How to Start a Chiropractor Clinic

If you’re a newly licensed chiropractor, you may be considering starting your own clinic. Chiropractor clinics can be very profitable, with the industry worth nearly $20 billion in the U.S. By starting a clinic, you’d also be providing a valuable service to your community and helping people improve their wellbeing. 

But before you get cracking, you’ll need some business knowledge. Fortunately, this step-by-step guide details all the information you need to start a lucrative chiropractor clinic. 

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons

Chiropractor industry trends

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – The U.S. chiropractors industry is worth $19.5 billion in 2023 after growing .4% annually for the last five years.((https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/chiropractors-industry/))
• Growth forecast – The U.S. chiropractors industry is projected to grow 4.3% in 2023.
• Number of businesses – In 2023, 69,158 chiropractor businesses are operating in the U.S.
• Number of people employed – In 2023, the U.S, chiropractors industry employs 178,729 people.

Trends and challenges

Trends

• Many are predicting that more chiropractors are going to start prescribing medical marijuana as part of individualized treatment plans.
• More chiropractic patients are turning to wearable tech to track their health and fitness progress.

Challenges

• Many have the misconception that chiropractors are not real medical professionals, which limits the growth of the industry.
• Some insurance companies will not cover chiropractic care, which can limit patients’ ability to pay for services.

Demand hotspots

• Most popular states – The most popular states for chiropractors are Vermont, Minnesota, and Arizona.((https://www.zippia.com/chiropractor-jobs/best-states/))
• Least popular states – The least popular states for chiropractors are Kentucky, Arkansas, and New Mexico.

What kind of people work in chiropractor clinics?

• Gender – 50% of chiropractors are female, while 50% are male.
• Average level of education – The average chiropractor has a doctorate degree.
• Average age – The average chiropractor in the US is 45.5 years old.

How much does it cost to start a chiropractor clinic business?

Startup costs for a chiropractor clinic range from $50,000 to $115,000. The largest cost is to prepare and equip an office space. 

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your chiropractor clinic business, including: 

• Chiropractic tables
• Computer system
• Activators
• Heat and ice packs
• X-Ray machine
• Other chiropractic tools
• Waiting room furniture

How much can you earn from a chiropractor clinic business?

You can probably charge an average of $100 per session. However, you’ll also charge for diagnostic services and other more expensive chiropractic services. These calculations will assume an average charge per customer of $150. Your profit margin after all costs should be about 40%. 

In your first year or two, you might have 25 sessions a week bringing in $195,000 in revenue. This would mean $78,000 in profit, assuming that 40% margin. 

As you gain traction, you might have 40 sessions per week. With annual revenue of $312,000, you’d make a tidy profit of $124,800.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a chiropractor clinic. Your biggest challenges will be:

• Having the required skills and education
• Funding the startup costs
• Breaking into a competitive market

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Step 2: Hone Your Idea

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a chiropractor clinic, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research could give you the upper hand even if you’ve got the perfect product. Conducting robust market research is crucial, as it will help you better understand your customers, your competitors, and the broader business landscape.

Analyze your competitors 

Research chiropractor clinics in your area and online to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews.

• Make a list of chiropractic clinics that offer similar services. 
• Review your competitors’ services – their features, pricing, and quality – and marketing strategies.
• Check out their online reviews and ratings on Google, Yelp, and Facebook to get an idea of what their customers like and dislike.
• Identify your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses. 

This should identify areas where you can strengthen your business and gain a competitive edge to make better business decisions.

Why? Identify an opportunity

You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a clinic that offers holistic chiropractic treatment or that offers more advanced chiropractic treatments.

You might consider targeting a niche, such as joint chiropractic services.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your chiropractic services (adjustments)

Your best bet is to offer all chiropractic services that fall within your skill set. Alternatively, you could specialize but that might limit your revenue potential. 

You can take continuing education to expand your skills in order to be able to expand your services.

How much should you charge for chiropractic services?

Your prices should be based on market prices in your area, but also on your ongoing costs.

Once you know your costs, use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Chiropractic patients are most often between the ages of 45 and 64, so your best bet is to market to them on Facebook. 

Where? Select the best location for your chiropractic office

You’ll need to rent out an office space. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist, Crexi, and Instant Offices.

When choosing an office for your chiropractic practice, you may want to follow these suggestions:

1. Target Audience: Choose where a significant percentage of the population fits your ideal patient profile.
2. Visibility: Opt for high traffic locations with good signage potential.
3. Accessibility: Prioritize spots near major transport hubs with ample parking.
4. Competition: Assess local chiropractors, considering reputation and unique offerings.
5. Referral Sources: Locate close to medical facilities or gyms for collaboration opportunities.
6. Size & Layout: Ensure space for necessary amenities and efficient patient flow.
7. Regulations: Check local laws and regulations to ensure compliance.
8. Ambience: Prioritize professional and calming environments.
9. Expert Guidance: Consult with experts, like real estate agents or fellow chiropractors.

Step 3: Brainstorm a Chiropractic Clinic Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “chiropractic services” or “chiropractic clinic”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “HorizonSpine Solutions” and “AllLife Chiropractic” over “PrenatalPosture Care” and “SportSpine Chiro”
• Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion
• Use online tools like the Step by Step Business Name Generator. Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead and reserve your business name with your state, start the trademark registration process, and complete your domain registration and social media account creation. 

Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick a name, reserve it and start with the branding, it’s hard to switch to a new name. So be sure to carefully consider your choice before moving forward. 

Step 4: Create a Chiropractor Clinic Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

• Executive Summary: Summarize the key points of your chiropractor clinic business plan, including your clinic’s mission, target patient population, and projected growth.
• Business Overview: Provide an overview of your chiropractic clinic, including its location, the range of chiropractic services offered, and any additional wellness services or specialties.
• Product and Services: Detail the specific chiropractic treatments and services your clinic will provide, such as spinal adjustments, massage therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and wellness programs.
• Market Analysis: Analyze the chiropractic market in your area, considering factors like the demand for chiropractic care, patient demographics, and potential growth opportunities.
• Competitive Analysis: Identify other chiropractic clinics and healthcare providers in your region, highlighting what sets your clinic apart, such as specialized techniques, pricing, or patient-focused care.
• Sales and Marketing: Outline your strategies for attracting and retaining patients, including online marketing, community outreach, referral programs, and patient education.
• Management Team: Introduce yourself and any key team members, emphasizing their qualifications and experience in chiropractic care and clinic management.
• Operations Plan: Describe the day-to-day operations of your clinic, including staffing requirements, patient appointment scheduling, record-keeping, and clinic facilities.
• Financial Plan: Present financial projections, including startup costs, revenue forecasts based on patient volume, and profitability estimates for your chiropractor clinic.
• Appendix: Include supporting documents like your clinic’s floor plan, marketing materials, licensing and accreditation information, and any research data that bolsters your chiropractic clinic business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to chiropractor clinics. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your chiropractor clinic will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts. Here’s how to form an LLC.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation. Read how to start a corporation here.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC, which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization, and answer any questions you might have. 

Form Your LLC

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Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist, and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan.
• Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Venture capital: Venture capital investors take an ownership stake in exchange for funds, so keep in mind that you’d be sacrificing some control over your business. This is generally only available for businesses with high growth potential.
• Angel investors: Reach out to your entire network in search of people interested in investing in early-stage startups in exchange for a stake. Established angel investors are always looking for good opportunities. 
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding a chiropractor clinic business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept. If you ever decide to partner with other chiropractors to expand your business and brand to other locations, you may be able to attract venture capital. 

Step 8: Apply for Required Licensing for Chiropractors

Starting a chiropractor business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

To earn a license to practice chiropractic, you need to take and pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exam.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You’ll need to check with your state about specific license requirements for a chiropractic clinic. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package. They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account.

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your chiropractor clinic business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.  

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as Genesis, chirotouch, or ChiroFusian, to manage appointments, claims, billing, and payments. 

Accounting

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks, Freshbooks, and Xero. 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Create a website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism. You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

Your customers are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. SEO will help your website appear closer to the top in relevant search results, a crucial element for increasing sales. 

Make sure that you optimize calls to action on your website. Experiment with text, color, size, and position of calls to action such as “Schedule Now”. This can sharply increase purchases. 

Marketing

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

1. Community Outreach Programs: Engage with local schools, gyms, and community centers to offer free workshops on posture, spine health, and stress relief, showcasing your expertise and building trust within the community.
2. Partnerships with Fitness Centers: Collaborate with nearby fitness centers to provide exclusive discounts for their members, emphasizing the benefits of chiropractic care in enhancing overall fitness and preventing injuries.
3. Social Media Campaigns with Testimonials: Leverage social media platforms to share success stories and testimonials from satisfied clients, creating a positive online presence that fosters trust and attracts potential patients.
4. Educational Content Creation: Develop informative blog posts, videos, or podcasts on chiropractic care, addressing common concerns and providing valuable insights to position yourself as an authority in the field.
5. Referral Programs: Establish a referral program that rewards existing clients who refer new patients, encouraging word-of-mouth marketing and expanding your client base through the trust established by existing relationships.
6. Local Event Sponsorship: Sponsor local events, sports teams, or health fairs to increase brand visibility, demonstrating your commitment to community well-being and fostering connections with potential clients.
7. Online Reviews Management: Actively encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Healthgrades, enhancing your online reputation and influencing potential clients’ decisions.
8. Targeted Direct Mail Campaigns: Create targeted direct mail campaigns to reach specific demographics in your local area, showcasing your clinic’s services and unique value propositions to attract potential clients.
9. Special Promotions for New Clients: Introduce special promotions or discounted packages for first-time clients, incentivizing them to experience your services and encouraging initial engagement.
10. Collaboration with Local Businesses: Partner with local businesses, such as wellness centers, spas, or health food stores, to cross-promote services and tap into their customer base, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your chiropractor clinic meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your chiropractor clinic business could be:

• Experience holistic healing and personalized care
• Discover a chiropractic clinic that prioritizes patient education, empowering you to actively participate in your own wellness journey 
• Experience relief and rejuvenation with personalized chiropractic care

Networking

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a chiropractic business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in chiropractic clinics for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in chiropractic services. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

You will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a chiropractor clinic business include:

• Receptionist – greet clients, set appointments
• Billing Specialist – send bills, handle insurance claims, take payments
• Marketing Lead – create and implement marketing strategies
• Office Manager – manage staff, accounting

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter. Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Chiropractor Clinic – Start Making Money!

Chiropractors have a wonderful job – making people feel better and improving their quality of life. By starting your own chiropractor clinic you’d be providing a valuable service, while tapping into a $20 billion market and making a healthy living. Eventually, you could bring in partners and expand your business to new locations or even other cities.

You understand the chiropractic business now, so you’re ready to find the perfect office space and get your chiropractic clinic up and running!