There is an old saying: “Familiarity breeds contempt.” This suggests the more we know someone or something, the more there is a tendency to lose respect for them/it. It may not be a conscious loss of respect, but even the unconscious loss of respect can manifest itself in how we talk about it.
This holds true in many aspects of our lives. What we held dear when it was new gradually becomes ordinary, if not disdained. This can happen with a favorite food – the more you eat it, the less you want it ... until you never want to eat it again. You’ve seen this happen in relationships far too often – the once-cherished bride or groom is devalued to the “old lady” or “old man” ... to the point of divorce.
Likewise, the gift of chiropractic you first experienced in your life and in chiropractic college may have become routine. Has it become your daily grind; just a way to pay the bills? Have you lost your love for chiropractic?
Consider your choice of words when you talk about chiropractic. Do you describe it as “regular” chiropractic care or “maintenance” care? Chiropractic care is much more than that to your patients. It’s personalized care that restores their health, allowing them to live their lives fully functional and pain free.
Do you refer to chiropractic “care” or chiropractic “treatments”? The term treatment demeans the whole-being care chiropractic provides into something likened to taking an aspirin. You’re caring for the person, not their ailment, so your language should reflect that.
Instead let’s use words like prevention and optimization to describe chiropractic. These words help patients understand that chiropractic impacts every area of their health throughout their entire journey from birth to grave.
Let’s talk more about their quality of life and how consistent (not regular) chiropractic care can enhance that. Let’s communicate that chiropractic care is patient-centered care, rather than trying to fix something (maintenance).
Finally, how you live your life will speak louder than what you say. Are you an example of the wellness that chiropractic provides? Do your diet, fitness and activities reflect a wellness lifestyle? Does your overall health provide the example you want your patients to follow?
It’s time to regain our love and respect for chiropractic care and the incredible healing power it has. We should be eager to talk with patients about the many benefits of chiropractic beyond the pain that likely led them to your door. Chiropractic isn’t just a form of care; it’s a path to wellness that changes lives and futures.
It’s time to fall in love with chiropractic all over again. Are you ready?
