How to Set Up a Spinal Screening
Do it right and a few hours can fill your schedule!
Listen, setting up a killer spinal screening isn’t rocket science, but you’ve gotta plan it out and bring your A-game. Done right, it’s a goldmine for getting people in your office—and yeah, it’s way more fun than stressing over algorithms.
I’ve been chatting with new grads lately, and they’re all like, “Screenings? Nah, I’ll just TikTok my way to patients.”
Social media’s cool, sure, but you can burn cash on Google ads and still have an empty office. I have run screenings and had my schedule slammed the next week.
Some newbies think it’s beneath them—like, what, you’re too good to help people and grow your practice?
Get over yourself.
Here’s the no-BS guide to nailing it:
Step 1: Know Why You’re Doing This
Figure out what you’re after—new patients, a little community love, whatever. Pick your crowd (desk jockeys, gym rats, whoever) and set a goal: 20 leads, book 10 follow-ups, something you can track.
Step 2: Pick a Spot
Find a busy place—think gym, farmer’s market, or a health fair. You need room to move, maybe a corner for privacy, and definitely permission from whoever’s in charge. Don’t get shut down over a missing permit.
Step 3: Grab Your Gear
You’ll need:
A posture grid, plumb line, or even a phone app to check how people stand.
Your hands for palpating.
Fancy stuff like EMG or thermography if you’ve got it.
A folding table or chair, clipboard, maybe a tent if you’re outside.
Forms (consent, quick info—name, number, “you hurt anywhere?”), pens, and a sign-in sheet.
Handouts with spinal tips and your contact deets.
Business cards or a banner so they remember you.
Step 4: Have a Game Plan
Keep it fast—5-10 minutes tops:
Say hi, tell ‘em what’s up.
Grab their info.
Check their posture (slouchy shoulders, head too far forward?).
Feel their spine if you can, or use a massage chair to find tight spots.
Throw in tech like EMG if you’ve got it.
Give ‘em a quick “Here’s what I see” rundown.
Drop a “Hey, a full check-up might fix this” nudge.
Keep it chill—no diagnosing, just pointing stuff out.
Step 5: Get Your Crew Ready
Solo or with a wingman? Decide.
If you’ve got help (like a receptionist), split it up—someone greets, someone screens.
Make sure they know the drill and don’t start preaching about subluxations or whatever.
Step 6: Spread the Word
Share on Facebook or Instagram with the when and where.
Slap a flyer together for the spot or nearby shops.
Text your patients—“Bring a friend!”
Team up with the venue for a shoutout.
Toss in a perk—free consult, discount on a visit.
Give it a week or two heads-up.
Step 7: Set Up Like a Pro
Roll in early—30 minutes at least. Lay out your table or booth so it flows: sign-in here, screening there, handouts ready. Slap up a sign—“Free Spinal Check Today!” or “Trigger Point Quick Fix!” Test your gear and do a dry run with your crew.
Step 8: Work the Room
Smile, chat, tell ‘em what you’re doing. Keep it snappy—no one wants to wait. Point out stuff like, “Your neck’s screaming from that desk job—stretching could help.” Hand ‘em a card, say “Swing by if you want the full fix,” and don’t push.
Step 9: Follow Up
Keep those forms safe (privacy’s a thing—think HIPAA). Scribble quick notes on what you found. Later, hit ‘em up—text, call, whatever they okayed—with a “Hey, enjoyed meeting you—wanna book that exam?”
Step 10: Learn and Tweak
After, think: What worked? What flopped? Too slow? Gear broke? Ask people what they thought. Next time, make it sharper.
Quick Tips
Free is king—people love it.
Don’t get sued—check your local rules.
Keep it upbeat—“Here’s how to feel awesome,” not “You’re a mess.”
Bring the energy—they’ll feed off it.
The Big Secret
Here’s the deal: The only point of this is to get people in your office. Read that twice! Don’t ramble about Harvey Lillard, don’t quiz ‘em on insurance, don’t flirt, don’t argue politics—just keep it light, fast, and fun.
Boom. You’re set. Screenings done like this? They work. Let me know if you want more tricks up my sleeve!
BTW, I have a few more “special tips” on screenings. Let me know-I’ll post more.
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