In my final year of chiropractic college, I had the chance to observe a chiropractor who was often referred to as “the troublemaker” by my lecturers. Naturally, this intrigued me. When people go out of their way to criticise someone, there’s usually more to the story.
Little did I know, that visit would change my life. To this day, I call him my “first mentor.” What’s funny is that I only met him once in person, and after that, we communicated exclusively via email. But the lessons I learned from him in that one visit shaped my philosophy forever.
My wife (who’s also a chiropractor) and I observed him for a morning. He was in his late 70s, running a thriving practice in a working-class neighbourhood in South Africa—a country with chronic unemployment and economic struggles.
In just one morning, he adjusted 80 to 100 patients.
With one chiropractic assistant.
My mind was blown.
It didn’t feel chaotic or stressful. It was steady, calm, and efficient.
What I saw wasn’t even the same profession I had been exposed to in college. Lecturers had painted a picture of chiropractors coercing patients into unnecessary care. But what I witnessed couldn’t have been further from that narrative.
The people he adjusted were loyal, happy, and full of gratitude. Some had been under his care for over 30 years. Miracle stories weren’t just rare—they were everywhere.
And the man himself? He was living a life I aspired to. Fulfilled. Joyful. Abundant.
Embrace the art of Chiropractic : The Chicken Mayo Sandwich That Changed My Life
After the shift, he took us out for lunch. It was just a sandwich and coffee, but I was deeply grateful. Funny how small moments can leave such lasting impressions.
I asked him questions nonstop.
Then he gave me the lesson I’ll never forget.
“How often do you adjust your patients?” I asked.
Without hesitation, he said, “Every day for 10 days.”
Still trying to wrap my head around it, I asked, “Everyone?”
He tilted his head, looked me directly in the eyes, and replied, “Yes. Everyone.” No long-winded explanation. No justifications. Just unwavering certainty.
Embrace the art of Chiropractic : Be the Doctor
This isn’t about recommending a specific care frequency. It’s about the conviction behind your care recommendations.
Conviction matters. Patients can sense it when you believe in your recommendations, just as they can sense hesitation. And if you hesitate—if you hold back because of what someone else might think—your patients don’t get the care they truly need.
I’ve seen chiropractors wrestle with this. They have the clinical reasoning and evidence to suggest consistent adjustments over a short period, but they hold back. Why? Because they’re worried about being judged.
Stop subordinating to the opinions of others.
I was recently reminded of a powerful truth: nothing holds us back more than our willingness to bow to the judgments of others.
This happens all too often in chiropractic. Many of us fear judgment—not from patients, but from colleagues. We fear being labeled as “too aggressive” or “too ambitious.”
But here’s the thing: the people who criticize are usually the ones who don’t understand. Or worse, they’re projecting their own frustrations.
And who suffers when we let that noise influence us? The patient.
Ignore the Naysayers
If you’re called a “troublemaker” or accused of being “too much,” take it as a compliment. It likely means you’re doing something right.
Think about it: people only talk about those who stand out.
As Gandhi famously said:
“First they ignore you. Then they ridicule you. Then they attack you. And then you win.”
If you’re feeling the heat of criticism, consider it a sign that you’re on the right track.
And if the judgment gets too loud, find a community of like-minded chiropractors who understand your vision. Surround yourself with those who lift you up.
Conviction is the foundation of effective care. It’s not about how often you adjust or the specifics of your recommendations—it’s about believing in your role as a chiropractor and standing firm in your purpose.
The world needs chiropractors who lead with confidence and conviction.
Are you ready to rise?
Love and light,
Ry
