Frequently Asked Questions
27 years of experience means we've heard every question. Find answers below or call us at (253) 854-7700 — we're happy to help.
New Patient & First Visit Questions
Your first visit begins with a thorough consultation where Dr. Bussard will review your health history and discuss your current concerns. This is followed by a comprehensive physical examination including postural analysis, range of motion testing, and orthopedic and neurological assessments. If X-rays are needed, they may be taken at this visit. Dr. Bussard will then explain his findings and recommend a personalized treatment plan. In most cases, your first adjustment will be performed at this visit. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early to complete new patient paperwork.
Your first appointment is scheduled for 45 minutes. This allows enough time for a complete health history review, physical examination, X-rays if needed, a review of findings, and your first adjustment. Follow-up appointments are typically 15-30 minutes depending on the complexity of your treatment plan.
Please bring your insurance card and a photo ID. If you have any recent imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans related to your condition, bring those as well. If your visit is related to an auto accident, bring your auto insurance information and any accident reports. For workers comp visits, bring your L&I claim number. Arrive 10 minutes early to complete new patient paperwork.
Yes! Same-day appointments are available for new patients whenever our schedule allows. We understand that pain doesn't wait — if you're hurting, we want to see you as soon as possible. Call us at (253) 854-7700 or book online through our Contact page. We'll do our best to get you in the same day.
No referral is needed to see Dr. Bussard. Chiropractors are primary care providers for musculoskeletal conditions, which means you can schedule directly without going through your primary care physician first. However, some insurance plans may require a referral for chiropractic coverage — we recommend calling your insurance company to verify your specific benefits before your first visit.
Absolutely. Palmer Chiropractic welcomes patients of all ages including pediatric patients and seniors. Chiropractic adjustments are adapted to the age and condition of each patient — the gentle techniques used for children and elderly patients are very different from those used for younger adults. Dr. Bussard has 27 years of experience working with patients across all age groups.
General Chiropractic Questions
Chiropractic care is a healthcare discipline focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system — particularly the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other manual techniques to restore proper alignment to the spine and joints. When the spine is properly aligned, it reduces pressure on nerves, decreases pain and inflammation, and allows the body to heal itself naturally. Dr. Bussard specializes in Gonstead and Diversified techniques, two of the most respected and precise chiropractic methods available.
Most patients find chiropractic adjustments to be comfortable and even relieving. You may feel a slight pressure or hear a popping sound during the adjustment — this is completely normal and is simply the release of gas bubbles from the joint fluid, similar to cracking your knuckles. Some patients experience mild soreness for 24-48 hours after their first few adjustments, similar to the feeling after a workout. This typically resolves quickly. Dr. Bussard always uses the gentlest technique appropriate for your condition.
The popping or cracking sound you sometimes hear during a chiropractic adjustment is called cavitation. It occurs when the adjustment causes a rapid change in pressure within the joint, releasing dissolved gases — primarily carbon dioxide — from the synovial fluid that lubricates the joint. This is the same phenomenon that occurs when you crack your knuckles. It is completely harmless and is not an indicator of whether the adjustment was effective. Some adjustments produce a sound, others do not — both are perfectly normal.
The number of visits needed depends entirely on your specific condition, how long you've had it, your age, and your overall health. Acute conditions that have developed recently often respond very quickly — sometimes in just a few visits. Chronic conditions that have been present for months or years typically require a longer course of care. After your examination, Dr. Bussard will provide you with a specific treatment recommendation and timeline so you know exactly what to expect. There is never any pressure to commit to a long-term plan.
Yes — chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest forms of healthcare for musculoskeletal conditions. Serious complications from chiropractic adjustments are extremely rare. In fact, chiropractic care has a significantly better safety profile than many common medical treatments for the same conditions, including pain medications and surgery. Dr. Bussard performs a thorough examination before any treatment to identify any contraindications and ensure that chiropractic care is appropriate for your specific situation.
Chiropractic care is most commonly sought for back pain, neck pain, and headaches — but its benefits extend well beyond these conditions. Dr. Bussard regularly treats sciatica, disc herniations, shoulder pain, hip pain, knee pain, sports injuries, whiplash from auto accidents, work injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many other musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractic care also plays an important role in overall wellness and injury prevention for patients of all ages and activity levels.
The Gonstead Technique is considered one of the most thorough and specific chiropractic methods available. Developed by Dr. Clarence Gonstead, this technique involves a comprehensive analysis of the entire spine using X-ray analysis, instrumentation, static and motion palpation, and visualization. The result is a highly precise adjustment delivered to the specific spinal segment that needs correction — avoiding unnecessary manipulation of segments that don't need it. Dr. Bussard is a Gonstead Technique Specialist, which reflects his advanced training and commitment to this precise approach.
Insurance & Payment Questions
Palmer Chiropractic accepts most major insurance plans including most private health insurance plans, auto insurance for personal injury cases, and Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I) for workers compensation cases. Since coverage varies widely between plans, we recommend calling our office at (253) 854-7700 so we can verify your specific benefits before your first visit — at no charge to you.
No insurance? No problem. Many of our patients pay directly for their care and find chiropractic to be extremely affordable and cost-effective compared to other healthcare options. We offer flexible payment options and can work with you to create a care plan that fits your budget. We also offer wellness membership plans starting at just $19 per month for patients who want ongoing maintenance care. Please call us to discuss your options — we believe everyone deserves access to quality chiropractic care regardless of their insurance situation.
Palmer Chiropractic does see Medicare-age patients, however we are currently out of network for Medicare and do not bill Medicare directly. This means Medicare patients are responsible for payment at the time of service and may seek reimbursement from Medicare on their own. Many Medicare patients find our cash-pay rates to be very reasonable. Please call us at (253) 854-7700 to discuss your options — we never want cost to be a barrier to getting the care you need.
The cost of a chiropractic visit depends on your insurance coverage, the type of visit, and the services provided. For patients with insurance, your out-of-pocket cost is typically just a copay. For cash-pay patients, our fees are competitive and affordable. We are always transparent about costs upfront — there are never any surprise bills at Palmer Chiropractic. Call us at (253) 854-7700 for current pricing information or to verify your insurance benefits.
Yes. We believe that financial concerns should never be a barrier to getting the care you need. Flexible payment arrangements can be made for patients who need them. We also offer wellness membership plans starting at $19 per month that make ongoing care very affordable. Please speak with our front desk team about your situation and we will do everything we can to help you access the care you need within your budget.
Personal Injury & Auto Accident Questions
Yes — and the sooner the better. Auto accident injuries like whiplash, back pain, and soft tissue damage often don't produce obvious symptoms for 24-72 hours after the crash. Many people feel fine initially and then wake up the next day in significant pain. Getting evaluated and treated quickly is important for two reasons: first, early treatment leads to faster and more complete recovery; second, a gap in care can weaken your personal injury claim. Call us at (253) 854-7700 — we offer same-day appointments for accident victims.
No. If your injuries resulted from an auto accident, your treatment is typically billed directly to the at-fault driver's auto insurance or your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. You should not have to pay out of pocket for your chiropractic care related to the accident. We work directly with insurance companies and personal injury attorneys to handle all billing on your behalf so you can focus entirely on your recovery.
Yes. Palmer Chiropractic has extensive experience working alongside personal injury attorneys on behalf of accident victims. We provide thorough medical documentation of your injuries, treatment, and progress — documentation that is critical to supporting your legal claim. If you don't have an attorney, we can provide referrals to reputable personal injury attorneys in the Kent and greater Seattle area. Having both a chiropractor and an attorney working on your case gives you the best chance of a full recovery and fair settlement.
Chiropractic care is highly effective for many common auto accident injuries including whiplash and cervical strain, lower back injuries, thoracic spine injuries, soft tissue damage, headaches and migraines caused by the accident, shoulder injuries, and post-traumatic nerve pain. Dr. Bussard will perform a comprehensive examination to identify all injury sites and develop a treatment plan that addresses each one. If your injuries require care beyond what chiropractic provides, Dr. Bussard will coordinate with other healthcare providers on your behalf.
Recovery time after an auto accident varies depending on the severity of the injuries, your age, your overall health, and how quickly you started treatment. Minor injuries may resolve in a few weeks with consistent care. More significant injuries can require several months of treatment. The most important thing is to not stop treatment prematurely — many patients make the mistake of discontinuing care when they start feeling better, only to have symptoms return. Dr. Bussard will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Workers Compensation & L&I Questions
Absolutely. If you've been injured on the job in Washington State, you have the right to receive chiropractic care under the Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I) workers' compensation program. Palmer Chiropractic is an accepted L&I provider. You do not need your employer's permission to seek chiropractic care — this is your right under Washington State law. Call us immediately after a workplace injury so we can begin treatment and proper documentation of your claim.
Filing an L&I claim in Washington State is straightforward. You can file online at lni.wa.gov, by calling L&I at 1-877-561-FILE, or by completing a Report of Industrial Injury form at our office. You must report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Our staff is experienced with the L&I claims process and can help guide you through the paperwork. The most important step is to seek treatment promptly — delays in both reporting and treatment can complicate your claim.
No. If your chiropractic care is related to an accepted L&I workers' compensation claim, there is no cost to you. All treatment is billed directly to L&I. There are no copays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket expenses for covered services. Our office handles all L&I billing so you can focus entirely on your recovery and return to work.
Palmer Chiropractic treats a wide range of workplace injuries including back and neck injuries from lifting, pushing, or pulling; slip and fall injuries; injuries from repetitive motions or prolonged awkward postures; shoulder, knee, and joint injuries; and soft tissue strains and sprains. Whether you work in construction, a warehouse, an office, or any other environment, Dr. Bussard has the experience to diagnose and treat your work-related injury effectively and document it properly for your L&I claim.
Yes — research consistently shows that early chiropractic intervention after a workplace injury leads to faster recovery times and quicker return to work compared to delayed treatment. Chiropractic care addresses the root cause of the injury rather than just masking symptoms with pain medication. Dr. Bussard will also provide work restrictions documentation, coordinate with your employer on modified duty if needed, and provide clearance for return to full duty when appropriate.
Massage Therapy Questions
Palmer Chiropractic offers a variety of therapeutic massage services including deep tissue massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, sports massage, and relaxation massage. Our massage therapists are licensed and experienced in selecting and combining techniques to address your specific needs. Massage therapy at our clinic is always focused on therapeutic outcomes — reducing pain, improving mobility, and accelerating healing — rather than just relaxation.
Both approaches have benefits, but massage before an adjustment is generally preferred. Massage relaxes the muscles surrounding the spine, making the adjustment easier to perform and allowing for a more precise correction. When muscles are loose and relaxed, adjustments tend to feel more comfortable and the results tend to hold longer. That said, massage after an adjustment can also be beneficial for reducing post-adjustment soreness and further relaxing the treated area. Dr. Bussard will recommend the sequence that's best for your specific condition.
Massage therapy coverage varies significantly by insurance plan. Some health insurance plans cover therapeutic massage when prescribed by a physician or when combined with chiropractic care. Massage is often covered under auto insurance for personal injury cases and may be covered under workers compensation when medically necessary. We recommend calling our office so we can verify your specific massage therapy benefits before scheduling. For patients without coverage, our massage rates are competitive and affordable.
Massage appointments at Palmer Chiropractic are available in 60 and 90 minute sessions depending on your needs and schedule. For patients combining massage with a chiropractic adjustment in the same visit, a 60-minute massage is a perfect complement. For a more comprehensive therapeutic massage focusing on multiple problem areas or full body treatment, 90 minutes is recommended. Our staff can help you determine the right length for your goals.
Wellness & Ongoing Care Questions
This is one of the most common questions we hear — and the answer depends entirely on your goals. If your goal is simply to get out of pain, then no — you don't have to continue care once your symptoms resolve. But if your goal is to maintain optimal spinal health, prevent future injuries, and support your overall wellbeing, then yes — regular maintenance chiropractic care makes a lot of sense. Think of it like regular dental cleanings or gym workouts. You don't wait until you have a cavity to see a dentist. Many of our patients choose to come in monthly or quarterly for maintenance adjustments and consistently report feeling better and having fewer flare-ups as a result.
We are currently developing our wellness membership program which will include three affordable plan options. 🚧 Coming Soon — these plans will be launching shortly! In the meantime, call us at (253) 854-7700 to discuss flexible care options that fit your budget and goals. We look forward to making ongoing wellness care more accessible for you and your family.
Yes — chiropractic care has benefits that extend well beyond pain relief. The spine houses the spinal cord, which is the communication highway between your brain and every organ, tissue, and cell in your body. When the spine is properly aligned, the nervous system functions optimally — which positively impacts everything from immune function and digestion to sleep quality and stress response. Many patients report improved energy, better sleep, reduced tension headaches, and an overall sense of wellbeing with regular chiropractic care. Dr. Bussard takes a whole-person approach to health that goes beyond just treating symptoms.
Yes. At Palmer Chiropractic we believe that wellness care should be accessible for the whole family. We offer customized family plans that make it affordable for multiple family members to receive regular chiropractic care. Whether you're looking to get your children adjusted, keep your aging parents healthy, or simply make wellness care a family priority, we can create a plan that works for your family's needs and budget. Call us at (253) 854-7700 to discuss family plan options.
We'd love to hear from you! With 27 years of experience, Dr. Bussard has answered thousands of questions about chiropractic care, and there's no question too simple or too complex. Call us at (253) 854-7700 during office hours Monday through Friday 8AM-6PM or Saturday 9-11AM, or use our online booking page to schedule a consultation. You can also stop by our office at 24837 104th Ave SE Suite 100, Kent WA 98030. We look forward to helping you!
Still Have Questions?
Call us or book an appointment — Dr. Bussard is happy to answer any question in person. Same-day appointments available.
Book Appointment Online (253) 854-770024837 104th Ave SE Suite 100, Kent WA 98030 • Mon–Fri 8AM–6PM • Sat 9–11AM