

Chiropractic adjustments are generally not painful. Most patients feel immediate relief after an adjustment. You may experience mild soreness in the treated area for a day or two — similar to how you might feel after starting a new exercise routine. At Gentle Care, we use a variety of techniques ranging from traditional manual adjustments to low-force instrument-assisted methods, so we can always tailor your treatment to your comfort level.

No, you do not need a referral to visit Gentle Care Chiropractic. Chiropractors are primary care providers in Oregon, which means you can schedule an appointment directly with us. However, some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage purposes, so we recommend checking with your insurance provider beforehand.

Yes, chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractors undergo extensive education — including a four-year doctoral program — and are licensed healthcare professionals.

Absolutely. Chiropractic care is safe and beneficial for people of all ages, including infants, children, and teenagers. Pediatric chiropractic uses very gentle, age-appropriate techniques and can help with issues like colic, ear infections, growing pains, and posture problems.

We treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and nervous system conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, migraines, sciatica, herniated discs, whiplash, auto accident injuries, sports injuries, shoulder, hip, knee, and joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, postural imbalances, and arthritis.

Treatment duration varies depending on your condition. Acute pain may need 2–3 weekly visits initially, typically requiring 4–12 sessions over 2–4 weeks. Chronic conditions may require longer-term management with maintenance visits. Your personalized plan depends on your individual condition and treatment response. We regularly reassess your progress.

Yes! We offer massage therapy, physical therapy, exercise rehabilitation, laser therapy, and electrical stimulation — all under one roof. Combining these modalities provides holistic care and faster, more thorough results.

We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely. Athletic wear, t-shirts, and flexible pants or shorts are ideal. If you're coming from work, don't worry — we can work with most attire, and gowns are available if needed.

Most experts recommend visiting a chiropractor within 72 hours of an accident. Early evaluation documents your injuries for insurance, speeds up recovery, and prevents untreated inflammation from turning into chronic pain. We offer same-day and next-day appointments for accident patients.

Yes. Many patients feel "fine" immediately after impact because adrenaline masks symptoms. Common crash-related injuries like whiplash, joint misalignment, and ligament strains can appear days later. A chiropractic assessment ensures injuries are identified early before they worsen.

Yes. In most cases, auto insurance plans — including PIP and MedPay — will cover chiropractic care for accident injuries. Our clinic helps verify your benefits, explain your options, and guide you through the claims process so you can focus on healing.

Absolutely. We regularly communicate with personal injury attorneys to provide necessary documentation, billing records, and medical narratives. We also coordinate with insurance adjusters directly.