Simple beginnings sometimes lead to the grandest experiences. The front page picture of the November 20, 1992 issue of "DC" was unusual, but the caption explained it all: "Lisa Casey, DC, with 'Cats' cast members Marc Holland and Jim Ruttman." It might have appeared strange to someone outside of the chiropractic profession that chiropractors would be photographed with the cast of the famous Broadway musical, but since a picture speaks a thousand words, it told me a very different story.
My thoughts went back two years earlier, when a different cast of "Cats" came to Atlanta. I had treated the actors at that time and was delighted to make two rewarding discoveries: that the group was very receptive to chiropractic care, and that chiropractic in general was gaining wider acceptance within the performing arts.
Inspired by the article in "DC," I reached for the phone to contact the doctors who had participated. I congratulated Dr. Offner, who with Dr. Casey had treated the "Cats" cast members in Phoenix, Arizona. I also mentioned that the cast would be returning to Atlanta, and asked if he could give me the name of his contact so I could arrange for a similar opportunity. After several phone calls and about an hour on the phone, it was all set. When "Cats" arrived in Atlanta, my colleagues and I would provide them with chiropractic care.
The week the performance opened, our small group of doctors went down to greet the cast, and they wasted no time in announcing over the P.A. system that we would be providing our services. Immediately a large line of enthusiastic actors formed and we were quickly absorbed with taking care of a group of delightful patients who were thrilled to be receiving our treatments. They literally received us with open arms. The interaction between the cast and the chiropractors was very professional and also a great deal of fun. It was wonderful to work with people who are in fine tune with their bodies -- they knew that they needed adjustments and that the care would help them on many levels. The care paid off: During the performance, no particular emergencies occurred, but the appreciation of the additional flexibility was evident to everyone.
Reaching out to provide chiropractic to the performing arts community is just another example of a terrific opportunity to spread the word of chiropractic and have a great time.
Louis Leonardi, DC
Symrna, Georgia
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?
