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Tags: Practice Tips of the Day, Class 4 Laser Therapy, General // Add Comment »

Class 4 Laser Myths Exposed!

Posted on March 8th, 2008 by Dr. Perry

“Class 4 Laser Myths Exposed!”
Don’t believe the hype, believe the science.

Myth #1: They Are Too Expensive

Compared to what? The most expensive laser you can purchase is one that fails to deliver results! Class 4 lasers manufactured by a reputable company deliver results; it’s all based in the science of therapeutic dosage. The #1 cause of failure in laser therapy treatment is insufficient dosage. Inadequate power is the primary factor in low dosage. Class 3 lasers have lower power, so penetration is decreased and success rates decline. Higher power means less treatment time and less stress on the laser diodes, adding to the life of the laser. Class 3 lasers require multiple laser heads adding to the bottom line expense of the laser. Advertising laser therapy and not getting results is EXPENSIVE! You only have one chance to impress a patient, make sure you have the Class IV power to back it up.

Myth #2: You Can Burn A Patient

Yes, if you are a complete idiot! You can also burn a patient with ultrasound and muscle stimulation if you use them incorrectly. A properly trained physician or clinician will never burn a patient. This is why you should receive your laser training from a qualified clinician, not a sales rep. You have to be present during treatments (PTC)-Present Time Consciousness, with no distractions; devoting your time to the patient. Treatment times are significantly reduced with Class 4 lasers so the risk of injury is miniscule. Proper training is essential.

Myth #3: They Are Too Costly To Maintain

Any medical equipment used incorrectly can be costly to maintain. Proper training is essential for the life of laser equipment. What is more costly, a cheap “bargain” laser that breaks every few months or durable high end models with proven performance and results? Don’t make a purchase decision on price alone. Price is temporary, profit is forever. Look at the fine print on laser manufacturer warranties. Make sure you have a lifetime warranty on your laser diodes. If a product is good, the dealer will have no doubts about selling it on sale-or-return basis, with written confirmation of this.

Dr. Perry Nickelston, DC VP Practice Devlopment for K-Laser USA and Director of The Pain Laser Center in Ramsey, NJ. 1-866-595-7749 Ext 102

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6 Ways to Lose 10 Pounds!

Posted on March 6th, 2008 by Dr. Perry

Whys is this topic on my chiro blog? Because most people with chronic back pain are overweight and clinically obese. Duh! That’s why. You need to offer them advice and guidance to a positive end result. If you don’t a more successful doctor will. How is that for a reality kick in the pants? Here a 6 ways to begin.

1. Eat Five or Six Small Meals.
Despite compelling information arguing to the contrary, many people still consume most of their food in two or three large meals every day, often going for hours at a time eating nothing in between. Sure, you can lose weight and fat on a reduced-calorie trio of meals, but you can’t train your body to burn fat efficiently, which is key to maintaining weight loss. A nutritious meal or snack every three hours or so provides a number of metabolism-enhancing benefits, stabilizes your blood-sugar levels, ensures adequate nutrients are constantly on hand, and helps control hunger-induced cravings for sweets and fats. It also leads to more effective glycogen storage in the liver and muscle tissues; thus, your body won’t cannibalize muscle as an energy source during training.

2. Drink The Right Amount Of Water

Did you know that being dehydrated makes you fatter? Why? Muscle Glycogen (stored sugar energy created from ingested carbohydrates) is stored along with water. For every gram of Glycogen in the muscle there should be three of water. Dehydration forces Glucose to remain in the bloodstream instead of muscle until it reaches the liver for overflow storage. When the liver is full, the Glycogen (sugar) has no place to go but your FAT cells. Not good!! So how much should you drink? (.55 x your bodyweight in pounds = # ounces day

3. Never Skip Breakfast

I guarantee if you skip breakfast you will NEVER get a lean, toned sexy physique! Let me repeat, NEVER! Why? Just like Mom used to say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Gotta love Mom! Breakfast sets the tone for your metabolic rate the entire day. Skipping this meal sets your metabolism low and Insulin will spike with the first large meal you ingest. Then get ready for the sugar high crash and burn feeling. Your largest carbohydrate meal should be eaten at breakfast. Load up on the complex carbs and remember to combine them with protein.

4. Cheat On Your Diet
Once in a while you should let loose and give yourself a break from the rigors of dieting and scale watching. In fact, it’s helpful in losing weight. That’s because continual dieting eventually leads to roadblocks where the body responds by slowing its metabolic rate. Strict dieting also takes its toll on you mentally, and can leave you feeling deprived. That’s a bad combination! Taking in a couple of high calorie meals once every 7-10 days not only provides a mental break from dieting, but helps you side-step roadblocks by preventing the body from entering a starvation state where the metabolic rate slows.

5. Do Smart Cardio
What happens to someone who performs 1-2 hours of cardio a day? (We know you’re out there!) They send their body into a tailspin, a state where the “starvation hormones” secreted by the body skyrocket (it’s your body’s survival mechanism, a response to too much exercise!) causing fat cells to try to hoard their energy! Moderate cardio is the way to go. Four to five 20-30 minutes sessions per week is all that it takes. Any more than that and you run the risk of losing precious muscle tissue, which negatively affects your metabolic rate and your ability to burn fat.

6. Start Weight Training

Some people avoid weight training because they don’t want to bulk up. However, strength training is a critical element to maintain a healthy weight and strengthen your body. The average person who strength trains two to three times a week for eight weeks gains 2.75 pounds of lean weight…and loses 10.5 pounds of fat. Muscle is a metabolically active tissue that requires calories for support. Meaning, the more muscle you have the more body fat you burn at rest. Always do cardio work AFTER weights, NEVER before! Why? You burn about 300% more body fat.

BONUS TIP:

COCONUT OIL Start with one tablespoon per day and work up to three tablespoons per day. Coconut oil raises your metabolism, which helps detoxify your body. It stabilizes the blood sugar levels which decreases physical cravings. It also protects the heart cells from damage. Next to mother’s milk, it is nature’s highest source of medium chain fatty acids (MTC’s), which raise the body’s metabolism, leading to weight loss. It has fatty acids such as lauric acid and monoglycerides. When lauric acid is consumed in the body, it enhances the immune system to help the body fight infections, bad bacteria and underlying yeast invasions. Lauric acid is known to be anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.

Here are two athletes I took care of with laser therapy at the Arnold Scwarzenneger Bodybuilding Expo. Specializing in treating athletes and fitness competitors is my niche market. Get one too and you will always be successful. Why? You are delivering value to a specified marketplace. Mine is laser. What is yours?

Dr. Perry Nickelston, DC VP Practice Devlopment for K-Laser USA and Director of The Pain Laser Center in Ramsey, NJ. 1-866-595-7749 Ext 102

Tags: Integrative Treatment Strategies, General // Add Comment »

Arnold Bodybuilding Expo

Posted on March 5th, 2008 by Dr. Perry

Hey everybody! Did you miss me? I have been in Columbus, Ohio attending the Arnold Schwarzenneger Fitness Expo on behalf of K-laser, USA. We were Gold Sponsors of the ICA (International Chiropratic Assocation) event and got VIP access to all the great shows. If you have never gone, I highly recommend it. There are over 17,000 athletes attending this event. That is more than the Olympics! Over 150,000 people walk through the door during the weekend. It is officially the largest Fitness Event in the World. I got to meet Arnold and have a picture with him too. Highlight of my life. His autobiography changed my life. Read it and learn about success through determination and goal setting. Priceless advice.

I was there treating atheletes with the K-laser. As you should know, lasers are a great tool for helping athletic injuries. If you don’t have one, you are in big trouble. Take time to invest in a high quality laser. Remember, price is temporary and profit is forever! Anytime you help people and provide value to the marketplace you will prosper. Business 101.

I will attaching photos all week for you to see. Here is the first two of me with Lou Ferrigno and Frank Zane . Everybody knows Lou as the Incredible Hulk and from Pumping Iron. Great guy with tons of knowledge on health and fitness. Huge arms too! That’s me on the right. lol. Frank Zane had the most symmetrical physique in the 70’s. Super nice guy.

Until next time. Oh yeah I almost forgot the practice tip of the day.

NEVER leave your practice without business cards! An effective card is arguably the most valuable tool you can have in building a business. For those just starting a practice, sometimes it’s the only tool. Nothing is worse than being in a situation where you say, ‘I wish I had my business cards with me.” When you give out cards, make sure you give out two at a time. People have a tendency to misplace cards, so give them a second chance to find you.

Networking etiquette 101; don’t give out a card until someone gives you theirs first, they ask for one of yours, or you ask for theirs. Business cards should have some type of offer on the back. Use that space to promote your uniqueness. My most successful offer was a FREE Laser Therapy treatment. Get the best business card money can buy…It’s your image and it makes an impact every time you give one –either wow, positive, mediocre, or negative. When you give out your card, if someone doesn’t look at it and say “Nice card,” get it redone.

Dr. Perry Nickelston, DC VP Practice Devlopment for K-Laser USA and Director of The Pain Laser Center in Ramsey, NJ. 1-866-595-7749 Ext 102

Tags: Practice Tips of the Day, General // 1 Comment »

Bill For What You Do!

Posted on February 26th, 2008 by Dr. Perry

Gold standard billing advice: Bill for what you do, but back it up in writing! Insurance companies will play an interesting game with you. They will usually pay for most of the procedures you bill for, if you use the proper codes of course) and they might put up a little fight for reimbursement, but they will generally pay out.

Here’s the kicker. They come in months to years later and ask for all documentation supporting your rationale for the prior treatment rendered and reimbursed for. If you do not have sufficient S.O.A.P notes to back up your clinical decision making, they WILL ask that all the prior patient payments made to you be refunded to them within several days or immediately. Most chiropractors live hand to mouth and do not have sufficient funds to make payment, so the insurance companies have full legal right to wipe out the assets of the doctor, and he/she is forced to shut down the office.

Morale of the story: Take the time to back up your clinical decision making. NO TRAVEL CARDS! They do not have adequate room for proper documentation. Do so at your own peril. Gone are the glory days of documenting subluxation listings, “same as previous visit” and “schedule next visit.” Make sure to document for ‘CASH ONLY’ patients. Why, the State can audit you and you want to back yourself up in case of litigation or malpractice suit. Be smart. Oh and don’t be dumb enough to adjust someone at any event outside your office without a proper evaluation. Otherwise, you may end up in court. DTA- Dont’s trust anybody when it comes to simple adjustments. Pessimistic, yes. Realistic oh YES!

Dr. Perry Nickelston is VP of Practice Devleopment for K-laserusa and Clinic Director of The Pain Laser Center in Ramsey, NJ.

1-866-595-7749 Ext. #2

Tags: Practice Tips of the Day, General // Add Comment »

Competitive Advantage

Posted on February 24th, 2008 by Dr. Perry

“To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are.”
––Muhammad Ali

Create a Unique Competitive Advantage (UCA)

Your UCA is what makes your business stand out form the crowd of every other business. It’s what helps your patients understand how you’re different, and it shows how this difference is an advantage or benefit to them.

The UCA can be many things. Here are some examples:

IT can be your UMM (problem/solution statement itself.
It can be the type of patient you treat (niche)
It can be the way you provide your service (24-hour emergency care)
It can be your style (gentle adjustments)
It can be the speed of service or the quality time spent with a patient
It can be a payment policy (group package rates) *check state laws
It can be a solid guarantee (my personal favorite) Guaranteed best consultation you ever had. *More on this later

It has to be the right UCA for you, your business and your purpose. A great UCA does the following:

It speaks to the WIIFM (What’s in it for me?) first and foremost
It makes it clear who the service is for
It communicates something others are not communicating
It offers a difference that is interesting
It guarantees a level of performance

The mistake most doctors make is not looking at their practice/business from the point of view of the client. What can you see about your practice from their point of view that is fascinating, helpful, unique, or dynamic? Look for the WOW factor that sets you apart.

Here is an example: “For the time sensitive patient on the go-we offer morning commute hours. From 7-9 A.M. we guarantee you will be in and out in just 15-minutes or the treatment is Free!”

This is a great guarantee because you attract the people who want fast service and it motivates you to do a better job so you can meet the 15-minute treatment window. Restrict this time to existing patients only. No new patients!

Dr. Perry Nickelston, Vice President of Practice Development for K-laserUSA and clinic director of the Pain Laser Center in Ramsy, NJ.

1-866-595-7749 Ext #2

Tags: Practice Tips of the Day, General // Add Comment »

Adrenal Fatigue and Weight Loss

Posted on February 22nd, 2008 by Dr. Perry

“You miss 100% of the shots you never take.”

If you see overweight people in your office, and most of you probably do since they usually have back pain, it is important to evaluate the adrenal glands. They can be a primary cause of chronic pain due to elevated levels of the catabolic hormone Cortisol. Ignore them at your own peril. I have found Ionic Footbaths to be a great way to help detoxify the body and improve hormone function. Worth invbestigating!

Hormones and Weight Loss

Adrenal Fatigue and the Cortisol Connection

Adrenal Fatigue is a syndrome that results when the adrenal glands function below the necessary level, usually because of intense, prolonged or repeated stress. Its severity can range from a general sense of tiredness and the inability to lose weight, to difficulty getting out of bed for more than a few hours. Every organ and system in the body is more profoundly affected if left untreated. Changes occur in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism (leading to weight gain); fluid and electrolyte balance; nervous system function and even libido. Although it affects millions of people in the U.S., conventional medicine does not yet recognize it as a distinct, treatable condition. Most doctors are not aware of adrenal fatigue. They only recognize Addison’s Disease, which is the most extreme end of low adrenal function. Astute doctors who are familiar with the degrees of adrenal fatigue usually test the adrenal hormone levels in the saliva.

What are the adrenal glands?

The adrenal glands are two small glands, each about the size of a large grape. They are situated on top of the kidneys. Their purpose is to help the body to cope with stress and help it to survive. Each adrenal gland has two compartments. The inner or medulla controls the sympathetic nervous system through secretion and regulation of two hormones called epinephrine and nor epinephrine that are responsible for the fight or flight response. The outer adrenal cortex comprises 80 percent of the adrenal gland and is responsible for producing over 50 different types of hormones.

Is too much Cortisol bad for you?

Chronically elevated cortisol levels may have a variety of negative effects. Cortisol is catabolic, and elevated cortisol levels can cause the loss of muscle tissue by facilitating the process of converting lean tissue into glucose. An excess of cortisol can also lead to a decrease in insulin sensitivity, increased insulin resistance, reduced growth hormone levels, and reduced connective tissue strength. Chronically elevated levels of cortisol can also decrease strength and performance in athletes.

Should I take Cortisol supplements?

In my opinion, no, absolutely not. Cortisol suppressing supplements are not a valid solution for losing weight. No pill can replace a healthy program of diet and exercise. Pills do not make you lose fat. Body fat is lost by creating a caloric deficit through exercise and nutrition.

What can I do naturally?Avoid very low calorie diets, especially for prolonged periods of time. Low calorie dieting is a major stress to the body. Low calorie diets increase cortisol while decreasing testosterone. Avoid overtraining by keeping workouts intense, but brief (cortisol rises sharply after 45-60 min of strength training) Suppress cortisol and maximize recovery after workouts with proper nutrition: Consume a carb-protein meal or drink immediately after your workout. Get plenty of quality sleep (sleep deprivation, as a stressor, can raise cortisol). Avoid or minimize use of stimulants; caffeine, ephedrine, synephrine, etc.

Dr. Perry Nickelston, Vice President of Practice Development for K-laserUSA and clinic director of the Pain Laser Center in Ramsy, NJ.

1-866-595-7749 Ext #2

Tags: Integrative Treatment Strategies, General // Add Comment »

Motivating Your Staff

Posted on February 21st, 2008 by Dr. Perry

Motivating your staff

Staff is the little-known secret to practice success. They are on the front lines in your office everyday. You can be the best doctor in town, but if your staff stinks, so does your practice. Make sure you take care of them. Having a proper reward system in place can be the deciding factor in motivating your staff to reaching your practice goals. In reality, if they have no vested interest in making the practice busier, they won’t! It makes no difference to them if you see 50 patients a week or 250 per week. Unless you make it worth their efforts. You can do that by good increasing incentives with good old fashioned MONEY!

There are many types of systems you could put into effect. Here is an outline of steps you need to take to implement a staff motivation program. Keep in mind that a good motivation program pays for itself through increased production form the staff members. Everybody wins!

Ø Set a goal of how many patient visits per week you can achieve in 6 months.

Ø Set a secondary goal as a back-up to that number.

Ø Set a third goal as a back-up to the secondary goal.

Ø Tell your staff what the first, second and third place goals are.

Ø Set dates by which the goals must be reached

Ø Once you meet the primary goal. Set another one to meet and consult your staff about the new rewards they would like to receive.

Have fun with it. Let your staff come up with idea too.

Dr. Perry Nickelston

1-866-595-7749 Ext. #2

Tags: Practice Tips of the Day, General // Add Comment »

Telling Stories

Posted on February 20th, 2008 by Dr. Perry

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!

-Jeffrey Gitomer

What is the secret to effective communication? Tell Stories. People tire quickly of concepts, but stories-well told and relevant-will always increase response. Instead of jamming facts and figures or new chiropractic technology terms down your patient’s throats, tell them stories of how chiropractic has improved the lives of people with similar conditions. When telling stories paint a vivid picture in their minds using as many senses as possible to involve their subconscious mind. If they can see it, hear it, feel it and taste it, they’ll remember it! This is called WORD PICTURES! Master this skill and it could be the single most effective practice tool you ever use. No kidding!

Jan Tunér and Lars Hode (Laser Sales Tricks)

Posted on February 19th, 2008 by Dr. Perry

Here is a great article written by two of the most respected individuals in the field of laser therapy. The primary importance of this article is to BE CAREFUL when choosing a laser for your clinic. Trust the science and compare the truth. There are too many lasers out there that are just ‘cheap’ lasers with salespeople trying to make a buck. Don’t get burned!! I will start off the article below and you can download the entire article at the end of the first paragraph. Enjoy. It’s an eye opener.

BEGIN

“In advertising you will frequently find claims that a product is described as “optimal” or“ideal”. This is strange, because too often a previous product from the same manufacturer wasoptimal, too. So how could it then be improved? Advertising is filled with meaningless wordssuch as “technology”, “recent”, “proven”. This is all part of the advertising jargon and since itis not illegal, we will have to live with it. Now and then sheer lies are used. A classicalexample is the beauty products tested by “The Swiss Vitamin Institute”. There never was suchan institute…

It is natural that a salesman wants to promote and ultimately sell his product and we cannot asa customer expect full objectivity. But pushing ones luck too hard will in the end be contraproductive. The laser therapy market is no different from the cosmetic market; there are allkinds of salesmen ranging from the earnest ones to the sheer liars.”

Click here to continue reading Laser Sales

Dr. Perry Nickelston, DC