Chiropractic Care in South Des Moines, Iowa

If you have been living with back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches, or joint pain — you do not have to keep managing it with medication. Dr. Sara Neil has been adjusting patients on the Southside of Des Moines since 1994. She uses hands-on techniques and therapeutic tools to find the real cause of your pain and correct it. Every plan is different because every patient is different.

What We Treat With Chiropractic Care

Low Back Pain Sciatica

pain, numbness, or tingling down the leg Neck Pain and Stiffness Mid-Back Pain (between the shoulder blades) Tension Headaches and Migraines Tingling or Numbness in the Arms or Hands Shoulder Pain Knee Pain

Hip Pain Plantar Fasciitis

sharp heel pain, especially in the morning Foot and Ankle Pain Elbow Pain (tennis elbow, golfer's elbow) Wrist and Hand Pain Sports Injuries Pregnancy-Related Back and Pelvic Pain Posture Pain from Sitting or Driving

What Happens at Your Chiropractic Care Visit

Step 01

Kim greets you at the front desk. Fill out a short intake form. Bring your insurance card

Step 02

Sitting down with Dr. Sara for 15–20 minutes. She asks about your pain, health history, and how your symptoms affect daily life.

Step 03

Hands-on exam — posture check, range of motion, and palpation of the spine and joints.

Step 04

Dr. Sara explains what she found in plain English and gives you a specific plan.

Step 05

Most patients get their first adjustment the same day. First visit: 45–60 minutes.

Step 06

Follow-up visits are shorter (15–25 minutes) and track your progress.

Diversified & Full Spine Adjustments

Dr. Sara uses a hands-on chiropractic approach called Diversified Technique to restore motion and improve alignment throughout the spine and joints. These adjustments are designed to help reduce tension, improve mobility, and support the body’s natural healing process. Full spine adjustments may help patients experiencing low back pain, neck pain, mid-back discomfort, headaches, rib pain, and sciatica. Every adjustment is personalized based on your symptoms, posture, movement patterns, and comfort level.

Activator Technique & Gentle Chiropractic Care

For patients who prefer a lighter approach, Dr. Sara also offers Activator Method adjustments using a small handheld instrument that delivers a gentle, precise correction without twisting or forceful movements. This technique is commonly used for patients with sensitive joints, inflammation, arthritis, pregnancy-related discomfort, or those who simply prefer a gentler adjustment style. It is also effective for extremity work involving the shoulders, wrists, knees, ankles, and feet.

Extremity Adjustments & Joint Mobility Therapy

Pain and dysfunction are not always limited to the spine. Dr. Sara also evaluates and treats the joints of the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. Extremity adjustments are often used for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, shoulder pain, hip discomfort, knee pain, repetitive strain injuries, and sports-related movement restrictions. Improving joint mobility can help decrease compensation patterns throughout the body and improve overall movement and stability.

Soft Tissue Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy & Muscle Recovery

Muscle tension and soft tissue dysfunction often contribute to chronic pain and restricted movement. Dr. Sara incorporates deep tissue techniques and trigger point therapy to help release tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. This treatment is commonly used alongside chiropractic care for patients dealing with chronic tension, postural strain, headaches, neck tightness, shoulder discomfort, and muscle-related low back pain. The goal is to help the muscles relax so the body can hold adjustments more effectively and move more naturally.

Ultrasound Therapy, Electric Stimulation & Red Light Laser Therapy

In addition to chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Sara offers supportive therapies designed to help reduce pain and promote healing. Ultrasound therapy and electric stimulation may help decrease muscle spasms, improve circulation, and calm irritated tissues. Red light laser therapy is used to support recovery, reduce inflammation, and encourage cellular healing in injured or painful areas. These therapies are commonly incorporated into treatment plans for back pain, joint discomfort, plantar fasciitis, muscle injuries, and chronic inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care

Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?

For
most patients, no. The adjustment is very quick. You may hear a small pop — that is harmless gas releasing from the
joint, like cracking your knuckles. If you prefer no popping, Dr. Sara uses the gentle Activator instrument instead.

How many visits will I need?

Depends on how long you have had the pain. Acute issues often improve in a few visits.
Long-standing pain takes longer. Dr. Sara gives you a specific estimate after your exam.

Do you take my insurance?

Yes — most major plans including Medicare, Wellmark, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare. Call Kim at
(515) 244-1823 and she will verify your benefits before your first visit.

Is chiropractic care safe?

Yes. It is one of the
safest drug-free treatments for musculoskeletal pain. Mild soreness for a day or two is the most common side effect. Dr. Sara has been practicing safely since 1994.

Can I come in if I am pregnant?

Yes. Dr. Sara uses gentle modified
techniques and avoids electrical modalities during pregnancy. Always tell us if you are or might be pregnant.

What is the difference between the Diversified and Activator techniques?

Diversified is the traditional hands-on adjustment —
sometimes with a popping sound. The Activator is a small instrument: gentle, quick, no popping. Dr. Sara picks the right
technique for your body.

Ready to Try Chiropractic Care?

Call (515) 244-1823 or click below to request your first appointment. Same-week scheduling is usually available.