DISMANTLING THE PROFESSION What makes us valuable was easy: No other profession has the tools to main-tain the integrity of the neuromuscu-loskeletal system better than a chiro-practor. Purely from a biomechanical efficiency perspective, we are the best equipped to cost effectively asses, correct and maintain efficiency of movement. We firmly believe that if money was not a factor, consumers would use chiropractic services more often. To prove the point we did a “straw poll” in our offices where we asked that question of existing pa-tients. The results were that 87 per cent of existing patients would use the services more often. As to what our core purpose is: We believe that 39 years in practice has demonstrated that our purpose is to maintain efficiency of movement which in turn results in reduction in related symptoms, the lessening and often reversal of wear and tear associ-ated with injury with a balancing of autonomics to maximize adaptive ca-pacity. Ten years ago if someone would have said this we would scoffed and demanded the science. Now, the evi-dence is there, but more importantly clinical practice proves the truth of it. What separates us from competitors is our understanding of the impact that efficient function of the spine and related joints has upon movement, and most importantly the massive impact that efficient movement has upon health. Again, science continues to demonstrate the unassailable cor-relation between degree of movement and prevalence of disease. Quite sim-ply, the less mobile people are, the more they are susceptible to all major diseases, and chiropractic care main-tains balance and mobility. We wrestled with what it really was that uniquely defines us to consumers, and this is where the rubber really hits the road because we believe this estab-lishes our identity. We seek to correct neuro-biomechanical dysfunction through the adjustment of the affected joint or joints to impact function/ad-aptability. This is what brings us back to the term “subluxation.” When you boil it down, chiropractors adjust subluxations. This is our distinctness and what separates us from everyone else in health care. When properly understood and defined, the term subluxation perfectly describes what we seek to identify and correct. The term adjustment properly defines the procedures used by chiropractors to treat subluxation. The science and the logic are there. Subluxation is a chiro-practic term – the adjustment, a chi-ropractic procedure. We are a unique and valid profession with a distinct purpose and value to consumers. Growth will only come from champi-oning our uniqueness, not sharing in the mediocrity. THE ETHICS OF TOUCH, 2ND ED. In this groundbreaking work on ethics, Ben Benjamin and Cherie Sohnen-Moe directly address the difficult, confusing, and seldom-discussed-but-often-troubling dilemmas confronting touch therapy practitioners. By honestly describing the issues, identifying clear principles, naming specific resources and using stories straight from the treatment room, they have written a book to guide, support and inspire both students and seasoned practitioners. Reflective exercises and questions allow the reader to personalize each chapter. With love and respect for the field and for clients everywhere, Dr. Benjamin and Ms. Sohnen-Moe articulate high expectations and outline practical steps to meet them. Most chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, physical therapists and other somatic practitioners do not receive adequate ethics training in school. This book supports hands-on professionals in expanding their knowledge about the field of eithics, to better manage boundaries, and to run ethical practices. www.canadianchiropractor.ca CC_book ad_Oct16_MLD.indd 1 July/August 2018 Canadian Chiropractor 23 2016-09-14 2:37 PM
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