In this episode of the Rocket Chiropractic Podcast, Jerry Kennedy breaks down a surprisingly common issue in the chiropractic profession that he calls “Chiropractic Associate PTSD.” This mindset problem tends to surface in chiropractors who have come out of toxic or dysfunctional associate positions and are now trying to build practices of their own.

Jerry has seen it time and time again—new practice owners unintentionally sabotage their growth because they’re overcorrecting for past negative experiences as chiropractic associates. Rather than learning from those experiences and taking the good with the bad, they throw out anything that reminds them of their former job—even when those strategies are actually helpful for patient care and business success.

Key Topics Covered:

• What is Chiropractic Associate PTSD and how to recognize it

• Why bad chiropractic associate jobs often lead to destructive overreactions

• The dangers of abandoning care recommendations, structure, and business systems

• Why communication and leadership are essential, not optional

• The difference between unethical sales tactics and ethical, effective systems

• How to reframe your mindset so your bad associate job doesn’t ruin your own practice

• The long-term impact of poor retention, undercharging, and disorganization

• Practical tips for moving forward with confidence and clarity

Takeaways:

• Just because something was done wrong in your chiropractic associate job doesn’t mean it’s wrong to do

• Structure, communication, and planning are foundational to a successful chiropractic practice

• Being a great adjuster isn’t enough—you also have to lead, manage people, and run a business

• Don’t fall into the trap of assuming successful chiropractors are all unethical. Many are thriving because they’ve built strong, ethical systems

• Start small, commit to improvement, and keep moving the goalpost as you grow

Jerry’s Advice:
Change your mindset. A bad chiropractic associate experience doesn’t have to define your future. Be intentional, build systems, communicate clearly, and strive for excellence—not perfection. Success in chiropractic is possible without selling out your values.

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Want Help Growing Your Practice?
Jerry offers business coaching, website design, SEO, and Google Ads services specifically for chiropractors. If you're ready for less stress and more momentum, visit RocketChiro.com.

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