Be wary of the patient head fake.

This is the patient nodding when listening to your lectures, declarations, assertions, or soapboxing. 

You hope it means...  

“This is fascinating.”
“Finally, someone telling the truth.”
“I guess I’ve been wrong all these years.”
“Tell me more!”

But just as likely it can mean...

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“I’m not sure what you’re saying is true.”
“What does this have to do with my back pain?”
“I find your enthusiasm strangely hypnotic.”

Naturally, patients are far too polite to say what they’re thinking aloud. And if their head is wedged in headrest paper, the nodding may be simply an unseen eye roll.

It’s tempting to think every patient finds your unsolicited table talk fascinating.

Thankfully, some do. However, far more engaging (and effective) is being authentically curious, asking relevant questions, and engaging in what elsewhere is called a conversation.

Bill Esteb, a passionate chiropractic advocate since 1981, brings a fresh perspective to the profession as Patient Media’s creative director and co-founder of Perfect Patients. With 13 insightful books examining the doctor-patient relationship, he inspires chiropractors worldwide as a chiropractic speaker, through his chiropractor coaching program, and consulting. Since 1999 Monday Morning Motivation has been emailed weekly to over 10,000 subscribers, sparking breakthroughs across the chiropractic community.

Email Bill