Effective Date: July 1st, 2024
1. Introduction
The Principled Chiropractic Association (the “Association”) is dedicated to ensuring that only qualified and committed chiropractors become members. This Terms of Acceptance document outlines the criteria and conditions for acceptance, denial, revocation, and the non-discriminatory nature of the Association.
2. Acceptance
2.1 Application
Applications to the Principled Chiropractic Association are only open to licensed chiropractors. The applicant must hold a valid chiropractic license to be considered for membership. Any applicant who does not hold a valid chiropractic license will not be considered for membership.
2.2 Considerations for Acceptance
The foundational basis of the practice of chiropractic is the detection and correction of vertebral subluxation complex as a means to improve the function, adaptation, and health of the human body. Chiropractic is not the treatment of disease or pain although, several factors have led to chiropractic care being associated with the treatment of musculoskeletal complaints including: health insurance, teachings at some smaller and misguided chiropractic colleges, interprofessional politics, and other variables. The chiropractors that focus their practice on the location and correction of vertebral subluxation have been termed “principled” as a general profession-wide axiom, while the chiropractors that have chosen to focus their care on the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions in a manner that mimics the profession of physical therapy have been termed “mixer.” Membership in the Principled Chiropractic Association is reserved for principled chiropractors wherein:
- They can articulate what a vertebral subluxation is.
- They explain what a vertebral subluxation is to their patients.
- The primary focus of their practice is the location and correction of vertebral subluxation through a specific chiropractic adjustment.
2.3 Exceptions
Chiropractors whose main focus is the correction of vertebral subluxation who choose to offer additional services or goods may still be considered for membership. Those specific goods and services are as follows:
- The sale of nutritional supplements
- The sale of essential oils
- The sale of dennerolls
- The sale of pillows
- Chiropractic technique specific devices – Pettibon wobble chairs, etc.
- Spinal decompression tables
- Roller massage tables
- Massage therapy – as long as it is not performed by the chiropractor
*Additional services not explicitly listed in section 2.3 or in section 3 will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the PCA Board.*
2.4 Responsibility to Inform
If a chiropractor is accepted as a member of the Principled Chiropractic Association, and later chooses to offer goods and services specifically listed in the denial section of this document, they have a responsibility to inform an agent of the Principled Chiropractic Association within fourteen (14) days of offering that good or service. Informing an agent of the Principled Chiropractic Association of this type of change will prevent an indefinite revocation of membership. The chiropractor will be permitted to re-apply for membership in the future.
3. Denial
Chiropractors who choose to focus their practice on the treatment of musculoskeletal or other conditions will not be accepted as members of the Principled Chiropractic Association. The sale of goods and services including but not limited to:
- Softwave therapy
- Stemwave
- Orthotics
- Electrical Stimulation
- PEMF
- Body sculpting
- Weight loss therapy
- In-house rehabilitative exercise
- Internal Pelvic floor rehab
- Cupping
- Soft tissue manipulation
- “Chiropractic” massage
- Piezowave therapy
- Functional medicine
- IV injections
- Interferential therapy
- Hydroculator
- Acupuncture
- Ring Dinger ®
- Hyperbaric chambers
- Extremity compression therapy
- Graston therapy
- Myofascial release therapy
- Urinalysis
- DNA testing
- Ultrasound therapy
- Light therapy
- Diathermy
- Gene therapy
- Stem cell injections
- Y-strap
- Colonics
- Foot detox
- Vaginal exams
- Rectal exams
- Botox Injections
- Laser Therapy
- Hormone Therapy
- Active Release Technique
- IV therapies
- ChiroThin
- Photobiomodulation
- Neuropathy treatment
- Infrared light therapy
- Ozone injection therapy
- Psych K
- Hivamat therapy
- “Chiropractic” stretching
- Zyto
- Novopulse
- Prolozone Injections
- Ozone ear insufflation
- PRP injections (platelet rich plasma)
- Ear lavage
- Meridian therapies
- Flowpresso
- Neuromodulator injections
- Myokinesthetic system
- Gui-sha
- Cellulite treatment
- Use of crystals
- Invisared
- “Chiropractic medicine”
- Pressure wave therapy
- Chakra work
- Ariculotherapy
- Laser fat loss
- Rapid release technology
- ARPwave
- Scar removal therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- CVAC therapy
- Orthotics
- Emotional remedies
- Online nervous system and subconscious reprogramming
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Photobiomodulation
- Aqua Chi foot bath
- Breathwork ceremonies
- EPAT therapy
- Compression sleeves
- Emsella kegel throne
- Cosmetic filler
- Reflexology
- Holistic energy medicine
- GAINSwave
The acceptance or denial of membership of a chiropractor offering goods or services not specifically listed in the exceptions or denial list will be determined on a case-by-case basis by an agent of the Principled Chiropractic Association.
4. Revocation
If a chiropractor is initially accepted as a member of the Principled Chiropractic Association but is later found to be practicing in a way that violates the terms of acceptance, their membership is to be immediately revoked. The individual and any practice they represent, whether present or future, shall be indefinitely removed from membership.
5. Indefinite Moratorium
Any chiropractor that falsifies their application for membership will be indefinitely barred from the Principled Chiropractic Association.
6. Non-Discriminatory Organization
In accordance with federal civil rights law and Principled Chiropractic Association policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
7. Monetary Release
Once an application for the Principled Chiropractic Association is approved by an agent of the Principled Chiropractic Association and the new member submits payment for the annual membership dues, under no circumstance will they be entitled to a full or partial refund of membership dues. Membership dues are to be paid on an annual basis and will be auto-drafted every three hundred sixty-five (365) days. If a member does not wish to renew their membership, they must give a thirty (30) day advance notice prior to the annual auto-draft. If the annual auto-draft payment declines and is not remedied within fourteen (14) days of the due date, the membership shall be revoked.