An opportunity in vestibular diagnosis and rehab
By Michael Koch, DC

The latest epidemic challenge to hit the healthcare profession is fall prevention and balance correction. Whether it’s called vertigo, Meniers disease, or car sickness, the fact is that between 40 percent and 50 percent of all adults experience some form of dizziness.

You may have felt the frustration of someone who has repetitive dizzy spells, falls repeatedly, or walks with a fear of falling. In most cases, the patient has had the condition for years, has “been everywhere, tried everything,” and still has no relief from the problem.

Some suffer a sudden onset of the condition, many times due to trauma (vehicular or sports). Others have been treated in the hospital for dizziness with no relief.

Solutions are actually very realistic and well within the scope of practice. As chiropractors, we have always worked at balancing the neuro-musculoskeletal system. Therefore, it’s not a big stretch that we should simultaneously balance the peripheral nervous system as well.

Balance correction is a combination process of peripheral proprioceptive reintegration that includes:

• Inner ear attenuation,

• Lower extremity deconditioning, and

• Spinal and lower extremity sensory attenuation.

The treatment of balance disorders is an opportunity for chiropractic because despite the enormity of the problem, there is a lack of treatment facilities. Medical doctors, physical therapists, and occupational therapists have virtually ignored treating balance disorders. And they aren’t likely to change their ways in the near future.

You have an excellent opportunity to become a champion of your community by establishing a vestibular fall and balance clinic for the diagnosis and treatment for hundreds, if not thousands, of patients in your area.

How many? If you conservatively estimate that 30 percent of the population is affected by balance disorders, that equates to 30,000 people in a metropolitan area of 100,000. Investigate how many physicians, OTs, and PTs treat balance disorders in your community. You will probably find only two or three. Now your market potential is comprised of 10,000 potential patients.

At a modest average of $1,500- $2,000 per patient case, your income can grow at a rate only limited by the size of your facility and marketing budget.

Many prescription drugs treat symptoms but not the cause. Studies show that patients increasingly prefer noninvasive (holistic) treatments without prescriptions. After being treated for vestibular disorders (many with instant results), patients will refer others to you.

Chiropractic has always been competitive — not only within the profession, but increasingly with other healthcare providers. To stay ahead of the competition, you want (and need) an advantage — something different and unique that has a superior intrinsic value to a unique and growing population. By picking up the challenge no one else wants, and by letting the public know you treat balance disorders, you can virtually own the market and truly become the champion of your community.

SIDEBARS:
Rewarding Job
Patient Treatment
Aging baby bomers, more falls
Your next steps toward vestibular diagnosis

Michael Koch, DC, is certified in fall and balance correction, MUA, and pain management. He currently serves on the advisory board for Ingen Technologies, www.ingen-tech.com. He can be reached at drmkoch@4securehealth.com or by calling Secure Health, Inc. at 260-492-9383. Visit their Web site at www.4securehealth.com.