4 Costly Mistakes Chiros Make That Prevent Seven-Figure Success

Today, we’re diving into four common costly mistakes chiropractors make that keep them from reaching their full financial and professional potential.

These insights come from over 24 years in practice, and while there are many pitfalls to avoid, these four are among the most significant.

One of the biggest mistakes chiropractors make is failing to properly educate their patients. Effective patient communication ensures that patients:

• Understand their condition
• Know the role of chiropractic care in their recovery
• Follow post-treatment recommendations

Without this education, patients can become confused, frustrated, and even dissatisfied with their care. Some of the most common education pitfalls include:

• Lack of Explanation: Patients should know why their spine or joints need adjusting, not just that they do.
• Unrealistic Expectations: If you don’t set realistic recovery timelines, patients may become frustrated if they don’t see immediate results.
• Neglecting Post Treatment Care: Chiropractors must provide patients with proper guidance on stretches, exercises, and lifestyle changes to maintain progress.

One tool we use in our office is the physiological healing phases from my chiropractic school textbook. We explain the acute phase (1-4 days), proliferation phase (4-21 days), and tissue remodeling phase so patients understand what to expect at each stage of recovery. If you aren’t doing this, you’re missing a major opportunity to build trust and retain patients.

Chiropractors often suffer from analysis paralysis. They overthink business decisions, hesitate on opportunities, and ultimately stagnate. Decisiveness is a key trait of successful business owners. Quick decision-making helps you:

• Seize opportunities before competitors do
• Avoid stagnation caused by over-analysis
• Build confidence and trust within your team
• Adapt to changes in the marketplace

Many chiropractors fear making the wrong choice, but the reality is that every decision—good or bad—is an education. Even failures provide valuable lessons that help you grow. The worst decision is no decision at all. Make a choice, act, and adjust as needed.

Growth comes from taking calculated risks. Yet, many chiropractors are too cautious, avoiding opportunities that could propel their business forward. Taking risks leads to:

• Competitive Advantage: Being first to market with innovative services or business models
• Learning & Improvement: Every risk teaches valuable lessons
• Bigger Rewards: Higher risks often yield higher returns
• Attracting Talent: Dynamic, growth-oriented businesses attract ambitious professionals
• Market Adaptation: Industries evolve; those who take risks stay relevant

Risk doesn't mean recklessness. It means assessing opportunities, understanding potential downsides, and acting decisively. If a failed risk would cripple your business, avoid it. But if it simply means a temporary setback, the potential upside might be worth it.

Chiropractors often buy into expensive gadgets and marketing gimmicks, thinking they will bring in more patients or generate more revenue. The truth? Most of these tools drain your finances with little return.

Some common gimmicks include:

• Overpriced Chiropractic Equipment: Some decompression tables cost $90,000 when a $10,000 model does the same thing.
• Marketing Scams: Facebook ads promising “guaranteed” new patients often require upfront payments for setup, with no real results.
• Big-Name Chiropractic Consultants: Many large consulting firms charge thousands but offer generic, cookie-cutter advice.

Instead of chasing the latest gadget, invest in things that truly move the needle:

• High-quality patient care
• Effective, local marketing strategies
• Hiring and training top talent

Avoiding these four mistakes will put you on the right track:

1. Educate your patients so they trust and value your care.
2. Make fast, informed decisions to keep your business moving forward.
3. Take calculated risks that drive growth and keep you competitive.
4. Avoid gimmicks and invest in what truly benefits your practice.

If you want to grow your chiropractic business, focus on long-term success, not short-term tricks. Thanks for tuning in to the Seven Figure Chiro Podcast! Join us next time as we discuss services you can add to your practice to increase revenue.

Until next time—keep up the good fight!

— Dr. Jeff Berard & Kristin