In healthcare more is not more, in fact it’s quite the opposite.
After 25 years running multi-disciplinary practices and mentoring around 100 practitioners, the most common mistake I see is over-treating.
Over treating can occur in two ways:
- Over – scheduling
- Over – treating during a session.
Over – scheduling: This is when a practitioner has their patients subscribe to long course of treatments, e.g. 3x per week for 6 weeks, 2x per week for 6 weeks etc. Treatment per session maybe minimal however, the compounded effect over time is often detrimental both physically and financially let alone, the impact on the profession at large.
Over – treating during a session: This refers to naïve practitioner’s over-eager to get results. They offer too much treatment in one session which leads to adverse, healing reactions, and may create other problems.
In both cases, in my views this under-delivers.
Less is more!
Honor the body’s sensitive and incredible ability to selfheal and repair. Give it time! Take your time to diagnose and create a specific treatment process. Do only what’s necessary.
Time is by far the most evidence based treatment alongside exercise and rehab.
Trust your gut with how your patients are progressing and encourage them to do the same.
Provoke their healing processes by stepping back and creating space between treatments.
There’s a thin line between under and over treating or servicing. Young practitioners look to your mentors. Watch their language and managing of their patients.
There are no short cuts however, you will learn with experience. Get feedback, empower your patients to be part of the process and work with you.
You can always do more, it is much harder to undo.
About the Author:
Dr. Andrew Arnold (Chiropractor) is the ‘Practice Leverage Expert’; Principal Chiropractor and owner, Cranbourne Family Chiropractic and Wellness Centre; Accredited Business Coach; Founder, Million Dollar Wellness Practice. Andrew is married to Dr. Linda Wilson, the Stress Specialist and has two children, Isaac and Bella. He lives in Melbourne, Australia.