What makes chiropractic distinct—and what happens when the profession loses sight of it?
In Episode 7 of Beyond the Adjustment, Dr. Chad Mykietiuk sits down with Dr. Brian Ferguson for a candid, passionate and occasionally fiery conversation about the identity and future of chiropractic.
A 1992 graduate of Northwestern College of Chiropractic, Dr. Ferguson has spent more than three decades developing his craft, studying chiropractic technique and building a practice centred around the adjustment. He describes his approach as a hybrid model: incorporating complementary services when they benefit the patient while ensuring that chiropractic philosophy, analysis and the adjustment remain at the heart of care.
Dr. Ferguson explains why he believes chiropractic must preserve the qualities that distinguish it from physiotherapy, osteopathy and other healthcare professions. He identifies three essential components of excellent chiropractic care: a clear philosophy, a thorough system of analysis and exceptional force application.
The conversation also explores the responsibility of chiropractors to continue developing beyond graduation, the challenges facing newer practitioners, the importance of mentorship and why every chiropractor must take ownership of mastering their craft.
This is a direct and thought-provoking conversation about honouring chiropractic’s history while ensuring the profession has a meaningful and distinctive future.
Topics discussed include:
· What Dr. Ferguson believes is wrong with chiropractic today
· Why the adjustment must remain central to chiropractic practice
· Dr. Ferguson’s introduction to chiropractic and his decision to enter the profession
· Graduating during the aftermath of the Wilk antitrust case
· The historical straight-versus-mixer debate
· Why chiropractic philosophy creates professional distinction
· Dr. Ferguson’s hybrid approach to patient care
· Incorporating complementary therapies without diminishing chiropractic
· The danger of chiropractic becoming indistinguishable from other professions
· The importance of analysis before delivering an adjustment
· Why specificity and force application matter
· Developing confidence and certainty as an adjuster
· The responsibility of chiropractors to continue learning after graduation
· Finding mentors and investing in technique seminars
· Why mastery requires lifelong practice
· Concerns about chiropractic education, regulation and research
· Where the profession may be headed over the next decade
· The difficult choices facing graduates who feel unprepared for practice
· Why chiropractic cannot simply be redefined to match a practitioner’s education
· The business lesson Dr. Ferguson wishes he had learned earlier
· Understanding the true cost of delivering an adjustment
Guest Bio
Dr. Brian Ferguson graduated from Northwestern College of Chiropractic in 1992 and has spent more than three decades in practice.
Throughout his career, he has pursued extensive continuing education in chiropractic analysis, adjusting techniques, rehabilitation and complementary approaches to patient care. His practice combines adjustment-focused chiropractic care with additional services designed to address the broader needs of his patients.
Despite incorporating a range of tools and approaches, Dr. Ferguson remains committed to ensuring that chiropractic philosophy, careful analysis and a skilled adjustment remain the foundation of every patient’s care.
He is also actively involved with the Canadian National Alliance for Chiropractic as the current board chair and is a strong advocate for preserving the distinct identity of the chiropractic profession.
Key Takeaway
Chiropractic’s future depends on chiropractors who understand what makes the profession unique—and who are willing to invest the time, effort and resources required to become exceptional at delivering it.
As Dr. Ferguson emphasizes, graduation is not the end of a chiropractor’s education. Developing mastery requires mentorship, repetition, continuing education and a lifelong commitment to improving the quality of every adjustment.
