Beyond The Adjustment

In this episode of Beyond the Adjustment, Dr. Chad Mykietiuk sits down with Dr. Patrick Freud, chiropractic neurologist, educator, and one of the early adopters of chiropractic neurology and functional neurology in Canada.Dr. Freud shares the fascinating path that led him from an early interest in anatomy, psychology, and neuroscience toward chiropractic. While studying at McGill University and initially expecting to pursue medicine, a simple statement from a chiropractor — that “the body is intelligent” — changed the direction of his career.From there, Dr. Freud developed a deep interest in the relationship between chiropractic and the nervous system.The conversation explores what chiropractic neurology and functional neurology actually mean, where they overlap with traditional chiropractic practice, and how a neurological understanding can influence everything from examination and adjusting to rehabilitation and patient management.Dr. Freud also discusses his work with complex neurological cases, including patients experiencing concussion, dizziness, movement disorders, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions. After 30 years in practice, his clinic now attracts patients from a wide geographic area and maintains a substantial waiting list.Throughout the conversation, Dr. Freud emphasizes that functional neurology does not replace chiropractic. Instead, it builds upon chiropractic’s long-standing relationship with the nervous system by incorporating concepts such as neuroplasticity, vestibular rehabilitation, eye movements, sensory-motor integration, lifestyle factors, and targeted neurological exercises.Chad and Patrick also explore an important question for the profession: Are chiropractors too focused on pain?While pain remains one of the primary reasons people seek chiropractic care, Dr. Freud explains how those encounters can become an opportunity to help patients better understand their overall health, function, lifestyle, and nervous system.Guest BioDr. Patrick Freud is a chiropractor, chiropractic neurologist, educator, and longtime practitioner with approximately 30 years of clinical experience.With an academic background in anatomy and psychology from McGill University, Dr. Freud developed an early fascination with neuroscience, pain, and brain function. His interest eventually led him to chiropractic and later into advanced study in chiropractic neurology and functional neurology.Over the course of his career, Dr. Freud transitioned from a more traditional chiropractic practice toward a strong focus on neurological cases. His clinical work includes patients experiencing concussion, dizziness, movement disorders, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and a wide range of other neurological presentations.Dr. Freud integrates chiropractic care with neurological rehabilitation strategies, targeted exercises, vestibular and sensory-motor approaches, lifestyle recommendations, and multidisciplinary collaboration.He is also passionate about chiropractic education and helping chiropractors better connect the neurological knowledge they already possess with the way they assess and care for patients in everyday practice.https://cliniquefreud.ca/https://www.youtube.com/c/PatrickFreudhttps://adjustingthebrain.com/

In this episode of Beyond the Adjustment, Dr. Chad Mykietiuk sits down with longtime chiropractor, coach, consultant and international speaker Dr. Colin Elkin for a wide-ranging conversation about chiropractic philosophy, practice growth, communication and the future of the profession.Colin shares the unlikely path that brought him into chiropractic, beginning with his years as a university athlete at the University of Guelph, where he was part of the 1984 Vanier Cup championship football team. With no family background in chiropractic and little understanding of the profession at the time, Colin eventually found his way to the National College of Chiropractic in Chicago before transferring to CMCC, where he met his future wife and practice partner, Dr. Kim.After graduation, Colin and Kim opened a small practice in Bradford, Ontario. Their original approach looked much like what they had learned in school, incorporating a variety of therapeutic modalities. But an introduction to Dynamic Essentials and Dr. Jim Sigafoose dramatically changed Colin's understanding of chiropractic and ultimately transformed the way they practiced.Colin describes the decision to remove the modalities from their office and focus their communication and care around the chiropractic principle and the correction of vertebral subluxation. What initially felt uncomfortable became a major turning point in their practice.Over time, their focus on communicating chiropractic throughout their community helped create extraordinary growth. Through community talks, screenings, churches, businesses, support groups and other outreach efforts, the Elkíns eventually developed one of the highest-volume chiropractic practices in Canada, reaching approximately 1,200 patient visits per week.Chad and Colin also explore some of the larger questions facing chiropractic today, including the meaning of “evidence-based” practice, the influence of economics and insurance on the direction of healthcare, the role of chiropractic education, and whether the profession has drifted away from some of its foundational principles.This conversation is an exploration of what can happen when a chiropractor develops clarity around their purpose, becomes confident communicating that message and creates the systems necessary to serve a large community.Guest BioDr. Colin Elkin is a chiropractor, coach, consultant and international speaker with more than 30 years of experience in the chiropractic profession.Before entering chiropractic, Colin studied Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph, where he also played football for the Guelph Gryphons and was part of the university’s 1984 Vanier Cup championship team.Colin began his chiropractic education at the National College of Chiropractic in Chicago before transferring to the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), where he met his wife and future practice partner, Dr. Kim.Together, Colin and Kim established their practice in Bradford, Ontario. What began as a small practice grew into one of the highest-volume chiropractic practices in Canada, at one point serving more than 1,200 patient visits per week.A major influence in Colin’s career was his introduction to Dr. Jim Sigafoose and Dynamic Essentials. That experience helped reshape his understanding of chiropractic philosophy, communication and purpose, and became a major catalyst in the growth of his practice.Today, Colin brings decades of clinical and practice experience into his work as a coach, consultant and speaker, helping chiropractors develop greater clarity in their philosophy, communication, leadership and practice.He also remains passionate about the future of chiropractic education and the continued advancement of neurologically focused, subluxation-based chiropractic in Canada and internationally.

In this episode of Beyond the Adjustment, host Dr. Chad Mykietiuk sits down with Dr. Kyla Butz, a recent Palmer College of Chiropractic graduate whose passion, leadership and commitment offer an encouraging look at the future of the chiropractic profession.Dr. Kyla shares the personal journey that led her from kinesiology and competitive weightlifting to chiropractic. She discusses how experiencing the benefits of chiropractic care firsthand sparked her curiosity and ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in the profession.The conversation explores the realities of chiropractic education, the importance of developing strong adjusting skills and the value of seeking experiences beyond the classroom. Dr. Kyla reflects on the impact that seminars, student clubs, mentorship and the broader chiropractic community had on her growth as both a chiropractor and a person.She also discusses developing her understanding of chiropractic philosophy, finding confidence in her own voice and preparing for the transition from student life into practice. With a particular interest in serving women, children, families and athletes, Dr. Butz shares the vision she is carrying forward as she begins her professional career.In This EpisodeDr. Kyla’s journey from kinesiology and competitive athletics into chiropracticThe chiropractic experience that changed the direction of her careerWhat chiropractic school is really like for today’s studentsDeveloping adjusting skills and confidence outside the classroomThe influence of seminars, clubs and extracurricular educationWhy mentorship is so valuable for chiropractic students and new graduatesDiscovering and developing a personal chiropractic philosophyThe importance of community within the professionPreparing for the transition from chiropractic student to practising doctorDr. Kyla’s passion for supporting women, families, children and athletesHer perspective on the future of chiropracticGuest Bio:Dr. Butz’s story demonstrates the value of curiosity, mentorship and intentionally seeking opportunities to grow. Her enthusiasm for chiropractic and commitment to continued learning provide an inspiring glimpse into the next generation of the profession.Connect with Dr. Kyla ButzInstagram: @chirokylaSouth Side Chiropractic: Edmonton, Albertahttps://www.edmontonchirosouthside.com/

Running a successful chiropractic practice doesn't automatically mean you have a successful financial plan.In this episode of Beyond the Adjustment, Dr. Chad Mykietiuk sits down with Scott Campbell and Chris Scheele of Align Wealth, a financial planning firm focused specifically on Canadian chiropractors.Scott and Chris have seen firsthand what happens when successful practice owners operate without a clear financial strategy. From treating the practice like an ATM and reacting to tax bills after the fact, to endlessly reinvesting in the clinic without building personal wealth, seemingly small financial habits can have a major impact over the course of a career.The conversation explores how chiropractors can become more intentional about cash flow, paying themselves, debt, investing and practice growth — while building financial systems that support the life they actually want.Rather than searching for complicated financial tricks, Scott and Chris make the case for something much more powerful: clarity, structure, consistency and a proactive long-term plan.Key Takeaways:Have a plan before you need one.One of the recurring problems Scott and Chris see is chiropractors withdrawing money from their corporations whenever they need it and dealing with the tax consequences later. A deliberate strategy around income, taxes and cash flow can remove much of that uncertainty.Build good systems early.Creating strong bookkeeping, cash-flow and financial reporting habits early in your career becomes increasingly valuable as your practice grows.You don't always have to choose between debt reduction and investing.High-interest debt deserves particular attention, but building the habit of saving and investing while also reducing debt can establish financial behaviours that serve you for decades.Growth should have a purpose.A bigger clinic, more staff and higher revenue can look impressive from the outside, but growth only matters if it moves you toward your personal and professional goals.Revenue isn't the same as profitability.A relatively simple practice with controlled overhead, strong systems and excellent profitability may create considerably more freedom than a larger practice with significantly higher expenses.Your financial beliefs matter.Everyone develops a "money story" based on family, upbringing and life experience. Becoming aware of those beliefs — and being willing to challenge them when necessary — can dramatically influence financial decision-making.There are no magic tax tricks.Good planning isn't about finding secret ways around Canada's tax system. It's about understanding the rules, planning proactively and structuring your finances intelligently within them.Guest Bios:Scott Campbell, CFP®, CCS™Scott is the Founder and Financial Planner at Align Wealth. He launched his independent financial planning practice in 2016 before making the decision to specialize in serving Canadian chiropractors. His goal is to help chiropractors create financial clarity and build long-term freedom through comprehensive planning that extends far beyond investment management.Chris Scheele, QAFP™Chris is a Financial Planner at Align Wealth. After operating his own independent financial planning practice, Chris joined Align Wealth in 2024. His approach emphasizes comprehensive planning, strong financial systems and helping clients make intentional decisions that connect their finances with the lives they want to build.Together, Scott and Chris work specifically with Canadian chiropractors on the financial realities of practice ownership and personal wealth — including business cash flow, compensation, taxes, investing and long-term planning.Learn More at: https://alignwealth.ca/

In this episode of Beyond the Adjustment, Dr. Chad Mykietiuk welcomes chiropractor and CNAC board member Dr. Pip Penrose for a thoughtful conversation about chiropractic, family, practice and authenticity.Dr. Penrose shares the unusual story of how her chiropractic journey began after experiencing mononucleosis as a teenager. With no previous exposure to chiropractic, she contacted a chiropractor who introduced her to the principles of innate intelligence, listening to the body and supporting its natural ability to function.That experience changed the direction of her life and eventually led her to study at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Dr. Penrose discusses navigating the philosophical divisions within the profession during her education while remaining connected to the vitalistic understanding of chiropractic that originally inspired her.Now in her 21st year of practice, Dr. Penrose reflects on the many forms her career has taken, including working as an independent contractor, opening a practice, buying and selling practices, and eventually creating a home-based family practice.A major theme of the conversation is the importance of allowing a practice to evolve alongside your life. Dr. Penrose explains why professional success is not simply about building the largest possible practice. Although her previous practice was thriving, its demands were affecting her energy and the time she could give to her family.Her current practice allows her children and husband to be part of the everyday environment, creating a model that feels more aligned with her values. She encourages chiropractors not to feel permanently committed to the practice model they chose at the beginning of their careers.Dr. Penrose also shares practical advice for chiropractors who want to build a true family and pediatric practice. Rather than viewing families as a practice-growth strategy, she emphasizes genuine care, clinical confidence and meaningful personal connection.She discusses the importance of continuing education, helping children feel comfortable before their first visit, communicating with both parents and providing video reports that families can review together at home.The conversation also explores boundaries, delegation and the challenge of caring deeply without becoming overwhelmed. Dr. Penrose explains how she remains accessible to committed patients while still protecting her family time and maintaining the ability to say no.Key Takeaways;Build a practice that supports your life. A practice can be financially successful and still demand more energy than you are willing to sacrifice. Success should reflect your values, family and season of life.Authenticity creates connection. Patients recognize when a chiropractor is genuinely invested in them. Dr. Penrose believes that showing up as the most authentic version of yourself ultimately allows you to serve more effectively.Your practice is allowed to evolve. The model that works when you graduate may not be the model that works after marriage, children or changing priorities. Chiropractors should not be afraid to bend, flex and redesign their practices.Family practice begins with genuine care. Caring for babies and children should not simply be viewed as a strategy for gaining additional family members as patients. Families feel the difference when the connection is sincere.Trust is built through small personal touches. Introductory videos, thoughtful follow-ups and communication designed around the realities of family life can help children and parents feel safe, understood and valued.Boundaries and service can coexist. Being available does not mean being available at every moment. Clear boundaries allow chiropractors to serve generously when appropriate without sacrificing their own wellbeing.Guest BioDr. Pip Penrose is a chiropractor with more than 20 years of practice experience and a member of the Canadian National Alliance for Chiropractic board. Throughout her career, she has worked in several different practice environments and has developed a deeply personal, family-centred approach to chiropractic care.Her current home-based practice reflects her commitment to authenticity, connection and creating a professional life that supports her role as both a chiropractor and a mother.