Family Chiropractic in Kentwood: How I Approach Care at Every Age
Many families at our office started with one person. A parent came in for their back, then brought in a teenager with a sports-related complaint. Later, a spouse came in during pregnancy.
When parents look for a Kentwood chiropractor who can see the whole family, the question underneath is usually the same: will care actually be adapted to each person, or is it one approach for everyone?
Here is how I think about it.
What Family Chiropractic Means Here
Family chiropractic does not mean everyone gets the same adjustment. The approach, the amount of force, the positioning, and the plan all change based on each person's:
age,
size,
health history, and
what their exam shows.
A newborn, a high school athlete, and a 70-year-old grandparent need very different things.
Families also share stress. Physical, chemical, and emotional stress show up differently for each person, but they often come from the same household routines: sleep, food, schedules, and screen time. Looking at the family as a whole can help me see patterns that are easy to miss one visit at a time.
During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Pregnancy changes posture, pelvic mechanics, and how the body carries load. Care during this time uses gentle positioning and never places pressure on the abdomen. I am happy to coordinate with your OB or midwife.
You can learn more about prenatal and postpartum chiropractic support on our service page. I also wrote about chiropractic care during pregnancy in Grand Rapids.
Contact your OB or midwife right away if you notice any of these:
bleeding,
severe headaches,
sudden swelling,
vision changes, or
early contractions.
These are not chiropractic concerns.
Infants and Kids
Care for infants and children uses much lighter pressure than adult care, often about the amount you would use to check a ripe piece of fruit. Parents stay in the room, and every child is evaluated before any care is given.
Chiropractic care is not a replacement for your pediatrician. If something falls outside what I do, I will tell you.
For more detail, see chiropractic care for kids at The Wellness Way Grand Rapids. I also wrote two posts for parents:
what parents should know about chiropractic for children.
Young Athletes and Active Families
School sports, club teams, running, and dance put repeated demands on growing bodies. I look at how the spine, hips, knees, and ankles are moving together. My extremity adjusting training helps when the issue is in a joint outside the spine.
You can read more about chiropractic care for athletes at The Wellness Way Grand Rapids. Any suspected concussion needs medical evaluation first.
Adults Balancing Work, Home, and Everything in Between
For adults, the most common concerns I see are back pain, neck tension, and headaches, often tied to work and daily routines. I cover these in two related posts:
You can also see the full list of conditions we work with.
Older Adults
Older adults often benefit from gentler techniques. Before recommending anything, I consider:
bone density,
medications such as blood thinners, and
past surgeries.
My focus is usually on supporting mobility, balance, and comfort in everyday movement. Communication with your primary care provider is part of doing this safely.
When I Refer Instead
At every age, part of my job is recognizing when chiropractic is not the right fit. That can mean referring someone to a pediatrician, an OB, a primary care provider, or a specialist. Sometimes it means telling a parent that their child does not need care right now. That honesty is something I think every family deserves.
Practical Details for Families
We are a cash-based practice with no long-term contracts. Each family member receives their own history and exam. Our pricing is publicly available, HSA and FSA are accepted, and a superbill is available on request.
If you are still comparing options, my guide to finding the right chiropractic fit may help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the whole family see the same chiropractor in Kentwood?
Yes. I see pregnant moms, infants, kids, teens, adults, and older adults. Each family member receives their own history and exam, and care is adapted to their age, size, and health history.
Is chiropractic care gentle enough for babies and young children?
Care for infants and kids uses much lighter pressure than adult care, and parents stay in the room. Every child is evaluated first, and I refer to a pediatrician when something falls outside chiropractic care.
How does pricing work for families?
We do not use long-term contracts. Our pricing is transparent and posted publicly, and HSA and FSA are accepted. A superbill is available on request.
Family Chiropractic in Grand Rapids and Kentwood
The Wellness Way Grand Rapids is at 3682 29th St SE, Suite A, in Kentwood. Families visit our Kentwood office from Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Wyoming, Cascade, Caledonia, East Grand Rapids, and communities throughout West Michigan.
If you would like to see whether chiropractic care is a good fit for someone in your family, start here as a new patient. You can also learn more about Dr. Gates and his background.
This post is written for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Dr. Gates Maier, DC | The Wellness Way Grand Rapids | 3682 29th St SE, Suite A, Kentwood, MI 49512 | Michigan Chiropractic License #2301010994 | NPI #1841887866