Across the profession, doctors are embracing a new wave of tools, technologies and integrative techniques that elevate the impact of the classic chiropractic adjustment.
The articles in this issue illuminate a profession evolving thoughtfully, boldly and with the patient at the center of every innovation.
We begin with Kirk Gair, DC, who reminds us that chiropractic’s strength has always been its ability to recognize biological truths before they gain mainstream validation. His feature on high-energy, nonthermal lasers illustrates how these technologies engage many of the same neurological pathways historically influenced by the adjustment. As Gair explains, the profession’s early pioneers understood spinal function as a gateway to whole-body influence, long before research caught up. Today’s laser therapies extend that legacy, offering DCs a powerful adjunct capable of influencing central nervous system processing, motor control and neurointegration.
Building on that theme of integration, Christopher Proulx, DC, addresses a pressing challenge: Chiropractic is still too often perceived as episodic back pain care. With only 11% of US adults receiving chiropractic services in 2022, the gap between what the profession offers and how it is utilized remains significant. Proulx argues that the way forward is not abandoning manual care but modernizing how practices
engage patients.
A related perspective comes from Nathaniel Shober, ND, and Phil Harrington, DC, who explore the synergy between chiropractic and naturopathic medicine. Their article outlines how combining structural correction with lifestyle guidance, targeted nutritional support, stress management and appropriate use of regenerative technologies creates a model that resolves symptoms and builds long-term resilience.
In “Chiropractic 3.0: The Regenerative Frontier,” David Bohn, DC, pushes the conversation into mechanotransduction, AI-supported care and regenerative technologies. Bohn argues the frontier is no longer technique variation but about cellular-level influence and data-driven precision. The integration of shockwave, high intensity laser and AI-driven insights forms the foundation of what he calls hybrid chiropractic.
From the cellular to the structural, Mark Charrette, DC, turns our attention to athletes and the essential role orthotics play within chiropractic treatment plans. With athletes experiencing musculoskeletal pain and disability at higher rates than the general population, small biomechanical inefficiencies can quickly escalate into chronic issues.
Clinical innovation extends beyond treatment into practice management, as Mark Sanna, DC, explains in his article on key performance indicator (KPI) benchmarking. Successful practices don’t grow by accident, but through consistent tracking, analysis and refinement. KPIs give you a clear, objective dashboard for understanding performance, identifying breakdowns and making decisions rooted in real data rather than intuition.
To round out our integrative care coverage, Lexi Loch, ND, offers an evidence-based look at the top supplements for musculoskeletal support. With more than half of American adults experiencing joint pain or mobility challenges, providing safe and effective alternatives to NSAIDs is increasingly important.
Lauri Grossman, DC, offers an important perspective on back pain and sciatica. Affecting up to 80% of individuals over a lifetime, these conditions remain leading causes of work absenteeism and disability. While chiropractic adjustments and adjunctive therapies are highly effective, Grossman notes patients with chronic or treatment-resistant pain often require additional support.
Finally, Desirée De Spong brings attention to an overlooked yet essential system supporting musculoskeletal health: The lymphatic system. Her article makes a compelling case that structural alignment is only part of the healing equation. When lymphatic flow is compromised, inflammation lingers, healing slows and adjustments may not hold as effectively. Integrating lymphatic therapy empowers chiropractors to support both structure and fluid dynamics, leading to more comprehensive and lasting outcomes.
Together, these articles reveal a profession not only keeping pace with modern healthcare but helping lead its evolution. As you explore this issue, I hope you’ll find inspiration in the ways chiropractic honors its roots while embracing its remarkable future.
Gloria N. Hall
Editor-in-Chief
