I want to talk with you about the seriousness of your role as a chiropractor from now until the end of your life. We chiropractors are among the most fortunate individuals on the face of the earth right now! Why? Two reasons. First, we are in the right place at the right time; second, we are engaged in the "right livelihood."
A recent study commissioned by the FCER by trend forecaster Gerald Celente (Trends 2000) identified the following trends for the new millennium: a major expansion of public interest in holistic health and wellness; maintenance of functional capacity; longevity and life-extension; self-responsibility; and counseling in nutrition, fitness, and other lifestyle changes (e.g., weight management, stress reduction, etc.)1 Baby boomers are fueling these trends because they have "previewed" their own parents' health or lack of it. Our chiropractic training has prepared us for the role of the "wellness doctor" in health care.
To see how well targeted my chiropractic education was back in the mid-seventies, I pulled out some notes I took as a freshman given in a philosophy class by Virgil Strang, DC. Among the notes were the following:
Through our efforts, and those that went before us, one patient at a time, we have succeeded in introducing thousands of patients to the benefits of spinal adjustments and chiropractic care. First, we asked; then our patients asked; soon other health care professionals asked; and now the nation is asking: "If a problem is taken care of before it becomes a problem, did it ever exist?2 Mainstream medicine is coming our way because of the positive quality of life changes that affect chiropractic patients. Now millions are asking to be shown better ways to maintain and improve their health and demanding that their health insurance carriers pay for it. This is health insurance.
We are wellness doctors, and we need to keep expanding this role beyond talking with our patients about the value of adjustments to include other self-care methods and lifestyle changes that will assist them to attain their fullest potential. If I know a patient is likely harming himself by continuing his current diet, as his doctor, am I being negligent by not talking with him about the modifications necessary for improved health? How does a person learn good health habits and the components that provide a life of wellness?
Chiropractors have achieved portal of entry health care status. Now that we have it, we cannot say, "I only want to be responsible for this and not that." Some responsible allopathic physicians have suggested using the term complementary rather than alternative, as this implies pooling experience and resources for the benefit of the patient.3 I believe it is our responsibility to talk with our patients. We can only do this if we are willing to keep up with new information and challenge ourselves to make necessary changes for ourselves that we have put off too long.
As citizens of the United States and as members of the human race, we should be very concerned about the state of wellness of our nation and our world. We have a method that can significantly impact the health and well-being of the people of our nation and the world. Imagine if the nation woke up tomorrow and all our citizens were healthy!
It is already beginning to happen; a recent study conducted at Duke University found that the quality of life for older Americans has improved since 1982, with disabilities among the elderly population declining by 14.5%. Not only were there fewer disabled people, but those disabled had fewer disabilities.5 As chiropractors, our mission is much larger than a fight about insurance codes and reimbursement for services (though this is necessary as well); this is about the interrelatedness and impact healthy people exert on every other aspect in their lives. Our gift to the world is teaching people how to proceed to reclaim their health. Listen, my friends; learn, and then get busy!
References
Barbara Zapotocky, DC, MA
Honolulu, Hawaii
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
