Chiropractic adjustment is widely accepted as a reputable and effective treatment for an array of musculoskeletal conditions. For some, the manual manipulation of the body associated with adjustment is a welcomed sign of relief and healing. Others are intimidated by the process, making them hesitant to visit a chiropractor and anxious to experience an adjustment. This is especially common for first-time patients.
To ensure your current and future patients feel as comfortable and confident as possible when visiting your practice, it is important to help them relax and prepare before receiving their adjustment. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to do exactly that. By incorporating the following tips into your pre-treatment routine, you can create a welcoming, stress-free environment for even the most uncertain patients.
Make Information Easy to Find
Often, the intimidation that exists around chiropractic adjustment is due to a lack of knowledge. As a result, many people are deterred before they even give adjustment a chance. Dispelling these doubts by giving people the information they need to make an informed decision is one of the best approaches for chiropractors to attract new patients and give them the treatment they need.
A website is an excellent place to host these resources. Make sure that educational materials are clear, informative, and designed to address common concerns. More in-depth resources can be made available through research, blogs, and even informational videos. Of course, answering questions directly via phone call and online contacts is the ultimate resource for potential patients, so be sure all of your contact information is correct, up to date, and easy to find. Marketing tools like informational patient videos and patient brochures to keep in the office are also available as part of the purchase of the PulStar to help you easily update your website and educate your potential patients.
Finally, put together a resource guide for all patients. In it, answer their questions, provide general pre-visit information, and walk them through what to expect when they arrive for their appointment.
Focus on the Adjustment
While some people have generalized anxiety about doctor visits as a whole, the majority of patients that are uncertain about chiropractic adjustment are concerned about the adjustment itself. As such, it is important to focus on educating patients on how chiropractic adjustment works and inspiring patient confidence as a result.
This is a particularly effective method of helping patients relax and prepare for their visit if you and our practice utilize instrument adjusting. Many of the misconceptions surrounding chiropractic adjustment are based on manual adjusting techniques in which the doctor of chiropractic leverages their body to adjust the patient’s musculoskeletal system. Often, the force exerted and accompanying pops and cracks are intimidating or even frightening to people.
Visualized instrument adjusting is a far more refined process that is gentler and more precise. It can even be easily adjusted to lower levels of force, allowing it to treat elders and children without discomfort. As a result, it is far less intimidating to many people who are on edge about manual adjusting. Using, promoting, and offering education about instrument adjusting is a stellar way to help people relax before their adjustment.
Create a Welcoming Environment
In an ideal world, a patient will be comfortable and relaxed before they set foot in your practice, including if they are choosing chiropractic treatment for the first time. Whether this is the case or not, creating a welcoming environment that is calm and relaxing is an excellent way to set the tone for all visitors. This involves everything from the décor and seating to the amenities and staff.
Once they have been greeted and made comfortable, you may want to offer patients informational resources or opportunities to ask staff members specific questions about adjustment and what to expect. Both resources can go a long way toward promoting relaxation, especially in conjunction with a serene space.
As a chiropractor, your role in helping people find happier, healthier futures is very real. Part of that journey involves helping people feel comfortable with adjustment even if they are hesitant to receive treatment. By utilizing the tips here, as well as focusing on the incredible benefits of chiropractic tools like the PulStar, you can set your patients and your practice up for success.
