Present Time Consciousness (PTC) is one of the most impactful yet underutilized skills in chiropractic communications and care. The ability to be fully present with your patients during each interaction can dramatically improve patient outcomes, deepen trust, and enhance the overall success of your practice. Mastering PTC allows you to deliver adjustments with greater precision and connect with patients on a more meaningful level.

Think of PTC as the foundation for every interaction in your practice. When you are truly present, your patients not only feel valued, but they also experience the full benefits of your expertise. Let’s dive into how you can master PTC and make it a core component of your chiropractic approach.

What is Present Time Consciousness (PTC)?

Present Time Consciousness (PTC) is the state of being fully engaged and focused in the moment. In a chiropractic setting, PTC means giving your undivided attention to the patient in front of you. It’s about setting aside distractions and showing your patients that they are your top priority. It prioritizes listening with intent, allowing a story to unfold. 

Why Being Fully Present Matters

When patients choose chiropractic care, they are committing their time and trust to you. They deserve your complete focus. Being fully present during patient interactions helps you build a deeper connection and demonstrates that you are truly invested in their health. It also allows you to deliver higher-quality adjustments by minimizing mental distractions and enhancing your clinical precision.

The Connection Between PTC and Patient Trust

PTC is directly tied to the level of trust your patients have in you. When you are fully engaged, patients feel heard and valued. This fosters a sense of trust, making them more likely to adhere to care plans and continue with their chiropractic journey.

The Benefits of Practicing PTC in Chiropractic Care

Implementing PTC as a daily practice in your clinic offers numerous benefits, including:

Building Deeper Patient Connections

When you give your full attention to each patient, you create stronger connections. Patients feel seen, heard, and understood, which enhances their overall experience. This approach goes beyond addressing symptoms and moves toward building a relationship based on care and trust.

Enhancing the Quality of Adjustments

PTC helps you stay focused on delivering precise adjustments. By eliminating distractions, you can better tune into what the patient’s body needs at that moment. This not only improves the quality of care but also leads to more effective outcomes.

Increasing Patient Satisfaction and Retention

Satisfied patients are more likely to stay committed to their care plans and refer others to your practice. By consistently practicing PTC, you boost patient satisfaction, making them feel confident in your abilities and the care they receive.

Supporting a NERVE FIRST Approach

PTC aligns perfectly with the NERVE FIRST mindset, which focuses on the nervous system rather than just treating symptoms. Being present allows you to educate your patients about how chiropractic adjustments can help re-educate the nervous system, leading to long-term health improvements.

Techniques for Mastering PTC in Your Practice

To truly master PTC, you need to adopt practical strategies that help you stay focused and engaged during every patient interaction. Here are some techniques to get started:

Reframe Your Conversations

Most people think about health in terms of “Feel Better, Get Well, Stay Alive.” To elevate your practice, switch this mindset to: “Get Better, Stay Well, Feel Alive!”.

This reframing helps patients see the bigger picture of their health journey. It encourages a proactive approach to wellness rather than just focusing on symptom relief. Your words should reflect this NERVE FIRST philosophy, guiding patients toward long-term health benefits.

Implement the “3-Minute Presence Drill”

At the start of each shift, dedicate three minutes to grounding yourself. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and visualize a patient who experienced life-changing results because of your care. This simple drill sets your intention to be fully present for each patient and helps you refocus if distractions arise throughout the day. Walk from table to table and envision life unfolding in each person you interact with. 

Use Physical and Verbal Cues to Show Attentiveness

Being present involves more than just listening. It includes making eye contact, maintaining an open body posture, and using affirming language. Simple gestures like gently touching a patient’s shoulder as they prepare for an adjustment or asking, “What’s different today?” can significantly enhance the quality of your interactions.

Integrating PTC with INSiGHT Scanning Technology

Leveraging advanced tools like INSiGHT scanning technology can enhance your ability to practice PTC. The data from INSiGHT scans provides objective insights that allow you to stay fully engaged with your patient, guiding conversations based on precise information.

How INSiGHT Scanning Supports PTC

The INSiGHT neuroTECH combines three scanning technologies—neuroPULSE (HRV), neuroCORE (sEMG), and neuroTHERMAL (Thermal)—to create a complete neural profile. These scans allow you to:

Using the CORESCORE and Synapse Software to Support PTC

The CORESCORE condenses complex scan data into an easy-to-understand score, allowing you to show patients tangible evidence of progress. The Synapse software integrates seamlessly with INSiGHT scans, providing powerful visuals and customizable reports to support PTC-focused care.

Leveraging neuroLINK for Deeper Patient Engagement

The neuroLINK feature within Synapse helps explain how specific spinal areas relate to overall health. Use it to visually connect scan results to the patient’s daily experiences. This educational approach makes it easier to keep patients engaged and focused on the importance of their care.

Shifting Your Practice to a PTC-Driven Approach

By incorporating PTC techniques and leveraging INSiGHT scanning technology, you can transform your chiropractic practice. Reflect on your current patient interactions and consider these questions:

When you make PTC a priority, you enhance every aspect of your practice. Patients feel more valued, adjustments become more precise, and patient satisfaction increases. This approach not only benefits your patients but also elevates your practice to new levels of success.

Let “Present Time Consciousness” be the guiding principle that empowers you to connect deeply with your patients and transform their health. Make PTC the foundation of your practice and watch your relationships—and results—thrive.

Take the First Step Toward Mastering PTC

Are you ready to fully integrate Present Time Consciousness into your practice? Discover how combining PTC with INSiGHT scanning technology can revolutionize the way you connect with patients.

Learn more about incorporating PTC and INSiGHT scanning into your chiropractic clinic. Embrace this powerful approach and watch your practice flourish as you inspire, educate, and empower every patient who walks through your door.

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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