Consider two aspects of your chiropractic care.

There's what you do with your hands, whether directly or using an adjusting instrument.

The other is the setting. Which includes everything from the temperature of the room and condition of your table to the waiting time, the words you speak and countless other elements of the ceremony.

When there is coherency, the impact of your care is maximized.

However, warn patients they may feel a bit sore afterwards, and they likely will. Warning of what might be perceived as a side effect is a defensive position that may reveal you've made it more about you, than them.

The reverse is also true. "Adjustments can be very powerful, because they invoke the healing response, directed by your nervous system that regulates every cell, tissue and system of your body."

Careful you don't provide a nocebo without at least neutralizing it with a placebo.

Bill Esteb has been a chiropractic patient and advocate since 1981. He is the creative director of Patient Media and the co-founder of Perfect Patients. He’s been a regular speaker at chiropractic gatherings since 1985. His 12 books explore the doctor/patient relationship from a patient's point of view. His chiropractic blog, coaching program, patient focus groups and consulting calls have helped hundreds of chiropractors around the world. Since 1999 Monday Morning Motivation has been emailed to over 10,000 subscribers each week.