In this candid and practical episode of Beyond the Adjustment, Dr. Chad Mykietiuk sits down with longtime chiropractor, coach, colleague, and friend Dr. Steven Gall. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Dr. Gall graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and has spent nearly 35 years in practice. Although chiropractic college gave him a strong foundation, he explains that many of his most important lessons came afterward—through experience, personal growth, mentorship, and learning what truly makes a chiropractic practice work. Dr. Gall challenges chiropractors to stop searching for the next system, script, piece of equipment, or external solution that will transform their practice. Systems may be helpful, but they cannot overcome a chiropractor’s fears, insecurities, communication challenges, or unwillingness to confidently stand behind their recommendations. As Steven puts it: “You don’t need another system. You are the system.” Chad and Steven explore why chiropractors sometimes alter their recommendations based on assumptions about what a patient can afford, how fear can undermine a report of findings, and why patients deserve to hear what their chiropractor genuinely believes they need. They also discuss handling objections without desperation, maintaining integrity while remaining compassionate, and helping patients understand the value of chiropractic care beyond their insurance coverage. Topics discussed include: · What separates a good chiropractor from a great chiropractor · Lessons from nearly 35 years in chiropractic practice · Why personal development matters more than finding another practice system · How a chiropractor’s fears can limit practice growth · Why many doctors struggle to confidently discuss money · The importance of creating an honest exchange of value · Recommending what patients need rather than what feels comfortable · Why changing a recommendation too quickly can undermine trust · Learning to make a recommendation—and then remain silent · How to respond when a patient objects to the frequency or cost of care · The difference between an objection and a rejection · Understanding the real reason behind a patient’s concerns · Setting realistic expectations when patients choose less care · Why insurance coverage should not determine a patient’s care plan · Balancing confidence, integrity, flexibility, and compassion · Helping people who genuinely cannot afford the recommended care · Why successful chiropractors can create success wherever they practice Key Takeaways; The chiropractor is often the greatest limiting factor in the practice. Location, systems, technology, and scripts can all be useful, but chiropractors bring their own fears, beliefs, habits, and communication challenges wherever they go. Patients deserve an honest recommendation. When chiropractors reduce a care recommendation because they assume a patient cannot afford it or will reject it, the patient never gets the opportunity to make an informed decision. Confidence creates clarity. Chiropractors must be able to clearly explain what they recommend, why they recommend it, and what it will cost—without apologizing, backpedalling, or immediately offering less. An objection is not necessarily a rejection. A patient may have a scheduling problem, a misunderstanding, or a practical concern that can be addressed through conversation. Integrity and compassion can coexist. Standing behind a recommendation does not mean being inflexible or uncaring. There may be circumstances where a chiropractor chooses to help someone financially or adapt the care arrangement while remaining honest about the expected outcome. Guest Bio: Dr. Steven Gall is a Winnipeg-based chiropractor with nearly 35 years of experience in practice. A graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Steven has spent his career learning what allows chiropractors to communicate effectively, serve patients with confidence, and build practices they are proud of. Beyond his work in practice, Steven has dedicated significant time to serving and supporting the chiropractic profession. He served on committees with the Manitoba Chiropractors Association and spent two years on its Board of Directors, including one year as president. He is also a founding member and current Director of the Canadian National Alliance for Chiropractic, helping advance an organization committed to preserving and promoting the unique value of chiropractic in Canada. His approach emphasizes personal responsibility, honest communication, strong clinical recommendations, and the recognition that long-term practice success begins with the chiropractor—not merely the systems surrounding them.
