3 Major Problems with Chiropractic and What to Do About Them

Chiropractic care is incredibly valuable, but there are common hurdles that can hinder growth and patient satisfaction. Here are three major problems and actionable solutions to overcome them:

1. Chiropractic Lacks Instant Gratification

The Problem: Patients often expect immediate results, and when they don't get them, they might lose faith in the treatment. This expectation is driven by our fast-paced society where everything needs to happen quickly.

The Solution:

- Educate patients from Day 1.

- Avoid long waits in reception - people need to have a sense of “something is happening”.

- Objective & Subjective reviews regularly - patients need to see they’re moving in the right direction.

- Ask patients “how long they think it takes to make changes to long-lasting problems”.

- Remind patients what they need to be doing outside the office to help themselves.

2. Chiropractic Is Difficult to Explain

The Problem: Often a problem with the practitioner - not the profession. Understanding Chiropractic can be a challenge even for practices that have educational videos, email campaigns sequences, brochures etc. The ultimate litmus test here … ask your patients the following:

“How would you explain what we do in our clinic to your friends outside the office?”

I promise you - the answers will shock you. Even when it comes to your best patients.

Unlike poor dental health - poor biomechanics, poor spinal health, nerve problems are things rarely noticed by the general public - they are hidden from view, which makes it challenging to explain how we can help (when people don’t ‘see the problem’).

The Solution:

- An effective Report of Findings is KEY. Verbal communication is ok, but using visuals is even better. Some clinics use digital x-rays, some use posture Apps and anything in between.

- Patients aren’t reading most of the lengthy brochures and emails you give them - use models (spinal models / spinal disc models / digital diagrams etc) to help them visualise their problem.

- Communicate in their language. Our brains mostly make sense of ‘new concepts’ only when they are linked to things we already understand.

Example:

“Maintenance treatment for your spine and joints is like flossing and brushing is for your teeth … you don’t wait to get a toothache for you to start cleaning your teeth”

3. Chiropractic Is Seen as ‘An Expensive Luxury’

The Problem: Things are seen as “cheap” or “expensive” based on perceived value.

And value is added when a problem is removed (pain, discomfort, inability to work due to back pain, inability to play with grandkids etc).

It also boils down to what the practitioner’s philosophy of what chiropractic is and what it isn't.

Chiros who focus on helping patients holistically and beyond pain will have to communicate differently compared to those docs who only focus on fixing the pain.

Comparison to NHS “free treatment” and cheap painkillers vs Chiropractic treatment also doesn't help our case.

The Solution:

- It’s your responsibility to educate patients about healing times, anatomy, and how the body works. When there is no clear explanation - they will think your services are expensive.

- On a more practical note - make sure the clinic has flexible options for patients to choose how they pay for their care.

- Highlight Long-Term Benefits. Emphasise the long-term health and cost benefits of maintaining spinal health compared to treating chronic issues later.

By addressing these common challenges, you can enhance patient satisfaction and grow your chiropractic practice with ease. Remember, effective communication, patient education, and offering true value are key to overcoming these obstacles.

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My mission is to inspire and help you build an amazing practice, achieve financialfreedom, and enjoy the journey. The only way I can do that is to provide a massive amount of value for free and hope that you talk about it … because it’s truly helping you!

If you are interested in personal support to implement all of these principles for your practice consider booking a 1-1 call to learn more today

Want to go deeper on this topic? Not a problem, I made you a video here

p.s. Incase you missed the last blog check it out here