THE TRADITIONAL CONTINUUM OF CARE A traditional therapeutic model of care usually progresses through three successive levels. These can be named, in succession: relief, correction and maintenance. The initial goal in this form of care is symptomatic improvement and it is re-gionally focused. As relief is attained, the patient is instructed on how to avert an-other episode and so corrective strategies are employed. Because of the mechanical nature of the discussions, the goals of out-come and perhaps the approach to care, the discussion typically follows an exercise and avoidance theme. Finally, when the area of chief complaint and the severity of the episode have stabilized, a form of checkup and maintenance can be recommended. As you can see, this model aims towards a ceiling of improvement relying upon the patient to seek out his or her own health and wellness strategies. Maintenance care, by its name, can hardly be referred to as a true wellness model. At best, it can be viewed as a standard for spinal stability and spinal well-being. Imagine, then, if we were to view spinal correction and relief as only one part of the whole process. If the overall goal of care was shifted to the advancement of the per-son’s state of health and adaptability, what role could a chiropractor logically play in that lofty outcome? Could there be a con-nection between the spine and reorganiza-tional healing? Traditional Herbal Medicine Immune System Support Proprietary Herbal Formula • Gluten Free cGMP Compliance • Trusted Worldwide Since 1922 Made only in Canada • Exported Worldwide A BIGGER PICTURE The answer is, of course, yes. This is why chiropractic exists: to release unhealthy and damaging tension from the spinal-neural-dural core; enter into a rebuilding alliance with the patient that focuses on new and more powerful strategies; and finally revi-talize the adaptive process with ongoing, ef-fective chiropractic approaches. Replacing the therapeutic model with an advanced, chiropractic continuum of release, rebuild and revitalize would shift the intent of care, and the certainty of the outcome, from being “spine-centric” towards wellness. The parameters of measurement would have to be adapted or enhanced but the role of the chiropractor would be unshackled in both the patient’s and the doctor’s perspective. A CONTINUUM OF ACCOUNTABILITY Whichever care plan model is adopted, there must be accountability embedded at www.canadianchiropractor.ca NPN 80012920 Powder NPN 80015598 NPN 80012914 Capsules Extract Doctors Recommend BEWARE OF COUNTERFEITS! ESSIAC ® Canada International P.O. Box 23155, Ottawa, Ont., Canada K2A 4E2 Tel. : (613) 729-9111 · Fax : (613) 729-9555 · E-mail : [email protected] www.essiaccanada.ca FULL TEXT COPYRIGHT © 2011, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. AUTHORIZED USER OF ESSIAC TRADEMARK RES-6143 2/3 Page Ad Chiropractors.indd 1 Canadian ChiropraCtor | SEPTEMBER 2012 AM • 31 23/11/11 10:44 description: Essiac 2/3 PagE ad chiroPractors
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