Why Telling the Story is Hurting your Practice and the Profession with Dr. Martin Harvey

Dr. Steve Tullius and Pacha Hornaday talk with Dr. Martin Harvey from Melbourne, Australia about why communication, not adjusting technique, is the biggest subluxation in chiropractic today. The conversation covers the continuum of health belief patients move through, how to assess where a person actually stands, and why listening rather than telling is the key to lasting behaviour change. It matters to chiropractors because it reframes patient education as a skill to be studied and practiced, not just a script to recite.

Dr. Martin Harvey shares why one of the biggest communication mistakes chiropractors make is leading with stories instead of helping people understand the principles behind chiropractic. He explains how memorable patient testimonials and personal experiences can create interest, but often fail to build lasting understanding or certainty about the objective of care. The discussion digs into influence, retention, and patient communication, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond anecdotes to clear explanations that people can apply to their own lives. This episode makes a compelling case for teaching principles first, allowing stories to serve as evidence rather than the foundation of the message.