Clinical Research

Clinical research in the field of chiropractic is as important to the profession as it is to any other in the medical field. Chiropractors rely on information from such research to augment the knowledge they have already gained through their university education and continuing education courses.

Chiropractic programs are now using what is called “evidence-based therapy practice” as the foundation for their treatments. This is a combination of scientific research, clinical reasoning and the individual’s goals and needs. Clinical research helps the practitioner keep up to date with the latest in practice methods, technology and opportunities.

A practitioner needs to be trained in the new treatment methods before he/she can implement them. Training may involve taking time off work and/or some expense to the chiropractor. Clinical research can benefit both clinician and patient if the clinician is trained in the new methods and both parties come to a mutual understanding and agreement of what is to be done.

Sources: Chiropractors and Osteopathic College of Australia, Chiropractors Association of Australia

Research links:

The Cochrane Library free access for all Australians
www.coca.com.au

Publications

Chiropractic & Manual Therapy
Chiropractic Research Journal
Journal of Chiropractic Medicine
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT)
Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association