Quite the crap and adjust.

So this week I have a topic that is on my mind and might ruffle a few feathers. But I know the truth in this, and it is stopping so many chiropractors from becoming great.

What I am talking about it the ‘flare’ in adjusting. The dramatic bounce, and hand flail after the thrust. You’ve all seen it, the cervical adjustment where the thrust is delivered and then the hand waved magically in the air, or the side posture where the head flops and hand recoils.

And sure, there are some chiropractors who are masters who do this, some of my friends teach this. But what I am saying is hold extreme caution if you are trying to emulate this or copy. For two reasons I feel this is negligent and dangerous, as well as massively limiting your potential.

1.      Where is your focus?
If you are not a true master of your technique, and I know most of you are not, I am not. I would say you need at least 30 years in the game. If you are not a master then your focus needs to be on the delivery of the adjustment, on how you are giving your best to that patient, essentially the focus needs to be on the patient. When we build flare into the adjustment, the focus moves from the patient to you.
Focusing on yourself and how you look is not a service first attitude.

2.      You are not them.
Trying to copy how another person adjusts is a nonstarter. We are all different, with differing strengths, weaknesses, leavers, and strength. To copy another person makes no sense. For example, while the discipline of Gonstead is brilliant, the notion to copy the shape of an arthritic hand to me makes little sense and does not play to your advantages.

So remember when you are serving your people. Be a servant leader. Serve them, focus on them, and use your own skills and assets to do the best job possible.

Let your results be sexy, not you. That’s how you win, and win big.

With love,

Tom