If you’ve searched for chiropractic care in Franklin, TN, you’ve probably seen ads offering new patient specials for $27, $45, or similar “too good to be true” prices — sometimes even with an X-ray included. At first glance, these offers look like an incredible deal. But behind the discount is a marketing strategy designed to get you in the door, not necessarily to provide the quality care you deserve.
At Aiello Family Chiropractic, we believe patients should understand the hidden catch of these promotions before making a decision that could cost far more in the long run.
Why $27 Chiropractic Visits Are Too Good to Be True
Chiropractic care is healthcare, not a retail product. When you see an offer for a complete exam and X-ray for less than the cost of dinner, ask yourself: How is this sustainable?
The answer: it’s not. These promotions are a loss leader — meaning the clinic takes a loss upfront in order to pressure patients into committing to long, expensive treatment contracts or monthly memberships that are not necessary. Any form of healthcare, especially chiropractic care, should not require multiple visits to maintain health. Excessive chiropractic care can lead to excessive joint mobility, especially if you are receiving cookie-cutter treatment methods. Cookie-cutter meaning you and everyone else get the same adjustments each visit; we call this the flying seven in our field. Every patient gets the same seven adjustments.
The Unnecessary X-Ray
One of the most common hooks in these promotions is the “free X-ray.” Here’s the truth:
- For most patients, X-rays are not necessary to begin safe chiropractic care.
- National guidelines recommend imaging only when certain “red flag” symptoms are present (severe trauma, suspected fracture, or underlying disease).
- In discount offices, the X-ray isn’t for your health — it’s for sales.
These X-rays are often shown to patients as “proof” that they need months of care, regardless of whether the images are clinically relevant to chiropractic procedures. The worst part of it all is a chiropractor is not a radiologist, they do not have the vast clinical experience of a radiology residency, which is required of a radiologist. Many are very good with reading X-rays but they are not specialists in the field of radiology. That is why at Aiello Family Chiropractic when red flag symptoms present, we do not perform in house X-rays. This office will refer the patient out for professional X-rays, which will be evaluated by a radiologist who will produce a report of findings. You cannot do this thorough process at a discounted rate.
The Hidden Long-Term Cost
That $27 visit? It’s just the bait. Once you’re in the office, here’s what often happens:
- You’re presented with a cookie-cutter treatment plan requiring dozens of visits.
- You’re pressured into signing a long-term contract — sometimes costing thousands of dollars.
- Your care is delivered in a high-volume, fast-paced setting where patients are adjusted in minutes.
The hidden catch: what seemed like an affordable start often ends up being more expensive and lower quality than choosing a practice that provides individualized care from the beginning.
Why Discount Chiropractic Can Cost More in the Long Run
Patients who choose these offices often report:
- Brief, rushed visits with little personal attention.
- No individualized treatment — every patient gets the same plan.
- Recurring pain, since the root cause isn’t fully addressed, each visit is a short term relief.
- Frustration with contracts that don’t allow flexibility.
The result? Many end up paying twice: first for the long-term discount plan, and later to find a chiropractor who will take the time to truly address their needs.
What Quality Chiropractic Care Looks Like
At Aiello Family Chiropractic, we believe care should be based on your health, not a marketing script. That means:
- No unnecessary X-rays unless medically indicated.
- Thorough, personalized exams to understand your unique condition.
- Flexible treatment plans that evolve as you improve. In the begining you may only need a couple chiropractic sessions with targeted massage therapy, as the condition improves massage therapy and home exercise will be implemented as the primary care.
- Time and attention at every visit to ensure lasting results.
Instead of being pushed into a contract, you receive care designed to help you heal and regain function as quickly and effectively as possible.
The SEO Trap of “Cheap Chiropractic”
It’s worth noting that when patients search for “Chiropractor Franklin TN”, Google and social media feeds are flooded with these low-cost offers. This online visibility gives the impression that chiropractic is about bargain deals, when in reality cheap upfront prices often lead to expensive long-term commitments. Anyone who is a google sponsored ad is paying a hefty amount and more than likely will need to pay for that ad by maximizing income off each client they attain.
That’s why it’s important to read beyond the ad. Look for clinics with credible reviews, transparency, and patient-focused care.
How to Spot the Hidden Catch
If you’re considering chiropractic care, here are red flags to watch for:
- An X-ray is required for everyone. Legitimate offices recommend X-rays only when clinically necessary.
- The first visit feels like a sales pitch. Your health should come first, not a payment plan.
- You’re pressured into long contracts. True healthcare is adaptable, not rigid.
- Visits are extremely short. Quality care takes time, not just a few quick minutes.
The Smarter Choice for Chiropractic in Franklin, TN
Investing in quality chiropractic care may seem more expensive at first compared to a $27 special. But in the long run, it saves you money, frustration, and time because:
- You receive care that addresses the root cause of your pain.
- Your treatment is tailored to your needs.
- You’re not locked into a contract you don’t need.
- You build a relationship with a provider who values your health, not sales tactics.
Conclusion: Don’t Get Caught in the Gimmick
The hidden catch of low-cost chiropractic promotions is that they’re rarely about saving patients money. Instead, they’re designed to funnel people into expensive, long-term contracts and rushed care.
At Aiello Family Chiropractic, we do things differently. Our mission is to provide honest, effective, and personalized chiropractic care in Franklin, TN — without gimmicks or unnecessary procedures.
👉 Ready for real chiropractic care without the sales pitch? Schedule your appointment today and experience the difference quality care makes.