Maximized Living chiropractors market themselves as promoting whole-body wellness through natural methods. However, patient complaints question whether their practices are truly effective or if Maximized Living is actually a scam. This article dives into their approach, analyzed real patient reviews and complaints, and provides advice on how to avoid chiropractic scams.
How Does Maximized Living Chiropractic Work?
Maximized Living chiropractors focus on detecting and correcting subluxations, which they believe interfere with the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Their method relies heavily on frequent spinal adjustments combined with lifestyle changes they call the “5 Essentials” – nutrition, mindset, toxicity reduction, exercise, and sleep.
The company claims this approach naturally enhances wellness by “removing interference” to the nervous system and spine. However, critics argue many of their theories lack scientific evidence and their cookie-cutter protocols fail to address patients’ individual needs.
What Do Patients Really Think? User Reviews and Complaints
While Maximized Living advertises lofty health goals for patients, user reviews reveal a concerning level of dissatisfaction and allegations of scam-like practices:
They asked for money upfront and gave me a care plan of exercises and diet advice. But everyone gets adjusted the same way and they’re hardly ever open when scheduled.
This complaint about rote adjustments given to all patients regardless of need and irregular office hours is quite common across reviews. Another patient reported:
It’s a scam. They took my money and didn’t deliver the services promised. Now they refuse to provide refunds for unperformed treatments.
Upfront payments paired with pushy sales tactics appear repeatedly in negative feedback:
High pressure sales to get you to pre-pay for a year of care without chance to try it first. Still waiting after 6 months for ‘wellness’ they promised.
Criticism also targets Maximized Living’s tendency to disparage traditional medicine and discourage medication use:
They tell patients to quit taking prescriptions and claim adjustments can cure almost any health problem. Very irresponsible and potential dangerous advice.
These complaints question whether Maximized Living puts patients first or focuses more on driving volume and revenue.
Is Maximized Living Legit Chiropractic or a Scam?
The abundance of dissatisfied patient reviews renders Maximized Living’s practices suspect. Their reliance on pre-payments, inflexible protocols, exaggerated claims, and substandard service indicates profit-seeking behavior with little regard for patient wellbeing.
Peer chiropractors also condemn Maximized Living as “giving the entire profession a bad name” and disparage its founder for promoting practices lacking evidence and disciplined by licensing boards. Therefore, while Maximized Living technically offers real chiropractic services, their approach seems motivated by money rather than patients’ best interests.
How to Identify and Avoid Chiropractic Frauds
Maximized Living exhibits several red flags indicative of chiropractic scams to watch out for:
- Aggressive sales tactics pushing large upfront payments
- Vague treatment plans and guarantees
- Claims that spinal adjustments can cure various diseases
- Failure to perform thorough diagnostic exams before starting care
- Requiring long treatment commitments without option to trial services
- Unprofessional behavior like inconsistent office hours
Being an educated consumer is your best defense. Do research before choosing a chiropractor and avoid those who prioritize sales over sincerely listening to understand your health needs.
How to Find an Ethical Chiropractor:
- Research credentials, licensing discipline history
- Read multiple detailed patient reviews
- Schedule thorough consultations before buying packages
- Avoid doctors pushing prepaid treatment plans
- Walk away from high-pressure sales tactics
- Ensure care connects to your symptoms and needs
The right chiropractor-patient relationship emphasizes open communication and patient-centered care. Seek second opinions if unsure any recommendations are right for you.
What To Do If You Get Scammed
If you paid upfront and lost money to an apparent chiropractic scam like Maximized Living, don’t just walk away. First, request records like SOAP notes documenting the specifics of care you received. This evidence can support demands for partial refunds.
Next, report fraudulent activity to licensing boards and consumer protection agencies who can sanction bad actors. Lastly, put pressure on credit card companies to reverse payments for services not received. Don’t let unscrupulous chiropractors profit at your expense!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are all Maximized Living chiropractors untrustworthy?
No, a few legitimately aim to help patients. But their model incentivizes high-volume, low-quality care which frequently translates into subpar service. Patients must vet individual providers carefully.
2. Can chiropractors advise on nutrition or other wellness areas?
Yes, but claims to cure complex conditions via spinal adjustments go beyond most chiropractic training. Reliable doctors refer patients out for specialized care when necessary.
3. Is it standard to prepay for long chiropractic treatment plans?
No, most chiropractors have visit-by-visit payment plans. Large upfront payments should raise suspicions, especially without a trial period first.
4. How can I find an ethical, patient-focused chiropractor?
Check licensing boards for disciplinary history. Read multiple online reviews. Interview potential doctors about diagnostic processes. Avoid chiropractors who don’t listen to your needs.
5. Are chiropractic adjustments helpful for back pain?
Yes, research shows properly-performed spinal manipulation can effectively treat certain musculoskeletal conditions related to the back, neck, etc.
The Bottom Line
In summary, Maximized Living built a business model around questionable practices like inflated health claims, pressuring patients for upfront payments, and rigid cookie-cutter protocols disregarding individual needs. Their focus on sales volume over service quality results in many dissatisfied patients.
Consumers are wise to carefully vet any chiropractor before committing. Watch for warning signs of scam-like behavior such as described in this article. Always demand evidence-based care customized to address your health concerns. Don’t become another victim of shortcuts chasing profits over patient wellbeing.