In this episode of the Rocket Chiro Podcast, I dive into a topic that most chiropractors think about but rarely say out loud: what makes a bad chiropractic patient. Every chiropractor wants to help people, but the reality is that not everyone is a good fit for your care or your practice. Learning to identify those bad fits early on can save your sanity, protect your business, and create space for better patients who actually value what you do.
I start by sharing a story about speaking at Logan University years ago, where I asked a group of chiropractic students who wasn’t a good fit for their future practices. The room went silent. That moment reminded me that many chiropractors don’t think about who they don’t want to serve—and that’s a huge problem when it comes to marketing and practice happiness. Saying “anyone with a spine” is not a strategy. It’s bad marketing and bad business.
From there, I break down several general categories of bad chiropractic patients. Some of these are universal red flags, while others depend on your specific practice style or personality.
Here’s a rundown of what we talk about:
1. Contraindicated Patients
There are clear medical situations where chiropractic care just isn’t appropriate—or at least not right now. I talk about conditions like fractures, dislocations, severe osteoporosis, and spinal cord compression. Responsible chiropractors know when to refer out and when it’s simply not safe or effective to adjust.
2. People Who Can’t Pay
This one might sound harsh, but chiropractors aren’t running charities. If someone can’t or won’t pay, you can’t build a sustainable practice around them. I share how I handled this in my own office by creating limited “hardship agreements” for people in genuine need. It’s a way to be compassionate without sabotaging your business.
3. People Who Can’t Keep a Schedule
You know the type—always late, constantly rescheduling, or no-showing altogether. They throw off your day and drain your energy. I explain why these patients are toxic for your practice and how enforcing basic boundaries can help you reclaim your time and sanity.
4. Unrealistic Expectations
Patients who expect miracles in one or two visits, or who think you can fix years of damage without any participation on their part, are setting everyone up for frustration. I discuss how to set realistic expectations early through good communication and leadership.
5. A Bad Fit for Your Care
Not every patient is a match for your technique or philosophy. Whether it’s someone looking for a style of chiropractic you don’t offer, or a condition you’re not confident treating, referring out can be the best move for everyone involved. It’s better to admit when you’re not the right chiropractor than to fake it and disappoint someone.
6. Energy Suckers
This last group is the hardest. These are the know-it-alls, complainers, boundary-pushers, and emotional vampires who drain you every time they walk in the door. I explain how to spot them early and why letting them go—no matter how hard it is—can make your practice (and your life) a whole lot better.
I wrap up by talking about how this lesson applies beyond chiropractic. I’ve made the same mistakes in my own business at Rocket Chiro—taking on clients who weren’t a good fit and regretting it later. I remind listeners that identifying bad fits isn’t about being judgmental; it’s about protecting your mission, your business, and your mental health.
If you’re a chiropractor who’s struggling with patients who stress you out or drain your energy, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with practical insight into how to define your “bad fit” list and create boundaries that let you build the kind of practice you actually want—one filled with patients who respect your time, value your care, and make you love coming to work again.
You can find more business and marketing advice for chiropractors at RocketChiro.com. If you’d like me to take a look at your website and SEO and give you my honest feedback, request a free review while you’re there.
And if you want to go deeper than what I cover on the podcast, check out NEXT Step—my on-demand chiropractic coaching designed to help new and stuck chiropractors grow their ideal practice.
Thanks for listening to the Rocket Chiro Podcast, the chiropractic podcast that helps you grow your business, simplify your marketing, and fall in love with practice again.