UPFRONT | Columnist KEYS TO YOUR PRACTICE New opportunities W Connecting to your community on a whole new level BY ANGELO SANTIN ouldn’t you agree that many chiro-practors believe that prevention of spinal problems is an important part of practice? Al-though this is a really noble idea, I have to admit that even I believe this is not creating the opportunities we need to service a greater part of the population. I don’t really like the idea of preven-tion in regards to what we do as chiro-practors. Just to clarify, the definition of prevention is “to stop something from happening or arising.” This defi-nition seems awfully defensive when it comes to our health and the health of our community. Instead, a relatively untouched opportunity for our profes-sion and our practices to flourish in would be around maximizing a per-son’s health. I believe strongly that if we can master this area we can create a new opportunity for chiropractors to con-nect with people who not only want to stay well, but also take their health to another level. Let me share three stories to clarify what I’m trying to express here. Mike came in for a new patient ap-pointment four weeks ago. His wife was a patient of mine and he came with her to her health-care class in which we give lifestyle recommenda-tions and share how the chiropractic story can maximize a person’s health. Mike decided to come in as a patient for what I call a “chiropractic physical” or “wellness exam”. At his initial ap-pointment, he stated he had no health concerns or complaints but he wanted to see if there was a way chiropractic They point to a new direction in could keep him well and improve his which we can change the way we overall health. He started care and at think, communicate, market and his progress exam stated he is sleeping practice chiropractic. To dissect it better, working out better, breathing even further, we need to do a few better and has more energy. things really well in order for Charlotte presented to our office this work: • Have unwavering confidence in with neck pain after a whiplash injury. chiropractic‘s ability to opti-During her history we briefly touched mize a person’s health on when she believes the “problem” • Be able to communicate the (subluxation process) first started. need for an asymptomatic per-The key here was I went back and son to have a chiropractic exam asked about her childhood, slips, falls • Be able to examine the spine and even her birthing process as far as not only for “the problem” but she could recall. In this instance she for subluxations’ effect on hu-had had multiple falls during gymnas-man function tics as a child and I watched her start • Be able to monitor progress via to really put the pieces together as to re-assessments to demonstrate why she was having her symptoms. I maximized health reached out to her to consider having • Learn to share stories and mar-her husband and son checked as well. ket your practice around the Both will be coming in as new patients idea of achieving optimal health shortly. Neither have pain or symp-toms whatsoever. Looking at this list, I know there are I recently did a talk at a local small areas in our practices that no doubt business on reducing injury and max-need improvement. I also know that imizing performance. Yes we did cover tackling a list like this can be a little injury prevention but we also touched overwhelming. Make a commitment on maximizing a person’s to make small steps starting A relatively with implementing one thing health. This included both untouched lifestyle choices and the use at a time. You will know that chiropractic care to achieve opportunity you are on the right track by for our optimal health and perfor-the number of “well” people mance. The following week profession to that you see as new patients. three out of the four, new I’m speaking to everyone flourish in patients that came in from who believes that chiropractic would be that talk had no complaints has the potential to change around on their intake form. They maximizing a lives not only change spines. too were seeking ways to I’m speaking to those who person’s achieve optimal health, not believe that our profession health. just treat injury. hasn’t even began to scratch What do all these stories have in the surface of our true potential as far common and what can they teach us? as serving our communities. Begin with changing yourself and DR. ANGELO SANTIN, DC, operates a busy subluxation-based family practice in Thunder Bay, Ont., and your practice and you will begin to see is president of the Thunder Bay Chiropractic Society. Dr. Santin is also a Carter Universal proficiency-the change much needed in our rated chiropractic coach. He can be reached at [email protected] or 807-344-4606. profession. www.canadianchiropractor.ca 20 Canadian Chiropractor May 2016
Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor May 2016: Page 20
