Rehab, healthcare leadership, and you

When my husband had knee-replacement surgery, he was determined to get back to normal as fast as possible. (He had visions of cutting the grass a week after getting out of the hospital.) Although that didn't happen, he was walking without a cane and able to drive a car within two weeks.

His speedy recovery was due to two things: His determination and his willingness to do rehabilitative exercises at home.

Some doctors would say rehabilitation is as important to chiropractic as it is to surgery. They say rehab trains the muscles to support the skeletal system properly.

That explanation convinces me that rehab is important to your patients' overall health. Whether you offer in-office rehab or provide home-rehab exercises and equipment, your patients will benefit.

I think rehab is also important to your practice's health. Rehab can add considerable additional income through reimbursable services and the sale of ancillary products, such as bands, balls, ointments, and nutritional products.

And, adding rehab can help you position your clinic as a healthcare leader.

On the topic of leadership ... In this issue, we bring you a new column called "Practical Leadership." It is written by Monica Wofford, an acclaimed trainer, author, and speaker. (If you attended the Las Vegas Parker Seminars, you may have heard Ms. Wofford capture the attention of several thousand registrants in a keynote address.)

I've heard a few practitioners comment that since they run a small solo practice, leadership is not important. I beg to differ. A leader:

• Envisions success;
• Sets direction;
• Removes obstacles;
• Provides resources;
• Teaches; and
• Puts processes in place that ensure continued success.

Leaders generally don't confine themselves to their business. They share their leadership with their communities and their profession. One way to increase the visibility of chiropractic within your community is to become a leader in your church or synagogue, schools, service clubs, or politics.

Practice your leadership, and your practice will grow.

Until next time,

Linda Segall, Editor-in-Chief