Inside the mind of Nigel and Tim, the chiropractors of DHCTC.
It is important to know what a chiropractor thinks about their own profession; the health industry in general; bias in the health industry; and the philosophy of different chiropractors.
By looking at these different factors you will be able to understand where our chiropractors stand on these topics which in turn will help you make an informed decision about choosing the right health professional.
We have 2 chiropractors that work at Dulwich Hill Chiropractic & Therapeutic Centre, Dr Nigel Luis & Dr Timothy Paynter. Here is what they had to say about the above mentioned topics.
How do you feel about chiropractic in Australia?
Nigel: I feel it is a growing profession that has integrated well into the primary health care sector. Chiropractic in Australia has really developed over the last 20 years or so to ensure it stays level with scientific advancements in health and governing bodies in Australia help ensure the Australia stays on top of their game. Its exiting to see and I am happy to be part of it.
Tim: Before I studied chiropractic I wanted to make sure that it wasn’t going to lead me to an alternative medicine with no scientific backing. So I learnt as much as I could before I chose chiro. Obviously I was impressed by all the research that went into what we do so I became a chiropractor.
How do you feel about the health industry in Australia?
Nigel: I have worked in another part of the world as a health professional, amongst other health professionals, and have to say we are blessed in Australia. I still think there can be improvements in how we manage illness in Australia but we are definitely blessed to have the health benefits we receive at the moment.
Tim: I feel we have some catching up to do. Like Nigel I believe we need to change our approach more. I feel we are still very reliant on symptomatic relief and how to tackle illness when it hits as opposed to more preventative measures. We have made some steps but I feel there is much more room for improvement.
Do you feel there is bias in the health industry, especially when it comes to chiropractic?
Nigel: YES!!! Old referral systems are still in place and even though in many instances chiropractic should be the first point of referral from GP’s and other physicians we are sometimes overlooked due to old and convenient approaches to health care. It has changed from say 10-20 years ago but it is still prevalent.
Tim: Most definitely. Chiropractors are primary health care providers, who are covered by medicare, DVA, Third Party Insurance and we produce great results for our patients, yet I find it interesting that some will still see chiro as an out there type of treatment. Good to know that we have so many doctors in our community that are happy to refer to us, which is encouraging, but I find that we were sometimes not the first choice even when we should have been.
How do you feel about the differing views and philosophies with in the profession of chiropractic?
Nigel: I have no problem with it. All chiropractors have their patient’s best interests in mind. Chiropractic is very diverse and there are many techniques that chiros will incorporate to achieve the best results. I personally like to use techniques that are well known and practiced and have decided to finesse these techniques as these have been proven to get great results so I stick to those. I rarely try alternative methods as traditional diversified chiropractic is super effective as it is.
Tim: I didn’t realise how many different chiropractic philosophies or views to treatment there were until after I left uni and started practicing. I have come from a sports science back ground with a heavy emphasis on biomechanics so I find diversified techniques and body movement most important. There are different ideologies like N.E.T (neuro emotional technique), Applied Kinesiology and others that we touched on in uni but like Nigel I also believe chiro through the diversified method and associated methods are effective enough to gain maximum results.
I hope this discussion helps you understand a little more about who Nigel and Tim are. If there are other topics that you would like their opinion on please comment so we can engage with you.
Regards
Charbel Chehade
Clinic Manager of DHCTC
