Welcome to Issue 20 of Chiropractic Economics, which explores how personalized care is revolutionizing chiropractic and integrative health practices.
Experts in this issue emphasize the importance of developing customized treatment plans to build a thriving, patient-centered practice, whether that means tailored laser therapy and supplement protocols or individualized cancer support. In 2026, both patients and DCs stand to benefit significantly from prioritizing a high level of personalization, integrating new digital tools and technology and focusing on patient-driven outcomes.
For this issue, I invited one of my editorial advisors, Christine Foss, MD, to share her predictions on trends she’s seeing moving closer to 2026 and how personalized care is a win-win for doctor and patient. Here’s what she has to say.
Looking ahead to 2026: DC in the trenches
As 2025 comes to a gradual close, I have been making my usual habit of setting goals and reflecting on the previous year’s challenges and opportunities. What can I project and plan for in 2026 that will continue to set a higher bar for my patients’ care? Is it new software, new equipment, new waiting room furniture or maybe I want to generate more new patients?
Today, more than ever, patients are internet ninjas when it comes to diagnosis and care plans for a given condition. However, we cannot be replaced by a chatbot or a web AI search, in that we, as chiropractors, are trained to look at the body in motion and solve the puzzle of why. Not only the patient’s diagnosis, but also why they have it. Unpeeling these faults in the kinetic chain is the true healing of any condition.
The opportunity to view the patient moving, walking, squatting, swinging a golf club, etc., is the window into the why. Against gravity, the patient presents very differently than they do lying prone on a treatment table. How is the musculoskeletal system competing with gravity? Evaluating this kinetic chain of posture and movement as a portal-of-entry healthcare provider is the trend that will separate our profession from those of so many other healthcare professionals.
The patient experience should be all about a personalized approach to care that views them as individuals in motion, with daily musculoskeletal demands that we must accommodate to create a treatment plan that works for them. Each patient is unique, with not only their current complaint, but also their injury history and ability to heal. Embracing this whole-person picture sets the standard for specialized care tailored to each patient.
With so many new trends in patient care, such as the latest and greatest modalities, shockwave, lasers, custom orthotics, recovery tools and nutritional interventions, it is a playground for practitioners like me who love the new, fancy toys that can expedite my patients’ healing. However, my plan is always to give each patient the very best I have each day: a quality examination, the best custom treatment plan and hope for a healthy, active life that can promote longevity and wellness.
—Christine Foss, MD, DC, MS. ED., ATC, DACBSP, DACRB, ICSC
Final thoughts on personalized care
As highlighted throughout this issue and reinforced above by Foss, the trends shaping chiropractic in 2026 point toward a more personalized, proactive and patient-centered model of care.
Thank you for taking the time to read this issue. As chiropractic care continues to shift and change, we’re committed to bringing you insights that support your growth and success. I’d love to hear your thoughts; what topics, trends or innovations would you like us to explore in future issues? Letting us know what you think helps us make each issue much more relevant, timely and valuable to you and your practice. Email me anytime at ghall@chiroeco.com.
Gloria N. Hall
Editor-in-chief
