March 2005

Research on chiropractic's secret weapon

by Terry A. Rondberg, DC

What if you had a powerful tool that could help your patients hold their adjustments longer and even prevent subluxations in the first place? Would you hide it in the back room and keep it a secret?

Oddly enough, that's what many doctors are doing. They have a tool that I know from first‑hand experience can be an effective complement to spinal adjusting, yet they usually don't even mention it to their patients. That tool is orthotics. It's not glamorous or "sexy" but it has been proven to help patients.

The majority of the population suffers some kind of foot problem that can adversely affect health, and have a direct impact on the musculoskeletal system. The scientific literature bears this out.

According to one research study, published in Practical Research Studies, at least 75% of the population has some degree of leg length inequality, caused either by an anatomical defect such as a bone fracture or surgery, or by excessive and/or asymmetrical pronation. [1]

Another study showed that excessive foot pronation in either one of both feet can cause pathology throughout the musculoskeletal system. [2]

And, in 1999, research published in Clinical Biomechanics demonstrated that "there are small, but important, intersegmental movements of the spine during gait." [3]

There are numerous other studies that support these conclusions, so it's fairly reasonable to assume that the foot bones really are connected to the back bones ... and a defect in the former can cause a problem in the latter. That's why the feet are part of the chiropractic "domain."

We also know, thanks to research, that orthotics can help reduce or eliminate many of the foot and gait problems we see in chiropractic patients. The overall effectiveness of orthotic devices is extremely high.

According to a Canadian study of the use of orthotics, there was an average improvement in condition for all diagnostic categories of 75.27% and a average total patient satisfaction for all diagnostic categories of 80.23%. [4]

One study ‑‑ specifically focusing on runners using orthotics for plantar fasciitis ‑‑ showed that 74% reported a significant improvement of symptoms and 90% continued to use orthotics even after resolution of symptoms. [5]

It's important to note, too, that orthotics are appreciated by patients and can actually increase their level of satisfaction with chiropractic care. This is undoubtedly based, at least in part, on their realization that orthotics is a way to help them prevent subluxations and possibly reduce their need for adjustments.

Research published in the Spring 2004 issue of The Journal of Chiropractic Education noted that 79% of patients were satisfied with their orthotics and 73% would recommend orthotics to a friend. Naturally, if they obtained their orthotics from you, that's where they'll send their friends. Can you imagine what it would do for your practice growth if 73% of your patients referred their friends to your office?

So, it's clear that orthotics is a powerful tool not only to help patients but to increase practice revenue in an ethical and relatively easy manner. Given these facts, I still can't understand why so many doctors don't bring up the topic of orthotics with every patient who walks through their door, why they insist on ignoring this "secret weapon" in the battle against subluxations.

My own orthotics are made by Footlevelers. I chose that company for several reasons. First of all, my personal research led me to the conclusion that their product is superior, and the procedure for fitting is quick and simple. Secondly, I recognize the tremendous contributions Footlevelers ‑‑ and both Monte and Kent Greenawalt ‑‑ have made to this profession. It's like knowing that a portion of every dollar I spend on these products will go back to making chiropractic stronger and more prosperous.

I urge all DCs to contact Footlevelers for more information on its line of orthotics, and strongly consider offering this valuable service to your patients.

References

1. Yochum TR. "The short leg," (revised). Practical Research Studies 1994; 4(5):4.

2. Hyland JK. "Recurring subluxations linked to pronation." Practical Research Studies 2003; 13(4):1.

3. Sychewska M, Oberg T, Karlsson D. "Segmental movements of the spine during treadmill walking with normal speed." Clin Biomech 1999;14:384‑388.

4. English, E, et. al. "An Analysis of Orthotic Function and Patient Satisfaction," April 2, 1997 ‑‑ Toronto.

5. Gross ML, Davlin LB, Evanski PM. "Effectiveness of orthotic shoe inserts in the long‑distance runner." Am J Sports Med 1991;19:409‑12.

(Dr. Terry Rondberg is president of the World Chiropractic Alliance and publisher of The Chiropractic Journal and the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. A popular speaker at chiropractic conferences and seminars, Dr. Rondberg is also a frequent guest on TV and radio shows. He has written numerous articles on chiropractic for the profession and the public, as well as several best‑selling books, including "Chiropractic First," "Under the Influence of Modern Medicine," and, with Timothy J. Feuling, the "CBS Malpractice Prevention Program," and "Chiropractic: Compassion and Expectation.")