By Maurice Piciottano, DC
As chiropractors, we are trained to check vital signs, such as pulse, respiration, and heart rate, to gauge overall health. But what if we’re missing a key indicator of well-being? What if there’s another essential “vital sign” that reveals deeper insights into our patients’ health? One that, if left unchecked, could contribute to chronic pain, poor posture, and even recurring injuries?
That vital sign is balance.
For most patients, balance is not something they think about until it’s a problem. Balance plays an integral role in the body’s ability to function optimally. It’s not just about avoiding falls or feeling steady on your feet. Assessing balance gives us a window into how the nervous system, muscles, and joints are working together — or not.
A groundbreaking study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine revealed a strong connection between balance and long-term survival. The study, led by Dr. Claudio Gil Araujo and his team, found that middle-aged and older individuals who successfully performed a 10-second one-legged stance had significantly higher survival rates than those who couldn’t. This data sends a clear message that assessing balance can be a powerful tool in predicting a patient’s longevity and overall health.
Balance assessment taps directly into the root cause of many conditions. It can reveal the underlying biomechanical issues that may contribute to recurring back pain, falls, or even headaches. By addressing these at their core, you offer more than just symptom relief — you offer lasting solutions that significantly enhance your patients’ quality of life. When we assess balance as part of a routine exam, we shift from reactive care to proactive healing, offering deeper, more holistic patient outcomes.
As health professionals, we strive to offer the best for our patients, which includes evolving with the science and embracing new ways to assess and understand the body. Balance assessment is the missing link that can take patient care and your practice to the next level, ensuring you aren’t just treating symptoms but addressing the foundation of health.
What if adding this simple yet transformative tool could unlock a new layer of care for your patients? Your patients are ready for that next step. Are you ready to give it to them?
Dr. Moe Pisciottano is the CEO of the Pro-Adjuster Group and has been a practicing chiropractor in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for 35 years. Dr. Pisciottano is the first and only chiropractor to receive the coveted Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. To learn more, visit www.learnproadjuster.com.
