Rocket Chiropractic Podcast

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.

Support the Show: If you've been listening and getting value from the Rocket Chiropractic Podcast, take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or share the show with a chiropractor who could benefit. It helps the podcast reach more chiropractors who need guidance and support.

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.

Free New Patient Search Review: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-practice-assessment Best chiropractic websites: https://rocketchiro.com/best-chiropractic-websites Chiropractic SEO: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-seo Coaching for Chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/join

In this episode of the Rocket Chiro podcast, Jerry Kennedy dives into the crucial topic of how new patients initially contact chiropractors. Understanding this process can drastically influence your patient acquisition and retention. Jerry discusses the pros and cons of various contact methods, how these methods affect patient conversion rates, and what chiropractors should know to stay compliant with regulations.

Key Points:

• Initial Patient Contact:
• Referrals and reputation establish trust before first contact.
• Cold contacts require quick and convenient responses to avoid losing potential patients.

Pros and Cons of Contact Methods:

1. Phone:

• Pros: Highly personal, immediate human connection.
• Cons: Many people, especially younger demographics, avoid phone calls.

2. Email:

• Pros: Very easy, low anxiety for introverts.
• Cons: Low open rates, delayed responses, and potential ghosting due to reluctance to speak on the phone.

3. Texting:

• Pros: High open rates (~90%), quick responses, balances convenience and speed.
• Cons: HIPAA compliance risks, requires secure software or explicit patient consent.

4. Online Scheduling:

• Pros: High commitment level from patients, convenience.
• Cons: Potential additional costs, loss of schedule control for chiropractors.

5. Social Media (Direct Messaging):

• Pros: Direct, convenient for socially active chiropractors, good for conversions.
• Cons: Significant HIPAA compliance concerns, difficult message management, risk of missing messages if not consistently active.

Best Practices Recommendations:

• Phone: Maintain as an option with clear and concise voicemail messaging.
• Email: Discourage as primary contact for new patients due to inefficiency.
• Texting: Highly recommended if compliant; utilize secure software or explicit consent forms.
• Online Scheduling: Recommended if loss of schedule autonomy isn't problematic; ensure simplicity and ease-of-use.
• Social Media: Effective for socially active chiropractors but manage privacy carefully; consider explicit patient acknowledgment of non-privacy.

Final Thoughts:

Jerry emphasizes the importance of quick and convenient communication methods that align with patient preferences while being mindful of compliance and privacy regulations. Chiropractors should continually evaluate their patient contact methods and ensure they offer accessible, reliable, and regulation-compliant options.

Resources

Free New Patient Search Review: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-practice-assessment Best chiropractic websites: https://rocketchiro.com/best-chiropractic-websites Chiropractic SEO: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-seo Coaching for Chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/join

In this special 500th episode of the Rocket Chiro Podcast, Jerry Kennedy takes a break from the usual business and marketing strategies to talk about something deeper—gratitude.

Jerry reflects on his journey from burned-out chiropractor to helping hundreds of chiropractors grow their practices through Rocket Chiro. He shares personal stories of struggle, burnout, unexpected career pivots, and why gratitude is essential—especially when chiropractic feels more like a nightmare than a dream.

This episode is a candid, heartfelt reminder that while running a practice is tough, there are blessings everywhere—if you’re willing to look for them. Jerry discusses how focusing on service, acknowledging small wins, and reframing problems can help chiropractors stay grounded and thankful, even in the hardest times.

Whether you’re just starting your practice or feeling stuck, this episode will encourage you to pause, reflect, and appreciate how far you’ve come.

Key Takeaways:

Celebrating 500 episodes of Rocket Chiro and the journey so far. Jerry’s personal story: From chiropractic burnout to building Rocket Chiro. Why gratitude is critical when you’re facing practice challenges. The “fire hydrant effect”—seeing blessings you’ve been ignoring. How helping others shifts your mindset and fosters gratitude. The dangers of hyper-focusing on problems and neglecting your wins. Why chiropractic, despite its challenges, is still an incredible profession. The importance of serving those closest to you before your followers. Practical tips for staying thankful as a chiropractor and business owner. A heartfelt thank you to listeners, clients, and supporters of Rocket Chiro.

Resources:

Business & marketing training for chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/join Free practice assessment: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-practice-assessment Best chiropractic websites: https://rocketchiro.com/best-chiropractic-websites Google Ads Management for Chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/google-ads-management-for-chiropractors Chiropractic SEO: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-seo

In this episode of the Rocket Chiropractic Podcast, Jerry explores the question: Is social media worth it for chiropractors? The short answer is—it depends.

You'll hear a realistic breakdown of what social media can do for your practice, what it can't do, and why not every chiropractor should treat it as a primary marketing tool. Jerry explains how to think about your time, your personality, and your goals when deciding how (or if) to use social platforms effectively.

• Why there's no one-size-fits-all approach to social media

• The flawed assumption that every chiropractor has to be on social

• What makes social media a potential time and money drain

• Why interaction is the most important ingredient for social media success

• The danger of outsourcing to companies that post generic, low-value content

• When social media should be a supporting player, not the main driver

• What actually works: unique content, conversation, consistency

• Alternatives to social media for attracting new patients: SEO, referrals, Google Ads, content marketing, and community engagement

• How to use social media strategically if you're not all-in

• If you enjoy creating content and interacting online, social media can be a powerful tool—if done right.

• If you dislike it or aren't willing to do what it takes to succeed on social, you're better off focusing your efforts elsewhere.

• Maintaining basic social accounts with occasional, authentic updates is still a smart move.

• Don't waste money on generic social media management. It rarely works.

• Focus on strategies that fit your skills, your schedule, and your practice goals.

Resources

Free New Patient Search Review: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-practice-assessment Best chiropractic websites: https://rocketchiro.com/best-chiropractic-websites Chiropractic SEO: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-seo Coaching for Chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/join

In this episode of the Rocket Chiropractic Podcast, Jerry tackles one of the most frequently asked marketing questions from chiropractors: Should I invest in Google Ads or SEO? If you've ever felt confused, frustrated, or overwhelmed trying to get more new patients through search engines, this episode is for you.

After multiple recording attempts (yes, really), Jerry dives deep into the pros and cons of both SEO and Google Ads—helping chiropractors make smarter, more strategic decisions based on their budget, timeframe, and local competition. He highlights the potential benefits and the common pitfalls that can make these marketing tools either a valuable investment or a money pit.

Whether you're just getting started, running things on a shoestring budget, or trying to level up your online presence, this episode will help you better understand when SEO or ads make sense—and when they don't.

What You'll Learn:

• Why there's no one-size-fits-all answer to Google Ads vs SEO
• How your practice's timeline and urgency for new patients should impact your decision
• What role budget plays in deciding between DIY, local SEO help, or running paid ads
• Why competition density and strength in your area can drastically affect cost and effectiveness
• The biggest risks chiropractors face when choosing these strategies
• Why sometimes the best decision might be to wait or pivot

Resources

Free New Patient Search Review: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-practice-assessment Best chiropractic websites: https://rocketchiro.com/best-chiropractic-websites Chiropractic SEO: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-seo Coaching for Chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/join

If you found this episode helpful: ✔️ Share it with another chiropractor ✔️ Subscribe so you don't miss future episodes ✔️ Reach out to Rocket Chiro if you're ready to improve your online presence

In this episode of the Rocket Chiro Podcast, Jerry answers one of the most common questions in chiropractic business and marketing: "How do I get more new patients?"

Instead of offering a simplified "just do this" solution, Jerry takes a realistic look at the challenges chiropractors face and offers a framework for creating a personalized strategy based on your goals, budget, skills, and opportunities. Whether you're just starting out or feeling stuck, this episode will give you clarity, direction, and a plan to move forward.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why the typical "just do this" advice is usually misleading

The connection between chiropractic marketing gurus and the broader "make money online" culture

Why there's no one-size-fits-all approach to getting new patients

Why it's okay (and normal) to get unbalanced results from your marketing efforts

Why everything starts with reaching new people—and how to make sure you're doing it

The Three Big Marketing Categories: 1. Online Marketing Websites, SEO, Google Ads, social media, email, and digital content creation

2. Offline Marketing Referrals, local networking, events, community outreach, print, and face-to-face marketing

3. Retention Onboarding, communication, patient experience, and follow-up systems that keep people coming back

Foundational Steps to Get Started: Clarify your marketing message: Who are you, and how do you help?

Build and maintain a professional website

Set up and optimize your Google Business Profile

Create and maintain relevant social media accounts

Implement a simple, effective plan for gathering reviews and referrals

Key Questions to Ask Yourself: What are my current skills?

What are my interests?

What are my available opportunities?

What is my timeline?

What is my budget?

These questions will help you decide what to focus on next and avoid wasting time and money.

Final Takeaways: Just get started, even if it's messy at first

Don't take unnecessary financial risks

Test and tweak your efforts—marketing is an ongoing process

Be willing to change, but also be patient with your strategy

Most importantly, be committed to excellence in everything you do

Resources

Free New Patient Search Review: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-practice-assessment Best chiropractic websites: https://rocketchiro.com/best-chiropractic-websites Chiropractic SEO: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-seo Coaching for Chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/join

In this episode, Jerry Kennedy sits down with animal chiropractor Dr. Katie Lackey to explore the fascinating and often overlooked world of animal chiropractic care. From horses and dogs to ducks, llamas, and even bearded dragons, Dr. Katie shares how she got started, what it's like treating non-verbal patients, and the powerful results she sees in practice.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics including the scope of animal chiropractic, state regulations, and the logistics of running a mobile practice. Dr. Katie talks about the tools she uses (or avoids), the importance of understanding animal behavior, and the emotional bond formed between pets and their people. She also dives into the business side—touching on patient volume, pricing strategies, and why excellence and ethical care are non-negotiable.

Whether you're a chiropractor, a pet owner, or someone who's simply curious, this episode is an insightful look into a growing field that's changing lives—human and animal alike.

• How Dr. Katie went from horse girl to animal chiropractor
• What animals can be adjusted (not just dogs and horses)
• The legal and logistical challenges of animal chiropractic
• Tools of the trade: hands versus instruments
• How to communicate with vets and why it matters
• Business models for mobile and brick-and-mortar animal chiropractors
• Emotional patient stories and powerful outcomes
• Why excellence and collaboration are the future of animal chiropractic

• Dr. Katie's podcast: Making Strides for Animal Chiropractic
• Dr. Katie's Website: Making Strides For Animal Chiropractic

Resources

• Business & marketing training for chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/join
• Free practice assessment: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-practice-assessment
• Best chiropractic websites: https://rocketchiro.com/best-chiropractic-websites
• Google Ads Management for Chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/google-ads-management-for-chiropractors
• Chiropractic SEO: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-seo

In this podcast episode, Jerry Kennedy discusses the biggest mistakes chiropractors make when starting their practices. He emphasizes the importance of defining one's identity and ideal patient, as well as the need for effective marketing and branding.

Dr. Kennedy argues that many chiropractors fail to clarify who they are and what they offer, leading to ineffective practices and marketing strategies. He encourages chiropractors to understand their unique strengths and target their marketing efforts accordingly, ultimately leading to a more successful practice.

Takeaways:

• The biggest mistake chiropractors make is not defining who they are.
• Clarity about your practice helps in marketing and attracting patients.
• Understanding your ideal patient is crucial for success.
• Chiropractors should focus on their strengths and specialties.
• Effective marketing requires knowing your target audience.
• Don't try to be everything to everyone in your practice.
• Your website and branding should reflect your practice identity.
• Starting a chiropractic practice is challenging and requires clarity.
• Good marketing creates a draw for the right patients.
• Utilize programs and resources to help define your practice purpose.

Sound Bites:"Why would someone pick you?" "What is your superpower?"

Resources For Chiropractors:Business & marketing training for chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/join Free practice assessment: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-practice-assessment Best chiropractic websites: https://rocketchiro.com/best-chiropractic-websites Google Ads Management for Chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/google-ads-management-for-chiropractors Chiropractic Local SEO: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-seo

In this episode, Jerry Kennedy breaks down the absolute first step every chiropractor must take to get more new patients. Many chiropractors struggle with marketing because they miss the foundational starting point—introducing their practice to new people every single month. Without this, even the best marketing strategies fail.

Jerry challenges chiropractors to take a hard look at their marketing and asks: Are new people discovering your practice this month who didn't know about you last month? Whether you focus on online marketing, networking, referrals, or a mix of strategies, everything starts with making your practice known to new people in your community. If you skip this crucial step, you may be wasting time and effort on tactics that don't move the needle.

Key Takeaways:

• New patients solve a lot of problems – but they aren't the answer to everything. If a business has deeper structural issues, getting more new patients may temporarily cover them up but won't fix the core problems.
• Three main ways to get new patients:
• Online Marketing: SEO, Google Ads, social media, content marketing
• Offline Marketing: Networking, community outreach, events, public speaking
• Referrals & Relationships: Word of mouth, patient referrals, business partnerships
• Lean into your strengths – If you are great at social media, use that to your advantage. If you prefer a referral-based practice, focus on strategies that encourage word-of-mouth marketing.
• All marketing starts with awareness – People must first know your practice exists before they can become patients.
• Avoid wasted effort – If you're writing blogs no one reads, posting on social media without reaching new people, or running ads with no clear strategy, you're missing the key first step.
• Be known for something – The most successful chiropractors clearly communicate their value and specialize in something their community understands.

Actionable Steps:

1. Audit your marketing: How are new people discovering your practice?
2. Stop wasting time on tactics that don't introduce you to new people.
3. Focus on outreach: Whether online or offline, prioritize strategies that expand your reach.
4. Get a free practice assessment: Visit Rocket Chiro to have Jerry review your website and SEO.
5. Join the NEXT Step program: If you're feeling stuck, this coaching program provides foundational practice growth strategies and direct access to Jerry for guidance.

Additional Resources:

Business & marketing training for chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/join

Free practice assessment: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-practice-assessment

Best chiropractic websites: https://rocketchiro.com/best-chiropractic-websites

Google Ads Management for Chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/google-ads-management-for-chiropractors

Chiropractic SEO: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-seo

Chiropractic philosophy—what role does it play in the profession? How does it impact patient care? And is it necessary for chiropractors to embrace it fully?

In this episode of Rocket Chiro Podcast, Dr. Jerry Kennedy sits down with Dr. John Stenberg to dive deep into one of the most debated topics in chiropractic: the role of philosophy in practice.

They discuss the tension between evidence-based and vitalistic chiropractors, the impact of philosophy on clinical decision-making, and whether philosophy has turned into a quasi-religious belief system for some chiropractors.

From the hypocrisy of certain chiropractic marketing strategies to the ethical responsibility of those who claim to "turn power on," this conversation is raw, insightful, and bound to stir some thoughts.

Topics Covered:

✔️ Why chiropractic philosophy has always been divisive rather than unifying ✔️ The fine line between philosophy and evidence-based care ✔️ The hypocrisy of some "subluxation-based" chiropractors ✔️ Should patients have to adopt chiropractic philosophy to get care? ✔️ Why the most philosophical chiropractors should be the most precise ✔️ The real reason medical doctors don't refer to chiropractors ✔️ Why crapping on pain relief is dumb ✔️ How chiropractic can regain trust in healthcare

Connect with Dr. John Stenburg: Dr. Stenberg's website: https://www.zenithchiroco.com/ Dr. Stenberg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenith_chiro Dr. Stenberg's Upper Cervical Podcast: https://www.zenithchiroco.com/upper-cervical-podcast

Additional Resources: Business & marketing training for chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/join Free practice assessment: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-practice-assessment Best chiropractic websites: https://rocketchiro.com/best-chiropractic-websites Google Ads Management for Chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/google-ads-management-for-chiropractors Chiropractic SEO: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-seo