Question
Having worked previously (7 years) for a chiropractor who did not follow a "set" treatment plan for his patients, but one based more on an individual basis depending on symptoms presented, I find that, wishing to move back into the field after an absence of several years, that there seems to be a growing trend in most offices towards a standard treatment plan given automatically of 3Xweek for 3-4 weeks, followed by 2Xweek, 1Xweek (for several weeks) and then once a month.  
I am uncomfortable with the thinking behind this and the sense of heavy marketing that goes along with it.  
Is this a new standard in the field of chiropractic?  And is there solid evidence that these multiple treatments are necessary?
I, for one, have seen the wonderful benefits chiropractic can offer patients when used in an objective, analytical manner by a qualified practitioner, and am unsure as to whether this new direction is ethically sound.
Thank you for your view on this matter.
Take care.  

Answer
These type of treatment plans are standard for subluxation based chiropractors.  About 2/3 of chiropractors attend programs that are subluxation based.  Half of all chiropractic programs do this.

This approach is shady because it is the opposite of what should be done.  To give good patient care it is necessary to diagnose patient complaints properly.  In this approach complaints are not diagnosed and instead invalid "subluxation analyses" are used to diagnose every patient with a subluxation.  The only thing that is considered are contraindications to manipulation.  It is also a problem because x-rays tend to be overutilized.

The subluxation approach is as old as chiropractic itself and was used in court before licensing laws were enacted to defend against charges of practicing medicine without a license.  Nowadays it is just bad care.

Manipulation, like anything, can be used well or abused.  Unfortunately, many chiropractors are taught that abuse IS good use.

For more information please visit www.chirobase.org and the Chirotalk discussion forum at
http://chirotalk.proboards3.com

ajb