...modalities were used when indicated rather than for monetary reasons? Recently, I had the pleasant opportunity to view a presentation of various modalities and their supposed use in the chiropractic profession. The presentation was superb. However few, if any, knew what was being taught. Over two and one-half hours of slides, overheads, and practical demonstration went by swiftly and by my own count, less than 10 questions were asked and most of those were by two "students."
Please allow me to ask you -- the profession -- some simple but fundamental questions:
and how are they used?
4. Can muscle be strengthened with electrotherapy? If so, what type of current should be used, and how?
5. How does the treatment approach differ in the patient with muscle involvement versus no muscle involvement?
6. What is the relationship between pulse width and pulse rate, and what widths and rates would be best to produce pain control in:
a) the chronic care patient?
b) the acute patient?
Of course, the list could go on and on. The point is, unless you can answer these questions you have no business using or charging for electrotherapeutic modalities.
In the May 8, 1992 issue of "DC", Don Petersen Jr. wrote the article "Smile! You're on Candid Computer." Read this column and take heed.
Insurance companies, workers' compensation, and government agencies are measuring chiropractic treatment against medical and physical therapy dollar for dollar. Indiscriminate use will show up very quickly. When questioned for a sound rationale, could you provide one? I hope so. Chiropractic does not need another insurance fraud expose on "60 Minutes" or an article as found in the April 1992 issue of American Health magazine.
I challenge you to take a good look at your own practice and ask:
A. Do I have a sound rationale? B. Do I have the education and up-to-date research data to back me up? C. Do I offer a sound, reasonable explanation of what is wrong with my patient?
I sincerely hope that this has been thought provoking and will cause you to commit yourself to honest chiropractic and the finest product for the public.
P.S.: The answer to questions 1 through 6 will be in the next "What If" column.
Keith Innes, D.C.
Scarborough, Ontario
Canada
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?
