Editorial Series Sponsored By: Sigma Instruments
Have you ever had patients complain that their adjustments vary from visit to visit?
Or maybe you have a patient who insists on seeing just you or just another associate in the practice because they give the “best” adjustment? The reality is that not every adjustment is created equal when subjected to the vagaries of human error. But chiropractic instruments offer you a way to provide your patients with a consistent and precise adjustment each time they visit.
Not only do they provide uniformity but they can also extend your career by saving your hands from the burden of constant adjusting.
Staying in control
Instruments can provide a level of control to each adjustment that you perform. This lets you better ensure patient outcomes because they are receiving a measured adjustment.
Donald A. Capoferri, DC, owner of Precision Pain Relief Center, has been using chiropractic instruments in his practice for more than 25 years.
“It is extremely important to have as much control over the treatment modality as possible,” he says. “Instruments give me the exact impact force, speed of impact, number of impacts, and an immediate post-check to see if I accomplished the desired outcome.”
By giving precise adjustments each time, evaluating the progress of each patient becomes easier and supports better patient outcomes.
“On subsequent visits I can check the history and compare the patient’s progress and reevaluation,” he says. “This allows for predictable treatment plans and helps with patient education.”
Better patient outcomes mean happier patients and happier patients are more likely to refer you to others, allowing you to build a thriving practice.
All the same
Instrument adjusting also provides consistency from DC to DC. This is especially important for group practices or if you have associates working for you. By using instruments, you are guaranteeing that each adjustment is the same for the patient, regardless of who performs it.
“Our instruments allow for seamless transitions from one doctor to the other because the analysis, adjustment, and post-check along with clinical decision-making is all the same,” Capoferri says.
This also allows you to have some flexibility in your schedule for things like vacations or hobbies. Craig Livesay, DC, owner of Livesay Chiropractic- Spinal Corrective Center, loves that instruments allow him to take time off without fear of losing patients in the process.
“I fish professionally and leave the practice for seven to eight weeks a year,” he says. “During that time, two other associates take over and no one can tell the difference. I haven’t lost any clients or had people change appointments while I’m away.”
Knowing that your patients will still have the same results with each instrument adjustment can alleviate some of the stress of running a successful practice.
Extended care
Chiropractic instruments have the potential to extend your career because they don’t strain your body as much as manual adjustments can.
“It does extend your career because there is less wear and tear on the shoulders and it is easier on the doctor overall,” Livesay says.
Instruments can also provide a sort of insurance because they allow you to keep treating patients if you or your associates are ever injured. With manual adjustments an injury or accident involving the hands, arms, or shoulders could end a chiropractor’s career. But now you can continue to practice even if unforeseen circumstances occur.
Technology matters
In today’s world, the use of technology in a practice can separate the successful from the unsuccessful. Patients expect a certain level of technology in their healthcare now, and instruments can be a great addition that demonstrates the modernity of adjusting, too.
“Using computer-guided instruments more than doubled my practice because we live in a high-tech world,” Livesay says. “Computerized adjusting really rings a bell with people now.”
Adding instruments can both bring your practice to the next level and show patients that chiropractic truly does have a place in the current healthcare marketplace.
Necessary adjustments
Giving consistent and accurate adjustments with instruments ensures that you are providing your patients with the best possible care. Instruments also allow some flexibility for your schedule because the results will always be the same, no matter who is giving the treatment. And most importantly, instruments can extend your career by reducing the strain on your body so that you can continue to do what you do best.
Casey Nighbor is the associate editor of Chiropractic Economics. She can be reached at cnighbor@chiro.com, 904-395- 3389, or through ChiroEco.com.
