Building Trust Through the Exam Experience
In this episode of Building Trust, Dr. Pam Jarboe gets real about one of the most overlooked—but powerful—parts of the patient journey: the chiropractic exam.
Reflecting on her own experiences since 1986, Pam shares how her perspective on the exam shifted after seeing firsthand what happens when this essential step is rushed or brushed off. Spoiler: it doesn’t feel great—for the patient or the chiropractor.
Pam walks through how a thoughtful, well-executed exam can become a meaningful moment of connection. It’s not just about collecting data—it’s about showing your patient that they’re safe, seen, and supported. A great exam builds trust, sets the tone for care, and opens the door for long-term healing.
You’ll hear Pam’s take on why some chiropractors skip past this step (hint: time, money, and fear of disinterest) and how shifting your mindset around exams can completely transform your patient relationships. She also dives into tailoring your exam to different patient personalities, making it feel personalized instead of cookie-cutter, and using simple tools—like posture scans and clear language—to help patients truly understand what’s going on in their bodies.
Key Takeaways:
-
Slow Down to Build Trust: A thorough exam is one of your best tools for making patients feel confident, heard, and invested.
-
Personalize the Process: Recognize personality types—like minimizers or analytical thinkers—and adjust how you communicate to meet them where they are.
-
Think Beyond Today: Use your exam to “future pace”—help patients see what’s possible for their health beyond just symptom relief.
-
Make It Make Sense: Use relatable examples, visuals, and clear explanations to bring your findings to life and deepen patient understanding.
Want more support building trust from their first appointment?
Join the early interest list for our upcoming New Patient Masterclass—you’ll be the first to know when it goes live (and get some great tools just for signing up).
