It’s time we rethink one of the core principles that has long influenced chiropractic care—the idea that structure dictates function.

In my experience working with both math and engineering, I’ve come to realize that this traditional structure-function paradigm is overdue for a major shift. What if we approached chiropractic care from a different angle? One where function takes precedence over structure? 

Let’s explore how this function-over-structure paradigm can reshape how we think about chiropractic, the role of vertebral subluxations, and ultimately how we approach patient care. 

The Old Debate: Structure vs. Function 

In math and engineering, there’s an ongoing debate: Does structure determine function, or is it the other way around? This question has driven discussions in fields from architecture to technology, and it extends into biological sciences, where the answer becomes even more intriguing. 

In the biological world, function often takes the lead. It’s the functionality of cells, organs, and systems that shapes their structure. Think about evolution—function dictates which structures survive and thrive. This shift in thinking changes everything, and it opens the door for a new approach to chiropractic care. 

Traditionally, we’ve been taught that structural integrity leads to optimal function. But what if it’s the body’s functional needs that drive structural alignment? This shift doesn’t just apply to biology—it’s directly relevant to chiropractic. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=257IwVZs9co] 

The Vertebral Subluxation Shift 

The concept of vertebral subluxation lies right at the heart of this debate. In traditional chiropractic, we view subluxations as misalignments in the spine that lead to functional issues. This understanding is grounded in the belief that structure dictates function. However, when you embrace the function-over-structure paradigm, a new layer of complexity emerges. 

Vertebral subluxation isn’t just a structural misalignment—it’s a functional adaptation. The body responds to stresses, forces, and imbalances by altering its structure, often through subluxations, to maintain function. Whether it’s gravity, electromagnetic forces, or even the mechanical stresses we experience daily, the body adapts. Subluxations are evidence of the body’s attempt to preserve its function, even if it sacrifices structure along the way. 

Steering the Narrative Toward Functional Outcomes 

Here’s where this function-over-structure mindset can truly transform chiropractic care. Instead of focusing on restoring the spine to its “ideal” structure, what if we prioritized optimizing function? Shifting the narrative toward functional outcomes means focusing on how patients feel, move, and operate rather than simply on what their X-rays show. 

When we prioritize function, we shift away from a purely pathology-based model that targets structural misalignments. Instead, we recognize that structural changes are the body’s response to functional challenges. Chiropractic care becomes about enhancing how the body functions holistically—not just correcting what appears misaligned. 

This shift doesn’t ignore structure but acknowledges that structure serves function. So, when we adjust patients, we’re not just correcting their spine—we’re facilitating better function throughout their nervous system and body. 

Key Takeaways for Chiropractic Care 

This new way of thinking has several important takeaways for your practice: 

  • Function Governs Structure: In biology—and chiropractic—function drives structure. Your patient’s body adapts based on functional needs, and these needs should guide how we treat them. 

  • The Role of Vertebral Subluxation: Subluxation serves as a bridge between structure and function. It’s not just a spinal misalignment—it’s the body’s way of adapting to stress to maintain function. Addressing subluxations means enhancing the body’s capacity to function better, not just making it look “right.” 

  • A Shift in Focus: Moving from a focus on pathology (misaligned structures) to prioritizing function can revolutionize chiropractic care. By enhancing how a patient’s body functions, we’re addressing the complexities of their health in a more holistic and lasting way. 

Why Function Over Structure is a Game-Changer 

Embracing this function-over-structure paradigm can radically transform how we approach chiropractic care. When you focus on functional outcomes, you’re tapping into the body’s natural ability to heal and adapt. The structure becomes secondary to ensuring that systems—like the nervous system—are working at their best. 

Take this practical approach into the clinic: Instead of using scans or X-rays to justify alignment correction, let’s focus on how we can improve the body’s functional performance. That means paying close attention to neurological scans, patient feedback, and real-time improvements in mobility, mood, and energy. This approach meets patients where they are and offers them a path to long-term health, not just temporary fixes. 

By prioritizing functional outcomes, you’re also giving patients something they can immediately relate to. They want to move better, sleep better, think clearer, and feel less pain—not just see an X-ray that looks better. Focusing on function aligns your care with what patients really want: improvements that matter to their daily lives. 

A New Frontier in Chiropractic Care 

We’re standing on the edge of something big here. This function-over-structure paradigm isn’t just a theoretical shift—it’s a practical, patient-centered approach that changes how we deliver care. By focusing on function, you’re offering a pathway to improved health that goes beyond symptom relief and taps into the body’s remarkable ability to adapt and thrive. 

The idea that function drives structure helps us understand that chiropractic care isn’t just about correcting the spine—it’s about enhancing the body’s overall function. And when we embrace this mindset, we’re positioning chiropractic care to deliver the kind of long-lasting, whole-body wellness that our patients are seeking. 

This is a shift that can transform your practice, your approach to care, and the results you deliver to your patients. Let’s embrace this new frontier together and redefine what’s possible in chiropractic care by focusing on function as the ultimate key to structural integrity and overall health. 

Chat with our team today or take our Practice Blocker Quiz to see if scanning is right for your practice. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. David Fletcher is actively involved in all aspects of innovation teaching and research connected to the INSiGHT™ scanning technologies. He is widely recognized for his ability to share his expertise in compelling and easy to understand ways.

Dr David is a renowned chiropractor who practiced for many years with his associates in a scan-centric thriving principled family-based practice in Toronto. He is a sought-after teacher mentor and keynote speaker who takes every opportunity to share the wisdom and the power of chiropractic as it is meant to be.

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Dr. David Fletcher
DC FRCCSS(C) – Founder & CEO CLA Inc.
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We all know life’s pace is faster than ever, and for Millennials, this pressure is constant. Measuring HRV can help.

The American Psychological Association has dubbed them the ‘most stressed generation,’ and if you’ve been in practice for any length of time, you’ve likely seen how true this is. From work stress to financial strain, Millennials face a barrage of challenges every day, and it’s showing up in their health. 

At CLA, we’re not just watching this trend—we’re here to help you take action. One of the most powerful tools in your chiropractic arsenal for tackling stress is Heart Rate Variability (HRV). Let’s take a deeper dive into how HRV can transform the way you approach stress in your patients, especially the Millennial generation. 

The Power of HRV 

HRV is more than just a buzzword. It’s a critical indicator of how well the body is managing stress. Cardiologists have long relied on HRV to measure overall wellness because it provides a window into the balance between the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) nervous systems. In simple terms, a higher HRV score means the body is more adaptable and resilient, while a lower HRV score indicates that stress is taking a toll. 

Recent studies, including groundbreaking research by Dr. Zhang Ph.D. and his team, have shown that chiropractic care can significantly improve HRV scores. This is huge because it proves what we’ve always known—chiropractic care isn’t just about fixing back pain. It’s about enhancing the body’s ability to handle stress and adapt to life’s challenges, which is exactly what Millennials need. 

Introducing neuroPULSE: Your HRV Game Changer 

At CLA, we’ve taken HRV technology and made it even more accessible with our neuroPULSE tool. neuroPULSE allows you to effortlessly evaluate the long-term effects of stress on your patients and track the positive impacts of your treatment plans over time. You’re no longer guessing at how well a patient is responding to care—you now have the data to back it up. 

The ability to monitor these changes isn’t just exciting—it’s a major step forward. Imagine being able to show a stressed-out Millennial how their HRV score is improving as they commit to regular adjustments. It turns chiropractic care into a tangible, trackable process that demonstrates real improvement, not just in how they feel but in how their nervous system is functioning. 

HRV in Recovery: The Key to Performance 

HRV isn’t just about measuring stress. It’s also an invaluable tool for tracking recovery, especially post-exercise. By conducting scans before a workout and at regular intervals afterward, you can get a clear picture of how well your patients are recovering. This is especially powerful for athletes or anyone focused on improving their performance. It allows you to see their overall health through the lens of recovery pace—another critical aspect of managing stress and improving long-term wellness. 

For Millennials, who often juggle careers, workouts, social lives, and more, having a tool like neuroPULSE to monitor recovery can make all the difference. It gives them insight into their health that they’ve likely never had before and helps them understand that recovery is just as important as exercise itself. 

Striving for Coherence: Achieving Balance 

Our ultimate goal with HRV and neuroPULSE is helping patients achieve a state of coherence. Coherence happens when the body’s systems—nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory—are working in harmony. It’s a state of balance where everything is functioning efficiently. When a patient reaches coherence, their body is resilient, adaptable, and better equipped to handle whatever life throws at them. 

For Millennials, whose lives are marked by constant change and pressure, achieving coherence is a game-changer. It’s not just about physical health. It’s about quality of life. Patients who reach this state feel better, think clearer, and have more energy to enjoy life. 

Going Beyond Spinal Adjustments 

At CLA, we know chiropractic care is about so much more than just spinal adjustments. It’s about transforming lives by addressing the physical manifestations of stress and elevating overall well-being. HRV technology through neuroPULSE lets us take that mission to the next level. We’re not just treating symptoms. We’re helping patients understand how their nervous system is functioning and guiding them toward long-term health improvements. 

Millennials are looking for more than quick fixes—they want a path to sustained health and wellness. With HRV monitoring, you can show them exactly how chiropractic care is helping them achieve that. 

Let’s Tackle Stress Together 

The stress epidemic isn’t going anywhere, but we can help our patients better manage it. By leveraging the insights provided by HRV and the advanced technology of neuroPULSE, you can make a real, measurable difference in the lives of Millennials struggling with stress. Together, we can guide them toward a future filled with balance, health, and happiness. 

Are you ready to take the next step in tackling Millennial stress? Let’s join forces and harness the power of HRV to elevate patient care and transform your practice. Click here for a no-obligation discussion or demo with an INSiGHT advisor and discover how neuroPULSE can be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for, or take our Practice Strategy Assesment to see if scanning is right for your practice. 

Get Started with INSiGHT Scanning

Take our Free Practice Strategy Assessment. A Personalized Guide and Expert Strategy Call to Help Determine How Scanning will Help you Grow
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. David Fletcher is actively involved in all aspects of innovation teaching and research connected to the INSiGHT™ scanning technologies. He is widely recognized for his ability to share his expertise in compelling and easy to understand ways.

Dr David is a renowned chiropractor who practiced for many years with his associates in a scan-centric thriving principled family-based practice in Toronto. He is a sought-after teacher mentor and keynote speaker who takes every opportunity to share the wisdom and the power of chiropractic as it is meant to be.

https://insightcla.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/david-1.png
Dr. David Fletcher
DC FRCCSS(C) – Founder & CEO CLA Inc.
LIKE THIS ARTICLE? HELP US SPREAD THE WORD

INSiGHT Communication Guide

This quick read covers the importance of communicating clearly and simply to your practice members.

Read these Next…

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Join 23,121 other Chiropractors and receive topics covering day to day challenges of running your practice.
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