Over the course of the years that I have been in practice, I’ve had patients tell me many stories about their injuries and what kinds of therapies they’ve tried in the past or hope to try in the future. I’ve had patients come to me for treatment after trying dozens of therapies from practitioners such as surgeons, intuitive healers, Chiropractors, Physical therapists, Acupuncturists, Massage therapists, and even healers like John of God in Brazil. I’ve also had patients that have been helped tremendously by these types of therapies by other health care professionals.
I have also had patients complain that they were hurt by another Chiropractor when they got adjusted, or the exercises that the Physical Therapist recommended was actually making their problem worse. I’ve had countless patients say that their pain was flared up after a massage therapist went too deep. I had a patient get back surgery from a neurosurgeon but when the pain was not better, go to a different surgeon who told him that the pain was coming from his hip not the back and would require another surgery. So I get it, people are apprehensive and nervous about seeking treatment from a new practitioner. I’m sure many of you have had both negative and positive experiences and are bias because of stories you may have heard or read about but that's not what this post is about.
This post is about having an inclusive not exclusive attitude when it comes to compiling your wellness team. Having a team approach and seeking the help of multiple practitioners is the most effective way to treat an injury or condition. Being scared that a new practitioner will hurt you will be a hindrance to seeking medical attention and will most likely prolong your healing.
One thing I’ve heard during the course of the time I’ve been practicing is “I’m in pain but my Chiropractor told me that I shouldn't see anyone else.” This definitely rubs me the wrong way because if your doctor or therapist is telling you this, then it shows a general distrust of other practitioners and/or healing disciplines. I also believe these doctors are acting out of fear of losing you as a patient!
I encourage you to be your own health advocate. You should interview your doctor before you let him or her put their hands on you. It is important that you understand what kinds of therapies will be used, why, and how it will be helpful for your condition. If you have been hurt by a neck or back adjustment in the past or are not comfortable getting this type of therapy from a new practitioner, then make sure you communicate this and see if the therapist has any other tools that would be beneficial to speed up your healing. I have treated many patients that go to multiple Chiropractors because they like certain things that each one of them does. As a Chiropractor, I believe we are here to help you, the patient, feel better and increase your quality of life, not scare you into needing only our services.
On a final note, I had the privilege of being a part of the Los Angeles Clippers medical team for five years and one of the reasons that most of the players are able to withstand such a demanding schedule is that they are being treated by a plethora of skilled practitioners who use dozens of different techniques and modalities. A training room works like an assembly line factory – the athlete goes from station to station receiving treatments to help heal their injuries. For example, an athlete may start out with an athletic trainer who stretches them and then uses modalities like ice/ heat, Normatec, Deep Muscle Stimulation (DMS), Electrical-stimulation, and ultrasound. Then a Chiropractor may do laser therapy and some adjustments. Then, the athlete may get sent over to the massage therapist who focuses on certain problem areas and helps to decrease muscle tension. After this, they might see the acupuncturist for some cupping or needling, then go back to the athletic trainer for taping. Finally, one completes the circuit with a workout with the personal trainer or Physical therapist to strengthen or rehabilitate weak or injured muscles.
To see this many health care professionals working together for one purpose is a beautiful thing and it’s something that all therapists/ healers should experience. Also, in the end, an inclusive way of treating patients is most beneficial to you!