The latter invariably leads to the former. The moment the chiropractor loses that unique humility that is responsible for the success of chiropractic he is in trouble. It is not the act but the thinking behind the act. There appears to be new techniques developing in chiropractic that incorporate certain rehabilitative exercises along with the adjustments, presumably to help hold the adjustment or improve spinal structure. If chiropractic is to survive we cannot, no matter how great our scientific, educated knowledge, begin to prescribe for patients.
Prescription is subjective, arbitrary and is basic to the practice of medicine.
It is antithetical to the practice of chiropractic. If it is something specifically for that particular patient, it is prescriptive. For example, in the area of exercise, telling a patient that exercise is important to their overall health is patient education. If you are going to do that, then you must also explain that exercise is the normal natural amount of activity necessary to maintain the body in a state of health. You must teach them that the exercise needs of an individual differ from every other individual.