For most chiropractors, the dream of running a successful, fulfilling practice often comes with unexpected challenges. The reality is that while passion for patient care fuels the profession, financial struggles, burnout, and inconsistent revenue streams plague many chiropractors.
If you feel like you’re working harder than ever but still struggling to make ends meet, you’re not alone. Chiropractic practice is unique in that success isn’t just about being an excellent clinician—it’s also about being a savvy business owner. Unfortunately, many doctors were never trained in the business side of chiropractic, leaving them overwhelmed and financially stretched thin.
So, what’s causing so many chiropractors to struggle in practice? And more importantly, how can you take control of your business to create the practice—and life—you’ve always envisioned?
The Harsh Reality: Volume Matters
While every chiropractor wants to practice the way they dream—whether that’s spending extra time with patients, offering specialized techniques, or running a low-volume, high-touch practice—the financial reality can’t be ignored. For the vast majority of chiropractic offices, volume plays a critical role in profitability.
Unlike other industries where you can infinitely scale a product, chiropractic care is inherently limited by time. You only have so many hours in a day and so many patient visits you can handle. This means that unless your fees are exceptionally high (which is often unsustainable for most markets), volume must be part of the equation.
But here’s the challenge: how do you increase volume without burning out? And if you don’t want to see 300+ patients per week, how can you still make your practice financially viable? The answer lies in understanding the core business levers at your disposal.
The Three Primary Levers for Chiropractic Profitability
There are only a few fundamental ways to increase your practice’s profitability. These are:
1. Increase PVA (Patient Visit Average)
PVA measures how many visits the average patient completes in your office. If your patients are inconsistent, drop off early, or only come for a few visits, your revenue takes a significant hit.
Increasing PVA isn’t about “selling” more care—it’s about education and retention. Patients who truly understand the value of chiropractic care are more likely to follow through with their recommended treatment plan.
Strategies to improve PVA:
- Clear communication about the long-term benefits of care
- Systems to track and follow up with inactive patients
- Patient education on lifestyle and wellness care
- Implementing re-exams and progress reports to demonstrate improvements
2. Charge More Per Visit (Raise OVA)
While it might be tempting to keep your fees low to attract more patients, undercharging is one of the biggest mistakes chiropractors make. Your per-visit fee (OVA, or Office Visit Average) is one of the most direct ways to increase profitability without adding more hours to your schedule.
Ways to increase OVA:
- Increase your fees (while maintaining high-value service)
- Offer packages or care plans that encourage prepayment
- Add higher-value services such as laser therapy, spinal decompression, or soft tissue work
- Improve your collections and reduce discounts
3. Add Additional Revenue Streams
If patient volume and per-visit fees are maxed out, the next logical step is to introduce additional revenue streams. Many chiropractors overlook the potential of ancillary services and products, leaving money on the table.
Options for additional revenue:
- Retail products (supplements, braces, orthotics, ergonomic tools)
- Weight loss or nutrition programs
- Massage therapy or acupuncture
- Corporate wellness programs
- Online courses or digital health products
Diversifying your revenue not only boosts your bottom line but also enhances patient outcomes by offering comprehensive wellness solutions.
The Hidden Challenge: Running a Practice Is More Than Just Adjusting Patients
Most chiropractors entered the profession because they love helping people—not because they wanted to spend hours dealing with business strategy, marketing, and operations. Yet, in today’s competitive landscape, ignoring the business side of practice is a surefire way to struggle.
Many doctors try to do everything themselves, from patient care to billing, marketing, and even front-desk duties. This “do-it-all” approach leads to exhaustion and limits growth. The truth is, scaling a successful practice requires structure, delegation, and a strategic approach.
So, what’s the solution?
Why You Need a Business Coach
The chiropractors who break free from struggle don’t do it alone. They seek guidance, accountability, and proven systems to take their practices to the next level. That’s where having a business coach comes in.
A great coach helps you:
- Identify and optimize the key revenue levers in your practice
- Develop efficient systems to reduce stress and free up your time
- Increase retention, revenue, and overall practice stability
- Navigate challenges with proven solutions rather than trial and error
At WellBiz360, we specialize in helping chiropractors not just survive, but thrive. Whether you’re looking to improve your profitability, scale your practice, or create more freedom in your business, we provide the strategies and support you need to succeed.
If you’re tired of feeling stuck, overworked, and financially strained, it’s time to make a change. Schedule a call with us today and take the first step toward a more profitable, stress-free practice.
You don’t have to do this alone. The right guidance can change everything.