The Future of Chiropractic: Career Trends and Hiring Practices

Since the first adjustment on September 18th, 1895, chiropractic care has transformed the health and wellness of millions. With its adaptive and flexible nature, chiropractic stays ahead of modern demands and keeps practitioners energized and ready for new challenges.

The industry is witnessing significant growth driven by the rising demand for highly personalized patient care. As chiropractic care progresses and evolves, it is drawing a new wave of providers excited to experiment with innovative treatment methods and collaborations.

Discover what the future holds for chiropractic as we advance into the mid-21st century, and explore what this means for you, your practice, and your patients.

High Job Satisfaction and Growth Potential

Chiropractic care is not just growing; it’s thriving! With a projected growth of 9% from 2022 to 2032, which far exceeds the average for all U.S. occupations, this field offers job security and abundant opportunities for advancement. Annually, approximately 2,600 new positions for chiropractors are created, with their numbers projected to rise to 59,800 by the year 2032.

Chiropractors find fulfillment in their work, with an average job satisfaction score of 9 out of 10. They often cite the ability to alleviate pain and improve the strength, flexibility, and quality of life of their patients as reasons why they enjoy the job. While it can be demanding, chiropractic offers considerable flexibility and a path to professional growth.

Integration with Mainstream Healthcare

Chiropractic care is shedding its image as an alternative treatment, with more people now viewing it as the go-to solution. A 2021 survey found that adults under 50 often consider chiropractic care as their first choice for neck or back pain. Impressively, over half view chiropractors as trustworthy, and 63% believe providers prioritize their patients’ well-being.

The growing acceptance of chiropractic in the mainstream means you can now expect collaboration with other healthcare fields. As a chiropractor, you’ll work alongside physicians, physical therapists, and other professionals for a holistic approach to patient care. This opens up broader practice opportunities, such as integrated nutrition programs or specialized geriatric care.

Focus on Wellness

Chiropractic care provides more than back pain treatment, offering a holistic approach that includes nutrition, exercise, and stress management. This expansion into new wellness specialties aligns with patient interests; in 2021, around 22% expressed a desire to discuss general wellness issues like nutrition with their chiropractor.

For new providers, it’s an exciting opportunity to provide comprehensive care, including the following strategies:

• Non-surgical interventions. Chiropractors use techniques such as spinal decompression and soft tissue therapy to alleviate pain and restore function without the need for invasive procedures.
• Patient-centered care. This approach emphasizes a personalized treatment plan based on detailed assessments of each patient’s unique health needs and goals, ensuring care is specifically tailored to them.
• Educational outreach. Chiropractors are becoming active educators in their communities, using social media marketing and events like wellness workshops to spread knowledge about the impact of lifestyle choices on spinal health and well-being.
• Collaborative outcome tracking. Chiropractors collaborate with patients to track treatment outcomes in real time, using tools like the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) to continuously refine and optimize care strategies.
• Holistic wellness services. Many chiropractors offer integrated wellness services incorporating nutritional counseling, mental health strategies, and lifestyle adjustments to support wellness and prevent future ailments.

Going Green

Chiropractic clinics in the 21st century focus more on sustainability, aligning with a broader societal push for environmental responsibility. Practices are adopting eco-friendly measures, such as using biodegradable clinical supplies like table paper or disposable pillows with recycled fibers, as well as implementing digital intake forms and record-keeping to minimize paper waste.

This commitment to sustainability is particularly appealing to new hires from the Gen Z and Millennial talent pools. These employees often prioritize environmental ethics in their employment choices, attracting practitioners who value green practices.

Technology Advancements

Chiropractic has always been an innovative field as technological advancements allow chiropractic professionals to boost patient experiences and provide the best care possible.

In the future, you can expect to see more of these technologies and tools, including:

• AI-powered diagnostics. Chiropractors are integrating AI-powered diagnostic tools, virtual reality (VR applications), and advanced tools like digital X-rays to improve diagnostic accuracy, treatments, and patient outcomes.
• Diagnostic and tracking tools. Computerized adjustment tools like electronic spinal manipulation devices allow tailored treatments for back pain patients. Paired with digital range-of-motion testing, these technologies improve treatment precision and patient outcomes.
• Patient communication platforms. HIPAA-compliant texting, patient portals, and email systems help you share educational materials, assessment results, and personalized messages for faster communication and promotion of preventive care.
• Remote services. Remote chiropractic services, including virtual consultations and telehealth assessments, address the increasing demand for virtual care. By integrating tools like wearable fitness trackers, chiropractors can monitor patient progress and provide immediate feedback, expanding patient access and convenience.
• Cloud-based practice management. Many chiropractors are adopting cloud-based recording systems and practice management software to upgrade patient care and streamline operations. These digital solutions improve the efficiency of administrative tasks like intake, appointment booking, and documentation, allowing chiropractors to focus more on patient care and less on paperwork.

Increased Insurance Coverage

Increased insurance coverage has made chiropractic care more accessible in the U.S. While the exact amount varies depending on plan type, many insurers will pay for a portion of chiropractic services. This opens up a new revenue stream for providers to accept patients with private and public plans like Medicare.

About 54% of private plans have visit limits, and nonstandard plans like PPOs, HMOs, and HDHPs may offer chiropractic coverage with certain prerequisites or limits. Additionally, Medicare Part B covers manual spinal manipulations to correct vertebral subluxation, though extra tests may not be covered.

Sports Chiropractic

Specialized chiropractic services are on the rise, with 45% of practitioners adapting treatments to meet specific patient needs. Among the rapidly expanding specialties is sports chiropractic, catering to elite athletes for peak performance.

A 2021 study highlights the growing presence of chiropractors within elite sports teams, with 41 team chiropractors in the NFL and chiropractic services provided at the Summer Olympics. The study also found that most sports chiropractors co-manage with other health practitioners, often collaborating with physiotherapists, massage therapists, and orthopedic surgeons to optimize patient care and performance.

Emphasis on Evidence-Based Practice

Emphasizing evidence-based practice, chiropractors rely on research to inform their treatments, bolstering credibility and acceptance within the healthcare community. For instance, practitioners can stay updated on the latest studies by subscribing to peer-reviewed journals like the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.

By sharing cutting-edge research from these sources with patients and fellow healthcare professionals, you can contribute to advancing evidence-based chiropractic care.

Join the Future of Chiropractic With ChiroTouch

As the chiropractic field continues to develop, you need a chiropractic EHR that can keep up with your changing needs. ChiroTouch is an integrated practice management system made for chiropractors by those who know chiropractic.

We are trusted by over 36,000 users, offering cloud-based convenience, state-of-the-art integration, and customizability. Through customer feedback and an active user community, we stay ahead of the curve, offering forward-thinking capabilities to help you care for your patients.