Frequently Asked Questions

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. Our front desk team can also help you verify your benefits before your visit.

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.

The number of visits depends on your specific condition, its severity, and how long you've been experiencing symptoms. Some patients find relief after just a few visits, while others with chronic conditions may benefit from a longer course of care. After your initial examination, your doctor will recommend a personalized treatment plan with an estimated timeline. We regularly reassess your progress to ensure you're getting the results you need.

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Providence, and many others. We also accept auto accident insurance (PIP), workers' compensation, and Medicare. Our billing team will verify your insurance coverage and explain your benefits before treatment begins so there are no surprises. Visit our payment options page for more details.

We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely. Athletic wear, t-shirts, and flexible pants or shorts are ideal. Avoid heavy belts, stiff jeans, or restrictive clothing that might limit your range of motion during the examination and treatment. If you're coming from work, don't worry — we can work with most attire, and gowns are available if needed.

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. At Gentle Care, our doctors stay current with the latest research and techniques to ensure the highest standard of care. We thoroughly evaluate every patient before beginning treatment to ensure chiropractic care is appropriate for their condition.

Absolutely. Chiropractic care is safe and beneficial for people of all ages, including infants, children, and teenagers. Children can experience spinal misalignments from birth, falls, sports activities, and carrying heavy backpacks. Pediatric chiropractic uses very gentle, age-appropriate techniques and can help with issues like colic, ear infections, growing pains, and posture problems. Many families bring their children to Gentle Care for regular wellness check-ups.

We treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and nervous system conditions, including:

• Back pain and neck pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Sciatica and herniated discs
• Whiplash and auto accident injuries
• Sports injuries
• Shoulder, hip, knee, and joint pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Postural imbalances
• Arthritis and degenerative conditions

If you're unsure whether we can help with your specific condition, give us a call at (503) 650-2394 and we'll be happy to discuss your situation.