Condition Treatment
Arthritis Treatment Grand Rapids
Manage arthritis pain and protect your joints at The Chiropractic Doctors. We combine gentle chiropractic adjustments with Class IV laser therapy to reduce inflammation, restore mobility, and slow progression at our Grand Rapids office.
New Patient Special
$47
Consultation, Exam & X-rays
Available for new patients only. We will confirm within 1 business hour.
Understanding Arthritis
What Is Arthritis and How It Affects Your Joints
Arthritis is a broad term for joint inflammation. There are over 100 types, but the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Without that protective layer, bones grind against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. It most commonly affects the knees, hips, spine, and hands.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This causes chronic inflammation that can eventually damage the cartilage and bone within the joint. While rheumatoid arthritis can start at any age, osteoarthritis is more closely linked to aging, repetitive use, and previous injuries.
Michigan's cold, damp winters can make arthritis symptoms worse. Many Grand Rapids residents notice that their joint stiffness and pain increase during the fall and winter months. Staying active and maintaining joint mobility through regular care is one of the most effective ways to manage seasonal flare-ups. At The Chiropractic Doctors on 28th Street SE, we help patients from Grand Rapids, Cascade, Kentwood, Forest Hills, Ada, and Wyoming manage their arthritis year-round.
Chiropractic Approach
Can a Chiropractor Treat Arthritis?
Chiropractic care is one of the most effective conservative treatments for arthritis. While no treatment can regrow lost cartilage, chiropractic adjustments keep arthritic joints moving. When joints stop moving, the cartilage deteriorates faster because it depends on motion to receive nutrients. Gentle, controlled adjustments maintain that motion and slow the degenerative process.
Dr. Matthew Phinney, a Palmer College of Chiropractic graduate with over 35 years of experience, takes a careful approach with arthritis patients. He uses low-force techniques like the Thompson Drop Table to adjust arthritic spines and joints without unnecessary stress. The goal is to restore as much pain-free range of motion as possible while protecting the joint surfaces from further damage.
One of our patients, Nicholas Leimgruber, described his experience: “A treatment plan like no other chiropractic office I had been to, with the goal of slowing the progression.” That is exactly the philosophy at The Chiropractic Doctors. We focus on slowing the disease, reducing pain, and keeping you active for as long as possible. Learn more about our adjustment techniques.
Advanced Therapy
Laser Therapy for Arthritis Pain
Class IV laser therapy is a powerful addition to chiropractic care for arthritis patients. The laser delivers high-intensity light energy deep into the joint tissue, where it triggers a biological response at the cellular level. This response includes increased blood flow, reduced inflammation, and accelerated tissue repair.
For arthritis in the knees, hips, hands, and spine, laser therapy provides significant pain relief without medication. Each session takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The laser produces a warm, soothing sensation over the treatment area, and there is no downtime afterward. Many patients notice improvement after just a few sessions, with cumulative benefits building over a course of treatment.
At The Chiropractic Doctors, we combine laser therapy with chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitation exercises for a comprehensive arthritis treatment plan. This three-pronged approach addresses inflammation, joint mobility, and muscle support at the same time. Patients from across Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and the surrounding communities rely on this combination to manage their arthritis and stay active. If your arthritis also affects your knees, visit our knee pain treatment page for more details.
Your Care Plan
Treatment Plan for Arthritis in Grand Rapids
Every arthritis treatment plan at The Chiropractic Doctors starts with a thorough evaluation. Your $47 new patient consultation includes a detailed health history, physical examination, range of motion testing, and digital X-rays when indicated. Dr. Phinney, Dr. Drew Bailey, and Dr. Alec Papes review your findings together and build a plan specific to your type of arthritis, the joints affected, and your daily activity goals.
Most arthritis patients begin with a combination of gentle chiropractic adjustments, Class IV laser therapy, and a personalized exercise program from our rehabilitation team. The adjustments keep your joints mobile, the laser reduces inflammation and pain, and the exercises strengthen the muscles that protect your joints from further damage.
As your symptoms improve, we taper the frequency of visits and shift toward a maintenance schedule designed to prevent flare-ups and preserve the gains you have made. Arthritis is a long-term condition, and consistent care delivers the best outcomes. If you are ready to take control of your arthritis, call (616) 432-3103 or use the form on this page to request your appointment. We serve patients from Grand Rapids, Cascade, Ada, Forest Hills, Kentwood, and Wyoming.
Common Questions
Arthritis Treatment FAQ
Can a chiropractor help with arthritis?
Yes. Chiropractic care helps arthritis patients by restoring joint mobility, reducing inflammation, and decreasing pain without drugs or surgery. At The Chiropractic Doctors in Grand Rapids, we combine gentle adjustments with Class IV laser therapy to address both the mechanical and inflammatory components of arthritis. While we cannot reverse cartilage loss, we can slow progression and significantly improve your quality of life.
What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear condition where the cartilage that cushions your joints breaks down over time. It is the most common type and typically affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation and damage. Both types respond to chiropractic care, though the treatment approach differs.
How does laser therapy help arthritis?
Class IV laser therapy delivers concentrated light energy deep into the joint tissue, increasing blood flow and stimulating cell repair at the molecular level. For arthritis patients, this means reduced inflammation, less pain, and improved range of motion. Sessions are painless, take about 10 to 15 minutes, and most patients feel a warm, soothing sensation during treatment.
How often do arthritis patients need treatment?
Treatment frequency depends on the severity of your arthritis and your response to care. Most patients start with two to three visits per week for the first four to six weeks, then taper to weekly or biweekly maintenance visits. Dr. Phinney will outline a clear plan after your initial $47 consultation and exam.
Is arthritis treatment covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover chiropractic care for arthritis, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. Laser therapy coverage varies by plan. Call (616) 432-3103 and our team will verify your specific benefits before your first visit.
Do Not Let Arthritis Slow You Down
Schedule your $47 new patient consultation at The Chiropractic Doctors and start a treatment plan that protects your joints and keeps you moving. Our team is ready to help.
The Chiropractic Doctors
5747 28th Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Mon, Wed, Thu: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Tue: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Fri: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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