Chiropractic Story

The 3 Legs of the Chiropractic "Stool"

Chiropractors the world over see their profession supported and given solidity by three “legs,” much like a three-legged stool – all three of which are necessary for it to be stable.
   
Chiropractic philosophy. If the stool’s seat is the profession of chiropractic itself, the first leg is that of the profession’s philosophy. The philosophy is summed up in the notion that the road to perfect maintenance of health is ensured by keeping the neural pathways between the brain and the body open.

Chiropractic science. The second leg is the science of chiropractic. Chiropractors are rigorously schooled to the same extent as medical doctors. And as with the traditional medical profession, scientists pursue research every day to improve the quality and efficiency of chiropractic care.

Chiropractic art. The third and last leg is the art of chiropractic. Chiropractors find themselves practicing an art when they are in a position to choose one of several therapies to treat a patient, each of which will benefit the recipient.
   
Regarding the art of chiropractic, Adam Rathfon, a Pittsburgh, Pa., chiropractor, said, “For those of you who have been to more than one chiropractor, you know that each one is very different. There are some who are very heavy-handed and some whom you can barely feel. Some who adjust every bone in the spine and some who will only adjust the very top one.

“The way I look at it, the art of chiropractic is no different than art in museums. Some people prefer Picasso or Van Gogh, others prefer Da Vinci or Michelangelo. What matters is that your chiropractor is an artist. Anybody can draw, paint, sculpt, etc. But only a handful are truly artists.”

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