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Doctors
of chiropractic are recognized as capable, efficient providers
of health care services, particularly for their emphasis on
preventing illness and promoting health and wellness.
A recent two-part study sought to specify the role and use
of maintenance care (MC) within the chiropractic profession.
Part I focused specifically on chiropractors' attitudes toward
 MC and the preferred types of MC provided in U.S. chiropractic
offices; part II addressed the frequency of MC use by the
elderly.
Results from part I:
€ Chiropractors agree that the primary functions of maintenance
care are to optimize health, prevent conditions from developing,
reduce/relieve conditions, and minimize the recurrence of
such conditions.
€ They also agree that MC should combine exercise, chiropractic
adjustments/manipulation, and dietary and lifestyle changes.
€ While MC is recommended to nearly 80% of chiropractic
patients, only 34% actually receive such care.
Results from part II:
€ Elderly patients make an average of 17 visits per year
for chiropractic MC.
€ These patients report making only half the annual number
of visits to medical doctors compared with the national
average.
€ Stretching exercises, aerobic exercises, dietary advice
and other prevention strategies are also recommended for
this age group.
The moral to this story is clear: Chiropractors believe in
providing well-balanced preventive care that focuses on maintaining
wellness and dealing with potential health problems. Many
people take advantage of this opportunity, but many more have
yet to receive the benefits chiropractic can offer. Do you
have friends or family who've never been to a chiropractor?
Tell them about your experiences and help them follow the
same road to wellness you've chosen.
Reference:
Rupert RL. A survey of practice patterns and the health
promotion and prevention attitudes of U.S. chiropractors.
Maintenance care, part I. Also: Rupert RL, Manello D, Sandefur
R. Maintenance care: health promotion services administered
to U.S. chiropractic patients aged 65 and older: part II.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics,
Jan. 2000: Vol. 23, No. 1, pp1-9 and 10-19.
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