The Joint Offers Affordable Chiropractic Care — Is It Right For You?

It feels like there’s a subscription for everything these days but, instead internet or cable, it’s all about lifestyle. Whether it’s meal delivery services or specialty workouts such as Orangetheory Fitness or Pure Barre, many of us have never willingly signed up to have money automatically debited from our accounts in exchange for anything other than regular utilities before.

What about the memberships that specifically target health and wellness? Can monthly subscriptions for chiropractic care or assisted stretching, which some say is similar to what they’ve experienced in physical therapy, really add to our quality of life?

Why People Choose Chiropractic Care

This post isn’t about supporting or converting people to chiropractic care. One need only conduct a simple search to find articles questioning the validity of the treatment modality or decrying its risks. As with anything, there are upsides and downsides to receiving regular chiropractic adjustments so I’ll leave that to my readers to figure out for themselves.

There are many people (including myself), though, who choose to see their chiropractor weekly for ongoing maintenance. As a patient, and from my time working in a chiropractic clinic (where I offered coaching and hypnotherapy services), I know that the cost of care can really add up. Still, many are willing to spend their hard-earned money on an adjustment.

Many people, including professional athletes, seek out chiropractors for back and neck pain, concussions, following car accidents and many other reasons. Following the birth of my twins, my hips felt terribly misaligned and visits to my chiropractor really seemed to help.

What The Joint Offers

In a traditional setting, a visit to the chiropractor is very much like seeing any other doctor. You check in at the desk, provide your insurance information (if you have coverage), pay whatever amount is due and then sit in the waiting area until you’re called back. In my experience, chiropractors can be a chatty bunch so, while you get to know each other pretty well, the appointment can take a while.

On their website, The Joint provides this overview of services:

• No Appointments — Walk-ins Welcome
• No Insurance Hassles — $0 Copays
• Open Evenings & Weekends
• Quality Care by Licensed Professionals

After being a member at The Joint for the past two years, I can say that, while things may vary slightly from one location to another, this is all true. Typically, I can walk in to the clinic (which is often a storefront in a strip mall), scan the tag on my keychain and be adjusted almost immediately. I’m usually back in my van within five minutes.

At The Joint, rather than going into a closed-door exam room, there are multiple tables set up in one large open space. You can wait for a specific doctor (if there is more than one) or you can be adjusted by whomever is first available.

Membership Costs

While you can pay for single visits or purchase a package, it’s far more economical to sign up for the membership plan.

• Adults – $69/month for four adjustments. Additional visits are $10.
• Youth – $39/month for four adjustments. Additional visits are $10.

With your membership, you can visit any location across the country, which comes in handy if you are traveling or have relocated.

Drawbacks

A membership at The Joint can be beneficial for many people, especially if their needs are very straightforward. If all you need is a simple adjustment, you may really enjoy this service. There are some things to consider, however, before joining.

• There is no real privacy, which can be an issue in some situations. For example, when I was heavily pregnant, especially with my twins, I’m not sure I would have been comfortable discussing my concerns in that setting.
• Because the adjustments are meant to be quick, you probably won’t build a relationship with your chiropractor. As a result, they may not remember your history as well as you’d like.
• Your choices are limited when it comes to providers. When I first joined, there were several great chiropractors on staff at my nearest location. Now, I only really feel comfortable with one. If he’s not working on the day when I need an adjustment, I choose to wait until he is in the office.

Bottom Line

If you’re already receiving chiropractic care and need basic, regular adjustments but want something quicker and more affordable, The Joint could be a great option for you.

However, if you need a more thorough examination, have more complex, specific needs and prefer a private setting, you may want to stick with a traditional clinic where you can build a relationship with one or two dedicated chiropractors.