WHAT IF ... the power of the paradigm shift was understood by all DCs and students of chiropractic? How liberating it would be for all if the profession would accept the concept of learning new methods of diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment protocols, and methods of adjusting subluxations, instead of trying to hang on to outdated philosophies and treatment dogma.
The term "paradigm shift" was introduced by Thomas Kuhn in his landmark book The Structures of Scientific Revolutions. Kuhn shows how almost every significant breakthrough in all fields of endeavor is first a break with tradition, with the old ways of thinking, with old paradigms.
For Ptolemy, the great Egyptian astronomer, the earth was the center of the universe. But Copernicus created a paradigm shift, and a great deal of resistance as well, by placing the sun at the center. Suddenly, everything took on a different interpretation. The Newtonian model of physics was a clockwork paradigm, but it was partial and incomplete. The world was revolutionized by the Einstein paradigm, the relativity paradigm which had a much higher predictive and explanatory value.
Paradigms can be instant or developmental. Paradigms move us from an historical viewpoint reality to a now perspective. This shift in one's thinking creates powerful change. Our paradigms, complete or maturing, are the source of our attitudes and behaviors, and ultimately the way that the world views and labels the profession.
Paradigms are powerful because they mold the lens through which we see chiropractic reality and through which we are subsequently viewed and judged.
In 1993, MPI will continue its educational journey by once again creating a paradigm shift. This time it will be the introduction of five new MPI continuing education seminars.
Spine 1 will still include the subluxation complex (updated), and the lumbar spine and pelvis. However, new diagnostic tests, differential diagnosis, and many new adjusting procedures have been added. The main thrust will be to teach the doctor and/or student how to differentially diagnose lumbar spine dysfunction from lumbosacral junction (nutation and counternutation), from sacroiliac joint, from the muscles whose pain patterns mimic sacroiliac joint pain, from acetabular fixations, and much, much more. This course is an absolute must for all doctors and students who wish to be on the leading edge of the new paradigm.
The Spine 2 course will include the thoracic spine, cervical spine, the occiput, and rib cage. Many new joint play tests to differentiate occipital-cervical-thoracic fixations will be taught. New literature and studies will be discussed. Once again the ability to differentially diagnose joint dysfunction as an integral part of the subluxation complex will be the paradigm.
E1 -- The Lower Extremity:
This is a new and exciting MPI E1 course for 1993. Following a brief review of the subluxation complex, as it relates to the lower extremity, the doctor and/or student will learn:
The MPI faculty, as interdependent teachers, have the opportunity to share deeply and meaningfully with others, and have access to the vast resources and potential of everyone they meet.
Interdependence is a choice only independent doctors and students can make. Dependent doctors and students cannot choose to become interdependent; they do not have the character to do it; they do not own enough of themselves.
The paradigm shift is on! See you in 1993.
Keith Innes, D.C.
Scarborough, Ontario
Canada
Many relevant diagnostic signs are not performed deliberately by the examiner or by the patient at the examiner’s direction. They are observed as the patient reacts to their condition. Fortin’s finger sign, Minor’s sign, and Vanzetti’s sign are three examples of this principle.
On Feb. 1, 2024, two more legislators – John R. Carter (R-Texas) and Robert “Bob” Good (R-Va.) – co-sponsored the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2023, bringing the co-sponsor total to 155, two more than the total achieved over the entire two-year congressional cycle in which identical legislation last appeared (2021-22).
While working at the Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque, N.M., one of the primary care physicians stated that imaging every patient prior to receiving chiropractic was not medically necessary. It was at that point I reconsidered the need for the imaging of every patient to avoid malpractice.
