Over the years, Chiropractic practices have expanded from focusing on spinal subluxations, to providing wellness care, nutritional counselling and rehabilitation services. One of the reasons is increased competition within the health care field. However, competition is not only coming from peers, but from outside the health care field. It’s not uncommon to see personal trainers, athletic trainers and fitness centres offering ‘rehabilitation’ or wellness services. However, this increased competition also lends itself to increased opportunities for the Chiropractic practice to provide the entire continuum of care. 

Certain trends are occurring in health care that are providing these increased opportunities. The baby boomer population is rapidly expanding and appear determined to hold off the onset of aging. In fact, memberships into fitness clubs by baby boomers have increased by 411 percent since 1990. (1) The clinician that can offer a service that will not only take care of their injuries, but provide technology that keeps this population active, will be able to retain its current patient population while maintaining a competitive edge. Our elderly population is also dramatically increasing in number at a time when the health care system is being strained. Not only do they require ways to address their aches and pains, but also ongoing solutions that address such things as osteoporosis, prevention of falls, chronic arthritis, and to help maintain quality of life and activities of daily living. These trends are leading to some innovative developments in the health care field. Hospitals that were once destinations for acute care are now implementing medical fitness programs, allowing patients to continue attending their facilities on a membership basis.   

If you are looking for ways to develop a wellness program that offers the entire continuum of care from acute care to post discharge wellness solutions, implementing a vibration exercise studio may be a viable option. Vibration exercise platforms take up minimal space and are a viable alternative for those unable to engage in conventional exercise. Setting up a studio also allows you to attract non patients to your practice, offering a full body workout routine within 15 minutes. In addition, the technology is being utilized in hospitals, rehabilitation and sports performance centres. This article explores the advantages and benefits that opening a vibration exercise studio may offer a Chiropractor:

Increase scope of practice:

Vibration exercise is an effective exercise alternative for those that are unable to engage in conventional training. The platform works on the stretch reflex, allowing for involuntary muscle contractions. Certain patient populations are unable to produce significant voluntary muscle contractions, such as those with Multiple Sclerosis and Stroke. (2, 3) In addition, research has also shown favourable responses with osteoporosis, balance and strength in the elderly, and fibromyalgia. (4, 5, 6) As can be seen, vibration training offers an excellent exercise alternative for this patient population. This allows a Chiropractor to expand their practice to patients they may otherwise not see.

Offer a post discharge fitness solution for current patients:

Vibration exercise platforms have many benefits over conventional training, which makes it a perfect fit for a typical Chiropractic patient population. Exercise can be accomplished within 15 minutes, without the need to change. (7) The platforms also minimize stress on the joints, thereby becoming a comfortable form of resistance training. Considering the top reasons for someone not to join a gym are a lack of time and feeling out of place with the ‘hard bodies’, vibration exercise overcomes these issues. Patients also become more comfortable exercising in an environment where their health professional is always within reach.

Increased retention of current patients: