Often in practice we are faced with making decisions around the application of our technique that have us doing more rather than less and less when we should do more. How do you know when you have done just enough?
BJ Palmer DC, pioneer and developer of Chiropractic is quoted as saying , “The fundamental of this clinic is to see how little we can do, at how few places, how rarely, and how quickly it can be done, to accomplish the greatest changes in the shortest space of time, at the least cost to the case, and to know what to do and why we do it, before doing it.”
This is a profound statement and bears consideration on a daily basis. Let’s dissect BJ’s words.
“how little we can do ..” A force (adjustment) should be given to assist the body in making the changes that it hasn’t been able to do because there are no muscles pulling in the direction needed for correction. The force is can be negligable if the vector s are correct so make sure that you have your line of drive perfected.
“at how few places…” The cranial, spinal and exremities are a kinetic chain that move in synchronied fashion. Chose your locations of input well as putting force into a compensation is a trauma to the body.
“how rarely…” appropriate timing of adjustments is critical. Any input that is not needed by the body will be treated as a trauma and put the system into a defensive state.
“and how quickly it can be done…” Speed and efficiency have the benefit of not clutteirng up the person’s nervous system with unnecessary input. Make your adjustments clean, clear and concise.
“to accomplish the greatest changes in the shortest space of time…” To know that you are getting great change you must observe very closely. Make sure that you are making pre and post observations of every adjustment and that the person is aware of the changes that are taking place. Too often changes go unnoticed and both the practice member and the chiropractor don’t realise that amazing changes that are being obtained.
“at the least cost to the case…” Keep your fees appropriate for your ideal client’s socio-economic reality.
“and to know what to do and why we do it, before doing it.” At all times do what you do exquisitly. Do pre and post adjustment assessments before every adjustment you make, not just before each session of care. Remember that you cant step in the same river twice and as soon as a person has received an adjustive force their body will shift to a new position of adaptation so they must be reassessed before the next adjustment is given.
Remember to give ‘Just Enough’.
