Regenerative therapies: It's a hot buzz word you are hearing more and more these days. But what is it, really? And can chiropractors take part in it? And what are the traits of chiropractors who have succeeded in the field? Let's answer these questions and more.
What Is Regenerative Medicine?
From Wikipedia: "Regenerative medicine is a branch of translational research in tissue engineering and molecular biology which deals with the 'process of replacing, engineering or regenerating human cells, tissues or organs to restore or establish normal function.' This field holds the promise of engineering damaged tissues and organs by stimulating the body's own repair mechanisms to functionally heal previously irreparable tissues or organs."
Much of the regenerative therapies being applied by chiropractic practices involve stem cell therapies. Even though these protocols always require the involvement of medical doctors (MDs / DOs), that does not mean these therapies constitute allopathic health care. They involve using stem cells to repair the body, but do not use chemical drugs or dangerous major surgeries.
True to the chiropractic creed, the body is basically healing itself instead of merely masking symptoms, which is what allopathic medicine often involves. Stem cells can actually repair ailments in spines, necks, shoulders, knees, feet and more.
What Are the Traits of DCs Who Provide Regenerative Therapies?
Some of this is going to sound very familiar, with terms often used to describe success in chiropractic in general, but it also applies to chiropractors involved in stem cell therapies. The No. 1 trait displayed by DCs who succeed with regenerative therapies is being "on purpose."
Most reading this will immediately shake their head in agreement on what "being on purpose" means. But let's extrapolate as a refresher. "Being on purpose" means your core goal is healing people, saving lives, thus making the planet a better place. Without that core motivation, you will fall astray and "lose your way."
If you begin to focus on how much money you will make, for instance, that is a recipe for disaster. The truth of the matter is, stem cell therapies can be very lucrative for the practitioner. But that needs to be the "icing on the cake," not the cake itself. The core reason you should be excited about offering these seemingly miraculous treatments is because of the immense improvement you can make with patients' health and lives. That should be your core drive and purpose.
Is Innovation Your Friend?
This is one of those questions where there is no right or wrong. If you tend to be open to new innovations and protocols, regenerative therapies may be a fit for you. If, on the other hand, you feel very competent with spinal adjustments and are pleased with specializing in those treatments alone, stem cell treatments may not be a fit for you.
As stated earlier, regenerative treatments align with the soul of chiropractic, but that doesn't mean it is a fit for every DC, because it is not. In fact, being a second-generation chiropractor myself, I very much value and appreciate chiropractic care. But if you find yourself open – and excited about – the latest innovations, regenerative therapies may fit you, your philosophy and your practice.
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An increasing number of chiropractors are beginning to offer these therapies by partnering / hiring MDs. Would it be a fit for your practice and philosophies? Answer these questions to help ascertain if it may be appropriate:
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