SDCA recognizes Chiropractic has been historically divided into 3 main paradigms. Paradigm 1 is no longer practiced so SDCA will only address Paradigms 2 and 3.
Paradigm 2 also called Therapeutic Chiropractic, looks to diagnose disease, identify the cause of the disease and provide treatment through any drugless procedure available including but not limited to a Chiropractic Adjustment. All practices that accept insurance in any way practice Paradigm 2 Chiropractic and include the following: PI, WC, Medicare, Private Insurance and General Practice.
Paradigm 3 also called Non-Therapeutic Chiropractic or Objective Straight Chiropractic, looks to help the body heal the Vertebral Subluxation only and it does this regardless of what disease the person may or may not have. This paradigm does not diagnose or provide treatment for any condition.
Both paradigms follow the Chiropractic philosophy that includes an understanding of the Innate Intelligence of the body. Additionally, both paradigms will have some cross over of terminology including how they identify themselves. SDCA recognizes the right of any member to identify their practice with the terminology they feel best represents their approach to Chiropractic so long as they explain that approach clearly to the public. SDCA also recognizes that both paradigms are valuable ways to approach Chiropractic and recognizes that some Chiropractors will use both Paradigms.
The most common terminology for 2nd and 3rd Paradigm Chiropractic is Therapeutic for 2nd Paradigm and Non-Therapeutic for 3rd Paradigm but other terminology has also been used. Below is a list of the most common terms used by Chiropractors to describe their Chiropractic approach:
Therapeutic Chiropractic
- Therapeutic Chiropractor
- 2nd Paradigm Chiropractor
- Mixer
- Medical Chiropractor
- Straight Chiropractor
- Neurology Chiropractor
Non-Therapeutic Chiropractic
- Non-Therapeutic Chiropractor
- 3rd Paradigm Chiropractor
- Objective Straight Chiropractor
SDCA 