It's NOT Cancer

When I was a "green" chiropractor and did not know much about anything dealing with the business aspect of the profession, I went to a practice management seminar on the mainland to learn about how I could run a profitable clinic.

One of the things they taught me kinda creeped me out.

They had us pair up.  One person left the room.  Then the "coach" on the stage told those of us who were still there that we were to do a role playing exercise; that when our partner returned to the room we were to inform him that we just discovered that he has cancer-- and that he doesn't have much more time.

We were to pay careful attention to the emotions we felt and the strength of message we conveyed.  We were also instructed to observe our partner's reaction, their emotional response.

Everyone tried their best.  It was interesting to note that even though this was a role play, tears were shed by many at the training.

I mean, come on now, it's cancer!  In terms of eliciting fear, it ranks up there with terrorism and hurricanes!  Even when pretend, this is frightening stuff!

Then came the kicker.  After the role play, we were told that when we give the results of our spinal exams to our patients, we should maintain the exact same level of intensity as the cancer role play.  The key, we were told, was to make them have an emotional response!

Like it was cancer?

Now, I know subluxation of the spine is serious.  I know subluxation can slowly deteriorate the quality of life of an individual.  I also know that correcting subluxation can give tremendous health benefits to all chiropractic patients.  Sometimes, in terms of relief, wellness, prevention and health optimization, the benefits of subluxation correction can be miraculous!

Still.  It's not cancer, my friends.

Any chiropractor who tries to get a patient to feel emotionally that what they have (no matter how serious) is on the same playing field as cancer is all about one of two things:

1.  They want their patients fully concerned about their spines and the consequences of neglecting the care plan so that each patient ultimately commits to COMPLY in full.

OR...

2.  They want their patients so concerned about their spines and the consequences of neglecting the care plan that each patient ultimately commits to PAY in full.