Frequently Asked Questions
The Wellness Way - Grand Rapids Chiropractor
If you are looking for a chiropractor in Grand Rapids, it is normal to have questions before getting started. Below you will find answers to common questions about chiropractic care, whole-body wellness support, testing, care plans, and what to expect at The Wellness Way Grand Rapids.
Our approach is structured, individualized, and focused on identifying and reducing stress patterns that may be influencing your health. If you do not see your question listed here, our team is happy to help.
Getting Started FAQs
Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?
No referral is required. You can schedule directly with our office.
What happens at the first visit?
Your first visit includes a detailed health history, review of any prior testing, and a physical examination. If appropriate, imaging may be recommended. The goal is to understand your unique stress patterns and health concerns before making recommendations.
How long is the first appointment?
Initial visits typically last about one hour. This allows time for a thorough history, examination, and discussion of next steps.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring any recent lab results, imaging reports, or relevant medical records. This helps us better understand your health history.
Process & Care Plans FAQs
Do you create care plans?
Yes. Care plans are individualized and based on your specific findings and goals. They are not predetermined or cookie cutter.
How are care plans personalized?
Recommendations are built around your exam findings, testing results when applicable, lifestyle factors, and long-term goals. Plans are adjusted over time based on how your body responds.
How often will I need to come in?
Frequency depends on your findings and goals. Some patients begin with more frequent visits and transition as stress patterns change. Recommendations are explained clearly so you can make informed decisions.
Do I have to commit to long-term care?
Care recommendations are provided based on clinical findings, but decisions are collaborative. You will always understand the reasoning behind recommendations before moving forward.
Chiropractic Care FAQs
What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care focuses on supporting joint motion and reducing physical stress affecting how the body moves and adapts over time.
Do you adjust more than just the spine?
Yes. In addition to spinal adjustments, extremity joints such as shoulders, knees, wrists, ankles, and hips may be addressed when they contribute to altered movement patterns.
Do you see children?
Yes. We provide age-appropriate chiropractic care for children, focusing on supporting movement, posture, and growth.
Do you provide chiropractic care during pregnancy?
Yes. We provide supportive chiropractic care before, during, and after pregnancy, focusing on mobility and reducing physical stress as the body adapts.
Whole-Body Wellness Support FAQs
What do you mean by whole-body wellness support?
Whole-body wellness support involves looking beyond symptoms to evaluate stress patterns that may be influencing overall function. This may include lifestyle guidance, nutritional support, and advanced testing when appropriate.
Do you offer advanced testing?
Yes. When clinically appropriate, we may recommend blood work or other assessments to better understand patterns related to hormones, metabolism, immune stress, or digestive health.
Is testing required for everyone?
No. Testing is recommended when it helps clarify your case. Not every patient requires advanced testing.
Do you recommend supplements?
When appropriate, supplements may be recommended based on your individual findings. Recommendations are specific rather than generic.
Common Concerns FAQs
Do you help people with headaches or back pain?
We do not treat or cure conditions. Our focus is on identifying and reducing physical stress that may be contributing to patterns such as headaches, back pain, stiffness, or sciatica.
Do you see patients with digestive or thyroid concerns?
Many patients come to us with concerns related to digestion, thyroid patterns, hormones, fertility, or immune stress. Our role is to evaluate underlying stressors and provide supportive care when appropriate.
Do you work with athletes?
Yes. We support athletes and active individuals by evaluating joint motion and movement patterns that may influence performance and recovery.
Pricing & Payment FAQs
Do you accept insurance?
No. We are a cash-based clinic and do not bill insurance. This allows us to focus on clinical decision-making without insurance restrictions.
Can I use HSA or FSA funds?
In many cases, yes. We can provide documentation for eligible expenses. You should verify specifics with your HSA or FSA provider.
How much does the first visit cost?
The new patient exam is $150. Additional services such as testing are discussed clearly before proceeding.
How much does testing cost?
Testing costs vary depending on what is recommended. Typical ranges are reviewed with you before moving forward.
Here Is What Our Patients Are Saying
"Dr. Gates is Great"
Myself and husband love the wellness way and their values. Dr. Gates is great and answers all of your questions.
He’s very informative and makes me feel seen and heard. Lauren does great at her job and is very friendly.
We would definitely recommend The Wellness Way for wellness needs and chiropractic needs!
- Reanna G.
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"Delivers Amazing Results"
I can’t say enough good things about The Wellness Way! From the moment I walked in, the staff was welcoming, professional, and genuinely caring. The office is clean, comfortable, and has a calming atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease.
DR. Gates took the time to really listen to my concerns, explain what was going on with my back, and put together a personalized treatment plan. After just a few visits, I started noticing a huge difference—not just in my pain levels, but also in my posture and overall mobility.
What really sets this place apart is the attention to detail and the way they treat you like family. They never rush through appointments, and you can tell they’re truly committed to helping their patients feel better and stay healthy long-term.
If you’re looking for a chiropractor who genuinely cares and delivers amazing results, I highly recommend The Wellness Way. They’ve made a huge difference in my life, and I’m so grateful I found them!
- G.T. B.
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"Life Changing"
Wellness way had been life changing for me! Dr. Gates helped me find the causes of all of my issues that drs could not figure out for years.
I am and will continue to be a patient here! If your dealing with health issues or need an amazing chiropractor with an amazing team! This is your place!
- Reanna G.
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"Unmatched Care"
Kind, knowledgeable, professional were words that immediately came to mind after the first meeting with Dr. Gates a year and a half ago.
I came to Wellness Way as a last ditch effort after 6 years of infertility and here I am today with my 4 month old.
The health philosophy of The Wellness Way as a whole just makes sense and the way that Dr.Gates applies those practices is personalized and targeted to each patient's needs.
Now my husband, myself and baby all visit for regular chiropractic care as well. Dr. Gates, Lauren and Christina all welcome you in and make you feel like good friends every time you walk in the door - a truly unmatched care experience!
- Emily B.
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"Absolutely Magical"
They’re absolutely magical. Idk what their secret is but it’s MAGIC. Today was day 9 of a migraine stint that has ebbed and flowed. I called them up and ask if they could fit me in today. It’s an hour later after the appointment and they took it from a level 8/9 down to a 0/1 (it went from the puking, fighting to function level down to a “good to go and owning my day” level). Amazing. And this isn’t the first time they’ve cured or mitigated a migraine for me on the spot. I’m kicking myself for waiting 9 days to reach out for help.
I originally called Dr. Gates a couple months ago with severe neck pain. I had tried the ER where they laughed at me when I was in blatant tears and pain, they did nothing but stick me with a bill. I didn’t know where to go. I have a pretty high threshold for pain tolerance and the fact that I couldn’t move or breathe without pain and crying was concerning to my family. I reached out to The Wellness Way and they quickly squeezed me into their schedule. He did some x-rays, did his magic with adjustments and a muscle oil, and I walked out feeling like a new person. We set me up on a plan and over the next month or so, I saw a drastic improvement. I couldn’t believe it. I STILL have trouble believing it.
I’m beyond impressed. Lauren brings the charm when you walk in the door (gotta give her a shout out too!). Great atmosphere and energy. They’re miracle workers here. I can’t sing enough good praises.
- Tiffany G
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