May 2006

The chiropractor the world never knew

by Dr. Kevin Pallis and Dr. Ed Plentz

The year is 2006 and our new (since 1895) profession is losing its identity and philosophy. With this loss of identity and because we allow the public to label chiropractic a back sub‑specialty much like massage, physical therapy or rehab, a curious phenomenon takes place. Those who embrace the true philosophy become "in demand" because they're contrarian to what the majority believes about health. They become heroes and role models to society for what they are, not what society wants them to be. They blaze their own path, as a forest fire wipes out the old. Nevertheless, there are tiny sprigs of trees stronger than their predecessors that poke their heads through the char‑broiled forest floor ‑‑ a stronger more resilient group than the one baptized by fire.

It takes great courage to embrace a vision of health that nobody else believes in, or even sees. The majority of people believe that health is having no symptoms and going to a medical practitioner when something breaks down. There is no need, commitment or responsibility on the patient's part, other than having the right insurance card. This breeds a dangerous dependency on outside‑in intervention. The reason for this is our reluctance to go against the grain of society and teach them "our truth." It takes courage, much like it takes parents to stand up to their children when they tell them they hate them for not getting their way.

There's a story of my youth that represents the type of chiropractor who wants to rediscover the "hero within." Back in the sixties, it was an amazing time to grow up. The Vietnam War, Black activism, woman's equality, drugs, sex and rock and roll made for a cultural potpourri. Drugs were everywhere. Teachers drank. Kids drank. There was even a room dedicated to student smokers. And, of course, there was peer pressure, just like there is today.

One day, I happened upon a situation that at the time I wished I hadn't happened upon. There were two feared cool "hippies" who were forcing themselves on a girl and it appeared as though it was not welcomed. As I walked by, my mind said, "Nah, this can't be happening. And besides, this is none of my business...keep out of it." Yet, there was one percent of me (my hero within) that demanded I go back and find out what was really going on. So, I reluctantly walked back to the darkened locker room space and asked the girl if everything was all right. The girl's blouse had been torn and unbuttoned and she had tears and a look of panic and fear as she struggled to get away. The head hippie shouted, "Get the $%%* out of here or I'll kick your #**##!"

As I prepared for battle (I was outweighed by more than 100 pounds) there was a very good chance I would suffer great physical damage to my body. I was willing to pay that price to get the girl out of that situation, even though my mind was saying, "Run! Let somebody else in authority help her." As I lunged at the two assailants the girl was able to escape their clutches and yes, as a result, I took a horrible beating. When the news spread around the school like wildfire, some of my friends said I should have minded my own business and that the girl probably welcomed what was being done to her. They quickly became my ex‑friends. My other friends looked at me in a new light ‑‑ one of respect, of awe and of hope and justice. My image of myself elevated and I began to see the world in a different way.

Do you have the courage to show the chiropractor the world never knew? When you have children's health and social and emotional development in the forefront of your heart and mind, mothers and fathers look at you in a special way. You become a part of an "inner circle." You're a trusted and valued part of a family's life. The emotional connection you make with a family is for a lifetime. Even if they move away, you could meet them in 10 years and they'd still embrace you warmly. You'd pick up right where you left off.

Patient education and communication skills are the tools of the DC who educates (and faces possible rejection) instead of one who walks by and lets things happen as they may. It's our mandate as family chiropractors to find a way to change people's ideas and behavior about health. Looking the other way and searching for the newest income‑producing fad (laser, massage, rehab, herbs) won't get the job done. The values that make humans transcend greed are woefully absent. Be the kind of chiropractor we can all be proud of.

(The New Renaissance is a movement of passionate chiropractors dedicated to changing the world. The leader in patient education since 1977, the Mentor IV Coaching Program is a step‑by‑step navigational guide that embodies the very essence of The New Renaissance vision of healthier people creating a healthier world. Without patient education, your patients won't "get it." To learn more about The New Renaissance, contact world headquarters at 800‑525‑3879.)