Doctors of chiropractic are showing amazing resiliency as the nation emerges from the COVID-19 lockdown, while other health care professions have suffered an estimated 1.5 million job losses, including 520,000 in dentist offices, 217,000 in physician offices, 134,000 in hospitals and 212,000 others.1-2
According to a survey conducted by Dynamic Chiropractic in early April,3 approximately 80 percent of U.S. chiropractors remained in practice as stay-at-home orders went into effect. A second survey, conducted in late May, found that with restrictions relaxing, approximately 90 percent of DCs were practicing. Their willingness to adapt to the needs of their communities during this time has reportedly resulted in an expansion of their patient bases in many cases.
According to the second survey,4 as of late May 71 percent of DCs were seeing at least half of pre-pandemic patient volume, with 9 percent seeing almost 100 percent of previous volume, over a quarter (26 percent) seeing around 75 percent and over a third (36 percent) seeing about half.
Both surveys also suggest doctors of chiropractic who stayed open and communicated with their patients through phone calls, social media and texts had a greater chance of seeing higher patient visits when they were open.
While the loss of jobs in any health care profession is truly unfortunate, it does open the door for many people to experience chiropractic care for the first time. As states relax their protective orders, many patients may still be more comfortable resuming their chiropractic care – or trying it for the first time – than visiting their medical provider.
References
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?
